Informing YOU
Empowering YOU
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Cope Foundation Launch Their 300,000 Steps Challenge
5 x Olympian Rob Heffernan throws his support behind the Cork disabilities organisation Cope Foundation has announced its 300,000 Steps Challenge for February. Families, communities and businesses are encouraged to help the Cork disabilities organisation complete the fundraising challenge. Participants will commit to reaching the 300,000 steps target in the 28 days of February to stay healthy, motivated and focused. This year's initiative is proudly supported by EY and Olympian, Rob Heffernan, will
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
SERVE launch #InternationalDayofEducation awareness campaign
SERVE launched a week-long awareness campaign on Tuesday 19th January to observe #InternationalDayofEducation (Marked on 25th January) with the UNESCO theme ‘Recover and Revitalize Education for the COVID-19 Generation’. Now is the time to power education by stepping up collaboration and international solidarity to place education and lifelong learning at the centre of the recovery. Contact Paula@servie.ie if you wish to get involved with our work that supports vulnerable communities
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
SERVE welcomes new remote intern from Argentina
A warm welcome to Azul Martinez Alanis, joining SERVE remotely from Cordoba, Argentina. Thank you to Virtual Career Training Internships for connecting us with Azul. Azul is our new Administration & Communications intern and will be working with us until June 2021. She will be helping the SERVE team with general communications, PR, marketing, graphic design, administration work, creative writing, and adapting new virtual fundraisers. She is also studying for a Bachelor’s Degree in International
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Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Cork to Limerick Transport Corridor key to Economic and Social Resilience
Cork Chamber and Limerick Chamber have welcomed the opportunity to make submissions to the N/M20 Cork to Limerick Improvement Scheme public consultation, currently at options selection stage. Paula Cogan, President of Cork Chamber commented, “We are committed to seeing a comprehensive upgrade to the N/M20 transport corridor progressed. The redevelopment of the regionally significant route corridor has been on the backburner for too long. Nationally and regionally, we cannot afford further complacency on
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
Bus Connects Contract Award Welcomed
Deep Support Required to Deliver on CMATSSpeaking today, Conor Healy, Chamber CEO said, “The appointment of contractors to the ‘Bus Connects’ programme for Cork is another welcome milestone in the delivery of the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy. Cork can only deliver on it’s growth projections and evolve to a more resilient and sustainable economic model if comprehensive multimodal transport options are in place. Quality of life will continue to define the competitiveness of Cork and it is clear
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
Ronald McDonald House Charities launches appeal for people to send a hug to loved ones during lockdown
Barróg, the Irish for hug, is a soft toy bunny that is sharing hugs and helping people feel close across the nation during lockdown 21 January 2021: Ronald McDonald House Charities has today, National Hug Day, launched an appeal for people to send a hug to their loved ones during lockdown and help keep the charity’s doors open amid the Covid crisis. To mark National Hug Day 2021, Ronald McDonald House Charities is asking people to send Barróg, the Irish for hug, to someone you miss and help to support
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
Rapid Covid-19 Antigen Testing
The option we feel will work most efficiently in relation to testing employees is as follows: We administer the tests for all staff onsite. If there is an increase in positive cases of Covid-19, this should increase to three days a week until it subsides. We will test with the nasal rapid antigen test. This test has a 15 minute turnaround result time. If requested a serology test that will cover both antibodies and antigens can be performed. This of course is a full bloods option and results are
Monday, January 18, 2021
Beyond IoT conference takes to the virtual stage on January 25th
The successful, annual, Beyond IoT conference is back for its fourth consecutive year. On the 25th of January 2021, Beyond IoT 4.0 is going virtual with a, highly engaging, conference experience. The world has been forced to rapidly evolve and transform industry digital in order for businesses to survive. Beyond IoT 4.0 will be putting its focus on this digital revolution by bringing together, global thought leaders, industry and research experts and award-winning keynote speakers. Entrepreneurs, SME’s,
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Monday, January 18, 2021
IGNITE seeks start-ups for 15th programme
Friday 19 Feb @ 23.00 is the closing date for applications for the next intake of participants for the 15th IGNITE programme which gets underway early April 2021. The twelve month business innovation programme at University College Cork, that nurtures, develops and strengthens entrepreneurial potential, is inviting applications from recent graduates from any discipline, from any third level institution with a viable business idea with potential for commercial or social impact. Apply here. Since its
Monday, January 18, 2021
Cork companies invited to improve staff wellbeing through music and song
Cork International Choral Festival is calling on Cork based companies and businesses around Ireland to connect with their staff and teams during Covid through the uplifting medium of music! The new ‘Choirworks’ programme devised for the 2021 Cork International Choral Festival offers workplace colleagues around the country and internationally the chance to learn to sing and form a company choir, or improve their singing and existing workplace choir, through online interactive music lessons, choir
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
Chalmers Accounting and Consulting - How to claim working from home tax relief
A reminder to all those PAYE workers who have been working from home that you can now claim Remote Working Tax Relief for 2020. This relief is for 10% of the cost of your electricity/heat and 30% of the cost of your broadband. You can claim this relief using myAccount on Revenue.ie. There is a link here to Revenue to find out how to claim this relief.
