Heading Title
Approaches to Diversity & Inclusion
 

"In our Q1 2018 trends survey we had asked businesses about their organisational policies and approach to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. In our latest survey, we asked these questions again, two years later. Overall, we see an increase in businesses responding with active policies, at 65% in 2020, up from 57% in 2018. From 2018 to 2020, the greatest increase in policy provision has been to facilitate working from home, employee assistance programmes and health and wellbeing programmes for employees. While challenges remain, it is positive to report the increased focus on this area in businesses, and the increase in activity, policies and supports which are key to ensuring diverse and inclusive workplaces.Paula Cogan, President, Cork Chamber




INTERNATIONAL TRADE / ACCESSING NEW MARKETS

The first economic trends survey of 2020 captures the sentiment of the Cork business community at a time of unprecedented uncertainty due to the Covid-19 pandemic shock. The survey which reports on member experiences during January, February and March asked the thoughts of the business community on their experience of Q1 and the outlook for Q2 2020 on business confidence, the overall operating landscape, skills, threats and opportunities. Of note the data was collected over a two-week period when the pandemic moved swiftly from a concern to a high level threat. The survey also explored the topic of diversity and inclusion in the workplace where we asked the business community their approach in this area.


Heading Title
 

1. COVID-19

 

2. Managing cashflow

 

3. Changing consumer spending / reduced orders

 

Covid-19 received an overwhelming consensus amongst responding businesses. Of interest, Brexit has ranked consistently since 2018 as the number 1 threat to business growth.


Thank You 

 

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

The winner of our Q1 participants prize will be announced with the Q2 results.

 


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There is a marked decrease in business confidence at 54%, down from 93% in Q4 2019.

 

"These are extraordinary times. Through our first economic trends survey of 2020, we see the growing impact across the Cork business community. Of stark contrast with previous quarters, we saw a dramatic decrease in those reporting business confidence to 54% from a previous 93%, the first such dramatic shift of this scale since the survey commenced in 2009. While not surprising, this is incredibly concerning."

 

Paula Cogan,

President, Cork Chamber.



Heading Title


 
16 % of respondents expect employee numbers to increase over the next 12 months, compared to 55% in Q4 2019.
 
The latest quarter also reports 24% of businesses as having open vacancies. In the previous quarter this had been at 39%, while for context 51% of businesses had open vacancies for the same quarter in 2019.
 

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