News Archive at Core Systems
1st
December 2005
Core Systems (NI)
Limited ranks in the Top 50 Fastest Growing
Technology
Companies in Ireland
In
November 2005 Core Systems were among the top 15 award winners from Northern
Ireland in the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Awards, marking the company
as one of the 50 fastest growing technology companies in Ireland.
The Technology Fast 50 Programme recognises and ranks the fastest growing technology companies in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Deloitte & Touche compiled the listing based on percentage growth of turnover from 2000 to 2004, which saw companies recognised for achieving an average annual growth of 522 per cent over this period. The listings were unveiled at a ceremony at the BBC Studio in Belfast.
Commenting on the award, Patricia O’Hagan, Managing Director, of Core Systems, said, “Making the Fast 50 is a significant accomplishment for Core Systems. We attribute our strong growth to the exceptional people we employ. Our staff have a thorough understanding of our customer’s businesses, having gained insight into the way they work and the operational challenges they face. Our credibility has been established with the successful development and implementations of our software systems throughout our target markets.
We compete primarily on the basis of the service we offer our customers, the quality of our products and our technological innovation. We believe that continued investment in research and development has a positive impact on our competitive position”.
30th May 2006
Investors in People Award for Core Systems
Core
Systems has received the prestigious Investors In People (IIP) award,
recognising its commitment to the continuous training and development
of its staff.
At a ceremony held in Hillsborough Castle on May 17th,
Greg McConnell, Deputy Secretary from the Department for Employment and
Learning said: “Investors in People is a means by which local employers
can help ensure bottom-line business results. It is only by equipping
people with the knowledge, skills and ability to do their job that businesses
can maximise the performance and output of their workforce.”
Greg
McConnell, Deputy Secretary from the Department for Employment
and
Learning presenting Julie McElhone and Patricia O’Hagan from
Core
Systems with the Investors In People Award
Core Systems were assessed against the Investors in People Standard and were one of the first organisations to be reviewed against the new Investors in People Profile framework. Managing Director of Core Systems, Patricia O’Hagan says, “We have invested heavily in training and development programmes and we are delighted that our commitment to our staff has been recognised by the awarding of the IIP standard. The profile framework enables us to continuously improve and helps to identify where to focus for further business improvement and productivity gains.”
An extract taken from IIP Assessor’s report,
“We ensure every one of our employees is treated equally and has
the same opportunity to develop. Its important everyone in the company
grows in their knowledge, experience and skills. This isn’t something
we need to write down, it’s inbuilt in our culture.”
6th June 2005
Core Systems exhibiting at CDFA Conference,
Pera Innovation Centre, Melton Mowbray
We are pleased to announce that Core Systems will again be exhibiting at the CDFA’s annual conference, Money £or Change. The conference offers everyone in the Community Development Finance sector to come together to learn and share experiences. It attracts practitioners, funders, academics, policymakers and other stakeholders.
At the conference we will be exhibiting ‘LoanMan’, the leading edge loan management system, developed specifically to meet the needs of today’s micro-finance organisations.
LoanMan captures and processes information on clients, enquires, loan applications and repayment transactions. It utilises workflow to ensure smooth application processing and effective loan tracking.
Visitors to our stand will be offered a practical demonstration and an opportunity to discuss how LoanMan can meet their requirements.
Visit us at the Pera Innovation Centre, on
Wednesday 6th July12.00pm - 2.00pm
Thursday 7th July 9.00am - 5.00pm
Friday 8th July 8.45am - 1.30pm
5th August 2004
Core Systems help two local charities
Eight brave volunteers from Core Systems recently undertook two hair rising events with the aim of raising money for the Meningitis Trust’ and ‘Ulster Cancer Foundation’ in Northern Ireland.
Despite the grey skies and very strong winds two members of staff took part in the Zip Line Challenge for the Meningitis Trust. Climbing to a height of 140ft and zipping across Belfast's River Lagan at high speed.
Later that afternoon, six budding 007s abseiled down the 200ft high BT Tower in Belfast.
The event staged by the Ulster Cancer Foundation proved to be an exhilarating and speculator experience for both participants and onlookers alike.
