ChamberLink Issue 1 2017

chamberlink ISSUE 01 2017

Applauding Business Excellence Cork Company of the Year Awards

CONTENTS

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BUSINESS NEWS

Cork’s Financial Services Solution

<< 08 ‘Making 2017 the year for Cork’

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Cork’s Financial Services Solution New Lease of Life KBC Bank’s Investment Opportunities

INFLUENCE 8-9

‘Making 2017 the year for Cork’

GROW 11

CETA: Creating New Opportunities for your Business

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FEATURE EVENT

Setting attainable goals

COVER STORY

12-13 Work, Live, Play Cork

Welcome to your first ChamberLink magazine of 2017, your bi-monthly informative business magazine keeping you up-dated with insights, commentary and of course all the latest activities from the Chamber. With our growing communication platforms reaching a collective business audience of 27,500 across Email, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn now is an ideal time to showcase your business. We will work with you to ensure the message is tailored to meet your objectives and budget, please contact Deborah on 021 4530149 for a bespoke plan.

This edition also includes our Quarterly Economic Bulletin which is reporting the highest ever business confidence levels at 98.7% since the commencement of the Chamber trends survey in 2009, however Brexit is the biggest threat to this growth so we are pleased to bring you an event on March 8 that will explore this impact and how businesses are adapting.

As this magazine hits your desks we are working on your behalf on many issues including the National Planning Framework which sees a multitude of stakeholders from across the Region working to build a plan for 2040 that paves the way for Cork to become ‘the fulcrum to drive all Munster forward’, you can read about this vision on page 8.

14-15 Applauding Business Excellence - Cork Company of the Year Awards 2017 Our Annual Dinner was another phenomenal success with almost 1,000 business and political leaders joining together in City Hall to enjoy a night with their peers and colleagues while building their connections for the year ahead. Together with Vodafone Ireland, we were delighted to celebrate the best of Cork Business and announce Dairygold as Overall and Large Cork Company of the Year 2017, OrthoXel as Cork Emerging Company of the Year 2017, Irish International Trading Corporation (IITC) as Cork SME Company of the Year 2017 and the Cork Non-Profit Company of the Year 2017 was won by Enable Ireland. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our members, guests, speakers, award entrants, awards judging panel, dinner task force and especially our sponsors for helping to make this event so special.

With New Year’s resolutions still fresh in our minds we encourage you to get the most from your membership by engaging fully with the Members Information Centre (MIC) where you can – book a training course, register for events, upload your latest Member Offers, Member Events, News, Job Vacancies and much more. We look forward to working on your behalf throughout the year.

BUSINESS SKILLS 16

Setting Attainable Goals

NETWORK 17

Upcoming Events

SNAPPED 18-19 Out & About

CONNECT 20-21 New Connections 22 On the move 23-25 Members News

CONNECTIVITY & BUSINESS INNOVATION 26

The Future of Ireland is Connected!

Economic Trends Survey The Q4 2016 survey reports the highest ever business confidence levels at 98.7%

Conor Conor Healy, CEO conor@corkchamber.ie

Cork Chamber, Fitzgerald House, Summerhill North, Cork T23 TD90 T: 021 450 9044 E: info@corkchamber.ie W: www.corkchamber.ie

Chamberlink is published by Cork Chamber and is a bi-monthly publication exclusive to members. The opinons expressed in Chamberlink are not necessarily those of Cork Chamber, neither do they accept any responsibility or liability for any legal implications arising there from. Registered in Ireland no. 13918

Chamberlink main sponsor

business news

Cork’s Financial Services Solution Cork Chamber has had a long-standing commitment to the development of financial services in the region, since the establishment of the Financial Services (FS) Forum in 2008, which was set up to drive the advancement of the financial services industry in the region and strengthen partnerships between industry, education and government organisations. The sector has grown over the past ten years, and since the Brexit vote of June 2016 there is a renewed focus on this sector as many of the UK-based FS companies have started looking at potential alternative locations for their operations (or part of their operations), in order to ensure that they will have continued access to the rest of the EU once the UK withdraws from the Single Market.

The outcome of the Brexit vote, though not the result that the majority of the Irish business community hoped for, has nonetheless presented real opportunities for Ireland to capitalise on the fact that we will soon be the only English-speaking economy in the EU and Eurozone. Cork must be prepared and proactive in looking for opportunities that might bring economic benefits to our own regional economy.

