Two thirds (67%) of Munster SMEs say Budget 2026 fails to tackle rising costs while access to finance and cashflow pressures are also hindering growth
New research from Bibby Financial Services finds 83% of Munster SMEs remain optimistic for 2026 despite cost challenges and tighter conditions 67% of Munster SMEs expect to increase prices for customers as a result of Budget 2026 9 in 10 Munster SMEs express concerns over pension auto-enrolment, with 52% expecting to absorb the costs involved Over a quarter of SMEs lack the cashflow to scale or invest, while those with cashflow are three times more likely to expect growth Almost half (47%) of
Local doctors and specialists come together in Cork to support faster orthopaedic patient care
Local GPs and orthopaedic specialists gathered at Mater Private Network Cork recently for a practical education evening focused on helping patients across Munster get quicker diagnosis, clearer treatment plans, and faster recovery from joint and musculoskeletal problems.Held at the Mater Private’s Orthopaedic & Spine Centre in Mahon, the event was attended by healthcare professionals from across the region. The aim was to strengthen collaboration between general practice and specialist teams to help
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The Crann Centre launches ''Cupán for Crann'' coffee morning appeal
Who doesn’t love an excuse to get together over a cupán? This March the Crann Centre is calling on local businesses to host their next team coffee morning for Crann. You will be raising vital funds that allow Crann to support it's growing community of more than 900 families living with neuro-physical disabilities like spina bifida, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries and MS in Munster. To host a Cupán for Crann go to https://cranncentre.ie/cupan/
Guaranteed Irish Expands Board and Strengthens Appraisals Advisory Council
Guaranteed Irish Expands Board and Strengthens Appraisals Advisory Council Thursday 12th Feb: Guaranteed Irish is pleased to announce the appointment of new Directors to its Board and Appraisals Advisory Council, further strengthening the organisation’s leadership as it continues to champion trusted businesses across Ireland. Underpinned by strong evidence from 2025 research which shows that 75% of members say that the Guaranteed Irish licence contributed positively to their bottom line. Joanna
Springboard Communications expands senior team after strong year of growth
Springboard Communications, the award-winning independent Irish communications agency, has appointed Mark Harrington as Client Director and Sorcha MacMahon as Senior Client Manager, building on a year of strong performance for the agency. In his new role, Mark will provide strategic counsel across clients, advising organisations on reputation management and leading integrated communications programmes. Sorcha will support the delivery of campaigns, with a focus on media relations and stakeholder
Osborne Appoints Kevin Convey as Managing Director in Newly Created Role
As a result of the significant year on year growth since Shona McManus, Group CEO & Owner took over in 2013, Osborne, the award-winning Irish-owned international Recruitment and Talent Solutions organisation, has announced the appointment of Kevin Convey as its first-ever Managing Director, marking a defining milestone in the company’s evolution and a reflection of the size of the organisation. Commenting on the appointment, Shona McManus, Group CEO & Owner of Osborne, said:“The creation of the Managing
EY Strengthens Regional Presence with Major Cork Office Expansion
Taoiseach Micheál Martin officially opens expanded EY Cork office bringing EY Cork’s footprint to 30,000 square feet EY’s long-term commitment to Cork reinforced with a significant investment in its clients, people and real estate in the region EY has officially opened its newly expanded offices at Lapps Quay in Cork city centre today, increasing its footprint by two thirds to 30,000 square feet. As the largest professional services practice in the region, EY Cork currently employs more than 420 people -
NEW SERVICE LAUNCH: Qualitative Face Fit Testing (Half Face Masks)
Wearing a mask does NOT automatically mean you’re protected. One of the biggest misconceptions in the workplace is the false sense of security that comes from simply putting on a half face mask. If it hasn’t been fit tested, there is no guarantee it’s actually doing its job. A poorly fitting mask allows contaminants to leak in around the seal — meaning the wearer is breathing in exactly what they’re trying to avoid. And sometimes, the most dangerous hazards are the “sweet things in life” Flour dust,
