Trying to decide what to write as a first blog was fairly easy. I've been attending a monthly get together of some great Cork business women. We started out back in June in the living room of one of the groups founders, Margaret Smith, who runs Umnumnum Cookery School Ballincollig
Margaret's co-founder is Tori Hawthorne of Avon Cosmetics. They have worked tirelessly and the group has grown in a very short time to develop into an advice and support group for its members who are all at various stages of their business.
Some of the men on twitter have been wondering what we do at our @CWIBAandS meetings so last Wednesday, for one night only, we allowed the men to come along to the meeting and find out for themselves! Here's an example of what goes on at one of our meetings (usually minus the men!)
Margaret welcomed everybody along and gave a short talk on the purpose of “the group” (we’re still trying to come up with the ideal name and hopefully by next month we’ll have that sorted).
For anyone that missed the meeting there are some handouts available on setting up a business facebook page and there will be a follow up “twitter night” and a Christmas Party towards the end of November – more details to follow.
As the October 31st deadline is fast approaching, Carla Manning of CACM Accountants and Orla Linehan of Parfrey Murphy spoke about the dreaded tax return.
Orla started off with her 5 tips for reducing your tax bill
- Question every expense
- Keep proper records
- Claim all your tax credits and reliefs
- Exemption for new start up companies
- File and Pay on time
Further info is available on the company blog at http://blog.parfreymurphy.ie and if anyone that missed the meeting wants a full copy of Orla’s tips let me know and I can e mail them onto you.
Carla continued with some info regarding what date the tax return must be filed by. If a company was in a start up position in 2009 they have until October 2011 to file their return but Carla advises paying at least something towards your tax in 2010 if possible.
All other businesses have until October 31st 2010 (November if filed using ROS online) to file and pay their return. If anyone was paid redundancy in excess of statutory in 2009, some of this may also be exempt from tax so worth checking out. Again, if anyone wants me to email on Carla’s full set of notes just let me know.
Then everyone in the room gave a quick introduction and Margaret finished up by asking for any volunteers for Help Portrait Cork taking place on December 5th. In particular we are looking for help from hairdressers so if anybody knows anyone with a couple of hours to spare on December 5th let us know (only styling…no cutting or washing hair).
Then the reason most of the guys came along – to sample Margaret’s cakes and do a bit of networking.
Next meeting date will be confirmed soon. If any Cork women in business would like to join us just leave a comment below and one of us will get back to you or check out our Facebook Page Cork Women In Business Advice and Support Group We'd be delighted to welcome you along :)