Heading Title
Member News
 
Promoting You
Member To Member Support
 
Spotlight
Corporate Gifting or Employee Rewards
More Than Just a Gift Card
 

The Cork Chamber Gift Card is ideal way to support local through your corporate gifting or employee rewards this Christmas.

 

Importantly, the Cork Chamber Gift Card, supports the local economy by ensuring that the money stays within the Cork region, and this has proven to be very popular among the business community. Since its introduction in 2018, the Cork Chamber Gift Card has contributed approximately €900,000 directly to the local economy.

 

The Cork Chamber Gift Card is operated by One4All, Ireland’s leading multi-store gift card, the card is accepted by 100s of retailers and businesses across Cork city and county.


Informing You
Export Advice and Documentation
 

Key employees are encouraged to get in contact with our International team, if they have queries about customs procedures and formalities, particularly to those that are exporting or importing goods into the UK post 31 December 2020. 

 


Facebook Grants for SMEs
 

Facebook is now sharing the eligibility criteria for its Small Business Grants programme, the grants to invest in a number of eligible businesses across Ireland who: 

  • Employ between 2 and 50 employees
  • Have been in business for over a year
  • Experienced challenges from COVID-19
  • Are in or near a location where Facebook operates

The application deadline is 15 October.


Heading Title
Ambitious and Thorough: Budget 2021
 

Dear Chamber Member,

 

I hope you, your families and colleagues are well.

 

As we all make efforts to normalise our experience of this pandemic, and as we prepare to encounter the challenges of Brexit first hand, it is clear that this and the next few budgets and the management of our national finances thereafter will define the prospects of a generation. Government must be commended for producing an ambitious and thorough budget for 2021, and we will continue to work with Government to ensure a sustainable and resilient future for Cork. 

Infrastructure

The commitment to an increase of almost €2 billion in capital expenditure bringing spend to €10.1 billion will be essential to provide some degree of continuity to the construction sector over the coming year, and most importantly to give assurance to...

 


Dear Chamber Member,

 

I hope you, your families and colleagues are well.

 

As we all make efforts to normalise our experience of this pandemic, and as we prepare to encounter the challenges of Brexit first hand, it is clear that this and the next few budgets and the management of our national finances thereafter will define the prospects of a generation. Government must be commended for producing an ambitious and thorough budget for 2021, and we will continue to work with Government to ensure a sustainable and resilient future for Cork. 

Infrastructure

The commitment to an increase of almost €2 billion in capital expenditure bringing spend to €10.1 billion will be essential to provide some degree of continuity to the construction sector over the coming year, and most importantly to give assurance to the business and wider community that a positive legacy of functional infrastructure will be put in place while this pandemic wears on. For Cork it is essential that there is a strong visual infrastructural legacy in place by the time Budget day comes around again. Commitment to the Dunkettle interchange will be valuable to the Cork economy. Further progress must be made in areas such as CMATS implementation urban accommodation, and education.

Tourism, Arts and Hospitality

Clarity for Cork Airport in relation to capital and cashflow supports is positive but more will be required. However beyond today, firm commitment to EU travel standards and testing and the ability to implement without delay is essential. Without a functioning Airport, supports for tourism and hospitality such as the VAT reduction while welcome can only be partially successful at best.

A widening of the tax free voucher system from €500 to €1000 would have provided a great boost to the drive for local spend in retail, arts and hospitality and it is disappointing that such a straightforward measure could not be taken. However, a €50 million increase in Arts Council funding to €130 million, €50 million for live entertainment, an additional €55million tourism support scheme, and €5m for Tourism Product Development will undoubtedly be helpful.

Business Supports

Continued funding for the EWSS throughout 2021 is a significant action that will provide continuity for business. The rates waivers extension is a key pillar of the business support matrix, and it must be further extended into 2021. The addition of the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) for businesses that effectively cease trading as a result of restrictions is practical but as ever the focus for everyone must be on ensuring that we do not find ourselves in deeper levels of restriction. Furthermore, the €1.1bn in additional funding to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment will undoubtedly have a positive and proactive impact on the ground by supporting local enterprise, SMEs, further funding for R&D, the Credit Guarantee Scheme and the Future Growth Loan Scheme.

For SME’s it is essential that the effectiveness of business supports are kept under constant review. It is not appropriate to simply draw a line in the sand for 12 months and the €2.1bn contingency fund is important in this regard. We will continue to work with Government to ensure that what we have is fit for purpose.

The UK-EU withdrawal will undoubtedly prove economically damaging, in some instances hitting businesses that have weathered the pandemic well. The additional €3.4billion buffer, may prove essential.

However, government could have done significantly more to invest in the affordability of childcare which will remain a critical factor that defines the diversity of our workforce.

Climate Action

The emphasis on climate action for 2021 is progressive. Given the significance of the Climate Action and Low Carbon Bill, is essential that more is done to support decarbonisation over forthcoming budgets. The competitive nature of the first round of Renewable Electricity Support Scheme shows the pent up developer market awaiting activation and the business community is increasingly aware of its legacy and the necessity to make the switch in order to be relevant to an increasingly conscientious and mobile talent pool. The acceleration in this space is incredible and it is essential that Ireland does more to keep up.

As we now look ahead to the closing weeks of 2020, it is clear that we must do our utmost as a community to contain the spread of the virus. For those who can work from home, I urge you to do so. It is only through our collective efforts that we can protect our communities and build economic resilience for Cork. 

