Dear Chamber member,

Budget 2025 sets out welcome investments in housing and critical infrastructure. Many of the issues raised by Cork Chamber members have been addressed, to some degree, in this budget. Yet concerns remain around the cost of doing business and investment that is required to truly support the vibrancy of our urban areas. 

Enhancing Ireland's ongoing competitiveness is crucial. Yesterday's Budget contained a welcome expansion of entrepreneur and enterprise supports, as well as additional core funding for third level and an expansion of apprenticeship programmes. Commitments to significant investment across transport, housing, electricity and water will also help to deliver much-needed strategic infrastructure projects. What is vital now is that the delivery of infrastructure and housing is accelerated to maintain our economic competitiveness.

Challenges remain for many small businesses, as costs continue to escalate, and steps must be taken to address the ongoing systemic challenges in sectors such as childcare.

This session will examine how financial markets affect employee health and wellbeing, focusing on the relationship between investment markets, organisational financial performance, and the impact of wealth on overall wellbeing. Experts from Zurich, including Rose Leonard, Richard Temperley, and Maurice Ryan, will lead the discussion.

Join host Sinead Kennedy to mark the very best in digital marketing in Cork as she announces the winners of each category along with the Digital Marketing Legend 2024! This event promises an evening of excitement, with live music, interactive entertainment, and the chance to mingle with Cork’s top digital marketing talent.

Finalists out now! View full list here. 

Join us for this Business Breakfast to hear from Ian Flanagan, CEO, Munster Rugby. Ian will discuss the future of Munster Rugby, outlining his vision and strategic plans to enhance competitiveness, drive commercial success and enhance community involvement. Hear how Munster Rugby is addressing the evolving landscape of professional rugby, from investing in player development to expanding global fan engagement.

This event will offer an in-depth discussion on NIS2, the latest EU directive reshaping cybersecurity standards across industries. Learn how your organisation can stay compliant and secure in today’s complex cyber threat landscape. Speakers will include Damien McCann, Chief Commercial Officer, Viatel Technology Group and Eddie Henegan, Cybersecurity Expert & Founder, Henocon.

Wed 23rd Oct  | 9.30am - 5pm | 4 sessions | Online

Participants will acquire a range of supervisory and management skills, in addition to improving their interpersonal and communication skills. The programme combines proven leadership techniques with practical advice on how to maximise your team’s performance and engagement.

Wed 23rd Oct | 9.30am-3.30pm | Online

This workshop is designed to help you sharpen and refine these essential skills, enhancing your ability to lead and communicate with impact.

Wed 16th Oct | 9.30am-11am | Online 

This webinar will explore innovative approaches to networking in the new age of working, offering practical tips and insights to help you thrive in a predominantly online environment.

Expand your business to international market with the Enterprise Europe Network. 

The Network connects you with global opportunities and expert support to help your business thrive. 

Cork Chamber and the Cork Financial Services Forum invite you to attend our Cork Financial Services Forum Annual Summit 2024 in association with Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland.

Join us as we welcome industry members and financial services thought leaders from across Ireland for a morning of informative keynote speakers and panel discussions, as well as a unique opportunity to network with peers from the FS sector.

Cork Chamber, along with a number of key stakeholders, has joined as a formal partner in recognising the necessity to continually improve skills and human capital in the city through lifelong learning. This partnership underscores our commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning, which is essential for the success of both our members and the wider community.

As we continue our work as SDG Champions we are particularly excited to drive progress toward SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality). The Memorandum of Understanding sets out to build on the achievements of the past decades through a number of initiatives

Recently appointed as SDG Champion, we are sharing how the SDGs can help give to focus to how businesses improve their sustainability credentials. In this article, we also share insights into our own sustainability journey, from retrofitting our building, to knowledge sharing through our network.

Irish businesses must adopt practical solutions to reduce costs and lower emissions to stay competitive in today’s market. To support this, REEValue is hosting an event featuring both Irish and international experts who will provide targeted advice on best energy practices.

• Arlo - Marymount Hospice Bake Sale
• Xeinadin announces Dave O’Brien as Head of Tax in Ireland
• O’Flynn Exhams LLP – Employers urged to prepare for retirement and regulatory changes
• Tech Industry Alliance Leaders Awards Nominations Open

The data from Adare’s recent HR Barometer Series 8.2 reveal that the top priorities for Irish Organisations heading into 2025 centre around enhancing Employee engagement and experience (51%), retaining talent (48%), and strengthening talent acquisition (25%). Organisations that prioritise strategic HR initiatives which focus on Employee well-being, clear career pathways, and the development of a supportive and transparent workplace culture will put themselves in a stronger position to enhance Employee engagement levels, productivity, and retention rates.

• Volunteer Coordinator required for Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland
• Travel Counsellors are looking for a new Senior Sales Executive to join their team at the Cork Office

• The Brehon Chef Series – Brehon meets Breton – Wednesday 2^nd October
• The Peak Performance Series – Demo Day: Neuroscience for High Performance – Thursday 3^rd October
• Manager Performance Challenge Day with Sprintmodo – Thursday 3^rd October
• Sleep Out for Cork Simon – Friday 4^th October
• Future Planet's Building for the Future: CSRD in the Construction Industry Webinar – Tuesday 8^th October
• OFX Pensions and Employment Breakfast Briefing – Thursday 10^th October
• Focus Ireland - Shine a Light 2024 – Friday 11^th October
• Thrive SME 6 Month Innovation Programme beginning – Thursday 17^th October
•  One-Day Public Speaking Course on the do’s and don’ts of public speaking – Saturday 19^th October
• The Chartered Accountants Cork Society Firewalk for Charity – Thursday 24th October
• Irish District Energy Association Annual Conference 2024 – Thursday 24^th October
• St Luke's Charity & Home Annual Corporate Lunch Fundraiser – Wednesday 6^th November
• Tech Industry Alliance Leaders Awards 2024 – Friday 29^th November

• Team Christmas celebration at the enchanting Mount Juliet Estate
• Free 30-minute online introduction to the basics of Sustainability & ESG from Blue Planet Consulting Limited
• Exclusive 15% Member Discount at PrintSpace
•  A complimentary Work Practices Checklist Assessment with Sprintmodo
• FREE Videos To Promote Your Business from BlueDawn Agency