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
Logitech Ireland announces more than 50 new roles at Cork facility
Logitech Ireland announced the creation of more than 50 new job opportunities over the next three years across wide-ranging roles, including design, engineering, IT and supply chain functions. An award-winning design company and maker of cloud peripheral products, Logitech is a long-standing proponent of flexible working and is expanding its staffing of several teams at its Cork office. Logitech’s office in Cork was first established in 1988 and moved to its current site on Airport Business Park,
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Lennox named as a Great Place to Work in Ireland
Lennox, the 98-year old Irish scientific, industrial and laboratory solutions company, has been certified as a Great Place to Work after a thorough and independent analysis conducted by Great Place to Work Institute Ireland. The Certification process is based on direct feedback from employees, provided as part of an extensive and anonymous survey about the workplace experience. Founded in Dublin in 1923, Lennox employs 60 people across their sites in Dublin and Cork. The survey, completed in November
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Matt Maher Announced as Site Lead, MSD Brinny
Matt Maher has been appointed Site Lead at MSD Brinny, Co. Cork, it was announced today. MSD’s Brinny site is one of the region’s largest employers, currently employing over 900 people. The site has been a vibrant part of the Innishannon community and pharmaceutical sector in Cork for over 35 years and specialises in the development and commercial supply of biotech products as well as innovative vaccines development and testing of immuno-oncology products. With 17 years’ experience with MSD, Matt has
Monday, January 11, 2021
Peninsula outlines six crucial Irish employment law changes in 2021
2020 was a hectic and unpredictable year for employers to work through. And, while 2021 will deliver its own challenges, employment law consultant Peninsula wants to give you a heads-up on what's to come. Their article 'Six crucial Irish employment law changes in 2021', covers employment law updates every employer should be aware of.
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Wednesday, January 06, 2021
Nollaig na mBan – a chance to celebrate the day, all year round.
Focus Ireland will mark Nollaig na Mban 2021 with an Afternoon Tea at The River Lee hotel throughout 2021. Nollaig na mBan (Women's Little Christmas) is a celebration of women and is a quintessentially Cork and Munster event. It’s a day that Focus Ireland mark in the Rebel County and we are asking for your support by buying a ticket to mark the day and enjoy a fabulous Afternoon Tea at The River Lee hotel. Due to current restrictions Focus Ireland have agreed with the management of The River Lee hotel
Wednesday, January 06, 2021
EU funding green light for SERVE
We are excited to announce that we have been successful in a funding application with the European Solidarity Corps to run a fantastic new volunteer led programme in 2021. We are working with an inspirational team of young people, and will be bringing a new and exciting SCALA Youth Village Programme to Cork, to build on solidarity, active citizenship, and interdependence awareness among young people, with a huge focus on the Sustainable Development Goals throughout. In partnership with Scala in Blackrock,
Tuesday, January 05, 2021
Frosch Ireland Announces Partnership with Rocdoc for Covid Testing
Leading global travel management company Frosch Ireland has partnered with Irish healthcare company Rocdoc, to offer expedited COVID-19 testing. Covid-19 testing facilities operated by RocDoc are now fully operational at Cork, Dublin, Shannon and Ireland West airports. Frosch’s clients will now have access to several Covid-19 PCR tests with turnaround time for results between 24-48 hours. Frosch has taken this resourceful approach to the ongoing industry-wide challenge of reliable and timely COVID-19
Tuesday, December 08, 2020
Bob Savage honoured with ‘Outstanding Contribution to Business Award’ from Cork Chamber
Bob Savage, Vice-President and Cork Site Leader at Dell Technologies has been honoured with the Cork Chamber ‘Outstanding Contribution to Business Award 2020’, sponsored by EY.Paula Cogan, President of Cork Chamber said of the announcement, “A true icon of the technology industry, Bob Savage has enjoyed an international career, and all from Cork. He has ensured that an entire sector has been able to develop from Ireland. Bob sat on the board of the American Chamber and Enterprise Ireland and has been
Friday, December 04, 2020
Roberts Nathan Welcomes New Audit Director
Roberts Nathan Welcomes New Audit Director Roberts Nathan is Ireland’s leading audit, tax and advisory service provider for SMEs and entrepreneurs. Roberts Nathan has announced Eilish Haughton as a key senior appointment as Audit Director. She will provide and oversee audit and advisory services for entrepreneurial led and SME companies in Ireland and the UK. Eilish is an
Tuesday, December 01, 2020
Policy Deficit Holds Back National Energy Diversity
A significant renewable energy report launched today by Cork Chamber and the Centre for Cooperative Studies at UCC highlights a significant deficit in policy and fiscal support for anaerobic digestion, a technology that converts waste products from food, agriculture, wastewater treatment and other sources into biomethane, a fuel source that can form a key element in Ireland’s efforts to reduce GHG emissions. Speaking at the launch of the report Thomas Mc Hugh, Director of Public Affairs at Cork Chamber
