Heading Title
Member News
 
Promoting You
Member To Member Support
 
Member Spotlight
Irish Examiner Home Delivery Service and ePaper Subscription
 

In a time of great change, great journalism is the one constant.

 

The Irish Examiner will continue to bring you the news during these difficult and ever-changing times. 

 

We are committed to keeping you up-to-date with breaking news, and uninterrupted rolling digital coverage.

 

Subscribe to the Irish Examiner ePaper and FREE Home Delivery Service.


Promoting You
 

Your Member Account is your direct connection to Cork Chamber and your fellow members.

 

Your membership of Cork Chamber gives you exclusive access to this portal enabling you to share Member News & Supports, Member to Member Offers and Job Vacancies which will be then published on our website and shared in our weekly e-Bulletin. If you need any assistance logging into your account or uploading any content, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with Helena (email here) /021 4530133.

 

We can also assist and guide you if you are interested in learning more about additional profile opportunities for your business or organisation at this time.


Supporting You
Export Team
 

Cork Chamber’s Export Documentation Service is operating in line with best practice, as the Health and Safety of personnel visiting our office and our team is of utmost importance.

 

To maintain service, one of the actions in position is for all courier/delivery personnel to please wait at the front door, until further instructions from a staff member.

 

As always, please follow any updates from official sources for the best way to protect you and your teams. If you would like to discuss your company’s documentation requirements please contact Imelda or Leigh


Informing You
Chamber Welcomes Change of Course to Keep People Working
Further Focus on Government Related Cashflow Measures Essential
 

On March 24th, Government announced measures to introduce scaled funding of up to 70% of salaries, up to a maximum of €38,000 per year, and we welcome this crucial step. 

 

We have been advocating on behalf of members for a move to keep those who can work in work and this step is a positive directional shift for government that is aligned with business thinking. Our recent Chamber survey clearly shows a move from 50% to 60% of respondents predicting staff reductions, layoffs and reduced working hours in the medium term and this may help address the severity of measures taken.


On March 24th, Government announced measures to introduce scaled funding of up to 70% of salaries, up to a maximum of €38,000 per year, and we welcome this crucial step. 

 

We have been advocating on behalf of members for a move to keep those who can work in work and this step is a positive directional shift for government that is aligned with business thinking. Our recent Chamber survey clearly shows a move from 50% to 60% of respondents predicting staff reductions, layoffs and reduced working hours in the medium term and this may help address the severity of measures taken.

 

However, we have consistently spoken of the need for greater measures to ease the totality of cashflow. Cash flow measure such as VAT, PRSI, commercial rates, rent, mortgages and loan repayments all need to effectively be underwritten by government for a minimum of six months as three months will not be sufficient. For example, the current deferral of commercial rates is notionally helpful but does not go far enough.

 

We must also commit now to medium term measures that will help build our recovery. We must keep the National Development Plan projects moving forward to ensure the construction sector remains ready for the challenges of housing and infrastructural delivery as the economy recovers. We cannot afford to let this sector falter like in the last downturn or we will compound societal and economic issues all the more.

 

We are in ongoing contact with local and national government as well as key stakeholders about the impact on every business sector and the solutions that need to be put in place to alleviate the challenges.  It is imperative that government and financial institutions continue to support our business community and that policies are put in place that will ensure employers can maintain operations and support employees in the best way possible. Progress is and will continue to be made.

 

Finally, can I wish you, your families, friends and colleagues the best over the coming period and reassure you of the support of all at the Chamber. In that regard don’t hesitate to contact me on conor@corkchamber.ie or 087 947 1858 at any time.

 

 

Conor Healy, 

CEO Cork Chamber

Upskilling You
HR Guidance for Employers in Challenging Times – Free Webinar
 

Thurs 26 March | 2.30pm-3.45pm

 

This webinar will be important to ensure you understand how to design and communicate reasonable and prudent protocols in the workplace based on up-to-date government and medical advice.


