Frequently Asked Questions
What is SMILE Resource Exchange?
SMILE Resource Exchange is a network of businesses that reuse each other's surplus products, by-products and reusable items in order to save money and help the environment by diverting waste fomr landfill. MILE stands for Saving Money through Industry Links & Exchanges.
What is the aim of SMILE Resource Exchange?
SMILE Resource Exchange aims to save businesses money by developing a network of businesses that reuse each other's surplus products, by-products and reusable items.
The premise behind the SMILE network is that one businesses waste or unused resource could become another businesses raw material resulting in a mutually beneficial relationship which saves both operating or disposal costs and procurement costs.
The concept is not limited to reusable items, by-products or surplus but can also be applied to logistics, services or skill share. Examples of items and products which may be on offer are plastics, timber, cardboard, paper, pallets etc. All items offered are offered for free or below market value.
Who operates SMILE Resource Exchange?
SMILE Resource Exchange is operated by MacroomE. It is a partnership between the Environmental Protection Agency, Cork County & City Enterprise Boards, Cork County Council, Cork City Council, Limerick, Clare, Kerry Regional Waste Management Authority, Limerick County & City Enterprise Boards, Clare County Enterprise Board and Kerry County Enterprise Board.
What are the benefits of joining the SMILE Resource Exchange?
SMILE Resource Exchange can help your business:
- Save money
- Reduce waste
- Share resources
- Network with other businesses
- Help the environment
- Identify new business opportunities
How much does it cost to attend a Resource Exchange event?
The SMILE events are free to attend but booking is essential as places are limited.
Who should attend a SMILE Resource Exchange event?
SMILE Resource Exchange events are open to businesses from all sectors. Businesses attending events should have either resources or items to offer to other businesses or be seeking resources or items. These items could include reusable items, by-products or surplus products (e.g. pallets, timber, reusable packaging, plastics, cardboard, paper, metal) or opportunities such as services or logistics share etc.
A typical SMILE Resource Exchange event will offer the following :
- Formal facilitated networking opportunities
- Informal networking at coffee breaks and lunch time
- Presentations by businesses who have already benefited from such business practices.
- Post event support in developing matches between businesses
The facilitated networking will require businesses to complete "I have to give" and "I want to get" cards. These cards will be collected from each table by a facilitator who will then assess the cards and work with the businesses at the table to see if any matches or exchanges can be made.Each business will have a chance to visit different tables to hear the opportunities presented by the other businesses attending. Matches between businesses will be made at the event and also through subsequent analysis of the information provided after the event.
How can I prepare for a SMILE Resource Exchange event?
Please come to the event with the knowledge of what resources or materials you have to offer or what resources or materials you need. Examples include reusable items, products, by-products or surplus (e.g. pallets, timber, reusable packaging, plastics, cardboard, paper, metal) or opportunities such as possible services or logistics share etc.If you need any assistance in compiling this information please contact Michelle Green, Project Manager at mgreen@macroom-e.com. Alternatively call 026 - 20520.
When is the next Resource Exchange?
Click here for details.
How do I book a place at a SMILE Resource Exchange event?
To attend a SMILE event you must first register for free as a member of the SMILE Resource Exchange website. Click here to register as a member.If you are already registered as a member please go to the events section to register. Please note that places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Should an event be oversubscribed then a limit of one participant per business will be imposed.
Have similar events to the SMILE Exchange Resource been held previously?
The first SMILE Resource Exchange event took place on Thursday 25th March 2010 at the Oriel House Hotel in Ballincollig. Following this successful a second event took place on Wednesday 24 November in the Fitzgerald Vienna Woods, Glanmire.The National Industrial Symbiosis Programme has been running successful synergy workshops throughout the UK and Northern Ireland since 2005. Further information on this programme is available on www.nisp.org.uk .