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Ireland Remains the Bilateral Trade Location of Choice for US Investors in an Uncertain World
Ireland Remains the Bilateral Trade Location of Choice for US Investors in an Uncertain World
A delegation of Irish business leaders has today arrived in Washington from Dublin with the clear message that Ireland’s trade partnership with the US is stronger than ever, and that Ireland is the location of choice for FDI in Europe. Ireland Gateway to Europe will meet with their US counterparts and political representatives tomorrow, Wednesday April 11, 2018 on Capitol Hill to strengthen existing business relationships and create new ones. Ireland Gateway to Europe (IGTE) is a not-for-profit annual trade mission made up of professional advisory firms who travel the US annually to provide a secure resource network for business expansion to help US investment succeed in setting up operations in Ireland. Founded in 2012 as a response to the economic challenges at that time of global recession, Ireland Gateway to Europe is now in its seventh year of US, UK and global trade missions. Photographed is The Boston College Ireland Business Council advisory board (left-right), Dr. Bob Mauro, Director Global Leadership institute, Boston College, USA, Robert Mac Giolla Phádraig, CCO Sigmar Recruitment, Leader; Ireland, Gateway to Europe, Neil Naughton, Chair GlenDimplex (Chairman), Jim Kelliher, CFO, Drift, USA Says Robert Mac Giolla Phádraig of IGTE leadership team: “Ireland has traditionally enjoyed a particularly strong business, cultural and political relationship with the US. However, in light of the recent announcements of trade tariffs, data privacy, immigration and other protectionist policies, our concern is that there may be a perception that Irish-US trade linkages may have subsequently diminished. The fact of the matter is that the transatlantic economy grew stronger, not weaker over the past year, as did Irish -US trade with US exports to Ireland up 9% and imports to Ireland up 6%. “The purpose of our mission is to let US business leaders and policy makers know that not only is Ireland a particularly attractive European proposition right now in light of what is happening with the UK exiting the EU, but that Irish investment in the US is growing year on year. “Our message to Capitol Hill is very clear; Irish-US trade continues to grow with equanimity and therefore Ireland remains one of the best countries in the world in which to do business.” The Washington mission is the focal point of the 2018 trade mission, which also sees the group travel to Boston to engage directly with the US business community at the launch of the transatlantic Boston College Ireland Business Council (BCIBC). Having launched in Ireland last October, the US BCIBC launch will take the form of a Global Leadership Symposium where US business leaders and politicians will meet with their Irish counterparts. The theme of the event is Global Leadership, where a panel of global CEOs will discuss how they, as a transatlantic leadership community, can create opportunities against the backdrop of economic challenges. The purpose of the BCIBC is to establish new, and strengthen existing, transatlantic business ties between the two countries, and it is designed to enhance transatlantic business between the US and Ireland through creating connections that allow for entrepreneurial ventures to grow and prosper. The Global Leadership Symposium is one of a series of planned BCIBC CEO Exchange events that will take place twice annually over the coming years, both in Ireland and in the US. Founded by the Global Leadership Institute, Boston College, and Ireland, Gateway to Europe, and Chaired by Neil Naughton of GlenDimplex, the main aim of the BCIBC is to bring influential business leaders from both communities together once a year in Dublin and in Boston to create one deeply connected transatlantic trade artery. Says Mac Giolla Phádraig: “By establishing the BCICB, the tight commercial and social bonds we share with the US can be strengthened and build upon bilaterally, business to business, in spite of any potential external or internal protectionist political policies. It’s widely known that cultural ties between Massachusetts and Ireland are deep but possibly lesser known are the strength of economic ties with 11,000 people employed by Irish companies there and Ireland being the 6th largest exporter from MA. “The BCIBC community of transatlantic business leaders have a collective, critical role to play to ensure the future foundation of business relations is maintained for generations to come.” Neil Naughton, Chair GlenDimplex says: “We established the Boston College Ireland Business Council (BCIBC) to cultivate, nurture and encourage business relationships between Ireland and our Bostonian brothers after the success of Aer Lingus American College Football Classic, held in Dublin in 2016. After welcoming 25,000 visitors, many relationships, both business and social, were formed. Our overall objective in establishing BCIBC was to create a continuous network to allow for business relationships to blossom and in turn create opportunity for the people of Ireland and Boston.” Speakers at the launch of the BCIBC include Minister Michael D’Arcy, Irish Minister for State, Dan Mulhall, Irish Ambassador to the United States, Neil Naughton, Deputy Chairman, GlenDimplex, Gregg Adkin, VP & Managing Director, Dell Technologies Capital, David Cancel, CEO, Drift, John Harthone, Founder of MassChallenge and Polina Raygorodskaya, Co-Founder & CEO Wanderu.