Remote Time & Task Management – Free Webinar
 

Fri 27 March | 11am - 12.30pm

 

Working remotely is challenging and can be difficult to master. This webinar will help you to manage your time and lead your team by example.


Connecting You
Maximise Your Membership
Virtual Event
 

Wed 1 April | 10am - 10.30am 

 

Sharing information, being informed and staying connected has never been more important!

 

Cork Chamber are running our first “Maximise Your Membership” virtual event where we will outline how to get the most value from your Chamber membership, particularly in the coming weeks as we focus on practical tips on how to use the Members Information Centre, maximise your visibility and access the wider Chamber membership base.

 

Limited spaces are still available for next Wednesday’s webinar session, so book your place today!


Representing You
Supports for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
 

We are updating our Covid-19 Business Supports on a daily basis to bring you the most up to date resources for your financial, employment and business continuity planning.

 

See the updates on the new Wage Subsidy Scheme, the updates to Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment and additions to Illness Benefits along with relevant links and application forms.

#CorkTogether


Recognising Your Success
Chamber Survey Results
 
  • 70% of businesses have and/or expect reduced revenue and cashflow
  • 50% of businesses are experiencing staffing reductions, layoffs/ reduced working hours
  • 78% approval of the current Government measures #
  • Deferral of VAT & payroll tax was strongly supported at 75%.
  • A full moratorium on rates was supported by 55%.

Thank you to all who participated in our survey. Your views shape our agenda.


Little Island Transport Update
 

To regain a momentary sense of normality, we have positive news in relation to the Part 8 planning application for the pedestrian and cycle route from Bury’s Bridge, Kilcoolishal to Carrigtwohill via Glounthaune. Cork Chamber made a submission on behalf of our business members to this (read here) public consultation closed in February.


To regain a momentary sense of normality, we have positive news in relation to the Part 8 planning application for the pedestrian and cycle route from Bury’s Bridge, Kilcoolishal to Carrigtwohill via Glounthaune. Cork Chamber made a submission on behalf of our business members to this (read here) public consultation closed in February.

 

The Part 8 then went before the full council on the 9th March where it received full planning approval. To read more on this, the Chief Executive's report for the project may be viewed by clicking here

 

In the context of this enhanced connectivity we highlighted that the onward connection from Carrigtwohill to Midleton is instrumental to create a safe cycle and pedestrian corridor from Youghal to Cork. This would be exemplary and without precedent in an Irish context. Such a corridor would bring multiple benefits from increased tourism to improved quality of life for residents, and potential for mid-distance cycle commuting.

 

We also highlighted that onward connectivity to Cobh and Whitegate should also be actively planned for and implemented to maximise the value of our exceptional and unique harbour.

Image from a County Council report.

Cork County Development Plan 2022-2028
 

Cork County Council has started the preparation of a new County Development Plan for the period 2022-2028. Cork Chamber will be making a submission to this consultation. We encourage you to make your own individual submissions, and welcome any feedback to be taken account of in the preparation of the Cork Chamber submission. Please if you can submit any feedback to Cork Chamber no later than the 29 of April to Michelle O'Sullivan here.


Cork County Council has started the preparation of a new County Development Plan for the period 2022-2028. The purpose of the Development Plan is to guide the future development of the county. This plan addresses a range of policy areas across housing and population, to economy and employment to transport and mobility, among others. To review the public consultation document click here.

 

Cork Chamber will be making a submission to this consultation. We encourage you to make your own individual submissions, and welcome any feedback to be taken account of in the preparation of the Cork Chamber submission. Please if you can submit any feedback to Cork Chamber no later than the 29 of April to Michelle O'Sullivan here.

Text4Help.ie
 

Text4Help.ie is a new Irish Communications & Case Management Platform for communities, local authorities and agencies designed to help them effectively manage requests for assistance from people in need during the COVID-19 crisis