INTERNATIONAL TRADE / ACCESSING NEW MARKETS


 

"Undoubtedly the Covid-19 pandemic has initiated dramatic changes to how we work,with 21% of responding businesses reporting >90% of employees are now working from home. When asked on the expected return date to the office, and taking account that survey responses were gathered over the last two weeks of September and before the current public health guidance advise, 19% reported that employees were at that stage returning to the office with more returning in the coming 2-3 months, however 18% expected this return from January 2021 onwards." 

 

Paula Cogan, President, Cork Chamber


INTERNATIONAL TRADE / ACCESSING NEW MARKETS

 

The third economic trends survey of 2020 captured the sentiment of the Cork business community as we transitioned from the initial shock waves of the Covid-19 pandemic to a considerably altered business operating landscape across the region and country. In our latest economic trends we report on business experiences during July, August and September, and the outlook for the fourth and final quarter of 2020. We also report on the changes made to work practices as a result of Covid-19, the return to offices, and connectivity across the county to fibre broadband.

 

"Businesses across the county have been under immeasurable stress since the onset of the pandemic. While navigating what is completely uncharted territory, the latest trends reflect the growing concern of the business community as they seek-out a degree of certainty" Paula Cogan, President Cork Chamber.


Heading Title
 

1. COVID-19

 

2. Changing consumer spending / reduced orders

 

3. Brexit

 

Unsurprisingly, and reflecting the responses of Q1 and Q2, Covid-19 remains the number 1 threat to business growth, with the re-emergence of Brexit, which last featured on this list in Q4 2019.


Thank You 

 

Our thanks to everyone taking the time to complete this survey. Your feedback helps us build a more resilient economy for Cork.  The winner of our Q2 participants prize is Ciara Crossan, CEO, Wedding Dates who will receive a €150 Cork Chamber giftcard.


Heading Title


The latest survey reports a downturn in the percentage of businesses reporting confidence to 68%, from 73% in Q2 2020.

 

For context, business confidence had been at 93% at the close of 2019.


Heading Title


 
In Q3 36% of businesses reported a decrease to employee numbers 
 
There has been a decrease to 22% in businesses expecting to reduce employee numbers in the 12 months ahead, from 33% in Q2. We report an increase in businesses reporting open vacancies to 32%, from 17% in Q2.
 

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