Since the UK’s referendum, government agencies have received over 100 enquiries from potential FS investors into Ireland with Cork having the potential to be a key part of Ireland’s offering.

At a positive meeting with the Chamber in December 2016, Eoghan Murphy TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Financial Services, outlined how the promotion of more and highervalue investments in financial services in regional locations is a continuing priority of the Government’s IFS2020 Strategy. In order to support this strategy, the Chamber has committed to an action plan which will see representatives of the Financial Services PAGE // 4

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Cork Chamber delegation briefing with H.E. Dan Mulhall, Ambassador of Ireland to Great Britain, (second from right) on the Connecting Cork project. Pictured are Katherine Fitzpatrick, Connecting Cork Project Manager, Cork Chamber; Conor Healy, Chief Executive, Cork Chamber; Barrie O’Connell, President Cork Chamber and Eoin Motherway, Willis Towers Watson and Chair Cork Financial Services Forum.

Forum attending a range of national and international events throughout the course of the year, in order to raise Cork’s profile among the FS sector and highlight the compelling solution that the Cork region can offer to potential FS investors.

With multiple International Financial Services operations already in place, a track record of high productivity, and a global outlook, Cork has huge potential to become the location of choice for an increasing number of financial services companies, which can also benefit from strong skills availability, a competitive cost base and an attractive lifestyle offering. Furthermore, Cork has the added advantage of being home to the Financial Services Governance, Risk and Compliance Technology Centre (GRCTC), Financial Services Innovation Centre (FSIC) and the Centre for Investment Research, all of which are run out of UCC, giving the region a reputation for excellence in a number of niche areas. The supporting industries in the region, in areas such as Business Process Outsourcing for the FS industry, along with the growing cluster in cybersecurity, and Tier 1 Connectivity, bring additional strengths and advantages to the overall offering.

Over the last month, members of the Forum have already attended events in Dublin and London, and the recent announcement that Willis Towers Watson (WTW) is to establish Asset Management Operations in Cork, has gained significant visibility for Cork both at home and abroad. The company announced at the start of February that it plans to create up to 40 roles in Cork over the next few years, in areas such as asset management operations, service provider oversight, risk & data management, investor on-boarding, compliance and accounting. According to Eoin Motherway, Head of Investment Operations in Ireland for TWIMI (an Irish subsidiary of WTW), the company chose Cork for its financial services experience, availability of top class graduates from the surrounding third level eco-system and its competitive base.

The Chamber will continue to support the Government’s FS message, by seeking to grow the scale of the financial services sector in Cork as part of a broader ‘Connecting Cork’ strategy for 2017, which will highlight Cork as a leading multisector investment location. katherine fitzpatrick// EU, Trade & Innovation Services Manager

e: katherine@corkchamber.ie// t: 021 453 0138

new Lease of life

€20m Grade “A” office landmark development launched in the heart of Cork city A €20 million office development at Camden Place will provide 150 construction jobs with up to 500 jobs coming on-stream in Cork city centre on completion. Award-winning Cork architecture firm Boyd Barrett MurphyO’Connor (BBMOC) has designed the statement building, which will lead the rejuvenation of the city’s northern quays.

The contemporary development by Stone Work Properties Ltd incorporates the much-loved existing Venetian-style façade into a 21st century glazed exterior.

Sean Healy, Director at Cushman & Wakefield, said: “Camden Place is an ambitious project that will redefine Camden Quay and encourage further investment in the area. The new offices will attract global corporates as well as local businesses, who will be enticed by the contemporary office space, the good city centre location and proximity to Cork’s business district, social areas and connection to air, rail and bus links.”

The Camden Place redevelopment takes

place at a time of increased demand for office space in Cork. The city has become a favourite with multinationals seeking to locate in Ireland, and in more recent years in city centre locations in order to attract suitably skilled staff. Cork’s reputation for an attractive lifestyle and affordable cost of living is another huge draw for corporates seeking to create a workforce in Ireland.

James Murphy O’Connor, Stone Works Properties Ltd; Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Simon Coveney TD; Theo Cullinane, BAM Construction and Ray O’Connor, Regional Manager, IDA Ireland.

