Investment in Housing & Capital Projects Welcome - Dramatic Intervention in Hospitality a Serious Concern
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Cork Chamber broadly welcomed yesterday's budget containing important measures advocated by the Chamber to improve Cork and Ireland as a place to work and do business. That said, it also adds significant costs to business, particularly the hospitality sector – Ireland’s largest indigenous industry - which will be hit by €500m in additional taxes and a minimum wage hike under Government’s 2019 budget.
Chamber priorities responded to by Government include:
- Increased spend on housing of €470 million to a total of €2.3billion
- €1.4 billion increase and renewed commitment to capital projects brings spend to €7.3bilion
- Build up of a Rainy Day Fund
- Improved Brexit package for SME’s
- Raising the entry point to the higher rate of tax to reduce Ireland’s high marginal tax rates
- Increasing the earned income credit for self-employed people
- Widening access to subsidised childcare for working families
- Additional funding for third level education
- Improved KEEP and EIIS Scheme
Speaking on Chamber priorities in today’s announcements, Director of Public Affairs Thomas Mc Hugh said,
Cork Chamber Priority 1: Housing
“Representing the business community of Irelands fastest growing City region, we are pleased to see this Budget respond, in a responsible way, to the priorities of our members. The €2.4 billion spend to accelerated provision of housing is a step critical to help address both affordability and supply and will complement the recent launch of the Land Development Agency. That said, it is disappointing that further measures to specifically stimulate the development of rental and high density living in our City regions has not been called out today. The proof will now be in the delivery.”
Cork Chamber Priority 2: Capital Investment
“Ongoing commitment to capital projects continues to build on the momentum of Ireland 2040 and the Capital Plan and the €1.4 billion additional spend for schools, universities, public transport and other essential infrastructure will help address the current deficit. It is essential that Ireland 2040 is robustly supported through an all of Government approach. Today we saw the Dunkettle Interchange and Port of Cork being listed as an example of projects that are critical not only to Cork but to the State.”
Cork Chamber Priority 3: Tax Reform & Schemes
“The move to increase VAT for hospitality all the way to 13.5% in unnecessarily dramatic at a time when our cost competitiveness for British visitors who represent 40% of our tourism is particularly challenged by Brexit related factors. While we must certainly reign in temporary measures over time we must not do so in a way that causes sectoral concern. It is essential that the announced measures taken to increase marketing are robustly implemented to ensure the sector which employs 240,000 people retains its strength.”
“There are some further positives, looking at the increase in widening affordable childcare for working families will make returning to the workforce more attractive for many parents and make Ireland a better place to live and work. Reform of the KEEP scheme to help SME’s retain key staff is a much-needed improvement that will make the programme more attractive.”
Cork Chamber Priority 4: Macro
“The commitment to a balanced budget in 2020 is encouraging. It is essential that we do not stimulate the boom to bust model that has characterised our recent history. We must be countercyclical yet practical in our budgets and not become reliant on windfall corporate tax receipts. The rainy day fund is a critical part of this story, setting aside €1.5bn to be built upon by a further €500million in 2019 is an essential move, both psychologically and in practical terms.”
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Enhancing Your Environment
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Make your Business Age Friendly & Watch It Grow
It’s easy to make your business age friendly. Most age friendly practices are low or zero cost and can make a big difference for your customer experience and business profile, and are ultimately better for business.
Age Friendly Business training has been scheduled across the County in 4 locations:
- Cobh 16th October
- Mitchelstown 24th October
- Bandon 7th November
- Kinsale 21st November
For more information & to book a place see the attached brochure here
Cork Chamber are members of the Cork Age Friendly County Programme stakeholder group.
Department of Business, Enterprise & Innovation
Brexit Preparedness Notices
In the event of no agreement being reached between the EU and the UK in the Brexit negotiations, the European Commission has prepared a list of notices to help businesses prepare across various business areas and are available to view on the Commission’s website: European Commission Brexit Preparedness
The Department of Business, Enterprise & Innovation (DBEI) is encouraging firms to review these notices and consider relevant actions that may be required in terms of Brexit.
