Sponsored by PTSB, the Cork Chamber Economic Trends Survey found that 71% of Cork businesses are concerned about Ireland's security landscape. Geopolitical instability is the top source of concern for Chamber members, followed by cyber threats and energy supply disruption. 

Confidence in the Irish economy remains high, however, with 73% of businesses surveyed expressing confidence in the economy at the close of Q2. Over 40% of respondents also report an increase in turnover and net profit this quarter. 

Welcome to the latest edition of ChamberLink.

Inside, you'll find stories that reflect the people, businesses and ideas shaping Cork today, from our new President, Susie Horgan, and Board, to the issues driving our advocacy and the achievements of members across our network.

We hope this edition provides fresh insights, sparks new conversations and highlights the strength of our business community. Thank you for being an active part of it, and we look forward to continuing to connect, support and represent you in the months ahead.

This will be a 4-Person team scramble event and whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice player, this event offers something for everyone, with opportunities to take a break from the day to day tasks, play and network.

Adding to the excitement, our Hole-in-One Charity Challenge, sponsored by O'Donovan Baker LLP Solicitors, offers an incredible prize of a Bucket List Golf Trip for Four to Pebble Beach, Monterey, California, valued at $33,000. One perfect shot could see you and three guests enjoying one of the world's most iconic golfing destinations.

This event will provide you with an exclusive opportunity to explore the fantastic facilities on board the luxury ship as you enjoy a charming afternoon in Cork Harbour. 

We will wrap up your French experience with lunch prepared by the best of French chefs and served with specially selected French wines. All served while you network with the French-Irish business community in Cork.

Cork Chamber's pre-budget submisison sets out targeted, actionable recommendations across critical areas of the economy, including housing, transport, infrastructure, energy, talent and skills. Cork has a unique role to play in the national economy as the state's second city region and the economic driver of the south. Enhancing the region's competitiveness through targeted investment will enable the considerable population and economic growth projected in the coming years.

Cork Chamber was pleased to have the opportunity to outline members' key priorities for Budget 2027 in a meeting with Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers in recent days, and we look forward to continued engagement on behalf of members ahead of this year's budget. 

As the voice of business in Cork, we welcome feedback from you, our members, to help inform our public consultation submissions.

To help shape our responses to the following public consultations, please contact Aoife, amoriarty@corkchamber.ie:

From Tues 15th Sept | Online

This course will benefit team members and operational staff who constantly interact with data and need professional data literacy skills to enable them to handle, interpret, and communicate data to support innovation, strategy development and data-driven decision making.

Thurs 17th Sept | Online

The Certificate in Fundamentals of AI for SMEs is a 20-credit programme designed to equip small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with the essential knowledge and skills to thrive in an AI-driven economy.

Develop the strategic judgment to govern AI responsibly in your organisation. This intensive one-day programme builds board and executive understanding of EU AI Act obligations, data privacy intersections, and vendor risks. Contact garrett@corkchamber.ie or call 086 7777737 for further details.

For Jay Puntay, VP and Head of Order and Cash IT at Deutsche Börse Group, the move from Manila to Cork opened the door to leading AI-driven innovation on a global stage while embracing a new professional challenge. 

In this article, Jay reflects on his career journey and the opportunities that brought him to Cork.

How are fellow Cork SMEs unlocking new international opportunities? From securing overseas partnerships to improving sustainability, discover how local businesses are harnessing the Enterprise Europe Network and Local Enterprise Office supports to grow with confidence.

See what worked for them and how it could work for your business. 

From food and logistics businesses across Europe to a Cork-based SME, the REEValue project is helping businesses cut energy costs and improve efficiency through practical tools like the free REEValue.eu Energy Evaluation Tool.

Read the full story on ChamberLink to see how targeted energy investments are building long-term business resilience.

• UNICEF Calls for Urgent Support Following Devastating Earthquakes in Venezuela
• Osborne Expands into the UK with the Opening of their New Office in Manchester
• Cork Craft & Design announce Craft Month with biggest showcase of Cork makers yet

• Springboard Communications is looking for an organised and proactive Office Administrator to join their team

• November, December 2026, January, February and March 2027 - €175 bed and breakfast single occupancy - special at Leonardo Hotel Cork
• Exclusive offer on Pet Insurance from Agria with 20% discount available
• Holton Homes & Properties - Free Home Valuation
• Enjoy 20% off at Magpie Gems for Cork Chamber members
• GreenAer offering a special €200 discount for members of the Cork Chamber
• Cuffe & Company Insurance - Free, no obligation risk review and report for your business
• 10% Off Ballymaloe Grainstore – A Versatile Event Venue in East Cork

• RDJ - The Inclusion Edit: Quiz Night with PJ Kirby & Kevin Twomey – Thursday 09 July
• AI Readiness: How to Use AI Safely and Effectively in Your Business with Advice Bytes at Ludgate Hub – Thursday 09 July
• Donovan – The Tale of the Gael at The Everyman – Saturday 11 July
• Rory McCarthy and Hugh Dillon: Triskel Lunchtime Jazz Series 2026 – Thursday 18 July
• Business of Food Breakfast with The Irish Examiner at Bakestone – Wednesday 12 August
• The Everyman and Cork Opera House are proud to present a rehearsed reading concert performance of Cú Chulainn – Thursday 13 August

InterTradeIreland

AI is not just a technology issue. For SMEs, it is becoming a business issue.

For many SMEs, the real question is not whether AI matters. It is where to start, what is worth investing time in, and what support would make adoption easier.

Take part in a survey and receive a personalised AI Readiness Scorecard for your business.

InterTradeIreland wants to hear from SMEs as part of current independent research on AI adoption.