How can we help you?

Representation
• Do you have a planning concern?
We are dedicated to campaigning for direct action on the issues that affect business and the long-term development of Arklow. The Chamber is fundamentally a business representative and lobbying organisation.
We meet with the local Town Council, County Council, TD’s, Ministers and various government departments to discuss issues that affect you and your business. Recently our priorities are the implementation of essential infrastructure such as the Sewerage Treatment Plant and Water Treatment Plant.

Employment Law
• Looking for advice on an employee contract?
If you are looking for information on employee entitlements and contracts we can assist. We can provide you with advice on NERA and some Employment Law.
However, if you require detailed information, we can provide a low-cost human resources management service for businesses.  The Chamber HR service offers employers 24 hour access to experts on employment and human resources legislation who will provide interpretations of the law and advice on human resources management.  The service also provides indemnity against the legal and award costs associated with pursuing a claim in the Labour Relations Commission or Employment Appeals Tribunal.

Export Documentation
• Need information about export laws and regulations?
We are officially registered by the Department of Trade & Employment and Chambers Ireland to issue and certify export documentation such as Certificates of Origin ( EU Certs & Arab-Irish Certs), invoices, company documents and additional documentation. 
Our fast, efficient service relieves the headaches you experience as an exporter or business traveler. We offer exporters a fully licensed certification service: ATA Carnets, Certificates of Origin, Information on Export Regulations and Customs Requirements

Training for Better Business
• Want to up-skill?
Our experience with the Wicklow Skillnet allows us to offer you a variety of business briefings, half-day and full day workshops to support you in reaching your business targets with preferential pricing for members.

Marketing
• Looking to market your business in Arklow?
We afford our members significant opportunities to promote your business and make contact with other members through the Chamber network -at events, with introductions facilitated by Chamber administrators and with a free listing on our two websites including a link to your homepage.
We also provide mail/fax shot services and can advise you on marketing strategies for your company, as well as the use of membership listings and our affiliates.

Networking
• Want to make new contacts and sales?
The Chamber holds many networking events which offer members the opportunity to meet fellow members and business people from other areas. We have held two successful County Wicklow Chamber Speed Networking events, where members have the chance to meet business associates from Bray, Greystones and Wicklow. We are planning speed networking events with Dun Laoghaire, Wexford and Carlow Chambers in the future.

Affinity Schemes
• Looking to save money on your bills?
We seek to partner with providers of key services to offer ongoing value to our members. We regularly update offers and evaluate them to ensure they are relevant and match the needs of members. At present we offer a reduction in landline and broadband services through our partner imag!ne telecoms.

We also provide many other advice and support services, including health and safety, translations services for documents into 135 languages, advice on grants, innovation vouchers, start-ups, patenting etc.

In 2008 we will continue to lobby on the issues that matter to you.
At our AGM at the end of November a new Board was elected, made up largely of people who will chair committees to work on projects to enhance the business environment in the area. The committees will work with the support of the chamber office on matters relating to infrastructure investment, traffic and transport, retail and tourism.

The new Board now includes:
President:
Conor Lawler, Townsville Developments Ltd
Vice President:
Donal O’ Sullivan, DM O’ Sullivan & Co Solicitors
Hon. Treasurer:
Colm Byrne, MGI Copsey Murray
Hon. Secretary:
Michael Allen, Allen & Smyth
Chamber Council:
Larry Burke, Larry Burke Developments
Infrastructure, Enterprise & Commercial Investment:
Conor McCarthy, Conor McCarthy & Associates Consulting Engineers
John Byrne, Qualceram Shires
Freddie Millar, Freddie Millar Building Consultancy                                             
Retail:
Tommy Annesley, Its Fresh / Face Value
Tony Maxwell, Dublin Tattoo Company

Arklow Chamber is part of the County Wicklow Chamber – an amalgamation of all four Chambers in the County – Arklow, Bray, Greystones and Wicklow.  The County Chamber, which represents over 600 businesses in the county, is the first initiative of its kind.  The aim is to promote business in the county and the county Chamber will shortly begin lobbying both local and national government on the deliverability of infrastructure such as water, sewerage, road and transport schemes.
Membership to Arklow & District Chamber means that you automatically become a member of the County Wicklow Chamber.