Picture: Darragh Kane

I Wish 2017 Kicks off More than 2,000 young girls from across Munster attended the STEM showcase exhibition and conference in City Hall Cork. Among the speakers were film producer and chairman of Atticus Education, Lord David Puttnam, scientist and entrepreneur Ciara Judge and Marie Moynihan, Dell EMC. The MC for the day was doctor and TV presenter, Pixie McKenna.

Speaking at the event, Co-founder of I WISH, Gillian Keating said: “We are absolutely delighted by the enthusiasm at I WISH 2017, from everyone involved in the event –speakers, exhibitors but especially students – the buzz has been incredible. ” The I WISH 2017 speaker line-up included award-winning game designer Brenda Romero; Nuritas Founder and CSO, Dr. Nora Khaldi; Assistant Professor in Physics at Trinity College Dublin,

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed T.D. with Dr Alan O’Riordan, Research Fellow, Tyndall National Institute. Picture: Gerard McCarthy

SCOPE it Out Ellen Baker and Ellen O’Neill of St Aloysius’ College at I WISH. Picture: Clare Keogh Arlene O’Neill; Director of Strategy and Communications of Science Foundation Ireland, Dr Ruth Freeman and Vice President and General Manager of Dell EMC Ireland, Aisling Keegan.

Ireland has a climate that bestows high yield potential for its tillage crops yet the maritime conditions that maintain yields also support the prevalence of crop diseases. Tyndall National Institute, UCC, Dublin City University (DCU) and Teagasc have received €1m investment funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for SCOPE, a new research project addressing the issue of crop disease in two of Ireland’s most important crops, barley and potato. chamberlink

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Both the Privileged PRO and the SIVEK Investment Funds are provided by KBC Asset Management which, as part of the KBC Group, has over 67 years’ experience in fund investment and €208 billion in assets.

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Floor protection funds are managed locally by KBC Fund Management with the KBC Group competence centre for the management of funds with the mechanism of floor protection.

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SIVEK & Privileged Portfolio PRO SIVEK and Privileged Portfolio PRO are long-standing asset management products and are designed to meet each customer’s goal and personal risk profile. That means these funds are attractive to those seeking investment options in a very low interest environment, and, who want to accumulate and manage their capital through a diversified investment portfolio.

Our latest innovative offering, Start2Invest, gives the convenience of regularly investing by transferring money by standing order from a KBC Current Account. The fixed amount, which can be as little as €125, will help gradually build up your investment portfolio.

Sean Michael Collins, Area Manager at KBC’s Lapp’s Quay said: “At KBC Bank Ireland we want customers to be able to invest in their future. I would encourage anyone who wants more information on how an investment portfolio could benefit them to come into their local KBC Hub, two of which are in Cork, and speak to an Investment Fund specialist with no obligation”.

You can invest in the Portfolio PRO funds with a sum €10,000 or the SIVEK Global fund from as little as €125. KBC’s SIVEK aims to generate a return by diversifying the customer’s investment across various asset classes, while its Privileged Portfolio PRO products offer protection by adding floor monitoring to the KBC Asset Management investment strategy.

Floor protection works by linking an actively managed portfolio to a management model that sets out to keep the value of the investment above a particular floor price at all times. This is unique to KBC’s offering.

Sean Michael Collins Area Manager, KBC Lapp’s Quay

KBC Investment Evenings The KBC Investment Evenings will be open to all KBC customers, to anyone interested in considering their investment options, and to those

considering switching their financial products to KBC. The Investment Evenings give consumers a unique opportunity to gain insight and information and will be of benefit to those who already have an interest in the markets as well as those beginning to consider their investment options.

According to Roisin Healy, Hub Manager at KBC Wilton, “Identifying the right investment fund for your profile is an important process and we at KBC aim to make sure you have all the information necessary.”

Roisin Healy Hub Manager, KBC Wilton

In addition to discussing your options face to face with an investment specialist, KBC offers a number of online tools to facilitate an evaluation of investment possibilities. This includes an investment calculator which captures how much you have to how much you have to invest, your investment term and risk profile, and provides an indication of how much your investment could be worth, as well as a facility to determine your risk appetite.

To get started on your investment journey come along to our Investment Evening on Tuesday 28th February in the River Lee Hotel, Cork from 6pm-8pm.

