Thanks to Brian Fahy of Action Recruitment for this little bit of initiative to help us get through all the doom and gloom that is surrounding the country at the moment .
“We are proud to announce tomorrow ( July 8th) as NATIONAL CONFIDENCE DAY the current gloom around our national economic uncertainty has impelled us to ask all our contacts to inspire their colleagues, friends, relatives and business associates to adopt a more confident approach to their jobs and lives in general.
Here are some thoughts that may help you get started, if you have more interventions we would love to hear them.
SMILE
¶ Add your own confidence ideas
¶ Compliment a colleague, customer , supplier,
¶ Call your mother, sister, brother, aunt etc
¶ Whistle, sing, dance (not all at the same time of course)
¶ Send someone a card.
¶ Wear your loudest tie
¶ Pay a bill.
¶ Make a donation
¶ Set some challenging Goals
¶ Play a trick on someone (not a confidence trick)
¶ Stand tall
¶ Give someone a hug
¶ Take a deep breath
¶ Walk the dog
¶ Tell a joke
¶ Take someone (or yourself) to lunch
¶ Do someone else a favour and ask for their help (people love to help)
Kind Regards,
Brian Fahy
Ancora Imparo
Action recruitment”
| In the current difficult business climate it is great to see Tourism Ireland going aggressively after the UK market .British holidaymakers are continuing to travel and we need to keep a very strong presence in this market .The following is some more detail on the campaign from Tourism Ireland . “The most intensive tourism promotion ever undertaken for the island of Ireland in Great Britain is under way right now. Over the first half of 2008, Tourism Ireland has invested more than €10.4M / £7M in a wide-ranging marketing programme designed to boost holidays and short breaks through the spring and into the peak season. A busy “fall” promotional campaign is also currently on the drawing board. |
| Long holidays, car touring, short breaks and city breaks, activities such as golf, walking, equestrian, angling, as well as business tourism have been actively promoted. Themes for publicity and promotions have included food, festivals, culture and heritage. Campaigns have also highlighted the specific attractions of Ireland’s Regions and of Northern Ireland, emphasising how easy it is to get here directly by sea and air. |
| Keeping the island of Ireland top of mind for British holidaymakers is vital, recognising that it will be a tough market for all of us this year as economic uncertainty depresses consumer confidence and outbound travel and exchange rates affect travel to Eurozone destinations. Our more tactical approach this year puts the spotlight on an extensive range of good value offers from industry partners across the island and from market-based carriers and operators. “ |
High Resolution Press Images:
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Last Friday ,as the results came in, I was a little disappointed that Ireland rejected the Lisbon Treaty . But over the weekend as I listened to the various opinions I began to wonder whether the NO vote was such a bad thing after all . What has really struck struck me more than anything has been the total lack of planning by the powers of be for the possibility that this treaty would be defeated by the Irish electorate . Surely in a closely fought contest there was always the possibility that the No’s would win and and a plan should have been put in place for that eventuality .
So we now have a situation where an estimated three million Irish voters look likely to have plunged the European Union, a bloc of nearly 500 million people, into chaos by their rejection of the Lisbon Treaty. Is it our fault that we have expressed our democratic right and rejected this treaty . Regardless whether you were for or against this Treaty ,those people charged for bringing this to a public vote should have prepared for either one of the two outcomes . So when we see reports of the European Union being plunged into chaos ,we should not blame the Irish public but those people who did not consider this out come and who failed to have the plan B ready .
Ireland is the only country in Europe to hold a referendum on the treaty. That’s because in order to accept some of the changes in power from Dublin to Brussels, the Irish Constitution must be changed.
Of course, the treaty’s proponents rightly pointed out that few countries in Europe have benefited from the EU’s largesse more than than Ireland. More than three decades of subsidies from the EU, in part, helped transform Ireland from Europe’s sick man into its most prosperous country. Now Irish supporters of the treaty are rightly worried that their influence in Europe will be badly diminished.
So what’s next? Brian Cowen will have to go to next week’s meeting in Brussels embarrassed that his attempts to convince voters of the treaty’s merits have failed. The bigger impact is, of course, on the credibility and future of the EU itself. But going back to the drawing board will prove difficult as the Lisbon treaty was already the product of years of tortuous negotiations.
In the meantime PREM Group ,like a lot of Irish company’s ,will continue to grow our business throughout Europe .We will continue to work closely with our colleagues in the UK,France and Belgium and look forward to opening Hotels in Germany and the Netherlands in the near future . We will continue to do business while we let our politicians deal with the wishes of the people . Maybe next time they won’t take those wishes for granted .
PREM Group have just launched an online customer feedback tool on all our Days Hotel Ireland websites.
The reviews will be rolling, and will be continually updated as new comments are added.
