SFA launches training events

Dublin: The Small Firms Association has launched its “Business Bytes” series of free management training events for small business owners.

SFA director Patricia Callan said, given the current economic climate, investment in training and development, particularly management training, has fallen down the list of priorities.

The SFA said that during periods of economic growth, 40% of small businesses were failing during their first five years in existence and the OECD estimated that the primary reason for this was the lack of management capacity.

The events will be held on the second Wednesday evening of each month, with a variety of venues and trainers/experts donating their space and time free to support small business owners and the SFA in this initiative.

“Our first event this evening, in Confederation House, is all about unlocking the value within your customer base, and will be presented by Leanne Papaioannou, a specialist in customer retention and loyalty,” said Ms Callan.

Inaugural Irish Executive Summit

Galway: The inaugural Irish Executive Summit takes place today at the Radisson Blu Hotel Galway featuring international speakers on innovation creation, networking, technology, cloud computing, social media and leadership, and how these can change the future for Ireland.

Two hundred experts and Irish business people from home and abroad will come together to learn about some of the most current and critical contributing factors to business growth through guest speakers, case studies, business exhibits, discussion panels and practical workshops — all working together to help Irish businesses access and implement the best thinking and practice in the industry today.

Carlow employment and advice fair

Carlow: County Carlow Chamber has said it is looking forward to this weekend’s Regional, National, European and International Employment and Advice Fair in Carlow.

The event, organised by the International Employment Services Unit of Fás, together with Fás South-East Region, is being strongly supported by County Carlow Chamber and the Fairgreen Shopping Centre. The event will be opened by Minister Phil Hogan at 4pm tomorrow.