Home / News and Events / Latest News / Message from the CEO

Message from the CEO

Dear Members and Colleagues,

As the Government introduce more stringent measures to prevent an increase in Covid-19 infection rates we are reminded that further restrictions in commercial activity would be disastrous, but are inevitable if infection rates continue to climb. The Government plan can be found here.

As Brexit begins to cause trouble again, we, along with Skillnet Ireland will host a live Virtual Brexit Discussion with a selection of subject experts on Tuesday, 20th of October at 11am. The event will be hosted by Newstalk’s Business Editor, Vincent Wall and is free and open to all. The panel is made up of Katy Hayward, Dave Flynn, Giles O’Neill, Derek Dunne and Paul McMahon. Full speaker bios can be read here.  This discussion will focus on a number of key issues, including: importing, exporting & customs; legal ramifications; supports; and cross-border trading. Questions for the panel must be sent in advance and registration is also necessary. Full speaker bios and a link to register can be found here.

ISME Group Life Cover administered by Halligan Insurance will open for applications from 1st October and will remain open until the 31st of October. The plan provides peace of mind for your employees should the worst occur. Find out more about the scheme here.

ISME Skillnet have launched further free webinars. Do take advantage of these while we can make them available at no charge.

  • 3 Steps to Twitter Success- 25th September, 2nd October, 9th October | Find out more
  • Getting Hired In A Virtual World- 3 Part Series- 5th, 7th, 9th October | Find out more
  • Remote Working – Managing Teams Remotely- 13th, 15th, 16th October | Find out more
  • Introductory Certificate in Bookkeeping- Launching Now | Find out more

We have also launched a Business Growth Programme. For a minimal fee, you will work with two acclaimed ISME who will, over 12 x 1.5-hour online sessions, guide you to invest in your personal and professional journey so you are best placed to succeed.

Our HR Advisor updated our COVID-19 FAQs with additional information on PPE in the office and testing staff for COVID. The full listing can be found here.

We are delighted to be partnered with Legal-Island for the “Future of Work Summit 2021 & Beyond” taking place on October 14th. The event is designed to help business leaders understand the full impact of COVID-19 on the world of work. You can reserve your space here for free if you book by October 5th.

Our Q3 Trends Survey has opened today and will remain open until the 7th of October. I would ask all business owners to complete and share with your network. These surveys are vital for lobbying the government for better supports in these difficult times. Please complete here.

Business owners and managers must exhibit leadership, ‘walk the talk’ and ensure everyone knows how important the basics of hand-washing, social distancing and respiratory etiquette are. This means we must all avoid larger social gatherings, and facilitate remote working to the greatest extent possible.

I also want to take this opportunity to remind you, you are not alone, ISME are here to support you through these tough times. If you are worried about your staff we also have our Wellness Programme which you may find helpful.

Stay Safe,

Neil McDonnell
ISME CEO.