INTERNATIONAL TRADE / ACCESSING NEW MARKETS


 

Placemaking and Quality of Life Key to Cork’s Success

 

“Quality of life for citizens is a key pillar in developing a successful location for investment and skills. Within this, arts, culture and placemaking are fundamental and in our recent survey we explored this topic further.

 

Across the business community, we received a resounding endorsement of the efforts to enhance the public realm with 92% of respondents confirming that art in public spaces enhances the experience for residents and visitors alike."

 

Paula Cogan

President,

Cork Chamber


INTERNATIONAL TRADE / ACCESSING NEW MARKETS

The final economic trends survey of 2019 reports on member experiences during October, November and December. The survey asked the thoughts of the Cork business community on Q4 2019, and the outlook for Q1 2020 on business confidence, the operating landscape, skills and for their overall economic perspective. Quality of life for citizens is a key pillar in developing a successful location for investment and skills. To this, arts, culture and placemaking are fundamental, and we explored the role of public art and placemaking as part of our recent survey.


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Economic Trends - Q4 2019

1. Brexit

 

2. Skills availability

 

3. Changing consumer spending / reduced orders

 

 “Brexit remains the top ranking threat to business growth across the region.Skills availability has moved up to the second greatest threat to business growth.  

 

Michelle O'Sullivan,

Senior Public Affairs Executive

Cork Chamber.


Thank You 

 

Jim McGrath, Head of Finance, Abbvie Cork, is the survey prize winner this quarter.

The Q4 prize of 100 giftcard from Perry Street is on it's way!

 

Our thanks to everyone taking the time to complete this survey. Your feedback helps us transform Cork and Ireland for the better. 

Previous editions of the Economic Trends are available on www.corkchamber.ie

 


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There is a marked increase in business confidence at 93%, up from 88% in Q3.

 

Through the survey results, we have seen a healthy increase in business confidence with 93% of respondents indicating confidence, up from 88% in Q3. In relation to turnover, 63% of businesses indicated an increase, with 53% expecting turnover to increase in Q1 2020. This is a very positive way for Cork business to enter what is sure to be another successful decade and Ulster Bank is proud to work with SMEs in Cork and right across the country every day.”

 

Pat Horgan,

Head of SME Banking,

Ulster Bank



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55% of respondents expect employee numbers to increase over the next 12 months.
 

While there is a decline in respondents reporting an increase in employee numbers in Q4 at 36%, from 49% in Q3, we do see an increase in responding businesses indicating that employee numbers have stayed the same in Q4, at 57%.

 

With this we see 55% of business also reporting that they expect employee numbers to increase over the next 12 months, at 45% in Q3.


International Women's Day Breakfast
Free Event
 

Fri 8th March | 7:30am–9.00am | The Montenotte Hotel

 

Cork Chamber Skillnet are delighted to partner with Gillian McGrath of Change Grow Succeed to deliver this unique interactive breakfast event. Designed to empower women by identifying 3 ways in which women can re-purpose their thoughts and behaviours to maximise their talents and take the next step in the workplace.

 

The theme of International Women's Day 2019 is #BalanceForBetter and is a call-to-action for driving gender balance across the world. Better Balance means Better Business. 

 

Places are limited, so register early!


Productivity using MS Outlook
Members €175/Non-members €195
 

A course designed to revolutionise your productivity in your everyday work.


March Business Breakfast
Members €25/Non-members €50
 

Thurs 7th March | 7:30am–9.00am | Cork International Hotel

 

Cork Chamber is delighted to host Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director of Cork Airport as the guest speaker, in association with the Irish Examiner.


Networking at Noon at Glandore’s New Office
Free for Cork Chamber Members
 

Tues 12th March | 12.00pm–1.30pm | Glandore, City Quarter, Lapps Quay, Cork

 

Set in the heart of Cork’s central business district, Glandore’s newest workspace is stylish, contemporary and ideally positioned.


Brexit & Business
Special Weekly Series: 3 of 7
 

Brexit and Certificates of Origin

Certificates of Origin for goods arriving in the UK coming from third countries... where to Irish companies stand?

 

Brexit Resources

Information, seminars and contact points to help you be Brexit ready.


Brexit and Certificates of Origin

We are informed that at present UK Customs authorities do not require Certificates of Origin for goods arriving in the UK coming from third countries. Therefore Irish goods arriving in the UK post Brexit/’no-deal’ are not likely to require a Certificate of Origin. However, companies in the UK may request a Certificate of Origin depending on their individual needs (re-exporting etc). If your company exports to the UK we encourage you to register with us now for Export Documentation. 

Be export ready. Discuss your requirements with our Export Documentation Manager, Imelda.

 

Brexit Resources

N40 | Dunkettle | N28 Progress Update
 

Updates on progress of the following road improvements

  • Dunkettle Interchange Project. 
  • Advance Works at Silversprings.
  • Advance Works at Little Island Interchange.
  • N28 Works at Shannonpark, Raffeen Junction.
  • N40 Intelligent Transport System.

Latest Member Offers
 
Upcoming Member Events
 
Member News
 
Pure Cork Industry Day
 

Wednesday 27th February | 0:30am-1:30pm | Vienna Woods Hotel, Glanmire

 

This an open invitation to any businesses involved in tourism in Cork and will include Pure Cork’s plans for 2019.

 

Panel discussions will be chaired by Kevin Cullinane, Head of Communications of Cork Airport.


Build Ourselves & Others
Members €1200/Non-Members €1400
 

Build greater self-confidence, strengthen your people skills and enhance communication skills


Leading High-Performance Teams
Members €685/Non-Members €735
 

This 3-day explores leadership styles central to developing high performance teams. 


No-Deal preparation for Irish Businesses
 

The heightening uncertainty surrounding a Brexit ‘deal’ or ‘no deal’ has regrettably amplified in recent weeks. With the possibility of a no deal becoming more tangible, Chambers Ireland have developed an information factsheet for business to help you navigate this unchartered territory. Read more


Very similar to the last quarter with the only variance being the replacement of cost competitiveness with changing consumer spending/ reduced orders.

  1. Brexit
  2. Managing cashflow
  3. Changing consumer spending/reduced orders