Waterford Chamber

Waterford Chamber has today (17/06/13) called on the Government to ensure local firms are not excluded from public tendering processes. The call comes in a submission made to the review of Local Government Sectoral Strategy to Promote Employment and Support Local Enterprise by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.

Speaking this morning Nick Donnelly, Waterford Chamber Chief Executive said, “It is vital that Local Authorities use the tendering process as an opportunity to support local business and realise its importance in terms of local job retention and growth. A recent High Court decision ruled that the Commissioners for Public Works were acting ultra vires by introducing a mandatory National Procurement Framework and recommending that all public bodies purchase supplies from centralised contractors rather than local businesses. The Government urgently needs to update its guidelines to ensure that local businesses are not excluded from tendering processes.”

“Government departments and agencies need to be more mindful of the positive outcomes of awarding tenders to locally based suppliers. Rather than applying a ‘value for money’ criteria based solely on lowest price, consideration must be given to the value produced to the national economy in terms of jobs retained and created, revenue increased and welfare costs reduced arising from awarding contracts.”

Other recommendations made in the submission include a targeted reduction in commercial rates for business in town centres, ensuring the Valuation (Amendment) (No 2) Bill is used as an opportunity to help business and increased collaboration between Local Authorities and Chambers of Commerce.

“Given our reach, which includes every geographical region and economic sector in Ireland, the Chamber Network is uniquely positioned to work with Local Authorities in supporting economic recovery and jobs locally,” Donnelly concluded.

The submission can be accessed here.

SURVEY: Waterford Chamber is seeking feedback from members on the Proposed Valuation Certificates and how their new commercial rates charge will impact on their business in the future. Please take a few moments to take our short survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/F87JDHS

In recent days Waterford Chamber has been engaging with members on the proposed revaluation of Commercial and Industrial properties in the City. The introduction of the revaluation has resulted in a reduction in cost, but for certain members it potentially represents a significant increase in the rate cost.

Commenting on the proposed revaluation of Commercial and Industrial property rates, CEO at Waterford Chamber Nick Donnelly said, “Equally, there is evidence of quite significant increases and many members have decided to make representations, which is their right. Examples are ranging from 30% increases up to as much as 100% in specific cases. Timing is of importance in this case for those who wish to make representations, as this must be made to the Valuation Office within 28 days. Waterford Chamber has also been advised in recent days of an Information Event being held in the Large Room at City Hall on Tuesday, 18th June at 6.00pm and a strong turnout from Chamber members is anticipated. Use of local qualified chartered surveyors is also recommended and would help to give members a clearer understanding of the issues involved.”

“Environment Minister Phil Hogan has indicated that cost savings from local government reform must be passed on to small traders in particular. There are quite a number of examples in Waterford where the additional cost arising from the revaluation process will impact significantly on certain businesses and does not contribute in any way to local economic recovery. Furthermore, the burden of the rates revaluation should not result in compromising existing businesses and we would encourage those concerned by the revaluation to make representations within the deadline and indeed to attend the Information Event coming up on June 18,” Nick continued.

In the meantime, Waterford Chamber is engaging with key stakeholders on this topic and supports are available to members who may require assistance or further information.

Waterford Chamber has arranged a meeting with officials from the Valuation Office and will take the opportunity to represent the views of its members hit by the proposed increases. Waterford Chamber also intends to conduct a survey of its members as the next round of Certificates issue over the coming days. At a national level, Chambers Ireland have raised concerns at the potential impact that high commercial rates will have on businesses locally and lobbied for a more equitable system of commercial rate process which tackles in particular the whole issue around boundary differences which impact negatively on development and job creation.

Click here to read more about the Revaluation of Commercial and Industrial properties in Waterford: http://www.waterfordchamber.com/index.php/business-information/1717-revaluation-of-commercial-properties-information-briefing

Waterford Chamber and EAP Institute hosted a Workplace Health & Safety Seminar on 12th June at Dooley's Hotel. Click the links below to view presentation notes from the seminar.

Workplace Drugs and Alcohol – What the law requires

Procedures for the Application of Drug and Alcohol - Testing to EWDTS Guidelines

Sample drug and alcohol policy

Our next networking event will take place at Store-All Logistics, Marine Point, Belview Port, Waterford on Thursday, 27th June at 6.00pm.

This is an opportunity to network with other Chamber members, to learn about the success of Store-All Logistics and to hear from guest speaker Padraig Keegan, Supply Chain Director with Glanbia Ingredients, about future plans for their new Belview Plant, and how it will impact the area from a business perspective.

BOOKINGS: This is a FREE event. Call Sheila at 051 872639 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Store-All Logistics are celebrating 20 years in business and this event is arranged to suitably mark the occasion. As they have expanded their entire range of services, they have also rebranded the business name to include the term Logistics. The event also coincides with the re-launch of their extensive website www.store-all.ie.

Directions

Thursday, 25th July at Waterford Castle Golf Club

This will be a 4-Person team event with a shotgun start at 3pm. Due to the nature of a shotgun start places will be limited to a first come first served basis. Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd, as well as prizes for nearest the pin and the longest drive are very kindly sponsored by the House of Waterford Crystal.

The cost of entry per team is €381.50 (€350 plus VAT @ 9%). This includes:

• Cost of the golf
• Meal after golf
• Complimentary drink
• Goodie bag

Format:

• Shotgun start at 3pm
• 4 person scramble
• All teams must register by 2pm
• Tees will be allocated on the day

BOOKINGS: To book a team please call Sheila at 051 872639 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .