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Meet the team

Meet The Team: Evin

Meet the team

MEET EVIN – BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Welcome to Meet the Team Monday! Every Monday we’ll be giving you a bit of behind the scenes access to the people that make Call Pal happen. We have asked each member of staff to give us a quick bio on themselves and for a bit of added fun we also asked them a number of quick fire  random questions. This week we introduce to you, Evin!

This week we are focusing on Evin 

THE BIO:

I am originally from Tullamore, Co Offaly, Living in Galway the past 4 years and working for Avita, Sleepless and Call Pal the past year and a half. As a qualified Personal Trainer I have a strong interest and passion for fitness and nutrition .

I was the one who got the free chocolate banned from the office!!

 

THE QUICK-FIRE Q&A:

 

What was your favourite book growing up?

Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone

Where would you visit now, if you had the chance?

Italia.

What is your dream car?

Ford Mustang

Weapon of choice?

Sarcasm.

Work out preferences?

Caffeine and loud music.

Avita Feature Friday

Feature Friday – Introducing Avita Communications

Avita Feature Friday

We are running a feature every Friday here at Gray Office Park where we will be sharing a bit more about clients and local businesses we work with. This week we spoke with the team over at Avita Communications who provide Gray Office Park clients with high-end telecommunications support.


Who are Avita Communications?

Avita specialise in the installation, support and management of:

• Hybrid Phone Systems

• Traditional Phone Systems

• Hosted Phone Systems

• Unified Communication Solutions

• Advanced Contact Centre Solutions

• Wired & Wireless Networks as well as Voice, Data & Cloud services to businesses of all sizes throughout Europe.

Since their launch in 2010, their customer base has grown to over 750 customers, a large portion of which lies within the Hospitality, Construction, Manufacturing and Education Industries.

 

Avita Communcations and Alcatel-Lucent attend the Irish Hotel Federation Showtel 2019!

Avita stand 63

Avita along with our partners Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise showcased the latest advances in hospitality technology at this years Irish Hotels Federation Conference and Trade Exhibition – Showtel. The event took place in the Gleneagle Hotel & INEC, Killarney, Co. Kerry on Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th March 2019.

If you would like to learn about the latest technologies Avita Communications have to offer please contact one of the team members today.

Read more

Meet the team

Meet The Team: Michael

Meet the team

MEET MICHAEL – CALL PAL PA

Welcome to Meet the Team Monday! Every Monday we’ll be giving you a bit of behind the scenes access to the people that make Gray Office Park happen. We have asked each member of staff to give us a quick bio on themselves and for a bit of added fun we also asked them a number of quick fire  random questions. This week we introduce to you, Michael!

Michael Mullins

This week we are focusing on Michael. 

THE BIO:

Michael Mullins is a Galway Native. When he is not answering the phones for CallPal he is designing and making hats. Always the most stylish and dapper in the office. Remember – “You can never be overdressed or overeducated” 😉

 

THE QUICK-FIRE Q&A:

 

 

 

Q:Chocolate or caramel?

Chocolate and caramel make a better combo!!

 

 

thank you

 

 

 

Q: What impresses you?

Integrity  – The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely nothing

 

shopping

Q:Where were you two years ago?

Working as a milliner and designer

 

Millions

 

Q:Where will you be in three-years?

MTV with Lucia 😊

Digital Training Feature

Feature Friday – Introducing Digital Training Institute

Digital Training Feature

We sat down with the talented Joanne Sweeney from Digital Training Institute for a chat about what she has been up to! Joanne has been apart of the Gray Office Park community for a while now and as 2018 has been a huge year for her we wanted to hear all the latest news.

2018 was a bold year

 

This year I niched down at Digital Training Institute. I was brave and bold as I pivoted to specialise in the Government and public sector by creating  sub-brand called Public Sector Marketing Pros. I’ve been providing digital marketing and social media consulting and training for 10 years, but this year was about setting my business up to scale. 

 

Any good digital marketer knows that to scale online, you need a solid niche. I’ve always worked with public sector and in fact three years ago wrote a book on how police forces use social media. 

 

I also published a book, launched a 12-month accredited Diploma in Digital Communications for Public Sector, hosted a sell-out national conference in Dublin, researched, wrote and launched a national report, spoke on stages in Brussels, London and across Ireland and reached 123 podcast episodes. 

 

But I’m just warming up. 

 

2019 will be about leveraging

 

With two Public Sector Digital Marketing Summits planned for next year – February in Brussels and June in Dublin – I’m going to be leveraging the hard work put in this year. I plan to scale my online business and get greater exposure in new markets like the US and Australia. 

 

Quickfire Questions!

 

What is the most rewarding part about the work you do?

I love teaching and empowering people with the knowledge I have. I believe in transformation and I practice what I preach. My business gives me many remarkable opportunities to speak on stage and work with international governments and public sector bodies. 

 

What has been  a highlight for 2018 for you?

It’s probably got to be hosting Ireland’s first Public Sector Digital Marketing Summit at the Round Room in the Mansion House in Dublin. It was over-sold and I got remarkable feedback. Watch the video below. 

 

What do you love most about Galway?

I love Galway because it’s my home, even though I’m from Donegal. I came here as a teenage parent in 1997 with a 2-year-old daughter. Galway has been very good to me and I have a strong sense of connection with it. I also love to live by the sea, as I grew up by the sea. 

 

What is your favourite thing about Christmas?

Time off and spending quality time with my two children. It’s also my birthday on New Year’s Eve, so I’m always off work to celebrate. 

 

 

 

 

 

Meet the team

Meet The Team: Marie

Meet the team

MEET MARIE – CALL PAL PA

Welcome to Meet the Team Monday! Every Monday we’ll be giving you a bit of behind the scenes access to the people that make Gray Office Park happen. We have asked each member of staff to give us a quick bio on themselves and for a bit of added fun we also asked them a number of quick fire  random questions. This week we introduce to you, Marie!

This week we are focusing on Marie . 

THE BIO:

A Galway native. Here at Gray Office Park I act as a receptionist, a Callpal Agent and a helping hand to the Accounts Department. I come from a varied work background in the service and retail industries – including luxurious health and beauty. At 22 I have graduated with two honours degrees, both in Law, from NUIG.

THE QUICK-FIRE Q&A:

MillionsQ: What is your dream job?

A super stylish solicitor with my own firm.

 

QuickfireQ: Are you a morning or a night person?

Morning. I struggle to stay awake past 10pm.

 

Q: What store do you shop at the most?

Penneys hun.

 

cool guyQ: What is one thing that annoys you the most? 

Heavy breathers and when people repeat themselves for no reason.

 

FoodsQ:What is the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten?

Cows tongue – lovely with brown sauce actually.

 

Client feature Gray Office Park

Feature Friday – Introducing Cornmarket

Feature Friday


We are running a feature every Friday here at Gray Office Park where we will be sharing a bit more about our clients and local businesses who we work with here at Gray Office Park. In this weeks feature we had a quick chat with Richard Donovan from Cornmarket.

 

Who are Cornmarket?

Established in 1972, Cornmarket Group Financial Services is one of Ireland’s largest insurance brokers and serves the financial needs of affinity groups, with a particular focus on the Public Sector.  Working closely with unions and employers, Cornmarket helps customers find the right financial products to suit their needs from car, home and health insurance to life insurance, income protection, retirement planning and more.

With over 440,000 policies under its management, customers are comprised of public sector unions members and private sector employees from special affinity groups. Cornmarket employs over 380 staff with support offices nationwide and is also Ireland’s largest health insurance broker with a dedicated team of health insurance experts.

Its subsidiary company, Cornmarket Insurance Services Ltd. specialises in providing car, home and motorbike insurance to affinity groups in the UK. Cornmarket Group Financial Services is part of Great West Life Co, one of the world’s leading life assurance organisations.


 News

cornmarket support reearch breastcancer

2018 has been a big year for Cornmarket with a number of new business objectives completed. They recently rebranded to revitalize the look of the Group and are very close to the launch of a new website, which will enhance customer experience and add to the superior customer service they aim to achieve.

Their product range has also widened, as they have recently launched a new Travel Insurance product and excitingly re-entered the Mortgage market. This is a positive step for Cornmarket and a great addition for its customer base in the Republic of Ireland. Cornmarket’s Financial Planning Service already provides invaluable advice to Public Sector employees on their complex pension rules, savings, investments and protection.

