The  ‘Towards Europe 2020 – EU Funding Programmes Awareness’ Seminar organised by the Midland Regional Authority will be held in Tullamore on Tuesday the 15th of May 2012.

About the Seminar – The Seminar will present an overview of the Europe 2020 Strategy and the EU Funding Programmes that are being developed to support its implementation. A number of EU funding Programmes will be presented including Territorial Co-Operation – Interreg Programmes, Intelligent Energy Europe and Life+ Programmes  which will be followed by a case study highlighting the benefits of the programme to the participating region/partner.

Who is it for?: This half day seminar is focused on public agencies and bodies and private organisations who are eligible to apply for EU funding including local authorities, enterprise agencies, energy agency, chambers of commerce, educational and research institutions and tourism agencies.

Seminar  Brochure: The Seminar Brochure is attached and includes the seminar  programme and outline of the main speakers.

Seminar Registration: Please register your attendance via email at: info@midlands.ie

Click MRA EU Seminar …15 May 2012 for brochure

KILBEGGAN RACES SATURDAY 12TH MAY @ 5.25 PM

At one point during Kilbeggan Races last Friday screams were heard echoing through the stand. Did some punters have a big priced winner or had their big fancy fallen at the final fence? The only hint was that all the screams were from young ladies who had just heard that Niall Horan of One Direction was in the stand with some friends. It was certainly the highlight of the Bank Holiday meeting.
A PUNTER WITH THE X FACTOR

Apparently Niall is currently the most popular Irishman on-line with around 3 million followers, which is three times more than world number 1 golfer Rory McElroy. He had a very enjoyable evening with his friends in the congenial surroundings of Kilbeggan. He also proved to be a shrewd punter for charity when a €100 bet for Larc Cancer was successful when Willie Mullin’s horse Zuzka galloped home alone in the last race. Dessie Hughes has traditionally been very successful at Kilbeggan and he recorded a double with Glenbarrow (7/1) and Definite Class (4/1) were successful. The latter looks a good prospect for the summer as it was decent novive chase which he won easily. There was a local success when Mrs Dot Love, Mullingar won the handicap chase with the well-named Liberty Counsel (Leading Counsel-My Free Mantel). Davy Condon had a double with Cause of Causes and Coldwinters which just about described the evening.
It is unusual for Kilbeggan to have two meetings within a week but next Saturday 12th May will be the first Saturday meeting of the year at 5.25PM. The 7 race card will have two featured races- the F.B.D Insurance Hurdle of €19,000 over 3 miles and the Belvedere House, Gardens, and Park Handicap Chase of €16,000 sponsored by Westmeath County Council. Hopefully, the weather will relent and with the usual good atmosphere at the Saturday meetings it should be an enjoyable occasion.

The Department of Adult and Continuing Education at the Athlone Institute of Technology is offering two Part-Funded Return to Learning courses this May and June at the Institute.

Their objective is to support potential students in making their initial choice in relation to returning to learning, ensuring they are ready to engage fully with their learning when they commence their chosen programme in September of this year.  Furthermore, it is to assist individuals in becoming more organised and assertive in their job application.

Two courses are on offer, with a fee of only €90, which is fully refundable, should an individual successfully complete the course and register for a follow on course at the Institute in September.

The first course for €90 is Learning to Learn, a programme designed to support students in their transition to becoming independent learners in higher education.  Participants will initially discover what their own personal learning style is, this will be followed by note taking skills and study strategies.  Discussion will also involve consideration of different programmes available, along with assistance on how you plan and manage your future studies.   The typical Course content will involve: What is Learning? Study and Learning Skills; Communications; Team Work and Creativity; Academic Referencing; Writing Skills and Time Management Skills.

