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IN THIS ISSUE
bullet.png Economic Trends Q1 2026 results
 
bullet.png Business Breakfast with David Kelly, CEO, Gas Networks Ireland
 
bullet.png Staying Ahead: Cyber & Fraud Resilience for SMEs
 
bullet.png From Cork to Germany: Exploring Growth Opportunities
 
bullet.png Networking at Noon at Clonakilty Blackpudding Visitor Centre
 
bullet.png Leadership Behaviours That Drive Performance
 
bullet.png Bespoke Training for Your Organisation
 
bullet.png Skillnet Ireland: Business Impact Survey
 
bullet.png Excellence in Local Government Awards 2026
 
bullet.png Cork City Futures Group
 
bullet.png Public Consultations
 
bullet.png Cork City Climate Change Risk Assessment
 
bullet.png Driving Sustainability through Excellence in Energy Efficient Design
 
bullet.png Invite: Ireland - Alberta Trade Mission
 
bullet.png Have Your Say: Upcoming EU Consultations
 
bullet.png Member News
 
bullet.png Adare Trusted People Partners
 
bullet.png Member Job Opportunities
 
bullet.png New Members
 
bullet.png Member Events
 
bullet.png Member to Member Offers
 
bullet.png Promotional Opportunities
 
 
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TOP STORIES
 
Economic Trends Q1 2026 results
Sponsored by PTSB
 

Business competitiveness measures have emerged as the top priority for Cork businesses ahead of Budget 2027, according to our latest Economic Trends survey. Capturing member insights from Q1 2026, the survey highlights current business performance and sentiment across employment, turnover and confidence, while also pointing to the key measures needed to support growth in the months ahead.

 
View full stats
 
 
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EVENTS
 
 
Business Breakfast with David Kelly, CEO, Gas Networks Ireland
Tues 14th April | 7.30am-9am | Clayton Hotel Cork City
 

Hear from David as he shares insights on how he is leading Gas Networks Ireland through a pivotal period as they work to deliver a net-zero carbon gas network while maintaining a safe and secure energy supply.

 

Prior to becoming CEO, David served as Director of Customer and Business Development at Gas Networks Ireland, where he played a key role in advancing the organisation’s strategy to transition from natural gas to renewable gases such as biomethane and green hydrogen.

 

 
More Details & Bookings
 
Staying Ahead: Cyber & Fraud Resilience for SMEs
Thurs 16th April | 7.30am-9.30am | SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh
 

This event in partnership with AIB will explore the growing and very real impact of cyber crime and fraud on Irish businesses. With cyber-related incidents continuing to rise, this event aims to raise awareness, share practical insights and support SMEs in strengthening their protection against emerging threats.

 

Speakers will include Paul Ryan, Chief Security & Resilience Officer, AIB Group, Dr Hazel Murray, Chair of Cybersecurity, MTU & Board Member of Cyber Ireland, Paul O’Riordan, Detective Garda, Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau and MC & Chair, Will Goodbody, Head of External Communications at AIB.

 
Register FREE Here
 
From Cork to Germany: Exploring Growth Opportunities
Thurs 23rd April | 1.45pm-3.30pm | EY, Lapp's Quay, Cork
 

The Enterprise Europe Network at Cork Chamber, in partnership with the German-Irish Chamber of Industry and Commerce invite you to attend "From Cork to Germany: Exploring Growth Opportunities".

 

As Ireland's third largest global trading partner, Germany offers strong potential for Irish businesses accross a range of sectors. This event will equip you with the knowledge, tools and contacts needed to take you to the next step in your international growth journey. 

 
Register FREE Here
 
Networking at Noon at Clonakilty Blackpudding Visitor Centre
Tues 19th May | 12pm-1.30pm | Clonakilty Blackpudding Visitor Centre
 

Join us for a trip west for this exciting opportunity to grow your connections while discovering the story of Clonakilty Blackpudding. The visitor centre gives you a taste of the history of black pudding and the town of Clonakilty, learning how the secret recipe was passed down to the Twomey family and the viewing gallery allows people a unique chance to see how it is made today. 

 

Whether you're catching up with familiar faces or looking to make new connections in a relaxed setting, this event creates the perfect environment to grow your network.

 
Register FREE Here
 
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TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
 
 
Leadership Behaviours That Drive Performance
Free for members
 

Wed 29th April | 10am-11am | Online

 

If you want to lead with greater clarity, confidence, and impact, while building stronger, more engaged teams, this session will provide immediately applicable insights and a pathway for deeper development.

 
More details & booking
 
Bespoke Training for Your Organisation
 

Tailored training designed specifically for your company’s needs. Up to 25% funding available, with programmes delivered in-person or online for maximum flexibility. If you’re interested in funded training for your organisation, explore our bespoke training options and get in touch to discuss your requirements.

 
Find out more
 
Skillnet Ireland: Business Impact Survey
Training Networks Programme 2024-2025
 

Skillnet Ireland is conducting a survey to help understand the impact of programmes delivered by Skillnet Business Networks in 2024-2025. Survey results will inform the delivery of Skillnet Ireland’s Statement of Strategy 2026-2028, contribute to evidence-based policy making, and provide insights for future programme enhancements.

 
Contribute to the survey
 
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SHAPING CORK'S FUTURE
 
 
Driving Sustainability through Excellence in Energy Efficient Design
Tues 14 April | 11am-12pm | Online
 

Looking to reduce costs and future-proof your business? Join this upcoming webinar on how excellence in energy-efficient design can support lower emissions, stronger investment decisions and long-term resilience. This practical session will outline how the SEAI EXEED Programme can support your organisation’s decarbonisation plans, including available supports and how to get involved.