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People and Performance Management
October 18th - €150 for Chamber members
Managing teams effectively requires managers to drive themselves and their teams’ performances.
A truly effective team will be one that is better managed through better planning and better communication.
The successful team will also benefit from playing to the strengths of individual members, whilst contributing to overall achievement.
Project Management Professional
Project Management Professional
The Project Management course is designed to be practical and help people apply the knowledge to the workplace. The course uses PMBOK Guide Version 6 as its reference and so helps prepare people for PMI certification.
The trainers are expert on multiple project management systems so if a specific company has questions on practical application of theory they are able to answer and give examples of how these systems are used in real life.
A soft copy of tools and PMBOK-compliant templates that participants can take away and use when they are back in the workplace are provided.
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Latest Member Offers
All offers can be submitted through the Member's Area of our website.
Member News
Don't forget to share your news with us through the Members Area!
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Support Cope Foundation at an ‘Evening with Junge Sinfonie Köln’
Wednesday 17th October
When: Wednesday 17th October
Where: Concert Hall, City Hall
Price: From €22
Time: 7.30pm
Junge Sinfonie Köln (75 piece orchestra) will perform a special concert in aid of Cope Foundation on Wednesday 17th October 2018. For full performance details and to purchase tickets along with special VIP tickets click here
Corporate and group packages also available – Call Caoimhe on 021-4643220 for further details.
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Women in Leadership Executive Lunch
In association with Network Cork
Friday 12th October
12pm – 3pm
Clayton Hotel Cork City
€49 Cork Chamber/Network Cork members
€59 non members
Cork Chamber is delighted to partner once again with Network Cork, in order to host the popular annual Women in Leadership Executive Lunch.
This year we are honoured to welcome Brid Horan, co-founder of the 30% Club, former Deputy CEO of ESB and current Co-Chair of Better Balance for Better Business, as the key note speaker.
Clock out and Connect
Johnson & Perrott Bishopstown
Date: Tuesday 16th October
Time: 5.30pm – 7pm
Where: Johnson & Perrott Motor Group, Bandon Road Roundabout
Cost: Free for members
Cork Chamber is delighted to partner with Johnson & Perrott Motor Group to bring you the October Clock out and Connect networking event on-site at the brand spanking new luxurious showroom in Bishopstown, Co Cork.
This evening networking event affords you the opportunity to network with your fellow Chamber members while you set your sights on a new shiny Jaguar or Land Rover.
Cork Chamber’s Dublin Dinner 2018 in association with EY
Clayton Hotel Burlington Road
Date: Tuesday 20th November
Time: 7pm – 11pm
Where: Clayton Hotel Burlington Road
Cost: €150pp / €1500 per table of 10
Celebrating its eighth year, Cork Chamber’s Dublin Dinner has become a firm diary fixture for over 600 business leaders, political decision makers and influencers and this year we are delighted to announce An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar T.D. as our guest speaker.
From our drinks reception, to the dinner, President’s address, guest speaker and informalities thereafter we guarantee this will be a clear highlight of your year. An opportunity to meet new business leaders, to stoke existing relationships and to entertain colleagues, clients and prospects at our flagship black tie Dublin event.
November Business Breakfast
In association with Irish Examiner
Wednesday, 14th November
7.30am – 9.00am
Fota Island Resort
€25 members / €50 non members
Cork Chamber's November Business Breakfast in association with the Irish Examiner will feature Bob Savage, Dell EMC as the guest speaker.
Approaching nearly thirty years with the company, Bob will share his strategy and vision with us, as well as how he led the Cork site on a transformative journey to become a Centre of Excellence and the future of Dell EMC in Cork.
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Free Parking Promotion to return to North Main Street and Paul Street Car Parks and the Black Ash Park and Ride
From October 8th to November 17th
North Main Street Car Park
Monday – Thursday: From 10:00, free parking applies up to 12 Noon.
Thursday & Friday: From 18:30, free parking applies up to 21:30.
Paul Street Car Park:
Monday – Thursday :From 10:00, free parking applies up to 12 Noon.