Bibby Financial Services appoints David Greene as Business Development Manager for Munster region
Bibby Financial Services is Ireland’s largest independent provider of financial funding solutions toIrish SMEs. Operating across the island of Ireland for 20 years, the company, on average, facilitates over €1m a week in new funding limits, in addition to the millions in weekly payments to existing clients, to enable a range of scenarios including cashflow funding, growth and expansion, management buy-ins and buy-outs, refinancing, mergers and acquisitions. In his role, David will be working closely
Kearys Leasing - proud motor partners of Cork Chamber Annual Dinner 2026
Kearys Leasing officially launches our new interactive website www.kearysleasing.ie at the Cork Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner. Kearys Leasing is the best option for your car and van leasing requirements - no matter how big or small your business fleet. See this short video We have a dedicated 'meet the team' and 'your questions answered' section on the website, so please look us up and get in touch! Call Kevin Hourihan on (087) 914 0923 or Derek Griffin (087) 038 0840 at Kearys Leasing to discuss
A New Lifesaving Service: AED Defibrillators Now Available from E O'Sullivan Training Solutions
Edwin O'Sullivan Training Solutions, a trusted local provider of health, safety, and first aid training, is proud to announce the launch of a new service: the supply of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to businesses, schools, sports clubs, and community organisations across Cork and nationwide. Sudden cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, at any time. Having a defibrillator (defib) on site dramatically increases survival rates when used quickly and correctly. Recognising this, E O'Sullivan Training
SE Systems Shortlisted for Green Collaboration Award 2026
SE Systems has been shortlisted as a finalist at the Green Awards 2026, receiving recognition in the Green Collaboration Award category for the Douglas Lions House project. The Green Collaboration Award recognises projects delivered through strong partnerships that achieve meaningful environmental and social impact. This nomination highlights the collaborative approach taken by SE Systems and Douglas Lions in delivering a large-scale community energy upgrade project in Cork. Watch Douglas Lions House
SE Systems Announces New Job Openings as Team Continues to Grow
Cork-based energy-efficiency specialist SE Systems has announced a range of new job openings as it continues to expand its operations across Ireland. The roles span engineering, project management, administration, and on-site delivery, reflecting continued growth across SE Systems’ work with homes, communities, businesses, and public bodies nationwide. The recruitment drive supports the growing demand for energy retrofitting, solar PV, and community energy projects as Ireland accelerates progress
The Mercy Foundation appoints Dr Jennifer Hayes to provide psycho-oncology services for patients of ‘The Mercy’
The Mercy Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Jennifer Hayes as consulting clinical psychologist in the Foundation’s Cancer Care Centre on Dyke Parade, Cork City. Embedded within the Department of Clinical Health Psychology at Mercy University Hospital Cork, and as a member of the hospital’s multi-disciplinary oncology teams, Dr Hayes will lead the development and delivery of the psycho-oncology service. She will support patients with a cancer diagnosis undergoing treatment along with
Cork English College is looking for New Host Families
For nearly 50 years, Cork English College has worked closely with host families across Cork City, building trusted relationships that are central to the college’s success. As a family-run organisation, CEC places strong emphasis on personal support, clear communication and flexibility for every host household. This Spring we're looking for new host families to join our network and welcome international teenage students into their homes. Earn extra income by hosting students on a short-term basis, give
Fzin Coffee Awarded Multiple European Honours at The Women Changing the World Awards
Fzin Coffee has been awarded multiple honours at The Women Changing the World Awards, a global awards' programme recognising leadership, sustainability, and social impact across business and society. Fzin Coffeecompeted within the European cohort of the awards, alongside organisations and leaders from across the continent. Fzin Coffeereceived Silver in the Business of the Year category, recognising its work in reducing single-use plastic and aluminium waste by replacing traditional coffee pods and
