INTERNATIONAL TRADE / ACCESSING NEW MARKETS


 

"On Brexit, 38% indicate their businesses will be affected by the increased cost of sourcing products/supplies from the UK post Brexit, or VAT charges, with the issues of customs delays now presenting as particularly challenging. Everything must be done to support businesses affected by Brexit." 

 

Paula Cogan, President, Cork Chamber


INTERNATIONAL TRADE / ACCESSING NEW MARKETS

The final economic trends survey of 2020 captures the sentiment of the Cork business community during October, November and December, a time when we moved into Ireland’s second level 5 lockdown, commencing in October and finishing on December 01, while also the final quarter ahead of concluding the EU-UK transition period. We report on business experiences, the outlook on the first quarter of 2021, and the overall operating landscape in the context of Brexit and Covid. Additionally, the survey explores business resilience and sustainability, and the activities being adopted to address these critical considerations.



Heading Title
 

1. COVID-19

 

2. Changing consumer spending / reduced orders

 

3. Skills availability

 

As with the previous quarter, Covid-19 ranked as the very definitive top threat to business growth. Surprisingly, Brexit did not feature in the top 3 ranking.


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 Q4 participants prize is Don Mullins, Sales Director of National Business Machines Ltd who will receive a €100 Cork Chamber giftcard.


Heading Title


 

“It’s been an incredibly tough 2020 on businesses in the region, and while we’re certainly not there yet, it’s very encouraging to see 83% of businesses reporting confidence, up from 68% in the previous quarter. " Paula Cogan, President Cork Chamber.


Heading Title


For the same quarter in 2019, 55% of respondents expected an increase to employee numbers over the coming 12 months.
 
Finally, 27% of respondents indicated a reduction in employee numbers in Q4 2020, while 24% noted an increase. For context, 36% of respondents in the same quarter in 2019 indicated an increase to employee numbers, with just 7% indicating a reduction.

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