Who should attend: Business owners and senior managers, along with professionals in operations, engineering, sustainability and finance.

 
Register FREE here
 
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PUBLIC AFFAIRS
 
 
Cork City Futures Group
 

Government approval of the Cork City Futures Group is a welcome and important step in strengthening Cork’s role as Ireland’s second city and a key driver of national growth. With significant population growth projected for Cork, the priority now is delivery, bringing focus to progressing the infrastructure, housing and regeneration projects needed in a coordinated and timely way.

The Cork City Futures Group is an opportunity to align stakeholders, accelerate projects like the Docklands redevelopment, and advance an integrated public transport system.

We look forward to contributing to this work and supporting a more vibrant, competitive and sustainable Cork.

 
Read more
Public Consultations
 

If you have any feedback that can inform the Chamber's submissions to the following public consultations, please contact Fiona, kevin@corkchamber.ie:

 

Consultation Closing Date
Draft National EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy 2026 - 2028

24th April

Review of the Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy (RSES) for the Southern Region and Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP) for Cork

22nd May

 

 
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INTERNATIONAL
 
 
Invite: Ireland - Alberta Trade Mission
Calgary, Alberta | 4th - 8th May 2026
 

Alberta is one of North America's most dynamic business environments, combining a competitive tax regime, access to highly skilled talent and a strategic gateway to Canadian, US and global markets.

 

The Ireland-Alberta Trade Association invite you to particiapte in their mission to Calgary, Alberta. Over four days, this mission will give delegates direct access to government decision-makers, sector leaders and a network of Alberta businesses.

 

For more information, please contact grace@corkchamber.ie

 
Have Your Say: Upcoming EU Consultations
Now open for your input and feedback
 

The European Commission has launched new consultations for your feedback.  This is your opportunity to shape the future legislative initiaitives, streamline and harmonise administrative processes.

 

Consultation Name:

Deadline for reply:

Link:

Modernising Postal and Parcel Delivery

21st April, 2026

Link Here

 

 
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MEMBER ACTIVITY
 
 
Member Events
 
  • Solas Quartet at Triskel - Spring String Quartet Series 2026 – Saturday 11th April
  • The Hope Foundation Annual Cork lunch 2026 - Friday April 17th 
  • Climb Croagh Patrick in 2026 for Breakthrough Cancer Research – Saturday 18th April
  • Energywise - Home Energy Upgrade Event – Saturday 18th April
  • Unitec Webinar: NIS2 Directive – What Irish Businesses Need to Know – Tuesday 21st April
  • EDI, Mediation & Workplace Investigations - Griffith College Cork - Law Faculty CPD – Tuesday 21st April
  • BoardMatch Live Cork 2026 (previously known as Charity Trustee Speed Dating) – Thursday 23rd April
  • Join FIT (Fastrack into Information Technology) for Building Internal Cyber Capability – Thursday 23rd April
  • The Public Speaking Course - One-Day Course: How To Stand Up And Successfully Speak In Public – Saturday 25th April
  • Ciseach: An Embodied Manifesto by Catherine Young Dance at Cork Dance Firkin Crane – Friday 1st May
  • Connect with MTU's Quantum Solutions for Industry Workshop – Tuesday 5th May
  • Intreo - East Cork Recruitment and Training Fair at Talbot Hotel Midleton - Wednesday 6th May 2026
 
All Member Events
 
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Adare Trusted People Partners
From Compliance to Confidence: Preparing for Pay Transparency
 

The EU Pay Transparency Directive represents a significant development in employment regulation, requiring Organisations to take a more structured, transparent, and evidence-based approach to pay. Organisations will be expected to demonstrate that pay decisions are objective, consistent, and free from gender bias. For many Organisations, this will require a level of documentation, structure, and transparency that goes beyond existing HR practices. Early preparation will be key to ensure compliance, reduce risk and avoid rushed, reactive changes when the Directive comes into force.

 
Further details can be found here
 
 
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Member News
 
  • CEC launches its latest Part Time Evening English Classes
 
View all news here
 
 
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Member Job Opportunities
 
  • SE Systems – Various job roles available
  • Springboard Communications is looking for a dynamic and experienced Client Manager to join their team
  • Springboard Communications are seeking an experienced Client Director to join their senior leadership team
 
View all jobs
 
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Member to Member Offers
 
  • Cuffe & Company Insurance - Free, no obligation risk review and report for your business
  • CEC Cork English College - €20 off course fees for our upcoming part-time Evening English Classes
  • Cork Chamber Members get 15% off all tickets for Killarney May Racing Festival
  • Free 20-Minute Consultation for Cork Chamber Members with Paynt
  • 10% Off Ballymaloe Grainstore – A Versatile Event Venue in East Cork
  • To celebrate the 1st Anniversary of Tigre Motor Club, we're thrilled to offer Cork Chamber Members a exclusive discount of €10 off our Drive Membership
 
All Member Offers
 
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Promotional Opportunities
 

Cork Chamber provides a highly targeted audience to promote a corporate message, showcase your brand and build meaningful relationships.

 

Browse our new Advertising Rate Card and get in touch to discuss the right placements, channels and opportunities for your business in the months ahead.

 
View advertising rate card
 
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