In this issue we feature the Cork Company of the Year Awards and our Annual Dinner, which is the region's largest business, social and networking event.

We bring you news from members, who's on the move and feature articles.

Keep up to date on upcoming training and networking events and lots more... happy reading! 

To discuss advertising options for your business contact Annie

Reduce your costs by being able to provide your own in-house training.

This 4-day, QQI level 6 course, will provide you with the tools and techniques to effectively deliver, assess, and evaluate your training programmes.

You will gain practical experience and upon completion of the course you will receive certification as a trainer.

This interactive presentation skills training course on Thursday 21^st February, 2019, will give you the skills, knowledge and tools to plan, design and deliver effective, memorable presentations.

It will enable you to deliver presentations fearlessly and give you the confidence to stand before an audience.

• Joseph Mackey Architects- Free Consultation
• Team Challenge Process Company- Brexit and Beyond Masterclass

All offers can be submitted through the Member's Area of our website.

• Version 1 Opens New Munster Headquarters in Cork and Announces 40 Specialist IT Jobs
• Affidea Announces 10% New Account Discount for Express Care Minor Injuries & Illnesses Walk-in clinic in the Elysian

Bibby Financial Services Ireland appoints Stephen McCarthy as Head of Sales for Munster

• Oxfam Ireland: Fashion Relief with Lorraine Keane 17th February
• The Triskel Arts Centre: Quartets Spring Series 16th February- 9th March
• Republic of Work: Lunchtime Learning: Connecting Culture, Strategy & People for Business or Start-up Success 19th February
• Grant Thorthon: Funding For Growth 21st February
• European Commission: Citizens' Dialouge Cork, Brexit & Europe, Where are we Headed? 21st of February
• The Metropole Hotel: Dress For Success Fashion Show March 1st 
• Clayton Hotel Sliversprings: Cork arc Spring Ball in association with Sunshine and Umbrellas March 1st 
• National Recruitment Federation: NRF Conference 14th March 
• Cork Opera House: Cara- A Celebration 14th April

Whether playing a leadership role within your organisation or interacting with your customers, your 'performance' is key to a successful outcome.

The Everyman and Real Learning are collaborating to bring an inspiring and innovative Business Skills Training & Development Programme to the Everyman stage.

Using stage techniques and theatre skills, this programme promises to increase you and your staff’s impact, confidence and effectiveness.

Date: Thursday  14^th February

Time: 7.30am – 9am

Where: Clayton Hotel, Cork City

Cost: €18.19 (Discounted to celebrate our 200th anniversary)

Just a few spaces remaining for our first Business Breakfast of 2019 where you will hear from keynote speaker Deirdre Mortell, CEO of Social Innovation Fund Ireland (SIFI) and panelists John Kearney, CEO Irish Community Rapid Response, Michael Kelly, CEO GIY and Michael Mulhall, Director DPS Group who will discuss how we use innovation to create sustainable solutions for critical social issues throughout Cork. 

In association with The Irish Examiner

Date: Tuesday 12^th March   

Time: 12.00pm – 1.30pm

Venue: Glandore, City Quarter, Lapps Quay, Cork

We are delighted to be hosting our first Networking at Noon event of 2019 in Glandore’s New Cork Office Space on Tuesday 12^th March.

Set in the heart of Cork’s central business district, Glandore’s newest workspace has fully-fitted, flexible workspace for the companies and individuals.

Take a break from your desk and make some new connections while checking out the social, meeting and event space on offer at City Quarter.

The following is an progress update on the Dunkettle Interchange Project and other roadworks projects, ongoing and upcoming, in the Cork area.

Predictably we report a decrease in confidence reported by businesses from 96% in Q3 to 92% in Q4.

In the context of the heightening uncertainty with our closest trade neighbour this is of little surprise. With the March 29th exit on the horizon and with the prospect of a no deal being elevated as a real possibility, business is cautious and rightly so.

Though consistently at the higher end of the scale, Cork business sentiment is overall in a very healthy position

Business Confidence

Respondents Reported the Following Reviews of Business Operations

Does your company use and supply chemicals? Do you use or supply machinery? Do you know the impact of Brexit on your business?

Understand the possible impact of Brexit on the use and supply chemicals and the issues that may arise in relation to supply and use of machinery and other products at this upcoming seminar. The speakers are experienced Health and Safety Authority and Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine inspectors.

Free of charge but space is limited.

VAT Deferral

The Government has approved proposals by Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe to allow companies postpone paying VAT on goods brought in from Britain. 

Exporting to the UK

If you will be shipping products to the UK after March 29th Cork Chamber Export Documentation Service can assist you.