Chamber Hosts An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD for a Memorable Breakfast
Last week, Cork Chamber was honoured to host An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar T.D. for a members-only breakfast in the redeveloped Paírc Uí Chaoimh at AnTaoiseach’s first engagement in Cork since taking office. Coming just a couple of days after the Budget was announced, AnTaoiseach’s briefing generated huge interest among members and we had almost 400 attendees at the event, a record-breaking number for a Chamber breakfast.
In his welcome, Chamber President Bill O’Connell spoke of the further potential of Cork and the need for investment in our city region for Cork to become home to even more business and people in the future. In front of AnTaoiseach, Ministers, MEPs and distinguished guests, Mr. O'Connell highlighted that Cork could and should be the fulcrum for growth in the Southern region.
We were delighted to hear An Taoiseach subsequently announcing that funding has been secured to commence the planning and design of the long awaited M20 Motorway, which has long been the focus of intense lobbying from Cork Chamber and our colleagues in Limerick Chamber.
Voxpro founders Dan and Linda Kiely to be honoured with ‘Outstanding Achievement in Business Award’
We are delighted to announced that the ‘Outstanding Achievement in Business Award’ for 2017 will be presented to Dan and Linda Kiely, co-founders of the business excellence outsourcing firm Voxpro, at the Cork Chamber Dublin Dinner which takes place on Tuesday 21st November at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin.
Voxpro is one of Cork’s greatest business success stories after growing from just six employees in 2002 to 2,700 in 2017. Voxpro was recently acquired for an estimated $150 million, by Canadian outsourcing firm TELUS International
Don't miss out on this opportunity to build connections, enhance existing business relationships as well as entertain colleagues, clients and prospects and this great event, tickets can be purchased, places are limited so book now to avoid disappointment!
One week left to apply! Cork Company of the Year Awards 2018
Hear from previous winners and finalists about the benefits of being part of Cork Company of the Year Awards. Don't miss out and apply HERE.
Closing date for completed applications is 1pm Thursday 26th October 2017.
Enhancing the Customer Experience through Quality Service in Cork City'
The Cork City Centre Forum, in conjunction with the School of Business, CIT, wish to develop a Customer Focus Strategy in the form of a new 'City Centre Service Charter' that will serve the City into the future as a guide to customer service. By engaging with those who experience the City routinely, we are aspiring to form a valuable charter, guided by values such as integrity, courage, accountability, respect and excellence. As part of this process we would very much welcome your feedback on the accompanying survey
If you are interested in getting involved in this further please register for a seminar entitled ‘Enhancing the Customer Experience through Quality Service in Cork City', on Tuesday 24th October at The Metropole Hotel Cork. Sandra Mathew-Marsh, from Visit Kent in the UK will share her experience as the destination strategist for Visit Kent. Sandra has worked in the tourism industry for over 25 years holding senior non-executive and executive Director roles in the public and private sector. Limited places available. Registration essential HERE
Cork Community Spirit
There was a great show of community spirit and solidarity in Cork, following storm Ophelia and the aftermath. Local authorities, emergency services, utility providers and many of our own member businesses worked together to minimise damage and in the clean up efforts which are still ongoing. On behalf of Cork Chamber we would like to extend our thanks to all of those local heroes.
All those who completed the recently circulated Q3 2017 Cork Chamber Economic Trends Survey were entered into a competition to win dinner for two in Jacobs on the Mall, kindly sponsored by the Economic Bulletin sponsor KPMG. Cork Chamber is delighted to announce Ms. Finola Mallon, General Manager at Jury’s Inn Cork as the winner of this quarter’s prize, and we are sure you will have a fabulous evening. As always, we thank members for participating in completing the quarterly surveys and emphasise the importance in guiding the policy priorities and strategy of the Chamber. All past editions of the Economic Bulletin can be found via this link, with this edition due for publication with the upcoming edition of Chamberlink.
KPMG works with leading businesses from offices in Cork, Dublin, Belfast and Galway to help them achieve their business objectives at home and abroad.
Events
Connections You Can Bank On! November Business After Hours
Cork Chamber is proud to partner with AIB Bank on South Mall for the November Business After Hours Networking Event. 66 South Mall has been home to the Bank since 1867. The Munster & Leinster Bank was founded in 1885 and started to operate with 66 South Mall as its headquarters. By 1908 it became necessary to establish an office to meet the growing demands of Cork’s merchant and business community.
One hundred years on, AIB Bank continues to proudly support the people and businesses of Cork. AIB at 66 South Mall, looks forward to welcoming you to the November Business After Hours event.
One of your last networking chances of 2017, this event will ensure the dedicated networking offering of the "speed networking bell" - ensuring that you meet at least 10 new contacts on the night. Join with your fellow Chamber members for the best networking night in town – you can bank on it!
Innovate 2017, 8th-9th November, NEC Birmingham FREE registration available for Irish companies!
Innovate 2017 is the UK’s leading innovation event and it allows attendees to meet creators, investors and entrepreneurs from all over the world. Hosted by Innovate UK, the event will allow attendees to hear captivating speakers and see game-changing innovations for the first time. Innovate 2017 ticket-holders will also have the opportunity to participate in a free Enterprise Europe Network matchmaking event; allowing attendees to pre-arrange meetings with innovators, research centres, universities and investors from the UK and overseas.
International businesses and research organisations can receive FREE registration to Innovate 2017 (which normally costs GB£199). Register your interest by emailing here and you will receive an international delegate registration form to complete. Contact Eimear for further information.
Subsidised Training
Using Skills Analysis & Learning as a Tool for Business Growth Starts November 7th - €175 for Chamber Members
Businesses will often have a financial plan, a sales plan and perhaps a vision and mission statement as instruments that can guide their activities.
Rarely will they have a Strategic Learning Plan. Each learning area is linked directly to a Business Goal. The aim is to embrace learning as a core business tool that can help a business to achieve its growth objectives.
Data Protection Training – For HR & Line Managers (GDPR) Starts 20th November - 1/2 day seminar - €25 for Chamber Members
This half-day training course will give attendees a solid understanding of data protection law with practical application for the HR function in organisations:
Analyse data protection principles
Understand how data protection practice is evolving under GDPR
Determine the specific data protection considerations for HR practitioners
Understand how GDPR impacts on current HR practices
Identify what changes are required in the HR function to be ready for GDPR
Examine the consequences of non-compliance for employers
Businesses nationwide welcome the launch of Nova Telecom Internet service provider solely dedicated to the needs of businesses - read more
Humanitarian and Charity Founder, Adi Roche, to launch ‘Surprised by Fire’ - read more
Honourary Fellowship bestowed on Chernobyl charity founder Adi Roche - read more
Woolshed Baa & Grill Cork Named the Best Sports Bar in Ireland - read more
Invite to C.I.T. Careers event for SMEs - read more
Chambers Ireland welcomes proposals on removing urban height restrictions - read more
Members Offers
Do business with fellow members
Admirror: 20% discount on Admirror advertising - read more
Spiralli Business Solutions Ltd: 10% off Professional Web Consultancy Services - read more
The Logiskills Group: FREE on-site skills needs analysis - read more
Do business with fellow Cork Chamber members through sharing an offer. Offers can be submitted through the Member Information Centre (MIC) and all current offers are displayed on our website.