Positive Steps 2012 Competition for Job Seekers Launched |
€15,000 Worth of Prizes for Winners |
| Westmeath New Business Ideas Competition 2012 |
Win €12,000 worth of business supports. |
| EmployAbility Service |
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2012 Member Award |
Contact: siobhan@athlonechamber.ie |
Business after Hours ICPPD in January 2012 |
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Launch: Small Business Finance Website |
The launch of the Small Business Finance website will take place on Thurs 9 Feb @ 12.30pm in the National Gallery. The website is a joint initiative between Chambers Ireland and the Irish Banking Federation (IBF). The site is a new online portal which aims to provide information to small businesses on how they can access a variety of finance sources. The site will be fully interactive and easily accessible to all. For more information, CLICK HERE to see the attached invite. |
European Commission's DG Employment - Youth@Work |
The European Commission's DG Employment is producing a series of portraits about the link between young people and SMEs in Europe in the framework of the action called Youth@Work. Its goal is to encourage demand among SMEs' employers for young people and, in turn, to promote working in SMEs as a springboard for young people interested in becoming entrepreneurs. |
Conference: What it takes to succeed in the tourism sector |
Dundalk Chamber of Commerce in association with Eures Cross Border Partnership & Louth Local Authorities invite you to attend a Conference entitled "What is takes to succeed in the Tourism Sector" which will take place on Wed 28 Mar 2012 in the Ballymascanlon House Hotel Dundalk. A full programme with a line up of high profile national and international expert speakers. For further information or to book your free place at this event pleases contact Brenda or Annemarie at (042) 9336343 or e-mail brenda@dundalk.ie Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. |
€14,000 worth of Athlone Gift Vouchers still in circulation |
Over €22,000 worth of Athlone Gift vouchers have been sold in December 2011, with over €8,000 cashed in so far in January. If you are interested in buying or signing up for the Athlone Gift Voucher Programme ring 090 6498838 or email siobhan@athlonechamber.ie or CLICK HERE on the website. |
€700,000 FUNDING FOR GARRYCASTLE BRIDGE ANNOUNCED |
Longford/Westmeath Fine Gael TD Nicky McFadden welcomed the announcement of €700,000 in funding for Garrycastle Bridge in Athlone. "The announcement was made by Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar on Monday of this week and funding is being made through the Regional and Local Roads Scheme 2012. "The realignment work will benefit drivers, pedestrians and indeed the many trucks that pass through Garrycastle Business Park. Safety is a huge issue here and people have had to deal with bottleneck traffic and bad road surfaces for a long time. I am glad that these issues can now finally be addressed," Deputy McFadden said. |
The old scams are still the best |
We still have confidence tricksters (not in Westmeath recently, but close by) who excel in going into shops and looking for change of high value notes. A recent incident showed that a man went in and asked to change 400€ for smaller notes and then changed his mind etc etc. The end result amazingly was that the culprit walked away 400€ richer. Its down to the power of the culprit to talk and the vulnerability of the shop assistant. Please tell your staff that they are not obliged to change notes (unless they are satisfied with person). Persons seeking change should be directed to a bank! Regards John Connolly Sgt |
How to Score in 2012 - New Funding Opportunities for your Business |
Over 50 business people gathered in the Sheraton Hotel Athlone to attend the first chamber event of 2012, "How to Score in 2012 - New Funding Opportunities for your Business" The event organised by the Midlands Gateway and Athlone Chambers was a unique opportunity for local businesses to hear first hand how the Hodson Bay Hotel started through the old BES investment scheme and all the pitfalls and opportunities such investment schemes have to offer. CLICK HERE to download presentation. |
St.Brigid's GAA Club Monster Auction Sun 12 Feb |
| In the Clubhouse at 2pm. Items for auction include: Gift vouchers, weekends away, furniture, farm produce and services. All auction items will be sold on the day. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE AN ITEM CONTACT DERMOT RYAN 086 7725128, TOMAS BEADES 086 0876933, GERRY MCINERNEY 086 8103665. To see the auction poster CLICK HERE. |
| Consultation on the National Payment Plan (NPP) |
Athlone Chamber in conjunction with all chambers nationally and through Chambers Ireland will be responding to the five core questions for which answers are being sought by the Central Bank. They are asking for responses to five question listed in attached letter. CLICK HERE Please revert by Midday 1st Feb 2011 to siobhan@athlonechamber.ie |