The second course for €90 is  Become Assertive and Improve your Self-Esteem and Confidence, where the aim is to provide individuals  with skills that will assist them in becoming more assertive in their daily life, including confidence development and building self-esteem. The philosophy of the course is that being assertive is just an attitude of mind with an accompanying set of beliefs about yourself and the world around you. This course is about acknowledging your abilities, accepting your potential and informing you on how to realise such potential. This course will also attempt to assist those who are seeking to move jobs to be more organised, planned and assertive, as they engage with the interview process.  The typical course content will involve: What is being assertive? Learn to be assertive in a positive way; Tools to recognise and  build your self esteem; Positive thoughts to build your confidence; How to approach and make decisions with confidence; Know you strengths and start enjoying living your life and leading it!; Managing change in your life? Do you need to make changes? Job preparation skills and career searching? And application preparation, tips on CV writing and interview skills.

This courses will run for 7 weeks in the evening time from 6.00pm to 9.00pm, with a possibility of one Saturday.   These courses will commence in May, subject to a minimum number enrolling.  If successful it is planned that a second course will be delivered possibly in July.



For further information, details of both courses can be seen in the Department of Adult and Continuing Education Prospectus available in the Departments office at the Institute or online at www.ait.ie .  Individuals can make informal enquires at 09064 83050 or by dropping into the office between 9am to 5p, Monday to Friday.



So if you are considering Returning to Learning this September, why don’t you drop down to the Institute, go on line or call them and get yourself on one of those courses.  It will definitely improve your chances of success.

Marketing & Branding Clinics with Dara O‚Reilly-Daly & Gillian Horan

Two clinics available, enabling you to arrange confidential one-to-one meetings with experts in Branding & Marketing!

You may book to meet one or both mentors.

Each mentoring session costs just €20.

The meetings will take place at Offaly County Enterprise Board offices in Tullamore.

Marketing: Dara O‚Reilly Daly, Dara Marketing – Wed 23 May
Dara has over 14 years marketing and PR experience. She has extensive knowledge and experience in all types of businesses and is a mentor and trainer for Offaly CEB. If you need help putting together a marketing plan, or ideas on how to promote and marketing your business effectively, a meeting with Dara is essential.
Branding: Gillian Horan, Business Consult – Thurs 24 May
Gillian was a presenter at a recent meeting of Offaly‚s Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE) helping members understand the power of Branding even for micro-enterprise. Anyone wishing to make the most of their business‚ brand would benefit from speaking with Gillian.

Contact Geraldine Beirne via email to book your place.

FREE New Business New Start Course: Birr 1st & 8th June

This is a comprehensive, innovative, dynamic, practical course which aims to assist participants start successful, sustainable, fully compliant small businesses. The course is ideal for anyone who is currently unemployed now considering self employment as an option. It will take place in the County Arms Hotel, Birr, Fri 1st & 8th June from 9.30 am ˆ 4.30 pm. The trainer is Bernadette Farrell-O‚Neill, from ACE Training Ltd, Kilbeggan.

To reserve a place on the programme please contact Geraldine  Beirne directly on Tel: 057 93 52971; Fax: 057 93 52973, Email: gbeirne@offalyceb.ie.

€100k Optimise fund to help 10 small firms with web development

Open to owners of Irish SMEs and micro-businesses with a .ie website, the Optimise fund  will provide ten recipients with €10,000 worth of consultation, training and e-commerce development support services to begin the process of „optimising‰ their existing online presence.

Central to this will be an upgrade in terms of e-commerce capability and functionality, for example through the incorporation of real-time payments, an online catalogue, order processing or booking facilities and so on.

IEDR‚s Domain Name Industry Report published in November 2011 revealed that only 66pc of Irish businesses had a website by 2009, compared with 40pc in 2000. Of the 66pc, only 21pc had any e-commerce capability, a marginal increase of just 3pc since 2000.

Click here for full details.

Bookkeeping using Excel: 24th May

Designed as a follow on course from the manual Small Business Accounts, this course allows participants to transfer what they have already learnt from manual to Excel. The course will cover all the working elements of setting up a simple bookkeeping system on Microsoft Excel.