Triskel And Sample-Studios’ Residencies Remain A Critical Support To Artists As The Partners Announce 7 New Artists For 2026
Triskel Arts Centre and Sample-Studios are delighted to announce 7 new artist residencies and exhibitions for Cork City in 2026 in the TRISKEL SAMPLE Project Space. This partnership between Triskel Arts Centre and Sample-Studios, one of Ireland’s largest artist studios, was first established in 2024 with the mission to provide a new city-centre space that offers a developmental opportunity for local visual artists to make and present new work. Since then, it has hosted 44 artists who undertook 12
Griffith College Cork IT Student Work Placement
Calling All Companies: Unlock the Future of IT Talent! Are you ready to empower the next generation of IT professionals while gaining fresh perspectives and innovative ideas for your business? The Computing Science faculty at Griffith College Cork is inviting forward-thinking companies to participate in our IT Student Placement Programme! Placement can commence anytime between January 17th and the beginning of March 2026, for a minimum duration of six months. Whether it’s software development,
Three Ireland Backs Fzin Coffee’s Mission and Next Stage of Growth Through Small Business Grant Award
Fzin Coffee has been selected as one of the winners of the Three Ireland Small Business Grant Award. This program recognises businesses in Ireland that demonstrate a clear purpose, strong foundations, and the potential for growth. The award includes generous financial support and best in class technology solutions to help strengthen operations and scale. Fzin Coffee is leading innovation in the Irish market with TÜV certified 4 Star OK Biobased and Home Compostable coffee pods, along with a wider range
Triskel Arts Centre Announces Ambitious Strategic Plan with €1.2 million Capital Investment Programme
Triskel Arts Centre is embarking on an exciting new chapter as it unveils an ambitious Strategic Plan that sets out a bold vision for the Centre’s future in the lead-up to its 50th Anniversary in 2028. The plan was officially launched on Saturday 1 November at 12 noon by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, T.D. The Strategic Plan outlines a transformative roadmap that includes a €1.2 million Capital Investment Programme and a target to raise an additional €100,000 annually in revenue funding. Together, these
12th annual ‘Make Your Mark on Cancer’ charity walk raises €54,906 for Mercy Cancer Appeal
Over 380 walkers took to the roads from The Viaduct to Bandon on July 13th, for the 12th annual ‘Make Your Mark on Cancer’ charity walk, raising an incredible €54,906 for the Mercy Cancer Appeal. Since the first walk in 2013, the event has raised more than €621,000 to support cancer services at Mercy University Hospital. Rachel Stevenson, CEO of Mercy Hospital Foundation, said: “Cancer touches every family in some way. Events like ‘Make Your Mark on Cancer’ remind us of the power of community and
Fort2Fort Charity Cycle raises €24,152 for Cork causes
At a special presentation at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island on October 15th, organisers of the annual Fort2Fort Charity Cycle announced that €24,152.00 was raised through this year’s event, bringing the total raised since the cycle’s inception in 2012 to almost €429,796.00. The 14th edition of the popular cycle took place on Saturday, June 14th, with 298 cyclists taking on the scenic routes around Cork Harbour. Funds raised have now been distributed to local beneficiaries, including the Mercy
Fzin Coffee Customers Divert Over 100kg of Waste from Irish Landfills
F zin Coffeehas reached an important milestone in its mission to reduce single-use waste, with customers across Ireland collectively preventing over 100 kg of coffee-related waste from entering landfill in 2025 alone. The impact is driven by F zin Coffee’s portfolio of sustainable products, including compostable coffee capsules,palm-oil-free drinking chocolates, and syrups packaged in recyclable glass bottles. Each product is designed to replace traditional single-use plastic or aluminium items, giving
Springboard Communications Named PRII Consultancy Team of the Year