Thursday & Friday: From 18:30, free parking applies up to 00:00 (Midnight).
Black Ash Park & Ride
Saturday Only: Free of charge each Saturday from 07:00 – 20:30.
Little Island Transportation Study
Cork Chamber in collaboration with Cork County Council invite you to attend a presentation on the proposals of the Little Island Transportation Study, and specifically on the draft strategy report.
This meeting for Cork Chamber members takes place on Thursday 18th October from 10.30am to 11.30am in the Radisson Hotel, Little Island.
It is essential that you register your availability to attend by return email to Michelle here
As the attendance numbers are limited please register as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Please note we are limited to 1-2 (max) attendees per member business.
The wider public consultation will proceed that evening from 3pm to 8pm, again in the Radisson Blue, Little Island. Pre registration is not essential for public consultation.
The Dunkettle Interchange Project
Archaeological investigation works have been extended to encompass the entire site. The main construction works are still scheduled to get underway early in 2019, with preparatory works in progress:
- The planned upgrade to the Silversprings Interchange commenced on the 1st of October with these works aimed at improving the traffic flow for inbound and outbound traffic. These main sections of this work should be completed before the end of the year.
- The Capacity Improvement Works at the Little Island interchange will go to tender in October, with the aim to appoint a contractor by the end of November 2018. Substantial completion of these works is scheduled for April 2019.
- To view the before and after photomontages of the Dunkettle Interchange please click here.
We urge members to sign up to dedicated projects newsletter via the link here.
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Embracing Digital Seminar
Cork Chamber is delighted to partner with AIB Patrick Street Digital Hub for their next event ''Embracing Digital'' on Thursday 11th October @ 6pm.
Hear about the growing demands of digital and the importance of digital for your business to remain competitive.
Guest speakers include Matt Mooney, Adrienne Rodgers and Aoife Dunne.
To register please email Jennifer Lyons here
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National Women’s Enterprise Day 2018 – From Local to Global
Thursday, 18th October
National Women’s Enterprise Day 2018 will be marked on Thursday 18th October with an event ‘From Local to Global’ at Clayton Hotel Silver Springs, Tivoli, Cork. The event aims to inspire the next generation of female business leaders to boost their local success through export and business internationalisation.
The event hosted by Local Enterprise Offices in association with Enterprise Europe Network will be one of sixteen events around the country on the day to support and recognise the capacity of Ireland’s female entrepreneurs.
Click for more information here
Connecting for Growth – Last chance to sign up to Meet the Buyer Event
Both buyers and SME suppliers from the Cork region are invited to participate on 7th November in Belfast
This cross-border Meet the Buyer event offers an extensive line-up of buyers with a diverse range of procurement needs from across the island of Ireland. The event organised by the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry will give participants an opportunity to:
• Make a pitch to private sector buyers across a range of sectors
• Network and develop links with each other through speed networking
• Access business advice to support your company’s growth
Both buyers and SME suppliers from the Cork region are invited to participate.
For more information on the event and to view buyers already registered click here
Contact Margaret Kelly here
Food Research and Wellbeing Event
Wednesday 24th October at 6pm
Cork Chamber is delighted to support the upcoming Irish International Business Network (IIBN) and Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) event focusing on food research and wellbeing. The event takes place on Wednesday 24th October at 6pm in The River Lee Hotel, and will feature presentations from Darina Allen, Ireland’s best known cook and author, and Prof Ted Dinan, Principal Investigator at the SFI Research Centre APC Microbiome Ireland in conversation about the relationship between food, the gut and the brain. This conversation will bring together Darina’s knowledge and passion for healthy eating and the Slow Food Movement and Prof Dinan’s scientific insights on how what we eat can play a significant role in our mental wellbeing.
For more information please contact Katherine Fitzpatrick here
Would you like to serve on a state Board
The public appointments service aims to provide an open efficient and effective gateway and process to identify top quality people for consideration by Ministers for appointment to state boards.
Find out more at the next state board event which will be held in Crawford Art Gallery on Thursday 25th October from 6-8pm
To register please email here
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