Trainer: Sarah McGuinness. Date: Thursday 24th May, 9.30 am ˆ 4.30 pm. Costs just €50 for this one day course. Venue: St. Mary‚s Youth Centre, Tullamore.

Just 3 places remain on this course, on a first come first basis only. Download booking form from our website www.offalyceb.ie  or contact Geraldine directly gbeirne@offalyceb.ie 057 9352971.

Midlands Gateway Chamber is delighted to learn that An Bord Pleanala has granted permission for the construction of the ‘Europe Chinese Trading Hub’ in Athlone.

The site will employ 1,530 people after an initial boost of 1,200 construction jobs. Its backers claim there is potential for 9,000 jobs if the master plan for the centre is fully developed.

The decision has been taken in light of the National Spatial Strategy which identified Athlone as a key “gateway” town to the midlands. In its judgement, the planning board said that “subject to compliance with its conditions the trading hub would not adversely affect the landscape, would not seriously injure the visual or residential amenities of the area [and] would be acceptable in terms of traffic safety and convenience of road users”.

The €175m first phase of the Europe China Trading Hub at Creggan, near Athlone, will be a base for Chinese companies to promote trade and commerce with Europe and the rest of the world.

Athlone Business Park Ltd, the company behind the scheme, believes it will attract 1,750 visitors every day.  It claims that the facility – which will also have a special Irish division to promote domestic business – would end the need for US east coast business leaders to go through time-consuming visa applications and travel plans to get into China to see factories and products and place orders.

Mr. Ray Byrne, President Midlands Gateway Chamber said, “The Europe China Trading Hub will bring a much needed injection into the national economy as well as the local economy of Athlone and the other gateway towns of Mullingar and Tullamore.”  He continued to say “ The Europe China Trading Hub will act as a gateway between China and buyers from Europe and the US, bringing 1.5 million visitors to Ireland every year which is fantastic news for the tourism and hospitality sector in the Midlands.”

L-R: Mr. John O’Donovan, Vice President Midlands Gateway Chamber, Mr. Joe O’Brien, President Tullamore & District Chamber, Mr. Martin Nally, Lir Investors Network, Ms. Mary Cosgrove, Byrne Casey & Associates, Mr. Bobby Connolly, AIB and Mr. Ray Byrne, President Midlands Gateway Chamber.

Tullamore & District Chamber are hosting an event in conjunction with the Midlands Gateway Chamber (representing members of the three gateway chambers, Athlone, Tullamore and Mullingar). The event will highlight to the business community and in particular the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector, financing opportunities available for viable businesses, despite the difficult economic landscape.
Tullamore Chamber President, Joe O’Brien said “This event will help to start 2012 on a positive note, and will deliver practical information on new ways to raise money for business, highlighting in particular the recently EU approved Employment Incentive Investment Scheme (EIIS).”

President of Midlands Gateway Chamber Mr. Ray Byrne commented “This new program takes up where the previous BES scheme left off and offers significant tax breaks for investors that support businesses capable of job creation. It offers a realistic prospect for a business to raise funds in a way which was not possible heretofore.”

A Commencement Order was recently granted by the Minister for Finance for the scheme and while there may be some changes included in its enactment in Finance Act 2012, it is effective from 25 November 2011.  Therefore the timing of this event will give businesses in the area a head start.  The new scheme will incorporate many parts of the old BES scheme. However, there are a number of significant changes which will be outlined in detail by presenters on the evening of Wednesday 23^rd May.

There have been a number of very successful business investment and expansion schemes operating in Tullamore that have brought both business expansion and direct employment and success to the area. The new scheme, which will grant tax relief of 41% over a 3 year period, is open to all trades with a few exceptions.   This event will be of particular interest to any business in the following sectors, retail, IT, renewable energy, engineering, manufacturing, food sector, internationally traded services and all advisors to businesses including management consultants, accountants, solicitors, financial institutions, and enterprise agencies.