Not only has Cornmarket focused on improving their customer experience and product portfolio this year, they have also launched a new sponsorship initiative for Teachers and Transition year students in schools nationwide. Breast Cancer Ireland and Cornmarket have come together to promote Breast Health Education and Awareness in Schools. The aim of the programme is to encourage and educate women about good breast health from a young age, so that if an abnormality occurs it will be identified early and hopefully provide a more positive treatment outcome.  Cornmarket is the sole sponsor of the programme which offers this excellent service free of charge to students and teachers around the country.

breast cancer awareness


Quickfire questions with Richard

Cornmarket - Richard

 

 

1. Tell us a bit about your Team at Cornmarket?

A hardworking, fun loving bunch of gals & guys.

 

2. What is the most rewarding part of working at Cornmarket?

The diversity of the job and working with different clients on a daily basis.

 

3.What is your favourite thing when it comes to Christmas in Galway?

The Christmas lights, the energy, the buzz and catching up with friends.

 

4.What does 2019 hold for Cornmarket?

We’re looking forward to seeing what’s in store next for Cornmarket. Each year we push for improvement and it will be exciting to see what 2019 will bring for the Group.

 

Meet the team

Meet The Team: Eoghan

Meet the team

MEET EOGHAN – MARKETING

Welcome to Meet the Team Monday! Every Monday we’ll be giving you a bit of behind the scenes access to the people that make Gray Office Park happen. We have asked each member of staff to give us a quick bio on themselves and for a bit of added fun we also asked them a number of quick fire  random questions. This week we introduce to you, Eoghan!

This week we are focusing on Eoghan. 

THE BIO:

I am originally from Belfast but left when I was quite young to work in Canada then America before moving back. I’ve been living in Galway permanently for 8+ years now. Before making the switch to Online Marketing I worked in several Finance roles and spent a few years working in Direct Marketing. Call Pal, GOP, Sleepless & Avita I do all the web stuff: Google/Bing Ads, web design, graphic design etc… I also enjoys a good glass of red.

 

THE QUICK-FIRE Q&A:

Foods

 

 

Q: What is the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten?

I used to be a picky eater so I’ve never really eaten anything that strange. I did have an Italian drink once that was made with bee stings, if that counts.

Superhero

 

 

Q: What is your favourite thing about someone in your family?

One of my sisters is the most laid back person you’ll ever meet. It wouldn’t matter if the world was coming to end, she’d just carry on regardless.

OCD image Q: What is one of your weird quirks?

I have a bad habit of arguing with myself out loud without realizing it.

Q:Describe yourself in 3 words.

A touch OCD

Donald Trump Q: If you could trade lives with anyone for a day who would it be and why?

Donald Trump – I’m pretty sure I could do enough damage in 24 hours to finally get him impeached. Or Chuck Norris, because he’s Chuck Norris.

Run to raise

Feature Friday! Introducing Ian J Foley

Ian J Foley Client Feature

We are running a feature every Friday here at Gray Office Park where we will be sharing a bit more about our clients and local businesses we work with! Our first feature is on Ian J Foley Solicitors who is based here in our Gray Office Park location in Galway.

 


Ian Foley is the Principal Solicitor of the firm which was established in January 2007 in Galway, having worked in private practice previously with a mid sized firm in Limerick.  He gained vast knowledge and experience in Commercial and Conveyancing matters as well as acting for major lending institutions.  He also gained experience in related Court work and Personal Injury Litigation.  Ian J. Foley & Co. Solicitors now offer a range of legal services detailed in our “what we do” section.  Indeed, Ian recently achieved the a record settlement of €11.5 million awarded to a minor which was described by Irvine J. as the largest ever award in the history of the State

“We pride ourselves on offering a first class service to our clients whilst confidentiality, professionalism and respect is at the core of our services.  We also back this service up with the latest in information technology to ensure your case is dealt with speedily and efficiently as well as cost effectively.” – Ian J Foley Solicitors 


Ian J Foley

How long have you been a client here at Gray Office Park?

Since 2011.