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Sigmar Wins Deloitte Best Managed Company Award for the Third Year Running
Sigmar Wins Deloitte Best Managed Company Award for the Third Year Running
We were delighted be awarded Deloitte Best Managed Company for the third year in a row. The awards were held at the Convention Centre on the 15th March. Well done to all the team that made this possible!
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Sigmar Win HR Supplier of the Year 2018
Sigmar Win HR Supplier of the Year 2018
Our team were delighted to pick up the award for HR Supplier of the Year for the second year in a row at the HR Leadership & Management Awards. The awards were held at the Clayton Hotel on March 8th. Well done to all the team!
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Sigmar Recruitment and French Staffing Firm Groupe Adéquat Announce Strategic Partnership to Create a €1bn Global Group
Sigmar Recruitment and French Staffing Firm Groupe Adéquat Announce Strategic Partnership to Create a €1bn Global Group
Irish Recruitment firm, Sigmar Recruitment today announced a strategic partnership with French staffing giant Groupe Adéquat. The partnership will be structured through a staged equity investment over a 5 year period that will see Groupe Adéquat take majority interest. Both companies are dominant players in their respective markets and will now look to expand internationally through organic growth and acquisition. The deal will see significant growth in Sigmar’s Irish operations and will propel Sigmar as Groupe Adéquat’s gateway to English speaking countries. The existing management team will remain at Sigmar for the long term and will work with the Groupe Adéquat’s leadership team to execute international expansion. Commenting on the partnership, Sigmar CEO, Adrian McGennis said: “Groupe Adéquat have a very similar mindset and culture to Sigmar with major ambition to scale that aligns with ours. Our partnership with Groupe Adéquat will allow us to accelerate our plans to internationalize while expanding our service offering for our customers in Ireland. We are delighted to work with the team in Groupe Adéquat and look forward to building a global business through delivering on our values commitment to all stakeholders.” Groupe Adéquat leadership team stated: “Our mission over the next 5 years is to become one of the top 25 staffing firms in the world, both through organic growth continued investment in high potential international brands such as Sigmar. We identified Sigmar as a strategic partner as they have a reputation for being one of the most respected and innovative consultancies in Europe. We believe that the Sigmar brand has true international currency and this investment represents a significant step, for us, in becoming a global group. Above all else we share the same values and ambition to deliver more for our colleagues, clients and candidates.”
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Sir Ken Robinson to Headline Talent Summit 2018
Sir Ken Robinson to Headline Talent Summit 2018
Sir Ken Robinson, the most viewed speaker in the history of TED.com, and one of the world’s leading thinkers on creativity and innovation in the workplace, is today confirmed as the keynote speaker at Talent Summit 2018. Talent Summit is Ireland's largest HR conference. It will take place on Thursday 22nd February, 2018 at the Convention Centre Dublin. With over 20 national and international business thought leaders contributing and speaking, this summit is aimed at business owners, executives, HR directors, managers, recruiters and anyone with a professional interest in human resources. Talent Summit was founded by Sigmar Recruitment in association with EY Ireland. Tickets for the event are available to purchase on Eventbrite. Welcoming the announcement, Robert Mac Giolla Phádraig, founder of Talent Summit and CCO of Sigmar Recruitment comments: “With the talent agenda ranking as the number one priority for business leaders around the globe, we need to reimagine how we create better workplaces and working lives in an increasingly complex world of work. The workforce is augmenting, becoming more digital, diverse, global and automation savvy. This presents major opportunities for HR leaders to influence how their organisations use disruptive technology to attract, organise, develop and drive the performance of their people. This year’s theme is “Accelerating growth through talent and technology” where we will unlock global thought leadership on how HR Leaders can leverage artificial intelligence, automation and robotics to develop their workforces. "Of course, we are honoured to have Sir Ken Robinson headline the event." - Robert Mac Giolla Phádraig As an advisor to Fortune 500 companies and governments in Europe, Asia and the United States, Sir Ken Robinson helps transform organisations’ corporate culture to focus more on fostering and developing creativity. His New York Times best-selling books also help people tap into their creative potential. His ideas and research