Ms. Mary Cosgrove, a Tax Partner with the Tullamore accountancy firm Byrne, Casey & Associates, will share her expert knowledge of the EIIS and the opportunities for local businesses. There will also be contributions from the Lir Investors - a Halo Business Angels Network in the midlands, and from AIB Bank.

A Questions and Answers session will be accommodated after the presentations.

The event shall take place in the Tullamore Court Hotel, Tullamore, County Offaly on Wednesday 23^rd May at 6.00pm. There will be an opportunity for the participants to network over refreshments before the presentations commence.

Mr. O’Brien stressed “If you are considering raising finance to expand your business this new scheme may be suitable for your company or if you are an investor with money to invest in local businesses then take action in 2012 and come along to the information event in the Tullamore Court Hotel Wednesday 23^rd May at 6.00pm.”

Places are limited so book now by contacting Ms. Angela Rigney, Midlands Gateway Chamber on 0863891675, info@midlandsgatewaychamber.ie or Mr. Joe Stewart info@tullamorechamber.com

Agenda Tullamore

  Competition closes at 5pm Friday 27th April 2012.

Click on the link to get more information and to download your nomination form.  Good Luck!

Tickets are on sale now.

The Department of Adult and Continuing Education at the Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) are hosting an Academic Programme Open Evening on Wednesday 25th April from 5.30 to 8.00pm in the main coffee dock area of the main college campus, for those who are interested in “Returning to Learning”.

In recent years the Department has steadily increased their number of academic programs at undergraduate and postgraduate level ranging from Business to Veterinary Practice Management, including Applied Social Care, Counselling and Psychotherpy, Applied Addiction Studies, Accounting, Child Care Management and the MA in Management of Education,  to list  a few.  Indeed, this year the department will be offering additional part-time academic undergraduate and post graduate programmes- full details are in the enclosed leaflet.

Within the Athlone Institute of Technology, there has been a great increase in the provision of courses on offer on a part-time basis. This has changed how people access third level and makes up-skilling and re-training an attainable goal for many people.  Indeed, it is fair to say that the traditional image of a student being someone who finishes their Leaving Certificate and who goes on to college no longer holds true. But, rather an increasing number are now pursuing their learning on a part-time basis,   travelling long distances, and devoting their evenings and weekends to attending lectures. This cohort of student is commonly known as the part time learner, of which there are in excess of 1300 attending the programs offered by the Department of Adult and Continuing Education, at the Athlone Institute of Technology. All adding greatly to the vibrancy of the campus.

Dr Michael Tobin, Head of Department commented that ‘As we all reflect on the past few years, we can all remember those moments of despair, anxiety and distress, as we attempted to come to terms with the constant flow of negative information on our economy, the global economy and more importantly our household and personal circumstances. However, despite all, a significant number of individuals, in excess of 1300, from all over the Midlands have chosen to return to learning in the past year to re-skill or enhance their existing skills, demonstrating the motivation and desire to learn that is within all of us. Indeed, they are recognising that it is their Time to Learn – as the majority aspire to improve their own personal circumstance.’

Dr Tobin, further added, that ‘for those of you who have the confidence to start a Higher Certificate or Degree now.  There are a range of undergraduate programmes on offer at the Athlone Institute of Technology.   For those of you that have some third level learning, such as the Higher Certificate, or level 7  Ordinary degrees, there are a number of add-on degrees available also. Or, if you have a degree already, why not consider a postgraduate program such as a Higher Diploma or a Masters by Research? All are available on a part-time, flexible basis, enabling you to learn in a manner to suit your lifestyle.’

On Wednesday evening 25th April, the Department will also be offering to potential students the opportunity to take their First Step To Learning through partaking in an Increasing Assertiveness programme and/or through a Learning to Learn programme, which will be delivered over seven weeks.  Both offered for €90, and refundable if you go onto take another program in the September schedule.  These courses will commence in early May. The intention is that on completion, participants will be better equipped to attend the programmes commencing in September.

