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Promoting You
Member News
 
Member Spotlight
Requirement to Prepare a Covid-19 Response Plan
 

Whether your business is now open or is planning to reopen under the Government’s Return to Work Safely Protocol there is a mandatory requirement for all businesses to prepare a Covid-19 Business Response Plan.

 

The plan will be used by the business to adapt their workplace procedures and practices to comply fully with the COVID-19 related public health protection measures identified as necessary by the HSE.

 

Alcam can prepare your plan for you If you would like to discuss further please click the link below


Supporting You
Creative Minds Series
 

Cork Chamber is happy to support the next edition of the US Embassy in Ireland’s ‘Creative Minds’ series.

 

An interview with renowned entrepreneur and hospitality expert Danny Meyer, takes place next Wednesday 27 May at 7:30pm. 


Cork Chamber is happy to support the next edition of the US Embassy in Ireland’s ‘Creative Minds’ series, an interview with renowned entrepreneur and hospitality expert Danny Meyer, which takes place next Wednesday 27 May at 7:30pm. 

 

Danny has built one of the most successful and respected restaurant groups in the world. The New York Times calls him "the greatest restaurateur Manhattan has ever seen." 

 

Danny’s Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) comprises some of New York’s most beloved and acclaimed restaurants, including Gramercy Tavern, The Modern, Maialino, and more. Danny and USHG founded Shake Shack, the modern-day “roadside” burger restaurant, which has grown to 275 locations worldwide and a valuation of $2 billion.

 

USHG also offers large-scale event services, foodservice solutions for public and private institutions, industry consulting, and educational programming.  Danny’s groundbreaking business book, Setting the Table (HarperCollins, 2006), a New York Times Bestseller, articulates a set of signature business and life principles that translate to a wide range of industries.

 

To hear the interview, tune in live next week on: https://www.facebook.com/usembassydublin/

Representing You
Supporting Business Through Reopening
 
Conor Healy, CEO, Cork Chamber
Conor Healy, CEO, Cork Chamber

Dear Chamber Member,

 

I hope you, your families, friends and colleagues are all well.

 

Entering Phase 1 of reopening society and the economy on Monday last was a stepping stone welcomed by all. Not only does it allow for the reopening of some businesses, but it also reflects brightly on the many sacrifices over the past 9 weeks. And the sacrifices have indeed been incredible.


Dear Chamber Member,

 

I hope you, your families, friends and colleagues are all well.

 

Entering Phase 1 of reopening society and the economy on Monday last was a stepping stone welcomed by all. Not only does it allow for the reopening of some businesses, but it also reflects brightly on the many sacrifices over the past 9 weeks. And the sacrifices have indeed been incredible.


While it will be challenging for those returning to businesses, it is important that the Government protocols for reopening are followed and that the business community continues to play an active role in helping society to progress through the phases of reopening our economy

 

The Health & Safety Authority (HSA) have published a suite of templates and checklists to aid those returning to the workplace. These are designed to be used in conjunction with the Government's Return to Work Safely Protocol Document and will help you to operate safely.

 
Government also approved details of the Restart Grant for small business which is welcome and necessary for the micro and small businesses that make up the fabric of the villages and towns of Cork, and the city itself. Smaller businesses are particularly vulnerable and many have continued to incur costs even while closed.

 

While all of the supports announced are positive and necessary, there will need to be a pivot in favour of more grant-based schemes as well as an extension of the timeframes to at least the end of the 5 phase reopening process. Clarity around eligibility for the 3 month Rates waiver is needed urgently and a suite of additional supports for specific sectors such as hospitality, tourism and retail. We will continue to engage with government, elected representatives and agencies in this regard.

 

It has been great to meet so many of you on our e-Series of events and having a ‘virtual’ full house of 200+ registered for this morning’s Business Breakfast online with Musgrave Group CEO Noel Keeley was fantastic. Keep an eye out each Monday morning for the weekly programme.

 

As we progress through the phases of reopening I welcome your thoughts on what challenges are facing your business, on email <HERE> or 087 9471858 or with any of the team at Cork Chamber.

 

Take care,

Connecting You
The Difference Between Managing and Leading Change
 

Fri 29 May | 11am-11.45am | Online

 

Join Dr. James Ring, CEO of Ingenium Training and Consulting as he explores managing & leading change, and the differences between them. In normal times change is difficult as it brings with it inevitable uncertainty, but with the current pandemic, uncertainty, anxieties and stresses are even more heightened.


Maximise Your Membership
VIRTUAL EVENT
 

Weds 3 June | 10am-10.30am | Online

 

Join Cork Chamber’s 'Maximise Your Membership' virtual workshop to learn how to maximise your membership through our many promotional channels, in particular through the Member's Area.


Upskilling You
How To Present Online
Free Webinar
 

Thurs 21 May | 11am-12.30pm | Online

 

Join us for this session where you will learn how to break the mould of boring webinars and set the standard for Online Presentations with more engaging visuals; better use of your voice and excellent preparation.


Kick-starting a Project Remotely
 

Thurs 28 May | 11am-12.30 | Online

 

Don't miss this informative session which specifically relates to newly remote teams who have to kick-start a project remotely, which many businesses are facing in the current crisis.


Enhancing Your Environment
Business Impact Map

Cork Chamber were delighted to participate in Business in the Community’s Business Impact Map. This is our 3rd year participating and are excited to see the increase in activity year on year. In 2019 Cork Chamber employees volunteered 238 hours to local groups and community projects along with fundraising over €9000 #BusinessResponseIRL


Arts for All
 

Arts for All are partnering with the Lord Mayor's Office, Cork City Council and Consultant Psychologist Dr. Gillian Moore-Groarke to collect the experiences of children during COVID 19 through their creative compositions. Children are being asked to create work and submit their completed works via email here which will form an online exhibition for June and archive it for future reference. 


Informing You
Restart Grant Announced
 

Government approved details of the Restart Grant for small business. With applications open on May 22nd, small businesses with a turnover under €5m and employing less than 50 people, may be eligible for between €2,000 - €10,000 direct grant aid.


Official HSA Return to Work Checklists
 

These checklists and templates have been prepared to help employers get their business up and running again and to inform employees about what they need to do to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the workplace. They should be read in conjunction with the Government’s Return to Work Safely Protocol. 


Supporting You
Brexit Talks Continue
 

The UK formally left the European Union on 31 January 2020 and entered the ‘Transition Period’ which lasts until 31 December 2020. During this transition, EU rules and regulations will continue to apply to the UK and the UK will remain part of the EU's Single Market and Customs Union. The European Commission has published a number of readiness notices offering advice to businesses and citizens across a range of sectors. 


The UK formally left the European Union on 31 January 2020 and entered the ‘Transition Period’ which lasts until 31 December 2020. During this transition, EU rules and regulations will continue to apply to the UK and the UK will remain part of the EU's Single Market and Customs Union.

 

Last week, EU and UK negotiators meet for the third round of negotiations. This is the penultimate round before the deadline to extend the transition period (30th June).

 

The European Commission has published a number of readiness notices offering advice to businesses and citizens across a range of sectors. Find the latest click here

 

Further information from the European Commission on Brexit preparedness can be accessed click here

 

It remains essential that businesses continue to review the ‘Practical Steps’ guide to get ‘Brexit Ready’. Click here