A roundup of today's other stories in brief.

Executive coaches grow in popularity

Irish companies are increasingly turning to executive coaches to hone the skills of management, an industry conference in Dublin heard this week.

The event, organised by Praesta Ireland, which is a leading player in the area, said companies were seeing executive coaching as increasingly relevant to their operations. Director Brian Petterson said: "By working smarter, the good executive can always do better and the best can always deliver that extra performance."

IBM takes top community award

IBM's efforts to create a more open and hospitable environment for its culturally diverse workforce in Ireland and its commitment to education were recognised this week at Chamber Ireland's president awards for corporate social responsibility (CSR).

The technology giant won the overall award for outstanding achievement in CSR.

Pharmaceutical group Pfizer won the award for best new and innovative CSR project for its Way 2 Go project - a national health awareness programme to help families make healthier choices in tackling childhood obesity.

Other award winners were: Bank of Ireland Cabinteely, Co Dublin; Intel; Kingspan Century Homes; Coca-Cola Bottlers; Bank of Ireland; O2; Ballydougan Pottery; AVR-Safeway; the Irish Academy of Public Relations; and Dublin Port Company.

O'Brien's named franchise of year

O'Brien's Sandwich Bars was named franchise of the year for the second time in three years at the Irish Franchise Association's annual awards.

The group's chief executive Fiacra Nagle was also named franchise person of the year at the event last weekend.

Best emerging franchise went to Home Instead Senior Care, which provides non-medical services to elderly people that enables them to live in their own homes for longer than would otherwise have been possible.

Caterer publishes ethical report

Catering group Sodexho Alliance has published its first worldwide sustainable development report. The report provides both statistical and case study information on the performance by the group and its operating affiliates around the world with respect to the economic, social and environmental aspects of its activities.

Capita scoops call centre prize

Call centre operator Capita won the industry top aware in Ireland as it was named Contact Centre of the Year at the Irish Contact Centre Awards 2006.

Capita, which operates call centres for around 300 businesses in 22 centres, won the award for its Eircom call centre.