Friday, November 20, 2020
35 Years on and Cork Tech company continues its €750,000 expansion despite Covid-19 National Business Machines’ expansion and 5 new appointments paves the way for a positive end to 2020
National Business Machines (NBM), headquartered in Cork and celebrating its 35th year in business, last year announced a €750,000 investment and expansion of their business, largely focussed on infrastructure and personnel. This year, they are seeing the fruits of their labour, adapting to, and overcoming the challenges of Covid-19 head on, with a can-do and flexible attitude to conducting their day-to-day operations. This approach, coupled with the promotion of a new Sales Director, Don
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
Visual stimulation for nurseries: launch of an Interior Design business, Little Angels' Neurodesign, in Cork
A new business with a unique concept was launched in Cork during the pandemic. This Interior Design business, called Little Angels’ Neurodesign, is specialized in a new kind of babies’ rooms. Their designs are, indeed, all based on one thing: giving visual stimulation for babies to reach their highest potential and development. To achieve this, they use visual stimulation along with scientific data. Everything you’ll find done by Little Angels’ Neurodesign is for parents and parents-to-be to have a
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
City Docklands Delivery Office Significant for Cork
Major Government Funding and Policy Measures Required to Deliver Speaking today, Paula Cogan, Cork Chamber President said, “The decision taken by Cork City Council and the Land Development Agency to establish a Cork City Docklands Delivery Office, to accelerate the redevelopment of some 146 hectares of Cork’s prime waterfront location is essential to delivery." "However, significant Government funding must now be allocated via the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) to enable sustainable
Monday, November 02, 2020
Cork Chamber Welcomes Pfizer Investment
Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber said: “It is very welcome news that Pfizer plans to invest €300million into its Irish operations. The pharmaceutical manufacturer has had a site in Cork since 1969 and is a key investor and employer in the region." "Pfizer is an important player in enriching the pharmaceutical cluster in Cork, and great credit is due to the management and entire Pfizer team for securing the investment for the construction of a development facility on the Ringaskiddy site to manufacture
Thursday, October 29, 2020
Further Blow to Regional Connectivity
Speaking following the announcement that Ryanair is to cut its remaining Cork routes, Chamber President Paula Cogan said, “The announcement by Ryanair to close its remaining routes will have a deep impact for tourism, hospitality, arts and aviation in the region. Once a route or airline is gone, there is little short-term prospect of its return and this reality is one that will have direct consequences for many struggling businesses.” “As ever, a firm commitment to EU travel standards and most
Friday, October 23, 2020
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD Addresses Cork Chamber Members
At Thursday morning’s Cork Chamber Business Breakfast in partnership with Ronan Daly Jermyn and media partner the Irish Examiner, An Taoiseach addressed the most significant issues that define the environment in which business operates. Chamber President Paula Cogan spoke of An Taoiseach’s vision for Cork: “In particular, by setting out his vision for the future of Cork and Ireland, An Taoiseach strongly emphasised his belief in providing a better environment for young people to grow up in, to climate
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Business Confidence Dips in Q3
Business confidence dips to 68% in Q3 from 73% in Q251% of businesses experienced a decrease in turnover over the last quarter21% of responding businesses report that >90% of employees are working from homeAUDIO CLIP: Paula Cogan, President of Cork Chamber, Listen and download <Business Confidence Comment here> or <Business Turnover Comment here>The third economic trends report of 2020 captures the sentiment of the Cork business community in the transition from the initial shock waves of the Covid-19
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
Back in the Deep End: Business Restrictions Resume
Conor Healy CEO of Cork Chamber said, “The renewal of restrictions, bringing us to what we now know as level 5, will be mentally and financially tough for people and businesses throughout Cork but are necessary if we are to resume activity in the run up to Christmas.” “The increase to the value of the Wage Subsidy Scheme is very welcome. There must also be absolute urgency in the deployment of business supports and in particular the new Covid Restrictions Support Scheme which is now needed less than a
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
City Businesses Grappling with Another Damaging Flood
Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO, speaking in the wake of today’s flooding, said; “We cannot go on allowing our best approach to be based on luck. We are once again grappling with the devastating effects of spring tides, wind and rain on our City centre, and at a time when businesses are already under incredible stress and pressure with Level 5 Covid restrictions coming into play. Had the Morrisons Island flood defences been in place, today’s flooding would not have occurred, as opposed to our current