| China International Import Expo (CIE 2012) |
In order to adapt to China's latest import expansion policy and strong market demand, the China International Import Expo (CIE 2012) will be held from March 29 to 31, 2012 in Kunshan (near to Shanghai), Jiangsu Province, China. The pavilion for energy-saving and environmental protection industry is an important part of the expo. With the help of the database of 100,000 main Chinese import companies the CIE 2012 will invite Chinese companies in the energy-saving and environmental protection circle to visit and purchase during the expo. More information, CLICK HERE including an invitation CLICK HERE and application form CLICK HERE and event guide CLICK HERE to this event. For further questions, contact Jo Zhang, China International Chamber of Commerce, Tel: +86 10 82217867, Fax: +86 10 82217898, Email: zhangzhou@ccoic.cn |
| Asia Pacific Chambers Congress (APCC) |
The first Asia Pacific Chambers Congress (APCC) which will be held in Kunshan, Jiangsu Province, China from 29th March to the morning of 30th March, 2012. Hosted by China Chamber of International Commerce (CCOIC), the Congress aims at strengthening close links and cooperation among the Asia Pacific business community, promoting economic recovery in the Asia Pacific region, discussing economic and trade issues in the Asia Pacific region, and advancing regional economic and trade cooperation. It will provide an effective platform for chambers of commerce and business associations in the Asia Pacific region to cooperate and exchange ideas. Please find attached briefing CLICK HERE on the Asia Pacific Chambers Congress, a letter of invitation CLICK HERE for the Asia Pacific Chambers Congress, CLICK HERE for the draft agenda CLICK HERE for APCC registration form. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ms. Zhang Zhou at zhangzhou@ccoic.cn, +8610-82217867 (Phone) or Mr. Liu Shaobo at liushaobo@ccoic.cn, +8610-82217813 (Phone)
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| Chamber Congratulates Tidy Towns |
"The Tidy Towns Committee have done fantastic work" said Joey Boland Vice President Athlone Chamber. "There are a number of agencies, businesses and organisations marketing the town and in doing so attract visitors, conferences, tourists, major festivals, sporting events and other such attractions. Therefore, the appearance and tidiness of Athlone is extremely important to the tourism and business conference sector" he continued. "The Chamber is delighted with the significant progress the Tidy Towns have achieved in increasing Athlone's ranking in the IBAL survey and therefore need to be complimented on their achievement. Athlone Town Council have also played their part in the success of the cleanup of the town in that, last year the Town Council invested an additional €25,000 in Tidy Towns projects. With the various festivals planned for this year it is great to see everyone playing their part and all working together to ensure Athlone is an attractive destination." Mr Boland continued "The chamber continues to be impressed by the enthusiasm and dedication of all the volunteers involved in the Tidy Towns effort. These civic minded people volunteer their time and effort, year on year, in order to make their communities and Athlone as a whole, a better place to live, work, to visit and also, very importantly to do business. The results of their enormous efforts over the past couple of years are to be seen in the attractive, well cared-for Athlone and now rewarded with a move upwards in the IBAL ranking. Athlone town is now ranked 35th and designated "Clean to European Norms". It is clear that working together, getting out there and getting things done increases local peoples' pride in where they live and helps to build stronger communities. Athlone Chamber would like to reiterate their support of the Tidy Towns effort and look forward to working with them in the coming year. |
| New Bill for Temporary Agency Workers |
Under the Bill, pay is defined as basic pay, along with any pay in excess of basic pay in respect of shift work, overtime, piece work, Sunday work and unsocial hours. The basic working and employment conditions protected by the Bill expressly exclude sick pay, payments under a pension scheme or other occupational social security schemes. Speaking in the Dáil, Longford/Westmeath Fine Gael TD Nicky McFadden said that while exact figures are unknown, available data from work carried out in a Regulatory Impact Analysis shows that there are approximately 35,000 temporary workers currently employed in Ireland through 340 operating employment agencies. "While protecting the basic rights of temporary agency workers, it is also important that a fair and balanced approach is taken so that costs on employment are kept to a minimum and that the impact of economic competitiveness is minimised in what are difficult economic conditions."
