Cork Chamber in partnership with Vodafone Ireland,  are searching for the 'Cork Company of the Year' 2015. The awards are open to all businesses, across varying sectors and sizes.  

The four award categories are:

• Cork Large Company of the Year (more than 100 employees)
• Cork SME of the Year (less than 100 employees )
• Emerging Cork Company of the Year (less than 3 years in business)
• New Special Award Category: Cork Retailer of the Year 2015

We encourage all businesses to use this opportunity to reflect on their success over the past year and/or nominate companies that you believe have got the WOW factor.

Closing date:  Tuesday, 28th October at 5pm for nominations . 

If you're not in you can't win.... 

Apply or Nominate a business HERE 

1. Q-Park Reduce Parking Charges In Cork - Read More HERE

2. Cork Chamber Responds To Budget 2015 - Read More HERE

3. Shandon Travel Celebrating 40 Years in business - Read More HERE


4. The Rubicon Is Flying High With Innovation - Read More HERE

5. Fastnet Executive Search Joins IRC Global Executive Search Partners As The Irish Member Firm - Read More HERE 


6. €150,000 investment fund allocated as Local Enterprise Offices announce Cork’s Young Entrepreneurs of the Year - Read More HERE

Upcoming Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) Events: 

1. Doing Business in Canada – Focus on Alberta
An EEN ‘Doing Business in Canada – Focus on Alberta’ breakfast meeting is scheduled to take place in Cork on Thursday, 13th November.

2. Expressions of Interest now being accepted for an International Marketing Workshop
Expressions of interest are now being accepted from SMEs for a workshop, hosted by the EEN, entitled ‘A targeted approach to international growth ’. The workshop, which takes place on November 26th, is aimed at SMEs who are looking to internationalise.

Shanghai China International Food Exposition
The China National Food Industry Association, in association with state-owned Bright Food Group Ltd., are seeking Irish food companies who may be interested in attending the Shanghai China International Food Exposition which takes place in Shanghai from November 14^th to 17^th 2014.

See read more below for more information on the above or contact Katherine here.

Tuesday’s Budget marked the end of seven consecutive austerity budgets. In response to the measures announced Cork Chamber acknowledged the efforts made to reduce income tax and boost consumer confidence; however Budget 2015 has neglected to adequately support the Indigenous SME and self-employed sectors who are the lifeblood of the Irish Economy.

On a positive note, an exciting announcement was the introduction of a Knowledge Development Box which will act as an incentive for companies to undertake more R&D activities. Additionally, the clarity provided around the 4 year phasing out of the Double Irish tax position while maintaining Ireland’s attractiveness as a location for MNCs through the retention of the 12.5% Corporate Tax rate was most welcomed.

To read Cork Chambers full response please click here

Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and Teagsc have recently launched the Food Works 3 Programme and will be accepting applications from ambitious food and drinks start-ups until the 20^th November. The programme kicks off in Jan 2015 and will offer workshops, coaching sessions, technical support, consumer advice, links to investors and retail buyers, feasibility funding etc.  

There will be a free information evening on the 4^th November in Cork Institute of Technology in Bishopstown. More information on this programme is available here.  

Date: Tuesday 21^st October
Time: 7.30am – 9.00am
Venue: Clarion Hotel
Cost: €25 members / €35 non members
To book: here

Prior to joining AIB, David established Celtic Advisory International in Singapore to provide capital raising and development advisory services to corporates and companies seeking to raise equity.

David has held various positions at ING Group including the position of Head of Global Wholesale Banking Network based in Amsterdam. This included the management of a team of CEOs covering all of the Bank’s regions globally.

This event will be a sell-out, so please BOOK NOW to avoid disappointment.

Date: Thursday 23^rd October
Time: 5.30pm – 7.00pm
Venue: The River Lee Hotel
Cost: FREE for Cork Chamber members
To book: here 

Cork Chamber and Arachas Corporate Brokers will work in partnership this October to bring you a highly energized event, where you will make over 10 business contacts in a fast-paced environment.

‘Speed networking’ is a more structured form of networking where you have 1 ½ minutes each side to pitch your business and make connections for both buying and selling. This is a practical event for SME’s, giving you a chance to speed network and meet new business contacts as well as receive referrals and renew existing connections.


Due to the nature of the speed networking, only ONE representative from each company can take part. Places are limited so BOOK NOW to avoid disappointment.

Date: Tuesday, 18th November 2014
Time: 19.30pm
Venue: Doubletree Hilton Hotel
Cost: €125.00
To book:  here 

Cork Chamber’s Dublin Dinner 2014 promotes the strong connections that exist between Cork and Dublin businesses and enhances existing business relationships between the two regions. This is a unique opportunity for Cork businesses to network with their Dublin counterparts as well as an ideal corporate entertainment platform. 

At this Black Tie Event, we will honour a prominent business person with the Outstanding Achievement in Business Award and this year Darina Allen of Ballymaloe will be the proud recipient. We are also delighted to announce that Dr Johnny Walker of Global Diagnostics, medical pioneer and EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award Finalist 2010 will be the key note speaker. 

This event sells out every year so BOOK NOW to avoid disappointment. 

Date: 28th November 
Time: 08:15 - 15:00
Venue: Floor 16, County Hall, followed by lunch in Vertigo
Cost: Free but registration is essential 
To book: here 

Following Ireland’s successful exit from the EU/IMF Programme, what lies in store? Where is Ireland’s recovery heading? What is the role of the EU in improving Ireland’s competitiveness?

On Friday, 28th November 2014, the European Commission Representation in Ireland in conjunction with Cork Chamber will host a Conference addressing these and other questions. This Conference will focus on the European Union’s arrangements for improved economic governance – the so-called 'European Semester' and will explore the implications it will have for the Irish economy.

Minister Joan Burton TD, Tánaiste will feature as one of the Key Note speakers on the day, as well as Minister Simon Coveney TD. There will be a variety of influential and high level speakers from both the public and private sector, academics, private industry leaders and media, who will discuss what Ireland’s economic policy and reform priorities should be in the years ahead.


#EconEUIE

When you think different, you sell different.

When you sell different, you differentiate yourself from the competition.

Learn how to sell different with our executive training programmes that are guaranteed to impact your bottom line.

• Increasing Sales by Telephone: develop the prospecting protocols and influencing skills required to significantly increase your sales success over the phone. Ideal for anyone who uses the phone to sell directly to customers.
• Business to Business Selling – The Secrets:this course will teach you the necessary consultative selling skills required to exceed your sales target this year and beyond. It will help you to identify new customers, drive demand, and build a solid sales pipeline. 

Date:  November 13^th
Time: Registration & drinks reception at 7pm, with the quiz commencing at 8pm
Venue: Silver Springs Moran Hotel
Cost: €200 for a team of four
To book: complete the entry form here  and return it with the entry fee of €200 (team of four).

Breakthrough Cancer Research are delighted to announce the return of their Corporate Quiz with teams of four competing for the Dermot Desmond Perpetual Trophy, along with an array of prizes, first prize of four Citizen Watches kindly sponsored by Moore’s Jewellers. This year’s prestigious event will see comedian, writer, actor and broadcaster Alan Shortt take on the role of Quiz Master and putting the businesses of Cork to the ultimate test. 


For further information contact Helena Slattery on 021 4226655 ext (209) or email here.