When asked what was going through her head, Karen Lavery, a Software Developer for Core said, “Absolute sheer fear! But it was well worth meeting a personal challenge whilst raising money to help others”
In total the company raised £ 1410.00 The money raised from both these events will go to support local people in the Province whose lives have been affected by meningitis and help the Ulster Cancer Foundation to provide immediate care for patients and their families affected by cancer.
Members of the Core Systems team pictured presenting the cheque to Neil Grainger from the Ulster Cancer Foundation. Core Systems would like to thank everyone who participated and donated to both these worthwhile causes.
21st June 2004
Local Charities to benefit from Fundraising Activities
To mark the company’s 10th Anniversary members of the Core Systems team will be participating in two charity challenges with the aim of raising money for two local charities – ‘Meningitis Trust Northern Ireland’ and the ‘Ulster Cancer Foundation’.
On Saturday 26th June, four colleagues will brave the ‘Zipline Challenge’ across the River Lagan. This adrenaline pumping event will entail them zipping across the river from 140ft high crane and zipping down a wire at a speed of at least 40mph. Monies raised at this event will go to support local people in the Province whose lives have been affected by meningitis.
While across the river, six budding 007s will abseil down the 200ft high BT Tower in Belfast. Donations raised from this challenge will go towards helping patients and their families cope with cancer.
27th September 2002
Core Systems on awards trail
Core Systems have been short-listed as one of the finalists in the Northern Ireland regional heat of the British Small Business Champions Award, 2002. The Regional Award Winner will be announced at an award ceremony in Parliament Buildings, Long Gallery, Stormont on Friday 11th October.
Over 130 businesses across the UK applied to take part in the award. The aim of the competition is to find Britain’s Best Small Business in terms of management, contribution to the economy and quality of service. Entrants have to demonstrate how they provide excellent customer service and play a part in the local community.
Representatives from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Lloyds TSB, The Mirror Group of Newspapers and Business in the Community are on the judging panel. John Emmins, National Chairman of the FSB says, “These awards offer our British entrepreneurs an opportunity to gain the recognition they deserve.”
The awards will culminate in a final at The Café Royle in London where the overall winner will be announced. There will also be a special Merit Award winner who will be rewarded for playing a significant role in the local community.
24th
July 2002
Core
Systems bring HireIT to Europe
In September, Core Systems will be exhibiting at RentEX in the MECC (Maastricht Exhibition and Congress Centre), the major new event dedicated to the European rental sector.
The event has been organised to address the growing trend in Europe were changing business conditions are driving companies, to rent rather than buy. The show is targeted at a wide range of sectors from general construction/tool hire companies to events and catering equipment rentals.
At Core Systems we see RentEX as a good platform to extend HireIT’s coverage to the European market. Situated in the heart of Europe, Maastricht is within easy road, rail and air access to Belgium, France and Germany.
The exhibition is being run alongside the well-established APEX show, aimed at the world’s access equipment sector, and the IDREX exhibition, which is targeted at the demolition and recycling sector.
29th May 2002
Belfast Entrepreneurship Week
As part of the programme of events during Belfast Entrepreneurship Week, Core Systems were invited to exhibit at 'Belfast: Open for Business Showcase'. Open to the public, the showcase provided a great opportunity to see the wide range of successful businesses that have been created in Belfast.
"It offered us the chance to promote Core Systems in our own backyard and enabled us to share our experiences with those thinking of starting up their own business", says Tommy Maguire, Partner, Core Systems.
The Entrepreneurship Week also included an extensive array of seminars, workshops and presentations on practical issues such as Business Start Up Advice, Trading with the Euro, How to Minimise your Tax Bill and Converting your Trade into a Business Opportunity.
The programme was supported by Belfast City Council, Invest Northern Ireland and the European Union. In addition, events were organised by the enterprise partners in the city including the Local Enterprise Agencies, Prince's Trust, Belfast First Stop Shop, Sentinus, Young Enterprise, Synergy and Shell Livewire.