The Bill also states that a hirer must inform an agency worker of any job vacancy available to a direct employee so that an agency worker may also apply for the position. Tel: 090 6478004 Email: nicky.mcfadden@oireachtas.ie
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| Options for Irish Water |
Athlone Chamber welcome the six-week public consultation on the fundamental reforms of the water sector. Chambers Ireland published a White Paper - Options for Irish Water - exploring the options for Irish Water. The report made the following recommendations:
To download a copy of the report, CLICK HERE
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| VALHA Viking Age Living History Athlone |
Proposal for a Living History Village, incorporating Lifestyle Traditional Workshops for Crafts, Boatbuilding, Fishing & Farming, and Educational Facilities for Flora, Fauna and Ornithology. This attraction would initially be open on a seasonal basis and on request during the off-season It would provide an opportunity for visitors to see and participate in the lifestyle of what was a significant period in the history of the midlands. It would also form a permanent site for the Viking Festival and other events. There is an opportunity to establish a substantial unique hands-on Visitor & Educational Attraction servicing the Midlands in Athlone. The banks of the Shannon would provide an ideal backdrop for such a venture. Michael Mc Donnell, Viking Tours @ 086/2621136 or email vikingtours@ireland.com |
Irish Reflexologists' Institute Ltd In the Athlone Springs Hotel on the 25 Feb. |
Approximately 150 Reflexologists will attend the Irish Reflexologists' Institutes annual conference. They choose Athlone as it is the centre of the country with good roads & transport options, so accessible for all their members nationwide. The day will begin with an AGM for members only and then workshops will be held in the afternoon for the general public. The theme of the workshops is GOOD VIBRATIONS. The aim is to lift everyone's spirits. Local Businesses may also be interested in hiring a stall at this event to promote their product / service. For more information contact 041 980 3526 / administrator@reflexology.ie |
| Draft Framework for Sustainable Development for Ireland Published for Public Consultation |
The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Mr. Phil Hogan T.D., has published a new draft Framework for Sustainable Development for Ireland for public consultation. It is now available online and may be downloaded here on the webpages of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. To see the full text of the announcement, CLICK HERE As submissions must be in before the end of Feb, we request that you send on any feedback you may have before close of business Mon 30 Jan Email siobhan@athlonechamber.ie |
| Small Business Advice Programme Update |
There has been 291 applications to date.
To view the breakdown of the applications CLICK HERE. You will see that over 50% of applicants are Sole Traders or Partnerships: over 50% employ only 1 or 2 people and over 65% have a turnover of less than €499,000. |
| 41% Tax Savings for SME Investors |
RSM Farrell Grant Sparks announced the approval by the European Commissionof a new Government investment scheme that will offer substantial tax relief to investors, assisting SMEs in raising funding. Under the scheme, an individual who invests in an SME can get tax savings of 30% on the investment in the 1st year and a further 11% 3 years later, if employment in the business increases. The Scheme could create up to 2,400 jobs over the next two years.This is part of the new Employment & Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS), for which most trading businesses will qualify. The Scheme is designed to be easy to avail of and suits small as well as larger companies. An individual gets tax relief by purchasing new shares in the company and can invest from as little as €250 to a maximum of €150,000 in any tax year. The Scheme is scheduled to end on 31 Dec 2013. CLICK HERE to find out more. |
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drive increased sales Every business needs new ideas, new products, a larger customer base and stronger sales. enterchange is part of on-going research into the Business Case for Equality. The project is based on the premise that implementing equality through measures like People Engagement can help businesses turn diversity and equality processes into specific strategies leading to increased profitability and competitiveness. increase customer contact Properly managed participation not only increases job satisfaction but can also lead to increased productivity and, when properly focused, increased sales.The goal of enterchange is involving workers in business in non-traditional ways. Many SME sector businesses employ a diverse range of staff who have skills, abilities and networks that can genuinely benefit to the business but which are never identified or utilised, perhaps due to inequality: enterchange can help a business identify the best project teams, stimulate new and creative responses to critical business needs and plan for longer term activities. improve customer service The benefits of Employment Equality are largely overlooked. Equality is often seen as being peripheral to business activities-generally it is viewed only as a cost. enterchange helps you embed equality by introducing (or extending) the principles of People Engagement within your business and explores how implementing equality can naturally lead to increasing profitability. Contact: Siobhan Bigley 649 8838 siobhan@athlonechamber.ie CLICK HERE to fill in application |