 

We continue to represent the interests of our members in Cork and I encourage you to engage with the Chamber team, sharing your feedback and the issues relevant to your business. #CorkTogether

 

Warm regards,

 

Paula Cogan,

President of Cork Chamber

Connecting You
Maintaining Performance Under Pressure in partnership with NRF
 

Thurs 15 Oct | 9.30am-11am | Online

 

Cork Chamber is delighted to partner once again with the National Recruitment Federation for their Cork Conference chaired by Bryan Hyland, NRF Cork Regional Chair with Cork Chamber President, Paula Cogan giving an overview of Cork Business.

 

The event will touch on topics such as Brexit, Remote Hiring & On boarding with discussions from industry experts.


Business Breakfast Live with An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD
 

Thurs 22 Oct | 8am-9am | Online

 

As head of our Government, Chair of Fianna Fáil and TD for Cork South Central, An Taoiseach will share his vision for business, for Cork and for Ireland as we seek to use this pandemic to enhance our competitiveness, resilience and sustainability to further distinguish Cork as a great place to live and to do business. Join us together with An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD at this exclusive Cork Chamber member event.


Boost your Business with Facebook
 

Tues 20 Oct | 12pm - 1:45pm | Online

 

This webinar in partnership with Facebook promises to give you an insight into their Cork office and how organisations can utilise the platform to grow their business and drive results. You will hear from a Local Small Business Panel, hosted by Aoibhín Garrihy, Actress, Influencer & Businesswoman and Matt Evans, Facebook Community Trainer. 


Sustainable Cork Programme with Dr. Tara Shine and Madeleine Murray of Change by Degrees
 

Fri 6 Nov | 11am-12pm | Online

 

Our third webinar of the series titled 'Business Resilience in an Uncertain World: How Sustainability Can Help' will feature Dr. Tara Shine, Environmental Scientist and Madeleine Murray, Media Strategist, Change by Degrees who will discuss the importance of understanding risk and how to manage it to build resilience in an uncertain world.


Advancing You
Ready for Customs Grant from Enterprise Ireland
 

As part of the Government's Brexit Readiness Action Plan, a new "ready for customs" grant has been launched by Enterprise Ireland. The new grant provides companies with financial assistance to cover the costs of taking on much needed additional customs clearance staff.


Upskilling You
Microsoft Teams
Member Price €50
 

Thur 22 Oct | 9am-11:30am

 

This webinar is designed to give a comprehensive overview of how it is possible to work remotely as a team using Office 365, specifically using Microsoft Teams. It is especially relevant now, as many must work from home but must still be productive and must function effectively as part of a team.


Presentation Skills
Member Price €180
 

Weds 28 Oct | 2pm-3:30pm | 3 afternoons

 

This interactive presentation skills training course will give you the skills, knowledge and tools to plan, design and deliver effective memorable presentations. It will enable you to make fearless presentations in the future and have the confidence to equip you with the preparation techniques needed to set yourself up for successful presentations.


Recognising Your Success


Cork Digital Marketing Awards 2020
Winners Announced

"In a year like no other, digital skills have come to the fore, and it is a pleasure to recognise the pivotal work delivered by digital marketing teams, and declare the winners for all the Cork Digital Marketing Award Categories", Paula Cogan,President of Cork Chamber said at the awards ceremony.

 

This year saw The Montenotte Hotel declared as Cork’s overall Digital Titan 2020.

 

On receiving the award, Brian Bowler, General Manager of The Montenotte Hotel said: "We are really delighted to win such a prestigious award at a time when the world of Digital Marketing has never been more important to not just ours but to every industry. We are fortunate to have a Hotel that is full of features and personality which gives us lots of opportunities to be present across our digital platforms.”


Representing You
Deposit Return Scheme Consultation
 

The Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) is looking for your views on how this Deposit Return Scheme should operate in Ireland. The consultation document outlines possible options and poses some questions in this regard - submissions can be made to Wastecomments@DCCAE.gov.ie. The closing date for submissions is 5pm Thursday 12 November 2020


SME Climate Hub Now Live
 

The SME Climate Hub was the central focus of the New York Climate Week’s opening ceremony in September and featured across a range of major events the UN General Assembly, including the Exponential Climate Action Summit. You can follow the SME Climate Hub across these social media channels #SMEClimateAction, and your SME can make a Climate Commitment today.


SEAI's Energy Academy for Business
 

SEAI's Energy Academy, the free online training resource to help businesses reduce their energy costs, has launched 5 new modules, bringing the total number of training modules freely available to sixteen. These new modules offer learners the opportunity to learn about eco-driving, electric vehicle charging, sustainable transport and deliveries, heat pumps, and gas and oil bill analysis.


Ardu - A Street Art Initiative
 

Ardú takes to the streets and alleyways of Cork city 12-31 October. Ardú Street Art Initiative arrives with the intention of injecting colour, vibrancy, and life into the city. The festival programme welcomes 7 of Ireland’s most respected and renowned street artists: MASERShane O’DriscollDeirdre BreenPeter MartinJames EarleyACHES, and Garreth Joyce, to create works inspired by the 1920 Burning of Cork at Harley’s Street, Wandesford Quay, The Kino, Anglesea Street, 61 North Main Street, Kyle Street, and Henry Street.