ebulletin 21st October

EVENTS

Don't Wait for the Pendulum: Making Inclusion a Cork Business Decision
Wed 4th Nov | 12.30pm-2pm | The Address Hotel

Join Cork Chamber and SECAD for a practical, honest lunchtime event on inclusive hiring in Cork.

Hear from Cork employers who have engaged with WorkAbility Cork, the setbacks, the successes and the innovations. Inclusive hiring is a business decision, not a trend and this event will show you what it actually looks like.

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Build practical AI skills with OpenAI Academy | Cork
Fri 13th Nov | 9am-1pm

Join us for this interactive workshop designed to help SMEs explore practical and responsible ways to use ChatGPT to support real business outcomes.

Get guided instruction on using AI effectively, practice new skills through hands-on exercises and learn from peers facing the same challenges and opportunities as your business.

Cork Chamber Dublin Dinner
Tues 24th Nov | 7pm-11pm | Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin

Join over 650 business leaders, policy makers and key stakeholders as we celebrate the collaboration driving growth and innovation across Ireland's two largest city regions. This year's guest of honour and keynote speaker is Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD.

Cork Chamber will also present the Outstanding Contribution to Business award to Gerry Wycherley, recognising five decades of entrepreneurship and commitment to Cork, from Marina Commercial Park and Cork Airport Business Park to tourism enterprise in West Cork and housing solutions for people at risk of homelessness.

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Christmas Lunch 2026
Fri 11th Dec | 12pm-3.30pm | Maryborough Hotel & Spa

Join us for afternoon of great company, entertainment, raffle prizes and festive cheer, making it the perfect occasion to entertain clients, colleagues and your team as we toast to the season ahead.

This year we will welcome one of Ireland's best loved stand-up comedians, Neil Delamere, to keep the laughs flowing. Known for his lightning fast wit and razor sharp timing, Neil is a regular on BBC's The Blame Game and has appeared on Live at the Apollo, QI, The Chase and Richard Osman's House of Games.

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INTERNATIONAL

Cork Financial Services Forum: Annual Summit 2026
Fri 6th Nov | 8.30am - 10.30am | Clayton Hotel Cork City

Join Cork Chamber and the Cork Financial Services Forum for the Annual Summit 2026, a flagship gathering of financial services leaders and industry experts from across Ireland.

Featuring an opening keynote address from Robert Troy TD, Minister of State at the Department of Finance, the summit promises a morning of thought-provoking discussions, industry insights and valuable networking opportunities.

A must-attend event for established and emerging leaders in the financial services sector.

Beyond Borders
Unlocking Europe with the Enterprise Europe Network

With Ireland holding the Presidency of the Council of the EU, the Single Market is firmly in focus, and 78% of businesses in our latest Economic Trends survey say EU membership has benefited them. The Enterprise Europe Network, delivered through Cork Chamber, offers free, tailored support across 50+ countries to help you find partners, access EU funding and navigate European rules. The opportunity is on our doorstep, and we are here to help you make the most of it.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2026

Cork County Council is inviting Expressions of Interest for projects that will make the County’s towns and villages more attractive and sustainable.

The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is open to towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000. However, towns with a population of up to 15,000 may be considered where a high-quality application is received. Grant funding for projects will range from €50,000 to €500,000 under the main scheme for the 2026 Town and Village Scheme. The deadline for applications is Friday, 13th November.

Public Consultations

As the voice of business in Cork, we welcome feedback from you, our members, to help inform our public consultation submissions.

To help shape our responses to the following, please contact Aoife, amoriarty@corkchamber.ie:

Consultation	Closing Date
European Commission: Trade instrument 'Diversify EU' to help diversification and economic resilience	27th October
European Commission: VAT and circular economy proposal	4th November
EirGrid: Draft 2027 Stakeholder Engagement Plan	11th November

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

AI for Business Success
Member Price €75

Thurs 29th Oct | 10am–12.30pm | 2 online sessions

This hands-on training session will equip participants with the skills to leverage ChatGPT and cutting-edge AI tools to streamline business workflows, create professional communications, support strategic decision-making, and enhance overall productivity across various business functions.

More details & booking

Creativity & Innovation: Thinking Beyond the To-Do List
Free for members

Tues 10th Nov | 10am – 11.30am | online

In a fast-paced, AI-enabled workplace, it is easy to stay focused on tasks rather than thinking creatively about better ways of working. This webinar explores how professionals can re-engage their own thinking, experience, and insight to generate new ideas and solve problems differently.

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Up to 25% funding available for your in-company training

If you have In-company training scheduled or are looking to explore bespoke training options for your company, please just get in touch to see if we can support. Up to 25% funding available via Cork Chamber Skillnet with programmes delivered in-person or online for maximum flexibility. Contact garrett@corkchamber.ie or call 086 7777737.

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MEMBER ACTIVITY

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New Members
In association with 3B1

A very warm welcome to our new members, who joined us in September.

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Adare Trusted People Partners
Gender Pay Gap Update: Draft Law Published Around New Reporting Requirement

In-scope Organisations should prepare for additional reporting requirements this year as gender pay gap reporting evolves. Changes to gender pay gap reporting are on the horizon for Organisations with 50 Employees or more. The Employment Equality and Institutional Burials (Amendment) Bill 2026 proposes amendments to the Employment Equality Act 1998 that will introduce an additional reporting requirement for Organisations within scope. Alongside their existing obligation to publish gender pay gap results, relevant Organisations will be required to report their information to the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality.

For advice, support, or guidance about employment law compliance, gender pay gap reporting or any HR issues, contact Adare Trusted People Partners by calling 021 486 1420 or emailing info@adarehrm.ie.

Further details can be found here

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