| Midland Security to offer the following services at competitive prices to businesses based in the midlands. |
For a FREE NO OBLIGATION consultation call 1890 987893 click the following for information on company profile, key holding, static security and alarms |
| A reward for anyone who shops as Gaeilge |
New RTE TV series bilingual programme are looking for support from businesses all over the country. The producers plan to run a campaign to get people speaking Irish and are hoping businesses will get involved. The series will air early March 2012 right through till mid April They are compiling a database at the minute of those business that are interested. CLICK HERE for further information or contact the programme directly Ann Marie Doohan Producer/ Director annmarie.d@independent-pictures.com or annmarie.d@agtel.ie or 017088146 |
| Empty Premises High Street Vacancy |
The reality is that It's cheaper to shop online, it's easier to shop out of town, it's two-for-one at all the large supermarkets,. The parking in town is an added expense, people prefer to shop indoors in shopping centres, and the main streets are looking neglected. Vacancy rates in the town centre have dramatically increased in the last 12 months. more... |
| What Does The Chamber Do? |
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS a monthly networking event for businesses ATHLONE GIFT VOUCHER a town wide initiative to maintain spend in Athlone acceptable in over 60 outlets BUSINESS WATCH TEXT ALERT- in conjunction with Athlone Gardai EXPORT DOCUMENTATION - provision of export documentation for exporting companies both local and multinational on behalf of the Department of Enterprise and Trade. This service is now on line. CHAMBER INTELLIGENCE - with Dun & Bradsheet providing export market intelligence for companies CHAMBER HR - to assist businesses in keeping up to date with employment legislation EVENTS (social and informational) - the chamber organises a number of events for members through the year. Next event is in conjunction with the Health and Safety Authority on 21 November ENTERPRISE- Instigated and support the Enterprise Forum for start up businesses in the area. |
| 'European Economic Policy - What's in it for Ireland?' |
The Earl of Rosse Lecture Theatre, A.I.T. Athlone, 6 p.m. Tues 31 Jan 2012.
The European Commission Representation in Ireland would like to invite you to a public seminar on 'European Economic Policy . Featuring presentations from economic experts, this event comes at a crucial time for Ireland, the euro zone and the European Union as a whole, and will provide you with an opportunity to hear from the experts. Please RSVP events@europeanmovement.ie or call 01 662 5815 to reserve a free place |
| Home Insurance |
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| RTE All Ireland Drama Festival |
The all Ireland Drama Festival this year is in its 60th year and takes place 3 to 12 May. This years committee officers are Festival Director Billy Knott, Deputy Festival Director Joe McCarrick, Hon. Secretary Harry Smith, Hon. Treasurer Ronan Bushnell, Sponsorship Officer Shay Ellis, PRO and Marketing Joe McCarrick and Alan Shaw. The Festival launch draw will take place on Easter Monday 9th April in the Dean Crowe Theatre and the festival launch in Dublin in the Abbey Theatre on 18 April and the Festival Civic Reception on Thursday 12 April.
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| New patent system favorable to SMEs welcomed |
Chambers Ireland and our colleagues Eurochambres welcome the new streamlined Patent system for Europe. This will feature a European court with responsibility for patents. The patent agreement is due to be completed in February next year, with the signing of an agreement to create the court set for the first half of 2012. Eurochambres was very busy with this dossier over recent years already and succeeded having a number of amendments adopted. This is a great success. CLICK HERE |
| New Ways Of Financing Your Business |
In these challenging times seeking finance for your start up business can be very difficult. Locally on Westmeath we have the LIR investors prepared to invest in local ventures. Other businesses are turning to their neighbourhoods, and the wider community of the Internet, to finance their dreams. It is part of the same movement toward community-supported financing that has capitalised farms, independent grocers, bookshops and other small businesses. Many primarily philanthropic web sites like Kickstarter and Kiva.org have sought small sums in support of high-risk ventures, arts ventures and creative projects under the rubric of micro financing and crowd-sourcing. Examples such as Accion, Slow money and the Irish crowd sourcing site Fundit are having some success.