The Days Hotel Dublin Airport is the first hotel to go live today . We plan to roll this facility out across our portfolio over the coming months .You can see how the reviews are going in Dublin Airport by logging on to www.dayshotelsireland.com
Premier Apartments Liverpool have won the award for Best Self-Catering Accommodation 2007/2008 at The Annual Mersey Partnership Tourism Awards held last night!Hosted by BBC North West Tonight presenter Ranvir Singh, the event was held at the BT Convention Centre, part of the stunning new Arena development at Kings Dock. More than 500 guests enjoyed a night that rewarded the region’s hotels, visitor attractions, venues, bars and restaurants.After a rigorous process undertaken by independent representatives from the business community including specialists from the hospitality and tourism sectors. All entries across all categories in this year’s awards were assessed and judged by a panel of 5 senior business figures. This panel compiled a short list of entrants considered eligible to be entered in the 2nd round of Judging. The businesses and organisations represented on the short-list were then visited and assessed by specially trained researchers acting as “Mystery Shoppers who completed written reports detailing their experiences at each finalist.
“Premier Apartments Liverpool were noted for their excellent customer feedback, and a focus on repeat and business customers. They also demonstrated a commitment to staff training and a true understanding of their market.”As a result of our fantastic win, we are now in the running for the Regional Tourism Awards being held later this year! The photo above shows GM Marie Melling and her team collecting the award .
The first Heart of England International Film festival running from the 9th - 13th June at The Ramada Tamworth Jct 11 has really taken off with over 200 film entrees. The festival is now recognised as the largest independent film festival within the
Liverpool’s Capital of Culture year is now in full swing and the city is buzzing with events been held on a daily basis throughout the city . PREM Groups new Premier Apartments opened towards the end of last year and these 4 star apartments are the ideal base for any one traveling to Liverpool this year .The photo at the top of this BLOG is a sitting room of one of our Premier Apartments in Liverpool . One of the highlights of the year will be SirPaul McCarthys concert in Anfield on the 1st June .The following is a brief list of whats on . You can book your Premier Apartment at www.premierapartments.com .
MAY
Children’s Initiative Reinforces Healthy Eating Habits
I congratulate the new President of the Irish Hotels Federation for the “Food for Kids” initiative that he has just launched . As the father of two children I am only too aware of the very limited and unhealthy food offered to children in our hotels and restaurants . The standard choice of chicken nuggets ,sausages,fish fingers ,all deep fried and all served with chips ,must become a thing of the past . The healthy menu suggestions given to members by the IHF would appeal to my children and are all interesting and attractive options .
The initiative, which promotes more choice for parents, is the first nationally coordinated campaign of its kind in Europe. The IHF will provide chefs with healthy preparation guidelines along with a range of nutritious ‘Family Friendly Menus’ seasonally augmented in-line with the availability of fresh produce.
In partnership with independent dietitian Margot Brennan, the initiative will see the roll-out of a comprehensive range of menu options across participating hotels and guesthouses from May 2008 onwards. With an estimated 300,000 children now overweight or obese in Ireland1, the ‘Family Friendly Menus’ will offer parents fun, interesting and healthy meals that reinforce healthy eating habits with an optimum balance of proteins, carbohydrates and nutrients.
In 2008, Irish hotels and guesthouses will prepare over five million meals for children, providing a significant opportunity to promote healthy eating among their younger guests. Coordinated and supported by the IHF, participating premises will help to address the pressing health issue of childhood obesity by delivering nutritious meals that are tasty, attractive and fun for children.
The healthy eating guidelines will promote:
- Eliminating salt in preparation and cooking
- Offering alternatives to chips
- Using ‘real potatoes’ to make homemade chunky chips with no added salt
- Using vegetables & fruit more imaginatively
- Increasing the use of whole-wheat and oats.
- Providing less fried foods
- Increasing the fibre content in children’s food
- Ensuring a child-friendly presentation of food
- Providing fish, chicken and meat that are nutritious and not processed.
The IHF stated that it hoped that this initiative will play a role in addressing alarming national statistics which include:
§ 11.6% of Irish girls aged 5–12 years are overweight while 13% are obese
§ 10.5% of Irish boys aged 5–12 years are overweight while 9.2% are obese
§ 40% of Irish children exceed the recommended maximum of energy intake from fat.
§ 61% of children did not consume enough fibre.
The IHF stated that hotels and guesthouses participating in the initiative will display a symbol so that parents can also make an informed selection on the property they choose to have family meals in. The IHF represents over 1,000 hotels and guesthouses throughout the country. Its members employ 60,000 staff.
I will be encouraging all our hotels to look at improving the children’s menu’s that we offer to include some of the suggestions outlined in this initiative .
For more information visit www.ihf.ie
By Simon Binns Crain’s Manchester Business
Manchester’s serviced apartment sector is growing and now boasts the biggest range in the UK outside of London, according to a new report from agents Savills.
The capital leads the way by some distance, with 5,200 units. However, Manchester currently has 338 units followed by Birmingham (258), Leeds (143), Bristol (125), Edinburgh (207) and Cardiff (42).