What is your favorite thing when it comes to working at Gray Office Park?

The people. The people here at Gray Office really make it what it is. It is great business community to be apart of. I am also very happy with the location, being close to the courthouse is ideal for me. I am always coming and going so the available car parking is a real bonus as well.

 Linkedin

 

 

Meet the team

Meet The Team: Stephanie

Meet the team

MEET STEPHANIE – CALL PAL PA

Welcome to our first ever Meet the Team Monday! Every Monday we’ll be giving you a bit of behind the scenes access to the people that make Gray Office Park happen. We have asked each member of staff to give us a quick bio on themselves and for a bit of  added fun we also asked them a number of quick-fire  random questions.

Stephenie

This week we are focusing on Stephanie. 

THE BIO:

I am a local girl from Galway and I work here in Call Pal as a part-time call pal agent here at Gray office Park. I am currently studying a HDip in Computer Science and I am proud Mum to two year old son Archie. I am a lover of fashion, chocolate and the very odd glass of white wine!

 

THE QUICK-FIRE Q&A:

Superhero

Q: If you where a superhero what would your powers be?
A: To travel the world.

Fortune

Q: What fortune would you want to get from a fortune cookie?
A: To live a happy comfortable life.

Foods

Q: What is one food you wouldn’t want to give up?
A: Chocolate.
Millions

Q: If you won a million dollars what would you buy?
A: A home, place abroad to holiday and a black class Chanel handbag.

Crowd shot

Hosting Busienss Events with a Difference

Hosting Business Events with a Difference

Hosting A Successful Business Event

Traditionally, regular business events followed a standard model that involved room hire, expensive catering and even covering accommodation for several hundred attendees. Webinars and online business talks have changed the way we do business meetings on a large scale. Being a relatively new phenomenon, it can be hard to decide exactly what you need to make an online business talk / presentation a success particularly if your conferencing software has been limited to use during meetings. Here are some pointers to help make your online business talk that much easier.

Be specific

Even with the fanciest, most advanced conferencing software in the world, it is virtually useless if it isn’t correctly configured or lacks the hardware to back it up. Fortunately, most modern conferencing software is compatible across commonly used hardware and software. High speed, reliable internet is a must as are a good quality camera and microphone. Your viewers are bound to become frustrated if they cannot hear or see you due to an internet connection that is constantly dropping or a poor quality camera and microphone. If it is feasible, a good idea is to have a technician on site especially if you are using specialist hardware. Otherwise, you should be able to solve any IT issues that arise yourself provided you have the right software and hardware for the job.

Get visual

Rarely do people want to listen to a single person talk for a long time even if what they are saying is compelling or they themselves are fascinating speakers. Supporting live stream videos and supporting visuals will make your broadcast much more interesting, informative, memorable and give it the personality it needs to keep your listeners and viewers engaged.

Tell the world

It sounds obvious, but strong pre-event advertising is crucial to the success of your event. Social media is universally acknowledged as one of the most powerful tools for generating interest in an upcoming event. Email, print media and even the age old art of picking up your phone and inviting someone to your event are also powerful tools to ensure your meeting is well attended.

Press Record

There will always be a percentage of your invited list that will be unable to attend to your online talk – they could be working, living in a different time zone etc. For these reasons you want to be able to make your event available to view for anyone that would have shown an interest in your talk or needs to see it. With video sharing websites like YouTube and Vimeo, this has become much easier. In fact, the world’s largest companies constantly market through their YouTube accounts.

Have a plan

It would never cross your mind to attend a critical sales meeting without being well prepared for it. Your online conference / business talk should be no different. You will need to have any invitations for keynote speakers sent well in advance of the event, all your supporting visuals or documentation well prepared as well as a carefully planned itinerary so your guests will know how long the event will run for. An itinerary is particularly important to ensure that neither you or any invited keynote speakers talk for too long.

Aside from the obvious differences, there are some fundamental similarities between online and in person events. And as long as you have planned and marketed effectively and make your presentation engaging and informative, it will be a success.

Thanks for reading this week’s Gray Office Park blog post! Be sure to drop by next week for our newest blog post and follow us on FacebookTwitter, InstagramLinkedIn and Google+ for all our latest news, lettings and updates.