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| New Guide to Sustainable Drainage Systems and flooding in the UK |
New Guide to Sustainable Drainage Systems and flooding in the UK SuDS in the Urban Landscape
jointly authored by Prof Richard Ashley of EcoFutures , Sue Illman of Illman Young Landscape architects and Alex Stephenson, Stormwater Director of Hydro International and chair of the British Water SuDS focus group. CLICK HERE to download the Guide, |
| Innovative Service Aimed at Helping New Businesses to Trade Safely |
Chambers Ireland and Dun & Bradstreet have launched Chamber Intelligence an innovative new service designed to equip Chamber members and new business start-ups with the knowledge and skills necessary to trade safely and successfully grow their business in these challenging times. This service provides support to members either in the domestic or international markets across 3 business critical areas: - helping to safeguard against bad debt; - helping to find new customers; and - helping to research new markets." CLICK HERE for information |
| Local Business angels investors' network set up in Westmeath |
The Westmeath Business Angels Network is seeking local investors to join their new network with a view to bringing much needed investment for small businesses and jobs to the county. As part of the national group Halo Business Angels Network there are five angel networks already operating in the country, including one in Longford, which has succeeded in putting together a one million euro start up fund to invest in the Longford region. The Westmeath Business Angles was kick started by former Westmeath Independent owner Martin Nally, who already has seven angels. The group would very much welcome inquiries from other local investors who are seeking to invest in worthwhile businesses in this area If you are interested in becoming involved in the initiative, contact Martin Nally on 086 3857170 or gnallym@gmail.com. Details on how entrepreneurs can submit projects to the business angels will be released later this month. Lir Investors are a Business Angels syndicate founded in Co. Westmeath in 2011. Entrepreneurs can visit Lir Inverstors' website to find out more or contact info@lirinvestors.com. |
| Garda Fraud Awareness Guide for Web - Revised Version |
Garda Fraud Awareness Guide for Web - Revised Version Click Here |
| Aerial photos of Athlone |
Aerial photos of Athlone Click Here |
| Institute of Technology Business Case Studies |
Over 20 business case studies outlining co-operation between IT's and local businesses and organisations. Click Here |
| BUSINESS WATCH TEXT ALERT FOR RETAILERS IN ATHLONE |
Business Watch is a crime prevention initiative. The aim of Business Watch to reduce Business related crime. Business Watch is an excellent communication tool to ensure that Gardai and business people can exchange views on crime related matters. The Gardai and the chamber have been working on this project over the past year and have now set up a texting system to alert businesses on issues relating to crime. At present there are over 100 businesses signed up to the system. CLICK HERE for more information. |
| Resource Guidlines for Organising Festivals regarding alcohol |
NW Alcohol Forum Ltd (NWAF) is an NGO working to reduce alcohol related harms in Ireland. |
| Collins McNicholas Annual Employment Law Breakfast Briefing |
Briefing 8:45am, Sheraton Hotel, Athlone. (in partnership with Purdy Fitzgerald Solicitors): Feb 2012; Topic - "Temporary Agency Workers Directive" Ring 090 64 78104 or e-mail to sean.gannon@collinsmcnicholas.ie . |
| Chamber Intelligence |
Free Country Risk Reports, information on how to access Chamber Intelligence, data on Credit Risk and New Markets. If your are interesting in exporting or are exporting CLICK HERE. |
| Central Statistics Office |
Central Statistics Office : Quarterly National Household Survey. Quarter 1 2011. Click here for more details |
| Think of Athlone Gift Vouchers |
Looking for presents for a birthday, for fathers day, or a thank you gift for a friend? A quick solution to your dilemma is the Athlone gift Vouchers. Vouchers are in denominations of €20, €50 & €100. You can buy a gift voucher from either Athlone Credit Union or Athlone Chamber office. It will be presented to the purchaser in a professional card wallet along with a list of participating businesses - So don't hesitate anymore Click here to find more information. |
| ICGN Corporate Risk Oversight Guidelines |
The International Corporate Governance Network (ICGN) is a global membership organisation of over 500 leaders in corporate governance based in 50 countries with a mission to raise standards of corporate governance worldwide. The ICGN have drafted the Corporate Risk Oversight Guidelines to provide guidance on the respective roles of corporate boards and investors in monitoring risk. The ICGN would welcome any feedback on these guidelines which can be directed to the ICGN Secretariat at secretariat@icgn.org . For more information click here |