Thursday, October 15, 2020
Ryanair Withdrawal will have Grave Implications
Speaking this morning, Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO said, “The announcement by Ryanair today that it is to close its Cork base puts Cork Airport on the ropes and will be devastating for the staff impacted directly and indirectly. The gravity of the pandemic is displayed once again. This announcement is hugely damaging for regional and national connectivity and raises very real concerns regarding the ability of Cork Airport to avoid closure without further direct financial support from government in
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Cork Chamber Welcomes the Go-Ahead on Dunkettle Interchange Project
The final investment decision for Dunkettle Interchange works has been welcomed by Cork Chamber. Seen as a pivotal project for the city and region, the Dunkettle Interchange carries 100,000 vehicles per day, connecting the major arteries of the M8 to the north, N25 to the east through to the ring road and city centre. Speaking following the announcement Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber said“This final investment decision is of national significance and is also a catalyst that will help set the Cork
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Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Ambitious and Thorough: Infrastructure and Business Support
Speaking on Budget Day October 13th 2020, Chamber President Paula Cogan said, “The Government must be commended for producing an ambitious and thorough budget for 2021. As we normalise our experience of this pandemic, and as we prepare to encounter the challenges of Brexit first hand, it is clear that this and the next few budgets and the management of our national finances thereafter will define the prospects of a generation.”Infrastructure “The commitment to an increase of almost €2 billion in
Friday, October 09, 2020
Celebrating Digital Marketing Titans in Cork!
Cork Chamber Announces the Winners of the Cork Digital Marketing Awards 2020 On Friday October 09th, Cork Chamber awarded the winners of the hotly contested Cork Digital Marketing Awards 2020. In a zoom full of Cork’s inspiring digital titans, the awards, presented by Sinéad Kennedy, recognised the responsive, strategic and creative approaches that businesses are bringing to all digital platforms. Commenting on the awards which recognised all facets of digital marketing Best in Content Creation, Best
Monday, October 05, 2020
Business community calls for immediate clarification on potential new restrictions - evolved strateg
Following a meeting of Chambers Chief Executives this morning, Chambers Ireland expresses concern at new advice from the National Public Health Emergency Team that the entire country should move to Level 5. Chambers Ireland Chief Executive Ian Talbot said, “This latest announcement will come as a shock to businesses and local economies throughout the country, who have been doing their best to adjust to the new reality of living alongside the threat of Covid-19. Our members have many questions regarding
Monday, October 05, 2020
Government Must Help Businesses Plan Ahead
All of society effort required to return to level 2Extension of EWSS and business supports essentialCounter-cyclical spend on infrastructure a necessityCommenting on Government’s announcement that level 3 restrictions are to be implemented nationwide Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber said: “While not surprising, it is nonetheless challenging for business and society to move to level 3 restrictions.” “The impact of these tighter restrictions will be immensely challenging for those operating in food &
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
Infrastructure, Business Support and Tax Measures Will Secure Recovery
Speaking at the launch of the Cork Chamber Budget 2021 Submission, Chamber President Paula Cogan said, “Budget 2021 must be about securing our economic resilience with infrastructural investment, finessing the pandemic supports and tax measures critical to normalising the economy and State finances.” “To provide continuity to construction and to move beyond the legacy of the last recession, significant moves must be made to drive on and accelerate key projects such as the Cork Metropolitan Area
Thursday, September 24, 2020
Flood Defence Progress Essential to Resilience of City Centre
Speaking following a meeting with Patrick O’Donovan TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Office of Public Works, where flood defence was discussed, Chamber President Paula Cogan said, "We are pleased that Minister O Donovan continues to offer the strongest of Governmental support to the Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme." “The flood relief scheme for the City will see over 3 km of our historic masonry quay wall cleaned, repointed and restored, along with new plazas, river access,
Thursday, September 24, 2020
Government Plan for Aviation Required Immediately
Speaking in relation to the real possibility of airport closure following the fall in passenger numbers of over 90%, the withdrawal of routes and airlines and the threatened Ryanair base closure Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO said: “Government focus on the aviation sector and our airports must rapidly intensify and the Oireachtas Transport committee must convene immediately to understand from the Minister for Transport, government’s plan for the future of Irish aviation and Cork Airport. Without the