Independent Irish communications agency Springboard Communications has been named Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII) Consultancy Team of the Year at the inaugural PRII Communication Impact Awards. Presented at a gala event at the Conrad Hotel, Dublin, the award recognises the agency’s leadership in purpose-led communications, innovation, and long-term investment in its people and clients. This caps a standout year for the Cork-headquartered agency, which also won PRCA Agency of the Year at the
Fzin Coffee and Musgrave Marketplace Partnership Helps Irish Businesses Reduce Single-Use Waste
Fzin Coffee’s sustainable coffee and beverage ranges are available through Musgrave Marketplace Extended Range, giving more than 50,000 B2B customers nationwide access to certified compostable capsules, sustainably manufactured coffee beans and ground coffee, and eco-friendly beverages. The partnership has positioned Fzin Coffee as a trusted supplier for hotels, cafés, restaurants, and offices that want to reduce single-use waste, from capsules to plastic syrup bottles, without disrupting their existing
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Fzin Coffee has achieved 4-Star OK Biobased certification
Fzin Coffee has achieved 4-Star OK Biobased certification for its Aromatico compostable capsule range, compatible with Nespresso®, L’OR, and De’Longhi® machines. The certification confirms that the capsules are produced from renewable, biobased raw materials and provide a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic and aluminium pods. The OK Biobased 4-Star label is the highest rating available, offering customers independent assurance of the product’s environmental credentials. It reflects Fzin
Fzin Coffee Celebrates International Award for Oro Ground Coffee
Fzin Coffee is proud to share that Oro Ground Coffee, part of its core product lineup, has received the International Coffee Tasting Award 2025 for quality and taste from the International Institute of Coffee Tasters (IIAC) , one of the most prestigious honours in the global coffee industry. The International Coffee Tasting Award is a scientifically structured competition judged by panels of trained sensory experts. Products are evaluated blind using strict scoring criteria, ensuring that only the
Springboard Communications named PRCA Agency of the Year for the second time
Springboard Communications, the independent Irish communications agency, has been named PRCA Agency of the Year at the 2025 Spotlight Awards for Excellence in Communications, held at The Shelbourne, Dublin on 20 June. This marks the second time the agency has received the prestigious national award, having previously won in 2023. The PRCA recognised Springboard Communications for its people-first approach, long-standing client relationships, and commitment to purpose-led growth. Judges also commended the
Mercy University Hospital opens state-of-the-art Seminar, Skills and Simulation Classroom to enhance healthcare training
Mercy University Hospital (MUH), Cork, has opened a state-of-the-art Seminar, Skills and Simulation Classroom within its Centre of Nurse Education. Designed to deliver immersive, realistic training, the new facility aims to transform how healthcare professionals develop clinical and teamwork skills by simulating real-life scenarios in a safe environment. The Seminar, Skills and Simulation Classroom was developed in the Mercy’s Centre of Nurse Education (CNE) complex, led by its Director, Ann Cummins and
Rachel Stevenson appointed as CEO of Mercy Hospital Foundation
The Mercy Hospital Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of Rachel Stevenson as its new Chief Executive Officer. Bringing nearly 30 years of experience in the voluntary sector, Rachel is a highly accomplished senior leader with a deep commitment to driving positive change. Rachel began her career in London and has championed causes across disability, social disadvantage, Black & Minority Ethnic issues, and homelessness. For the past 23 years, she has served as Director of Fundraising at
MTU hosts Simulated Maritime Cyber Attack team exercise in collaboration with the Irish Naval Service and the NMCI.
MTU hosts Simulated Maritime Cyber Attack team exercise in collaboration with the Irish Naval Service and the NMCI. For centuries, Cork has been a safe harbour from storms, rough seas, and pirates. However, in 2024, the concept of a safe harbour has evolved. This was evident on Friday during the MTU Smart Maritime Cybersecurity Challenge, where the focus shifted to defending Ireland’s harbours and ports against cyber threats. The event featured a cyber attack simulation on a virtualised maritime port,