Portal to over 300 public services |
Online Portal for Public Services The Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform, Mr. Brendan Howlin T.D., this week launched a new portal which provides details of and access to over 300 public services that are available online. For more information please see www.gov.ie. |
| Website of the EU SME Centre in Beijing |
Free of charge, practical information & confidential advice to European small & medium enterprises wishing to gain a clearer insight into conducting business in China is now available on the new website of the EU SME Centre in China. The website answers questions on business development, legal requirements & export issues specific to the Chinese market, such as how to obtain licences & comply with standards, how to hire & train employees, where to find reliable local service providers, or simply find out if there is a market for particular products & services. http://bit.ly/iHhe6X |
| Smart Guide to Innovation |
The European Commission together with the European Business and Innovation Network (www.ebn.be) has published a new guide for those working at the interface between innovation and entrepreneurship.As well as showcasing several case studies, the guide sets out a number of invaluable tips, including advice on strategic aims, networking and evaluation. To find out more click link http://bit.ly/jjpfgU Download the Guide in PDF format |
| EU Capital Requirements Directive |
Click here to see fact sheet regarding the impacts of the EU Capital Requirements Directive as it affects remuneration packages within credit institutions, building societies and investment firms. These changes were enacted into Irish Law in January 2011. |
| Town Water Supply |
The site investigation will involve the excavation of 22 Trial Pits and 70 Slit Trenches at various locations in Athlone over an 8 week period. For a map of the locations and schedule of streets affected click here There will be a Traffic Management Plan in place to minimize disruption and roads won't be closed. A crew will work down a street and be gone in a few days. There will likely be 2 crews in the Town, but working in different areas, so their work won't clash. The information gathered on location of services and soil conditions will be used in the design of the mains replacement works next year, when the contractors will remove and replace c.8km of mains around the town, which will have significant long-term benefits to the water supply. |
Athlone Chamber Directory of members |
Check if your business is listed. Check is it listed in the correct category. Check to see if your information is correct. Please send us on any new changes or logos or images you want uploaded. We have over 200 hits a day and it is important that your details are correct. Please help us in keeping the directory infomation up to date.http://www.athlonechamber.ie/directory_of_members/directory.html |
| Improving Business Using Social Media |
Click here for content on recent social media seminar run by Westmeath County Enterprise Board |
| FREE- Working for Work |
A comprehensive publication bringing together a wide range of information for individual unemployed people, people. It outlines an individual's entitlements to Social Welfare, Secondary Benefits - including Rent/Mortgage Interest Supplements, Redundancy entitlements, Rights at Work and Social Welfare Appeals. In addition it provides information on the opportunities available to those seeking to pursue education to help return to employment - including Springboard, National Internship Scheme, FAS Training Courses, Back to Education Allowance, VTOS and part-time education options. Copies can be ordered directly on line online order form, by text - text the word BOOK to 51444, or by telephone on (01) 856 0088. Copies are also available through local Citizens Information Centers. |
| Westmeath Community Development BioRegions project |
BioRegions project in Westmeath contact Patrick Daly pd@patrickdaly.net Click Here |
| Discussion on Corporate Tax Changes |
Please find a discussion attached that members may find of interest regarding the ongoing discussion of a Corporation Tax Changes at the European level. It has been produced by Chartered Accountants Ireland. http://www.charteredaccountants.ie/Global/TAX/eu%20corporation%20tax.pdf |
| Enterprise Ireland Supporting Entrepreneurs & Developing Enterprises |
An updated listing of START Weblinks which identifies a range of websites and resources (local, national & international) that will be of benefit to Midlands based potential entrepreneurs and early stage businesses to help them take their business idea to the next stage |