Thursday, September 17, 2020
Medium Term Plan Welcome but Greater Clarity Needed for Aviation
Speaking following today’s publication of the Plan for Living with COVID-19, Conor Healy, Chamber CEO said, “This Plan is a helpful step that will hopefully influence continued conscientious behaviour throughout the community, with clear indicators of how we fare that are easily communicated and understood.” “However it is absolutely essential that Government commits to a clear pathway for aviation and tourism, which are so deeply intertwined, without any further delay. Capital expenditure, route
Thursday, September 10, 2020
Brexit Preparedness Must be a Priority for Business
The deadline to allow ratification of a Brexit Trade Deal is due at the EU Council meeting next month. All signs indicate that the UK is likely to leave the transition without a deal in place. And while many are rightly focused on sustaining operations through the turbulence caused by Covid-19, Cork Chamber urges businesses in the region to review and prepare their operations for the end of the Transition Period on 31 December 2020. Welcoming the publication of the latest Brexit Readiness Action Plan
Wednesday, September 09, 2020
Significant Measures Needed to Secure Cork Airports Future
Commenting on the future outlook for air connectivity Conor Healy, Cork Chamber CEO said: “Cork Airport has grown over 30% in passenger numbers from 2015 to 2019 and has been consistently the fastest growing airport in Ireland. However the numbers for 2020 continue to fall dramatically below the previously forecast growth due to the ongoing pandemic.” “To ensure that the airport continues to deliver as a strategic infrastructural asset and regional economic driver, significant marketing supports
Tuesday, September 08, 2020
Dunkettle Interchange Pivotal to Regional Competitiveness
Speaking today Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber said, “The time to deliver the Dunkettle Interchange is now and it is essential that a final investment decision made without delay. Following a frustrating setback 12 months ago when the project was retendered, the time is right to now take this investment forward and enable the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy. The project will provide countercyclical support for our construction sector and is essential for the region’s long-term
Saturday, August 08, 2020
Cork's Light Rail - Chamber Welcomes Appointment of Engineering Firm
Thomas McHugh, Director of Public Affairs commented:“The introduction of light rail has the potential to be transformative for our city region. It will bring a new level of connectivity to the Cork metropolitan area, opening up fresh opportunities for how people live, work and play in the city.The appointment of Jacob’s Engineering for the early stages of the light rail project is an encouraging step towards seeing CMATS become a reality.Light rail is arguably the flagship of CMATS, however it is essential
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
Looking Forward with Confidence, Cork Chamber AGM
Cork Chamber of Commerce held its AGM on July 27th. As a largely virtual event on this occasion it was a sign of the times but the focus was steadfastly on looking forward with confidence.The AGM saw the re-election of Paula Cogan, Doyle Collection as President and the election and announcement of new officers, Ronan Murray of Deloitte as Vice President; Thia Hennessy, Cork University Business School as Honorary Secretary and Gerard O’ Donovan, CIT as Honorary Treasurer. In addition, five new board members
Friday, July 24, 2020
.Quality of Life Infrastructure Will Define Future of Cork Business
Despite confidence in the Irish economy resting at 48% among members of the business community, and notwithstanding the pandemic, Brexit and climate change, sentiment remains high and businesses remain resolutely focused on a positive future for Cork says a major report launched today by Cork Chamber of Commerce. Almost 1,000 people engaged in a series of sectoral think tanks and an open survey to identify the best route to a resilient and sustainable recovery for Cork. Each discussion was guided by the
Thursday, July 16, 2020
July Stimulus will be the Make or Break for many Businesses
Businesses in Cork have resoundingly called for an approach to Covid-19 business supports that is more tailored to fit the differing needs of business sectors. 92% of businesses surveyed by Cork Chamber reported that a more tailored approach to Covid-19 business supports is now needed. Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber said:“Initial Government swift responses to the Covid-19 restrictions on society and business were very welcome. The enhanced Illness Benefit, Pandemic Unemployment Payment and The Wage
Friday, March 06, 2020
New digital platform – WeSwitchU.ie – selected for Google ‘Adopt a Startup’ programme:
March 2020: A new and innovative digital platform – WeSwitchU.ie – is set to make waves with energy users in Ireland. Promising to take the stress and hassle out of switching energy providers, the company assists residential customers to engage with the energy market, reducing their energy bills and carbon footprint each year. Despite launching just weeks ago, the website, which is owned and operated by Limerick native Brendan Halpin, has already been making strides in the Irish business world. The
