As one of the keynote speakers at the event,  Mr. Schramm addressed the forum on the subject of the importance of entrepreneurship to economic growth.

The Kauffman Foundation, based in Kansas City, Missouri, is often referred to as the world’s largest foundation devoted to entrepreneruship, with their entrepreneuship team working to catalyze an entrepreneurial society in which job creation, innovation and the economy flourish.

Mr. Schramm is no stranger to Ireland, he holds an Irish passport and his Grandmother hailed from Co. Limerick.  He described how in both the US and Ireland , there is growing pressure from young people who want to start their own businesses, which makes him optimistic. Mr. Schramm favours incentives such as tax holidays for new companies, lower levels of regulation for new firms, and an immigration system that more readily admits people who are likely to start businesses and fuel job creation.

 During his stay in Dublin, he met privately with five invited Enterprise Development Executives, including, Mr. Brendan Ennis, Group Chief Executive of Innovation Wexford. They disussed in detail the importance of Irish Enterprise Development going forward.

Mr. Schmann was also in Dublin to participate in the creation of a National Foundation for Entrepreneurship in Ireland.

 TechOvate a new enterprise initiative from Innovation Wexford in association with FUSE will identify early stage technology companies within the South East and will help to develop collaborative relationships with entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley. 

 Brendan Ennis, Group Chief Executive, Innovation Wexford said, “The idea behind TechOvate is to drive job creation, by developing the right conditions we can attract the next generation of technology companies to locate in Wexford such as those in robotics, Internet multimedia services and gaming technology.”

 To kick start the ambitious plans a group of Wexford business people including Brendan Ennis, Group Chief Executive, Innovation Wexford; Philip Scallan, Chairman FUSE and Tony Redmond, CEO, RWorks together with Mary McEvoy, Enterprise Ireland recently travelled to Silicon Valley to learn first hand about the factors for success in technology entreprenurship.

 Commenting on the exploratory visit Brendan Ennis, Group Chief Executive of Innovation Wexford said, “Silicon Valley is the benchmark for success in creating the right environment for technology enterprises to flourish. The purpose of our visit was to gain access to senior executives in Stanford University, Google, Facebook, Symantec and other technology companies to propose a collaborative partnership between Silicon Valley and the South East of Ireland. We are delighted to report that we have full support and recognition for TechOvate from the Valley’s biggest technology companies who have committed to working with Wexford companies”

 The success of the initiative lies in fostering highly collaborative working relationships between businesses here and technology enterpreneurs in Silicon Valley. To help facilitate relationship building a series of live link seminars broadcast direct from Silicon Valley featuring senior executives from well known technology companies will provide unique insight into building a successful technology company.

 The series will take place over a ‘Wexford Technology Weeekend’ in early 2012 where technology executives and students from all over Ireland will attend to learn about the TechOvate initiative. 

 The next step in the programme is to identify and support new and early stage technology based companies within the South East and to match them with senior executives in Silicon Valley to provide high quality mentoring.

 It is envisaged that new technology start ups will locate in bespoke units in Wexford Enterprise Centre where they will have access to incubation workspaces with fibre optic broadband connection, start-of-the-art video confercing and start-up data facilities.

 For information about TechOvate please contact Brendan Ennis, Innovation Wexford on 053 9141711 or email brendan@wec.ie

“How Local Communities Create Local Jobs”

The Second National Jobs Conference took place in Dunhill Ecopark, Co. Waterford on Friday 26th August. The focus of this year’s conference was on how local communities create local jobs.  The event concentrated on a number of topics including Community & Social Enterprise, Tourism & Food, The Green Economy and Creative Industries.

On the day, attendees heard the views of Redmond O’Donoghue of Failte Ireland, Louise Allen from the Crafts Council of Ireland, and experts in the areas of social enterprise, innovation and community business development. Participants were also given the opportunity to explore a range of case studies from around the country that could be replicated in their area.

The Keynote address was delivered by Mr. Phil Hogan TD, Minister for Environment, Community & Local Government.  Mr. Brendan Ennis, Group Chief Executive of Innovation Wexford also addressed the audience on the area of Green Economy with his presentation on Environmental Job Creation through Social Entrepreneurship.  Other speakers included Declan Coppinger from Bord Bia, and Maurice Healy from  Social Enterprise Taskforce, The Healy Group.

Both men visited Wexford Enterprise  Centre independently to gain the Centre’s views on the needs and requirements of small businesses today. They were greeted by a number of the Centre’s tenants and received a guided tour from Innovation Wexford CEO Mr. Brendan Ennis, of the 45,000 sq ft modern facility, which houses over 30 companies , employing over 100 staff.

Among those in attendence was Innovation Wexford’s CEO, Mr. Brendan Ennis, who described the occasion as ” an important event, which gave attendees the  opportunity to express their views on what they felt was needed in 2011 from a modern Irish President“.