have made him a popular speaker on TED Talks. In fact, his 2006 and 2010 presentations have been seen by more than 350 million people in 160 countries, making Robinson the most viewed speaker in the history of Ted.com." Commenting on the event, Niamh O’Beirne, Partner, People Advisory Services at EY Ireland says: “We are delighted to be partnering with Talent Summit again this year. In an environment characterised by disruption and rapid technological advancement, and with the economy accelerating at the fastest pace in Europe, a skills shortage could begin to bite this year in Ireland. To bolster continued growth, it’s never been more important for businesses in Ireland to have solid innovative strategies in place both to retain the talent they have, and to attract the best talent in the market. The calibre of speakers at Talent Summit this year is second to none, and we’re honoured to be part of such an inspiring international line-up. The event promises to be full of stimulating discussion and we’re looking forward to meeting colleagues from Ireland and around the world.” The central theme of Talent Summit this year is Accelerating Growth Through Talent and Technology. Key topics covered on the day will include: Talent Acquisition; Leadership; Performance Improvement; Artificial Intelligence; and Agile Learning. Talent Summit is a full day event with lunch and snacks provided. Keynotes from over 20 national and international expert speakers will be given on talent attraction and retention strategies. There will be real life case studies from successful global and local brands, as well as panel discussions and audience Q&A. Tickets for The Talent Summit are now available for purchase. Please see www.talentsummit.ie for further details.
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Sigmar Awarded Best Permanent Recruitment Consultant and Corporate Social Responsibility Award
Sigmar Awarded Best Permanent Recruitment Consultant and Corporate Social Responsibility Award
Sigmar Recruitment is delighted to have picked up two awards at the 11th annual National Recruitment Federation awards on Friday 1st December. Sigmar’s John Farrelly scooped the prestigious Permanent Recruitment Consultant of the Year title, beating stiff competition in this category. Speaking on the win, Sigmar CEO, Adrian McGennis said; “I’m thrilled and so proud of John on this fantastic recognition. John epitomises all that a top recruiter should be! He’s naturally and passionately customer focussed going above and beyond for clients and candidates alike and a great team player.” There was further good news with Sigmar also being awarded Best Corporate Social Responsibility with the judges commending us as a great example of a company who see this responsibility as part of their DNA. “We are delighted to receive this recognition from our industry peers given the huge contribution the recruitment industry as a whole makes to society. At Sigmar, CSR is in our DNA and we are immensely proud of all the work our colleagues do locally, nationally and internationally in leading the employment agenda and supporting the creation of thousands of jobs each year”, says Sigmar CCO, Robert Mac Giolla Phádraig. We are also delighted to have been shortlisted for; Temporary Recruitment Consultant of the Year (Shaun O’Shea, Manager, IT Contract); Best in Practice, IT, Telecoms & Technical; Best in Practice, Pharma, Engineering & Science; and Best in Specialism – HR. Presented by Gavin Duffy, the awards ceremony was held at the Shelbourne Hotel where 340 of Ireland’s leading recruitment industry figures were in attendance. The awards are designed to identify and reward excellence in recruitment in Ireland.
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Sigmar Win Award for Best Client Service at the Recruitment International Awards
Sigmar Win Award for Best Client Service at the Recruitment International Awards
The 2017 Recruitment International Awards took place in Guild Hall London last night. The awards were presented at a black-tie gala dinner with over 400 senior directors and CEOs attend the spectacular evening. The world’s largest recruitment industry awards program is in its 11th year and provides recruitment companies with an opportunity to win some of the most coveted accolades in the sector. The iconic RI trophy recognises innovation and best practice and is a wonderful celebration of the recruitment profession. Sigmar Recruitment are delighted to have picked up the Award for Best Client Service and were one of only two Irish Winners at the awards. Sigmar CEO, Adie McGennis said, ”we are honoured and delighted to win this prestigious award, particularly against strong international competition. To be awarded Top in Client Services against thousands of recruitment companies is testament to Sigmar’s training and commitment to clients, innovative national initiatives but mainly our consultants’ innate passion to exceed client expectations. We’d like to thank RI and our clients and we’ll certainly celebrate at our Xmas party in Malaga!!!”