18/11/2001
Core Systems Win Award at HireXpo
Minister for Technology and Commerce, Mr. Noel Treacy, T.D. presenting
Patricia O'Hagan, Project Manager, Core Systems with award
Core Systems, a Ledu growth company, received an award in the Services
category of the 'Product of the Show Awards' at HireXpo, Ireland's premier
exhibition for the plant, equipment and tool hire industries.
The massive upsurge in recent years in construction and related services has created an unprecedented demand for tools, plant and equipment. Businesses within the industry are demanding ever more reliable, performance enhanced, and cost effective products.
To reward the endeavour of suppliers, HireXpo in association with the Hire Association Europe, introduced the HireXpo Product of the Show Awards.
Judges were impressed with Core Systems innovative,
leading edge computerised plant hire system, HireIT. The award was presented
by the Irish Minister for Technology and Commerce at the Department of
Enterprise Trade and Employment, Mr. Noel Treacy, T.D.
"This award reflects our commitment to continue to enhance HireIT,
helping to support companies deliver a responsive, efficient and cost
effective hire service", says Joanne McNicholl, Core Systems Sales
& Marketing Executive.
25/08/2001
Core Systems exhibiting
for the second year at HireXpo,
RDS Simmonscourt Dublin.
After a successful launch of 'HireIT' at HireXpo 2000, Core Systems will be exhibiting the latest version of HireIT.
Visitors to Stand H92 will have the opportunity to view this leading edge computerised plant hire system, providing an invaluable tool to effectively manage plant resource. The recent edition of HireIT incorporates a euro conversion feature, which enables companies to quote prices, issue invoices and accept payment in euro.
Throughout the exhibition Core Systems staff will be on hand to offer practical demonstrations and an opportunity to discuss how HireIT can address their euro currency issues.
HireXpo, RDS Simmonscourt on,
Thursday 8th November 12 noon - 8pm
Friday 9th November 12 noon - 8pm
Saturday 10th November 10am - 5pm
16/11/2000
Joanne Completes the
New Managers Programme
Fourteen graduates, from the New Managers Programme, celebrated completing
the programme recently in the Burendale Hotel Newcastle.
The New Managers Programme, funded by the Training and Employment Agency
and Ledu, and delivered on their behalf by the Irish Management Institute,
is an in depth programme designed to give newly appointed graduates working
in small business a broader appreciation of the range of business functions.
All participants of the course were recruited through Ledu's Graduate
into Business Programme. Among the participants who completed the programme
was Joanne McNicholl, Sales & Marketing Executive for Core Systems.
"The New Managers Programme enabled me to develop further my knowledge
and understanding of business functions other than those which I learned
in my degree. By acquiring a range of managerial and personal skills my
confidence as a manager within the workplace has excelled.
The programme was based on a modular basis with six two-day modules spread
over a six-month period.
Module 1 - The Role of the
Manager and Personal Effectiveness
Module 2 - Communications and Personal Development
Module 3 - Managing People
Module 4 - Understanding Key Business Operations
Module 5 - Financial Appreciation
Module 6 - Managing Performance
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From Back Row Left to Right:
Lee Campbell (BIC Systems), Annette Kildunne (Krystalwood), Barry Philips
(Capital Fuels Ltd), Jayne Valentine (Linnodee Ltd), Michael Ballantine
(Pump & Fuel Installations), Caitriona Dougan (Terrenus - Hand made
tiles), Heather Lille, Kerry Nesbitt (Red Bay Boats), Peter Craven (Armatile
Ltd), Matthew Gouk (Lloyd Communications).
Front Row Left to Right: Joanne
McNicholl (Core Systems), Vincent Curran (Irish Management Institute),
Derval Mooney (Ledu), Andrew McLaughlin (Irish Management Institute),
Jane Dawson (Giltspur Scientific Ltd).
Missing from Photo: Andrew Gardiner (Premier Woodlands), Abigail Hamilton (McAvoy Group Ltd).
Core Systems launches
'HireIT' at HireXpo
Core Systems recently launched 'HireIT' the leading edge computerised
hire system at HireXpo in the RDS Dublin - Irelands premium exhibition
for the tool, equipment and plant hire markets.
