The Q1 survey asked business about their engagement with international policy and trade agreements and whether these are influencers of strategy and decision making, 50% of responding businesses indicated their proactive engagement, with 34% indicating no influence.

“We encourage businesses to increase engagement with EU policy and Trade Agreements especially in light of Brexit. Internationalisation outside of the UK is key and as a nation we are now acutely aware of the benefits to strong and diverse markets. CETA, the EU trade agreement between the EU and Canada is an excellent example of offering cuts in tariffs and making it less cumbersome to export goods and services."

Katherine Fitzpatrick, Director of International Relations

The first economic trends survey of 2019 reports on member experiences during January, February and March. This quarterly survey gathers information across a range of metrics to assess business confidence, the operating landscape, skills and the overall perspectives of business at the commencement of the year. The Q1 survey included a focus on international market diversification and the influence of trade agreements on SME business practices.

1. Brexit

2. Managing cashflow

3. Changing consumer spending/Reduced orders

 “Brexit remains the number one threat to business. We need to prepare for the possibility

of a hard Brexit, even with the talk of further extensions. It is critical that we increase our preparedness and take this as an opportunity to do just that.” 

Katherine Fitzpatrick, Director of International Relations

Thank You 

Ken Matson, Director at 20/20 Window & Glazing Systems is the survey prize winner this Quarter.

The Q1 prize of dinner at Tequila Jack's Mexican Restaurant is on it's way to Ken.

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

Previous editions of the Economic Bulletin are available on www.corkchamber.ie

Q1 reports a rise in business confidence, from 92% in Q4 2018 to an even healthier 96%. This is reflective of the earlier Q3 2018 sentiment.

 “The Q1 2019 shows a rise in business confidence to a very healthy 96% from the Cork business community, with 80% of businesses expecting an increase in turnover over the next 12 months. With the construction activity increasing in the city there is consistently strong sentiment here as our city grows at pace." 

Thomas McHugh, Director of Public Affairs

Fri 8^th 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!

A course designed to revolutionise your productivity in your everyday work.

Thurs 7^th 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.

Tues 12^th 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 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.

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.

• 10-20% Discount on Online Training for Cork Chamber Members
• Free €50 worth of Blue Credits when you join BlueBiz
• Learn about Uillean Ceoil and read about their 10% Special Offer

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

• Pure Cork Industry Day: At Vienna Woods Hotel 27th February 
• The Health and Safety Authority: Brexit and the Implications on Supply and Use of Chemicals, Machinery and Products in Irish Businesses February 28th 
• UCC: Inaugural Musgrave Guest lecture on Food Authenticity 28th February 
• Oesophageal Cancer Fund's: Lollipop Day- Oesophageal Cancer main fundraising event 1st-2nd March 
• The Metropole Hotel: Dress For Success Fashion Show March 1st 
• Triskel: Sonic Youth- 30 years of Daydream Nation for one night only 1st March
• Clayton Hotel Sliversprings: Cork arc Spring Ball in association with Sunshine and Umbrellas March 1st 
• EY: Future of Finance with EY, Ibec and Cliff Baty, CFO, Manchester United 5th March 
• Elm Tree Glounthaune: Warm up to CHELTENHAM Event 6th March 
• Network Cork: The Business of Books 6th March 
• National Recruitment Federation: NRF Conference 14th March 
• Cork University Business School: CUBS CONFERENCE 2019 - LEADING THE WAY 13th March 

• Translit Secures 500K Funding
• Visit Cork Tourism Industry Seminar at Vienna Woods Country House
• Marymount Announced as Cork Airport's 2019 Charity of the Year
• Mardyke Arena UCC Nominated for Upcoming Nutramino Health and Fitness Awards
• Cork University Business School Announce the Annual CUBS Conference 2019- Leading the way to a Brighter Future
• IHF Cork Reveal Results of Annual Cork Hotel Surveys  
• 120 VMware Employee's give back to their Local Community 
• Cork Airport hosts Top European Aviation Forum 
• Pimbrook Selected as Sage Partner of the Year 2018 

Wednesday 27^th 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 greater self-confidence, strengthen your people skills and enhance communication skills

This 3-day explores leadership styles central to developing high performance teams. 

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