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Launch Of Boston College Ireland Business Council
Launch Of Boston College Ireland Business Council
US AND IRISH BUSINESS LEADERS CONVENE IN DUBLIN IN SHOW OF SUPPORT FOR CONTINUED TRANSATLANTIC TRADE AND FDI AT THE LAUNCH OF THE BOSTON COLLEGE IRELAND BUSINESS COUNCIL. Dublin, Thursday 19 October, 2017 – Some of Ireland’s most respected and influential business leaders gathered at the Merrion Hotel last Night, Wednesday 18 October, 2017 to launch the Boston College Ireland Business Council. The Boston College Ireland Business Council is designed to enhance transatlantic business between the US and Ireland through creating connections that allow for entrepreneurial ventures to grow and prosper. Borne from the success of the 2016 Aer Lingus American College Football Classic and founded by the Global Leadership Institute, Boston College, and Ireland, Gateway to Europe, and Chaired by Neil Naughton of GlenDimplex, the purpose of the Boston College Ireland Business Council is to bring influential business leaders from both communities together once a year in Dublin and in Boston to create one deeply connected transatlantic trade and foreign direct investment artery. Guests on the night included Boston College alumnus Denis O’Brien and Fergal Naughton, CEO GlenDimplex Group, and speakers included Paul Coulson, Chairman Ardagh Group plc and Neil Naughton, Chair GlenDimplex. Commenting on the launch of the Council, co-founder Dr. Bob Mauro, Director Global Leadership Institute, Boston College says: “Boston College was established in 1863 to educate Boston’s Irish immigrant community and to help form leaders capable of addressing the world’s most urgent problems. The Boston College Ireland Business Council (BCIBC) proudly builds on that tradition by connecting business leaders in Ireland and Boston, facilitating discussions, and creating economic prosperity through transatlantic trade. Working with our partners in the Ireland, Gateway to Europe and Aer Lingus Classic, we can create real benefits for people in Ireland and Boston”. Ireland Gateway To Europe (IGTE) is a not-for-profit annual trade mission made up of 30+ professional advisory firms who travel the US to showcase Ireland as Europe’s premier investment location through a series of investor events and engagements. The IGTE vision is to provide companies seeking to expand into Europe with a secure resource network for business expansion, and access to an experienced, professional network of service providers to help investments succeed quicker. Speaking at the event Robert Mac Giolla Phádraig of Ireland Gateway to Europe, leadership team said: “Ireland remains one of the best places in the world to do business and without doubt, one of our strongest international relationships has been, and still is, with the US, something that has recently come under threat due to political uncertainty on both sides of the Atlantic. By establishing the Boston College Ireland Business Council, the tight commercial and social bonds we share with the US can be strengthened and built upon bilaterally business to business in spite of any potential external political threats. “Indeed, we have just returned from the US where we met with business leaders in San Francisco and in Silicon Valley. The vision of our mission was to encourage and educate US companies who are looking to expand into Europe to choose Ireland as their location of choice. We aim to supply the necessary information, build trust and provide contacts in Ireland for these companies to execute their plans.” Hosting the launch of the Boston College Ireland Business Council was Neil Naughton, Chair GlenDimplex. He said: “On September 2, 2016, Georgia Tech narrowly defeated Boston College in Aviva Stadium in the Aer Lingus American College Football Classic. In addition to the game itself the steering committee and partners were responsible for arranging other sporting, cultural, academic, business and social events. The weekend was deemed a success for Ireland on many fronts; in addition to welcoming the 25,000 visitors and their additional €56m spend many relationships, both business and social, were formed. “As part of the legacy of the 2016 Aer Lingus College Football Classic and, following on from the Boston College CEO Club lunch in the Mansion House the day before the game, we are establishing the Boston College Ireland Business Council (BCIBC). The purpose of this council is to cultivate, nurture and encourage business relationships between Ireland and our Bostonian brothers. Our overall objective is for attendees to engage with the discussion and to network but specifically to take insights from panellist’s thought leadership to help build better transatlantic business relationships.” Attendees included both Irish CEOs of international companies as well as European Heads of US organisations. Paschal Donoghue, Minister for Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform was also present as was a delegation of Boston based business leaders and the leadership team from Boston College. On the evening, there was be a panel discussion on Global Leadership. The following global heavyweight Business Leaders contributed on the night: Willie Walsh, CEO IAG (6th largest airline group in the world) Paul Coulson, Chairman Ardagh Group plc (3rd largest material packaging company in the world) Siobhán Talbot, CEO Glanbia (#1 performance nutrition brand portfolio in the world) Neil Naughton, Chair GlenDimplex (largest heater manufacturer in the world) The Boston College Ireland Business Council advisory board: Neil Naughton, Chair Glen Dimplex (Chairman) Dr. Bob Mauro, Director Global Leadership institute, Boston College, USA Jim Kelliher, CFO Actifio, USA Robert Mac Giolla Phadraig, CCO Sigmar Recruitment, Leader; Ireland, Gateway to Europe
