The importance of networking in these challenging times was backed up at the CIPD West gala dinner dance sponsored by CCP Recruitment for the eighth consecutive year, when more than 300 human resources and business representatives from a variety of private and public sector organisations throughout the western region gathered to honour their peers.
Special guest and MC for the night was one of Ireland’s top 100 entrepreneurs Sean Gallagher - founder and CEO of Ireland's largest home technology company Smarthomes, and famous for his impeccable investment advice on the RTE TV series Dragons Den.
Mr Gallagher revealed his personal ethos of being thankful every morning when he awakes for the gift of life and all it brings, and he stressed that Ireland is a great country to work and live in.
He added that the Irish people must remain positive in this current climate in order to emerge from this economic stagnation.
Declan Heneghan, chairperson of the CIPD Western Region, welcomed the special guests and all attendees, and spoke of the vibrancy of the CIPD in the Western Region.
He highlighted the success of the Western region in organising a host of excellent events each year.
There are more than 6,000 members of the CIPD throughout Ireland and the membership of this body is widely accepted by employers nationally as a requirement of practice as it demonstrates a commitment to high standards, professionalism, and continuing professional development.
The event sponsor CCP Recruitment is part of a select few companies who have been recognised for demonstrating this level of professionalism in the area of human resources and business by setting high standards within their industry.
This year CCP won the National Award for ‘Best in HR’ awarded by the Small Firms Association and presented by former Taoiseach – Bertie Ahern. Both Directors of the company Roisin McNamara and Michelle Kilcar hold fellow membership of the CIPD.
Michelle Kilcar addressed the attendees highlighting their pleasure in being involved with CIPD Western Region as its main sponsor again this year.
During the gala event the awards for Student of the year in the GMIT BA in Personnel Management and the NUIG Masters in Industrial Relations and Human Resources Management were presented to Gail Glennon and Caroline Tigue respectively.
The Outstanding Service to the CIPD Western Region Award went to a very deserving Bernie Turley for long service and outstanding commitment to the organisation.