The objective of the Academic Programme Open Evening on Wednesday 25th April is therefore to provide potential students with an opportunity to discuss with the lecturers the programmes and subject matter in advance of making a decision. The Adult and Continuing Education team and supporting staff will also be available to answer your queries and assist you in choosing the programme may be of benefit to you whether it is to improve your chances of promotion or indeed to change your career altogether.

Finally Dr Tobin commented that ‘As we continue to battle with this recession, it is encouraging to see that so many people appreciate the value of a third level qualification. And, while there are signs that the worst is behind us, there is no time like the present for making a positive decision about your future and choosing to undertake a course at AIT.’  He concluded that ‘it is our hope that the programmes on offer will motivate you to commence a new learning chapter in your life, irrespective of whether you have or have not engaged in third level learning before. We look forward to seeing you on the 25th. ‘

Open Evening April 25th

Can you Capture the Uniqueness and Magic of Our Region

MidlandsIreland.ie, the Midlands Regional Brand has launched this Photography Competition as part of its drive to promote the Midland Region as a vibrant location in which to live, visit, work, study and do business.  The competition runs through to September 7th and invites amateur photographers to Capture the Uniqueness and Magic of Our Region over the summer months from the many events that are planned in the region and be in with a chance to win the overall prize worth €600.

MidlandsIreland.ie hopes that the entries which capture the uniqueness and magic of the four counties in the region, Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath will communicate a positive message to a global audience of the many attractions and benefits of the Midlands.

Entrants are asked to place their entries in one of four categories,  Tourism, Living, Learning and Enterprise which are aligned to the four pillars of the regional brand,. Ms Ruth Mc Nally, Director of the Midland Regional Authority said that she is delighted that “MidlandsIreland.ie has partnered with the Chambers of the Region, Athlone, Laois, Longford, Midland Gateway, Mullingar and Tullamore & District Chamber to provide the prizes in each category”.

Winners will be announced in October and the overall winner, category winners and placed entries will form a MidlandsIreland.ie Photography Exhibition which will be on display in Local Authority galleries.

MidlandsIreland.ie has partnered with the Sheraton Athlone Hotel for the top prize of a luxurious weekend for two people. The prize, worth almost €600 also includes spa treatments. The Sheraton Athlone Hotel offers luxurious bedrooms and suites, with many affording spectacular views over the River Shannon and Ireland’s lakelands, as well as outstanding spa facilities.

Mr. Joe Kavanagh, Group Sales and Marketing Director of the Hodson Bay Group said: “The Sheraton Athlone Hotel is delighted to partner with MidlandsIreland.ie on the photography competition which will give us a unique opportunity to visually record the best of what the Midlands has to offer potential residents, visitors, students and businesses”.

Following the closing date September 7th 2012 a shortlist of the top 10 photographs for each category will be compiled. Shortlisted photographs will be chosen based on a combination of their popularity on social media networks and an expert judging panel. Shortlisted photographs will be displayed on MidlandsIreland.ie and Facebook for members of the public to view. The winners will be announced in October.

Cllr. Micheál Carrigy, Cathaoirleach of the Midland Regional Authority said “this is a time to celebrate the wonderful natural assets of the region, the thriving arts sector, the strong community spirit that exists within in the Midlands and to portray the many enterprises based in the Midlands. I am really looking forward to seeing the many wonderful Midlands images that are just waiting to be captured, and in this era of mobile phone advancements, each and everyone will have an opportunity to click when the moment is right”.

Click MidlandsIreland_ie_Application Form for further details and competition rules.

Pictured at the launch of the MidlandsIreland.ie Photography Competition:Ms Ruth McNally, Director, Midland Regional Authority, Cllr Micheál Carrigy, Cathaoirleach, Midland Regional Authority, Ms Gemma Hynes, Sales & Marketing Manager, Sheraton Athlone Hotel and Mr Joe Kavanagh, Group Sales and Marketing Director, Hodson Bay Group