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Cara Magazine Feature: Ireland Gateway To Europe
Cara Magazine Feature: Ireland Gateway To Europe
6am My 10-month-old alarm clock, ie beautiful third daughter, wakes me every morning without fail. This is soon followed by two more little bedheaded beauties tiptoeing into my bedroom for a cuddle before I “swan off” to work, as my wife calls it (I have to admit that it does often feel like this as I love what I do). I catch the news on Morning Ireland as I drive to work and flick through The Irish Times business pages as I pick up my habitual morning coffee and porridge in Munchies on Baggot Street. 8am I like to arrive early and typically spend the first hour dealing with overnight developments and activating meetings for the days ahead. As chief commercial officer at Sigmar Recruitment, I work with an amazing team of 120 who have a shared commitment to succeed, which creates a truly unique culture built on autonomy, where we all act and behave like founders. 9am I immerse myself in the action, tendering for new business, designing talent solutions for clients and interviewing for staff – we recently announced the creation of 150 jobs. I’m also currently busy designing a compact MBA programme for our leadership team with Trinity Business School and University of Notre Dame. 10.30am This is my meeting time – clients, collaborators and stakeholders. I like to go to Residence as it’s close by and private. I’m also founder of the Talent Summit, Ireland’s largest HR and leadership conference, that promotes better workplaces and better working lives. This, for me, is the North Star in terms of purpose and puts us at the centre of the rapidly changing world of work. I’m also plotting a Talent Talks live event in the National Gallery for October. 1pm I hit the gym at least three days a week and use this time to listen to podcasts and research speakers for upcoming events. The afternoon is usually bustling as corporate America awakens so I often dine “al desko”. We are also co-founders of “Ireland, Gateway to Europe” (gatewaytoeurope.com) a trade mission we have been bringing to the US for the past six years and this year we are bringing a delegation of 50 business leaders on a three-day mission to Palo Alto and San Francisco on September 26-27. As a result, my afternoons are currently jam-packed with calls as the sun moves from East to West. 6pm If entertaining clients, I like to go to Suesey Street, Fitzwilliam Place, but most days I try to leave the office by 6.15pm. As much as I enjoy what I do, there is nothing like the excitement I feel when I reach Bushy Park, knowing that just around the corner I’m about to see my family. 8pm Grab a bite to eat and maybe jump on a couple of calls with clients on the West Coast. Read a couple of pages before bed – currently enjoying Shifting Gears by Ryan O’Reilly, a super take on resilience and motivation. Weekends With my girls – goblin hunting in the forest is the latest. Might do Foam in Terenure for breakfast and, if we’re lucky, the odd date night: TapHouse in Ranelagh if going casual, or Shanahan’s on the Green if going all out. I LOVE VISITING … SAN FRANCISCO There is no other city as vibrant or as innovative from a business perspective. The energy is infectious and I always leave San Fran a little drained but full of hope and aspiration for my ventures back in Ireland.Our trade mission this month is our third time bringing IGTE back to the Bay Area and we are very excited to return. BOSTON I’m on the advisory board of the Boston College, Ireland Business Council, which brings me to Boston frequently. I love staying at the Liberty Hotel – a former jail overlooking Charles River, with a great running track over to Cambridge and back. It’s also close to 75 Chestnut – one of the best neighbourhood restaurants in Boston – and a short train ride to the JFK Library and Museum. NICE We’ve been lucky enough to bring our Sigmar team away on our Christmas party each year and hit Nice twice in recent times. A great base to explore all the French Riviera has to offer, from lunch outside Café de Paris in Monaco, watching how the other half live, to visiting stunning, hilltop, Medieval towns such as St Paul de Vence or Éze. Sigmar Recruitment CCO Robert Mac Giolla Phádraig is the driving force behind the Ireland Gateway to Europe trade mission that travels to California this month to boost transatlantic trade.
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