Serviced apartments in Manchester city centre include The Place, near Piccadilly Station, and Days Inn and Premier Apartments, both in the Northern Quarter, and new developments such as BSC Group’s Issa Quay on Dale Street are expected to come onto the market soon.
The Savills report claims that income returns for serviced apartments have outperformed the residential investment sector, averaging 4.4 per cent over the last three years, compared to 3.7 per cent for the private rented sector. The report predicts this trend will continue in 2008 with similar income returns of between five and 5.5 per cent.
Adrian Archer, director of Savills hotels division, said branding would be key to raising the profile and appeal of the sector. “This can open the sector up to new sources of demand, such as new international markets and the leisure sector. This could drive further expansion.” Further supply would also depend on developers coming into the sector, the report said.
“Past investment performance and its exclusion from affordable housing requirements makes this sector attractive to developers,” said Archer. “It also gives them the option of selling units back onto the private residential market at a later date realising any potential future uplift in values. This has become increasingly attractive in markets suffering an oversupply, combined with thinning demand for city centre flats.
“But if developers want to get maximum value from their scheme they should be looking to get an operator on board at an early stage”.
Mark Hiscock is general manager at Premier Apartments Manchester, on Shudehill. He said that some business travellers prefer the home-from-home feel of a serviced apartment when on business travel.
“A lot of our customers have stayed in hotels before but like the extra space and flexibility of serviced apartments,” he said. “People often like to have a bit of independence when they are travelling for business. We have a reception if people need to contact us, but some people like to be left alone and want a more hands-off approach.”
The room rate at Premier Apartments is £90 for a one-bedroom flat, but it can increase to £200 on a busy night. “Some times are busier than others — conferences season and Manchester United fixtures are the busiest time,” he said.
“During the week, our customers are predominantly corporate. We have quite a few regulars who will stay Sunday to Thursday or Monday to Friday. We also have long-stay relocations or assignments. Some stay for as long as three months.
Photo: Patrick de-Peuter PremGroup Benelux and france, Peter Crauwels Holiday INN Hasselt and Jim Murphy MD PremGroup.
We had a superb night last Thursday, 24th April, celebrating many talented people among the PREM Group team, and our most successful property performances in 2007. Our every day goal in PREM Group is to exceed our customers’ expectations by empowering a committed team of people to work creatively and ethically for the benefit of all our stakeholders.All our winners achieved this in 2007. The night began with a bang – actually, quite a lot of bangs, courtesy of two wonderful Macnas drummers, who, with the assistance of superstar Macnas Bono, led all 84 guests to the Galvia Suite in superbly festive fashion. All 29 ‘People of the Year’, representing properties from Ireland, UK, and Benelux & France, received their certificates to a standing ovation from their GMs, Directors and head office colleagues. Following a superb meal, a raffle took place for Beyond the Moon, raising €736. Eyebrows were raised when Patrick de Peuter, Managing Director for PREM Group Benelux France drew Betty Houben’s ticket – Betty being the Sales and Marketing Manager for PREM Group Benelux France!! The long, anxious wait for General Managers and their People of the Year, came to an end straight after the meal. Gareth O’Callaghan, well known national and local DJ, and our Master of Ceremonies for the night introduced the awards. The atmosphere was tense as Jim and our Regional heads each took their turn on the stage to announce the 7 popular award winners.
And the winners are……
PREM Group Person of the Year 2007 Benelux and France – Aline Malle from Holiday Inn Calais.
PREM Group Person of the Year 2007 Ireland – Viorica Sirbu from Days Inn Talbot Street.
PREM Group Person of the Year 2007 UK – Lucy Clarke from Premier Apartments Liverpool .
PREM Group Property of the Year 2007 for Benelux France - Holiday Inn Hasselt.
PREM Group Property of the Year 2007 for UK - Premier Apartments Birmingham
PREM Group Property of the Year 2007 for Ireland - Days Hotel Galway
Overall Property of the Year 2007 – Days Hotel Galway
Siobhan Burke, General Manager of Days Hotel Galway, accepted the beautifully engraved Dublin Crystal vase on behalf of her own team in the hotel, whom, she says, work so hard every day to make Days Hotel Galway the success it is. Not a person in the room could deny the true and genuine gratitude she expressed to her team. What was superb is that every one of us attending the award experienced an exceptionally high level of friendliness and service from the winning team on that night. Well done Siobhan and the Days Hotel Galway team!! It’s difficult to capture the atmosphere on the night in words, but the above mentioned Betty Houben, did come up with something that came close – the night was neither over the top, nor understated, it was warm – and she was right, one looking in on the night, who didn’t know us, might be surprised to learn we were a group of colleagues together on a company night, rather than a group of friends purposely sharing some time together – the atmosphere was warm. The celebrations continued until late into the night, supported by the fantastically talented ‘Manilla Strings’,a trio capable of constantly surprising the audience with their breadth of repertoire!!! Roll on next Year’s awards . Edited photos to follow shortly!