Gallagher ensured his visit extended across the County, interacting with local community activisits at numerous functions throughout the day including; attending a community gathering with Active Retirement Group in New Ross, meeting staff of The Dunbrody Ship,  visiting County Wexford Community Workshop and Enniscorthy Hope Cancer Support Services, and many more.

Since its establishment eighteen months ago, Datagroup has successfully created ten jobs, which is expected to grow to over fifteen jobs within the next twelve to eighteen months. It has created a fully integrated working environment that supports both able and disabled individuals, offering the highest standard of document management services to many of Wexford and Ireland’s best known companies.

When asked about the launch of the new promo video, CEO Mr. Brendan Ennis stated that “our committed team at Datagroup has surprised most on lookers expectations over the past eighteen months by securing multiple contracts from many of Ireland’s leading companies and organisations. That said, the continued development of our local Wexford market will prove vital in supporting our expansion plans going forward.”

Datagroup Services include document scanning and data capture; file, box and data storage; confidential shredding of media, documents, computers, uniforms, medical devices; and web based bespoke software development.

For further information, contact Liz Breen, Senior Project Officer: Tel: 0539146685 Email: liz@datagroup.ie Visit: www.datagroup.ie

View Datagroup Promo Video Here

 Broadband Technology:
Wexford town is one of the first towns Ireland to have access to state-of-the-art broadband technology. Businesses locating to Wexford can access the Metropolitan Area Network.

 Modern Communications:
The telecommunications system in the area is on a par with the national standard.

 Excellent County Reputation:
Wexford – ‘The Model County’ has a well established reputation as one of Ireland’s finest counties with 75 miles of beaches; it is renowned as a good place to work, live and visit.

 Good Mix of Industries:
The town has an equal mix of domestic and foreign owned companies. This blend of local and international expertise adds to the local skills and capabilities base. Wexford has an excellent spread of small, vibrant enterprises.

 Close Proximity to Third Level Facilities:
Waterford and Carlow Institutes of Technology are within an hours drive of Wexford making it possible for full-time and part-time students to commute if necessary. Close proximity also facilitates those wishing to attend night classes. The Carlow Institute of Technology has established a third level facility in Wexford which has considerably enhanced local education opportunities.

 Rail & Bus Links:
Wexford Train Station operates a Dublin Connolly to Rosslare Europort route. Bus Éireann operates a number of high frequency routes between Waterford City, New Ross and other key inter-county locations.

 State Agencies/Department Headquarters in Wexford:
The Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency head quarters are both located in Wexford.

 Young Adaptable Workforce:
Wexford has a young population with 41% under the age of 25. This coupled with more students choosing to participate in third level education ensures that Wexford has an excellent labour resource to draw on.

 Proximity to Airports:
Wexford is just 2.5 hours from Dublin airport and one hour from Waterford airport

Wexford is an ideal location for business.

For the first time, the night featured a new Honorary Award in recognition of an outstanding contribution to business development in County Wexford. The Award was presented to Innovation Wexford / Wexford Enterprise Centre for their visionary and proactive approach to enterprise development over the past two decades, including the establishment of their own businesses – Wexford Enterprise Centre, Recycling 2000, Datagroup, McConnell Training and Celtic Enterprises. Innovation Wexford’s Chairperson Mr Tom Williams, Vice Chair Philip Scallan and CEO Brendan Ennis accepted the award.

 Enterprise Centre clients: Carambola South East / Over Door catering, R Works and ABT Medical also received nominations with ABT winning the main prize in three categories and R Works receiving runner up positions in two. Innovation Wexford and Wexford Enterprise Centre’s CEO Brendan Ennis stated “ it is very much appreciated by all concerned within our Organisation that we have been  honoured with this award tonight” and he pay a special tribute to his staff and Board members. He also said how delighted he was that companies of the calibre of Carambola South East/ Over Door Catering, R Works and ABT Medical decided to set up business in Wexford Enterprise Centre and stated how proud of them he was and how honoured he was to be associated with them.

 The Overall Winner of Wexford Business of the Year Awards was The Griffin Group and Liam Griffin thanked his management and staff for making the Griffin Group the success it is today.

