We are delighted to unveil the finalists in the Emerging Category of the Cork Company of the Year Awards 2026. These awards shine a spotlight on the ambition and innovation that define Cork’s business community, celebrating companies that are driving progress and shaping our regional economy.
This year’s Emerging finalists showcase strong entrepreneurial drive, clear vision, adaptability and a commitment to growth. They are building momentum through innovation and thoughtful execution, contributing positively to Cork’s dynamic business landscape.
Thanks to our awards sponsor KPMG and to our media partner The Irish Examiner for their continued support in making the Cork Company of the Year Awards a highlight of Cork’s business calendar.
Watch the finalist videos below and explore their inspiring stories online.
Emerging Category Finalists Cork Company of the Year Awards 2026
Everywhere English
Everywhere English is a language learning platform that helps organisations break down communication barriers, improve health and safety, boost productivity and support stronger employee integration — turning clear communication into a strategic advantage.
SkillsBase
SkillsBase is a Cork-based technology company and provider of field education and AI visual compliance software applications, enabling businesses to improve training, communication and compliance through smart, mobile-first technology.
The Sibly Food Co.
The Sibly Food Co. is a Cork-based food startup supporting busy lives across Ireland, creating delicious, nutrient-packed snacks that are made to make you smile. With a strong emphasis on quality and healthier choices, the brand delivers feel-good food without compromising on taste.
In serenity mode the winter months are truly optimal for a healthy element of both personal and professional looking back, to keep us moving forward and we will explore 321 model, lean six sigma and the Bring-Me-Joy-Scale.
Learn how to prioritise, set, manage, and achieve realistic goals & tasks you set for yourself. Learn how to share information with other users and work more effectively as a group.
Get ready to supercharge your network with this fast paced, high energy session designed to connect you with up to 20 new contacts in a short amount of time.
Speed networking is a more structured form of networking where you have 1 ½ minutes each side to pitch your business, share your story and spark valuable connections at pace. This event is specially valuable for SMEs, offering a practical space to refine your elevator pitch, build genuine new business relationships, gain referrals and strengthen existing connections.
Discover how internal performance translates directly into external reputation, trust and brand credibility.
Speakers will include Mike O’Donnell, VP Enterprise Leader, ERP at BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. & previously Head of BioMarin Ireland, Angela Coholan, Occupational Psychologist & Director, BioThrive, Ultan O’Callaghan, Coaching Psychology Expert, IRFU and MC & Chair Mary Cullen, Founder & Managing Director of Insight HR.
Cork Chamber Annual Dinner is the region’s largest flagship event, bringing together business leaders, policy makers and key stakeholders for an evening of connection, celebration and insight.
On the night you will hear from Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD and Cork native Seán Doyle, Chair and CEO of British Airways. The winners of the 4 categories of the Cork Company of the Year Awards 2026 will also be announced on the night.
This event will be valuable for both indigenous and multinational companies who are looking to start, maintain or grow their R&D activities in Ireland.
You will hear from Mark O’Sullivan, Partner and Head of R&D Incentives, BDO Ireland, who will provide insights and strategies on the R&D Tax Credit and Grant incentives, while also outlining ways to minimise administrative obstacles and risk and maximise efficiency with the end goal being to allow businesses to focus on their R&D.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland is hosting a free online workshop for SMEs to support businesses on their energy efficiency journey. The workshop will focus on developing an energy action plan for business and will take place on Thursday, 15th January, from 2pm to 4pm.
If you have any feedback that can inform the Chamber's submissions to the following public consultations, please contact Aoife, amoriarty@corkchamber.ie:
Have Your Say: Upcoming EU Consultations Now open for your input and feedback
The European Commission has launched three new consultations for your feedback.
This is your opportunity to shape the future legislaltive initiatives, streamline and harmonise administrative processes and reduce the costs for SMEs.
Consultation Name:
Deadline for reply:
Link:
Mutual Recognition principle for goods within the EU Single Market
As we closed off a busy 2025, we wanted to recap on the legislative changes that impacted the Employer obligations this year and reflect on upcoming HR and employment law developments that will impact Irish businesses in 2026. We have summarised recent developments in our 2025 RECAP OF HR & EMPLOYMENT LAW. It also sets out the pending legislative changes for 2026 and highlights the Employer obligations in planning for compliance.