Book your free place by emailing events@kbc.ie.

Terms and conditions apply. KBC Bank Ireland plc is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Tax: Investors should note that the tax legislation which applies to the Fund may have an impact on the personal tax position of your investment in the Fund.”

WARNING: THIS FUND MAY BE AFFECTED BY CHANGES IN CURRENCY RATES. WARNING: THE VALUE OF YOUR INVESTMENT MAY GO DOWN AS WELL AS UP.

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influence

‘Making 2017 the Year As we set off on a new year, Cork is in the best place that has been seen for years. The city and county have both undergone strong population growth resulting in Cork City now being the fastest growing area outside Greater Dublin. In employment terms, Cork is also leading the way. With an unemployment rate now down to 6.4% the South West has the lowest level of unemployment in the country; significantly below the national average of 8%.

This change in population and employment can be seen and felt when walking around the city and surrounds. More and more cranes are popping up as a consequence of increased construction activity. Our skyline is slowly changing by new landmark developments emerging from the ground. With a redeveloped Páirc Uí Chaoimh rising above the Marina, the Capitol Cinema site set to open its doors, the revamped Victorian Quarter just launched, work advancing for a world class Events Centre, new offices primed for development, and a collective focus on bringing new life into the city centre, 2017 is set to be a great year for Cork.

Looking ahead at 2017, there are a number of important events to keep an eye out for which will play a key part in ensuring that Cork’s rediscovered confidence can find a permanent foothold in the region and spread to all our local communities.

From an investment perspective, the single most important happening on the political calendar this year is the development of a new National Planning Framework. In basic terms, the National Planning Framework will set a strategy for Ireland for 2040 which will guide future investment in housing, jobs, infrastructure, schools, health services etc. Unlike its precursor the failed National Spatial Strategy the new Planning Framework must be urban centred and Cork must PAGE // 8

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feature strongly within the plan.

Ireland cannot continue to sustain the historical unbalanced investment into Dublin at the expense of other citiy regions. The first half of 2017 will see Cork stakeholders working together on a vision for what Cork should look like in 2050 and campaign for Cork to be firmly positioned as Ireland’s second city region within the Planning Framework.

A second big opportunity for Cork evolves around the review of the Capital Investment Plan 2016-2021 due in September. Even though the plan already includes key priority road projects for Cork Co. (the Dunkettle Interchange upgrade, the N28 to Ringaskiddy, the N22 Kerry road, and the Mallow by-pass), the M20 and Northern Ring Road are glaring omissions. Estimated to cost up to €1bn the M20 is no doubt a vastly expensive

project. Nevertheless, in order to facilitate Cork, Limerick and all of Ireland South to function as an effective economic corridor to complement the Greater Dublin Region, we cannot ignore the need for the Cork-Limerick road to be updated to motorway status. Over the coming months the Chamber will be working alongside our colleagues in Limerick Chamber and others to campaign for the M20 to be added to the Capital Plan.

Thirdly, the opening of air services to North America from Cork Airport presents whole new opportunities for our tourism and hospitality businesses.

Notably, the historic achievement of direct US flights from Cork comes just at a time when Irish overseas travel figures are up by 11% on 2015 and Ireland is more popular than ever among North American tourists welcoming 10% of all American visitors to Europe. As we

r for Cork’ with our Financial Services Forum, the Chamber will over the course of 2017 work to highlight Cork’s competitive advantage and the many opportunities that exists here for IFS companies to establish or expand an EU-presence and benefit from cluster-led growth.

enter the second year of the Visit Cork Strategy aimed at increasing the number of tourists by 500,000 per annum by 2020, the local tourism industry is excellently placed to diversify the origin of visitors and grow the number of inbound visitors.

Looming on the horizon are also significant challenges which can be turned into opportunities if approached smartly. The UK departure from the

European Union is above all one such challenge. A few weeks ago Cork Chamber attended the European Financial Forum in Dublin Castle where Government and the IDA highlighted Ireland’s strengths as a location for International Financial Services (IFS) amidst the fallout from Brexit. While the discourse so far has been very Dublin centric, Cork is home to a small but growing IFS hub with excellent potential to scale the sector. In cooperation

New growth brings new challenges. This is true for both businesses and for Cork as a region but with the right strategic planning, by working together, and by embracing change, we believe Cork is up for the test.

