Dear Chamber Member,
I hope you, your families and colleagues are keeping safe and well.
This week, we are delighted to have launched the Cork Company of the Year Awards 2021.The resilience and determination shown in the business community this past year has reached new levels. Many have absorbed the shock waves of the year, and transformed that energy to grow and innovate. We look forward to sharing some of the positive business stories of the year and celebrating those successes. You can apply, or nominate a company on Cork Chamber website <here>.
Ireland's international relationships continue to evolve. The shape of our international trade with the UK is adjusting to the terms of the new Trade and Cooperation Agreement while in parallel, Ireland works to broaden and strengthen our relationships across the Single Market. It is very welcome news this week, that Brittany Ferries has announced its first freight-only services from the Port of Cork to Roscoff from this coming Saturday. This direct route from Cork to mainland EU is a key strategic connection for the region that highlights the growing importance of the redevelopment of the port infrastructure at Ringaskiddy. With Government support for border and customs inspection infrastructure at the Port there is huge potential for this growth trajectory to continue apace.
We understand the challenges business are facing in relation to the movement of goods and we have seen an increase in enquiries relating to Export Documentation, Certificates of Origin and ATA Carnets for temporary exportation. Our dedicated Export Services team is on hand to assist you with any queries you might have > Meet the team here or email the team directly <here>.
Government has announced another commercial rates package for the first quarter of 2021. This is a welcome and necessary announcement along with the commitment that the support to businesses will be targeted to those most severely impacted. For more on this and other supports available to businesses impacted by Covid-19, view our webpage <here>.
Our role in representing you, your sector and region continues to be at the fore of our activities and your input informs our agenda. On any issue or with any views please contact me directly on 087-9471858 or by e-mail HERE. I hope to welcome you to one of our upcoming events soon.
Take care,
Conor Healy
CEO