This fully year 2000 compliant was designed specifically to meet the demands
of a modern hire business. Throughout the show Core Systems personnel
were on hand offering practical demonstrations and advice to hire companies
on how HireIT can meet their business requirements. Visitors could see
at first hand the wide range of features to support the delivery of a
responsive, efficient and cost effective hire service.
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Patricia 0'Hagan, Project
Manager Core Systems, on hand at the HireXpo exhibition
in Dublin
HireXpo attracted a cross section of plant buyers,
manufacturers, hire company executives and building contractors, with
over one hundred exhibitors taking part. The massive upsurge in recent
years in construction and related sectors was particularly evident at
HireXpo with notable demands for tools, plant and related equipment.
"The exhibition provided us with a great opportunity
to expand our market coverage throughout Ireland and we found it to be
an ideal platform from which to launch HireIT. The networking opportunities
generated from the show have proved very rewarding with numerous sales
enquires being established. As an event it has served to be a very useful
occasion, meeting a wide diversity of companies who face similar business
and technology challenges," says Joanne McNicholl, Core Systems Sales
& Marketing Executive.
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During the exhibition visitors to our stand were automatically
entered into a free prize draw with the chance of winning a printer and
scanner.
Sales & Marketing Executive Joanne McNicholl presenting Liam O'Shea
McCormick Macnaughton Dublin with a colour Scanner.
The list of prize winners over the three
days are as follows
Thursday 9th November 2000
Winner of a Colour Printer
Veronica McKinney - Armagh Plant &
Tool Hire
Friday 10th November 2000
Winner of a Colour Scanner
Liam O'Shea - McCormick Macnaughton -
Dublin
Saturday 11th November 2000
Winner of a Colour Printer
Dermot Price - Core Electrical Ltd - Dublin
Winner of a Colour Scanner
Owen McMullan - Doyles Importers and Exporters
10/08/2000
Core Systems exhibiting
at HireXpo,
RDS Simmonscourt Dublin.
Core Systems will be exhibiting at the HireXpo exhibition, the premium exhibition for the tool, equipment and plant hire markets. It offers hire company executives, plant buyers and building contractors the chance to come and view the wide range of construction-related plant, tools and equipment for this industry sector.
At the show we will be exhibiting HireIT! the most comprehensive and user-friendly plant hire system on the market. It has been designed to meet the demands of a modern hire business, with a wide range of features to support delivery of a responsive, efficient and cost-effective hire service
We will be exhibiting at Stand H81, offering visitors a practical demonstration and an opportunity to discuss how HireIT! can meet their requirements.
HireXpo, RDS Simmonscourt on,
Thursday 9th November
12 noon - 8pm
Friday 10th November 12 noon - 8pm
Saturday 11th November 10am - 5pm
18/03/2000
BT Swimathon
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From Left to Right: |
On Wednesday 15th March 2000 - Core Crawlers joined
in this year's 'BT Swimathon 2000' event and took on the challenge of
swimming 2500 meters in the Maysfield Leisure Centre. The BT Swimathon
has been taking place for over fourteen years. Throughout this time people
of all ages across the country have been actively raising money for over
28 national charities, collecting over £13.5 million.
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The four-member team consisting of Patricia, Mark, Tracey and Geraldine put in a valiant effort, completing the challenge successfully. "We found that 'The BT Swimathon' not only gave us the chance to raise money for a number of worthwhile causes but we also found it to be a brilliant way to keep in shape." Geraldine Dunne |
A very enjoyable night was had by all including all
those who came to support and encourage the team along. As can be seen
from the picture Core's cheer leading squad came all prepared for the
event, dressed in their finest.
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In total we managed to raise a staggering amount of
£766.00. All sponsorship for this years will be given to the following
benefactors
- Shelter, the national charity helping homeless and badly housed people
- NI Housing Rights service
- BT Disabled Swimming Initiative
- BT/ISRM Gold pool Awards
- Amateur Swimming Federation of Great Britain (Educational Fund)
'The BT Swimathon 2000 Challenge' has contributed in helping to make a difference to the lives of many individuals and families. It is hoped that the total money raised will also help educate many people's misconceptions and encourage them to make an informed attitude towards housing issues.
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