Other winners were :

Wexford Green Business Award | Sponsored by Environmental Protection Agency

Winner: Chevron Training

Runner Up: Econcertive

Wexford E-Commerce Award | Sponsored by DoneDeal.ie

Winner: Wexford Bus

Runner Up: Wexford Picture Framing & Scurri.com

Wexford Tourism Award | Sponsored by Propel Media

Winner: Griffin Group

Runner Up: Whites of Wexford

Wexford Young Business Person of the Year Award | Sponsored by Kent Stainless

Winner: Patrick Kinsella of Wastepal

Runner Up: Edward Hendrick of Sonru

Wexford Service Provider Award | Sponsored by Chevron Training

Winner: RDA Accountants

Runner Up: Guardian Fire & Security

Wexford Manufacturing Award | Sponsored by Danone Baby Nutrition

Winner: Cardo Production

Runner Up: Tekpak

Wexford International Export Award | Sponsored by Roche Logistics Group

Winner: ABT Medical

Runner Up: RWorks

Wexford Employer of the Year Award | Sponsored by Waters Technologies

Winner: RDA Accountants

Runner Up: McDonalds

Wexford Retail Award | Sponsored by Zurich

Winner: Greenacres

Runner Up: Ruby Rouge & Hynes Jewellers

Wexford Research & Development Award | Sponsored by South East Business & Innovation Centre

Winner: ABT Medical

Runner Up: RWorks

Wexford Emerging New Business Award | Sponsored by Wexford Insurances

Winner: ABT Medical

Runner Up: Wexgen

Small Business Award | Sponsored by Wexford County Enterprise Board

Winner: Softouch Technologies

Runner Up: Delaney Concrete

Wexford Civic Award | Sponsored by Wexford County Council

Winner: Console

Runner Up: Sam McCauleys Chemist Group

Wexford Training Provider Award | Sponsored by Celtic

Winner: CTEC

Runner Up: Chevron Training

County Wexford punched above its weight recently by taking three out of the ten nominee positions at the Michael Dee, South East Spirit of Enterprise Awards. Local business men Brendan Ennis, CEO, Innovation Wexford and Wexford Enterprise Centre; Sam McCauley, Chairman, Sam McCauley Chemists and Blaise Brosnan, Management Resource Institute were shortlisted as part of the awards ceremony . The ten Entrepreneurs were selected from Wexford, Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny and South Tipperary for their commitment and delivery of economic and social development within the region.

Commenting on the high number of nominees from County Wexford Madeleine Quirke, CEO, Wexford Chamber said, “Wexford is a hotbed of entrepreneurial spirit and drive. The three Wexford nominees are longstanding business people who have through their own ingenuity survived and thrived on the challenges of an ever changing business landscape. Each in their own right has mentored and leveraged years of business experience and know-how to create employment and help those starting out in business to prosper. Through each of their contributions to the business community they have selflessly guided and inspired others to succeed.”

Brendan Ennis successfully developed Innovation Wexford and it numerous enterprise divisions including Wexford Enterprise Centre into National Models of Best Practice. Since he joined the organisation in 1996 he has been instrumental in the creation of over 800 jobs and Wexford Enterprise Centre has been cited by Enterprise Ireland as one of “the largest and most successful flagship Centers of its kind in Ireland.”

Sam McCauley Chemists founded in 1953 by the McCauley family is Ireland’s largest home-grown pharmacy chain employing over 570 people in over 24 outlets throughout Ireland. In 2006, chairman and managing director Sam McCauley was named as CEO in residence at the School of Business in Waterford Institute of Technology, the first higher education institution in the country to create such a role.

In addition to this recent nomination Blaise Brosnan has recently launched another book titled, ‘Jack – Business Lessons from Life, Life Lessons from Business’, in Whites of Wexford where. The book, recently launched by Minister Brendan Howlin is written in an autobiographical style, provides many insightful anecdotes gathered from Blaise’s impressive 40 year career as a chief executive, mentor and renowned consultant.

New Software for Managing Remote Workers and Teams

Irish company RWorks today launched RWorks.com, a new website and software to manage the work of remote teams and individuals by monitoring what they are doing when they indicate they are working.

RWorks.com allows remote workers and managers to assign tasks to individuals and then have the system track progress on those tasks automatically. This allows companies to realise the benefits of remote working without losing sight of the business outputs of the organisation. RWorks generates reports on project status, time and attendance, work distribution and productivity without requiring the workers to enter data.

As Tony Redmond, founder and CEO of RWorks, explains, “Remote working allows organisations to realise savings of up to €10,000 per annum but the problem up to now has been how to manage remote workers effectively. RWorks provides a solution to this which keeps the company up to date in terms of its own productivity and business outputs while eliminating the daily commute and reducing business costs.”

Targeted at organisations and freelance individuals alike, RWorks clearly shows workers how they are spending their time and how that time is contributing to agreed goals.

“Our aim is to offer businesses a cost-effective means of implementing remote working while significantly reducing costs and remaining in control of projects and time,” continues Redmond. “By matching what a user is doing when they indicate they are working with the tasks that have been assigned to them we can not only show progress on tasks but we can predict when tasks will be completed.”

Based in the new Digital Hub at Wexford Enterprise Centre, RWorks.com is implemented as a cloud-based subscription model based on the number of remote workers in an organisation using the system per month.

To find out more or to register for a free trial, visit www.rworks.com or contact Tony Redmond, Founder & CEO  at Tel: 053-9100059 /  info@rworks.com