A controllable challenge, which can also be turned into a competitive advantage, relates to the changing employment landscape in Cork. Recently we have seen a growing demand for businesses and people to be located in the heart of the city with easy access to Cork’s cultural and social scene. This is a picture which is mirrored across the world.

Although great for city centre footfall and the buzz that comes as a result, urbanisation trends also create issues in relation to traffic management, public services provision, and the availability of central office and residential accommodation at affordable prices. A consequence of our changing cityscape is a growing need for increased investment in public transport in the city to alleviate congestion, more incentives for more people to change their mode of transport, and better urban planning to facilitate Cork as a living city. Over the coming year and beyond we will advocate for new investment into Cork with a view to see our city transform itself into a world-class, sustainable and smart second city fit for welcoming even more workers, families, and businesses.

New growth brings new challenges. This is true for both businesses and for Cork as a region but with the right strategic planning, by working together, and by embracing change, we believe Cork is up for the test.

Sarah Foley// policy & research executive

e: sfoley@corkchamber.ie // t: 021 453 0139

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GROW

CETA: Creating new opportunities for your business What’s the appeal of the Maple Leaf?

The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is a trade agreement that has been negotiated between the EU and Canada over a number of years.

Ultimately the aim of the agreement is to streamline the export process for bilateral EU-Canada trade. It will remove over 99% of tariffs between the EU and Canada and will create sizeable new market access opportunities in services and investment, helping to generate both growth and jobs According to the Ambassador of Canada to Ireland, Kevin Vickers, CETA will encourage even more trade and investment between Ireland and Canada when it comes into force. The current total value of Irish exports to Canada is €2.3 billion per year, with total imports valued at €729 million. Irish companies will be benefit from the recognition of product standards and certification on both sides of the Atlantic. The agreement will also improve consumer choice and upholding the EU’s strict standards for products.

How is CETA pro-business?

• It will help to generate growth and jobs at home • It aims to level the playing field for companies in the EU and Canada, of all sizes • It cuts customs duties for trading companies • It cuts duplication and other costs for exporters, without impacting on high standards • It allows EU companies to bid for Canadian public tenders • It protects intellectual property rights of creative industries • It promotes investment The opening of the Canadian procurement market to EU Member State countries, such as Ireland, will mean that information on tenders will be made available on a single procurement website which will

facilitate the easy access for companies to Canadian procurement opportunities.

Canadian provinces, territories and municipalities will open their procurement markets.

How can CETA benefit Ireland?

Executive Director of the Ireland Canada Business Association, Kate Hickey has emphasised that Ireland is well-placed to leverage CETA, the largest and most progressive trade agreement ever, that will prove an asset for bilateral trade between Ireland and Canada. “Currently, in excess of 80 Canadian companies are active in Ireland and this figure is set to grow even further.“ Some of the sectoral opportunities for increased Ireland Canada trade include: • • • • • •

Financial software Telecoms Digital media, content and gaming Government software applications Agricultural machinery, engineering and materials handling Life sciences and medical devices

Let’s talk: Canada Interested in doing business with Canada or developing your existing connections there?

The Enterprise Europe Network at Cork Chamber is partnering with the Ireland Canada Business Association and the Embassy of Canada to Ireland, to bring you an event on Ireland-Canada business relations on Wednesday 29 March in the River Lee Hotel.

Learn more about the opportunities for increased Ireland-Canada trade arising from the CETA agreement, and hear from companies on both sides about their experiences.

Contact Eimear for further information.

Eimear O’Mullane// EU, Trade & Innovation Services Executive

e: eimear@corkchamber.ie// t: 021 453 0138

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Feature

Work, LIve, Play Cork

At our annual dinner, Barrie O’Connell, President of Cork Chamber highlighted the relevance of Cork within the national economy and how Cork is core to a winning proposition for Ireland to 2040.

Addressing 1,000 people from across the Cork and national business and political sector, the President’s speech emphasised how the population of Cork is larger than Galway, Limerick and Waterford combined.

As we look towards planning for Ireland 2040, there should thus be no doubt as to the second engine of economic growth in our country complementing the Dublin region. Cork is the fulcrum to drive all Munster forward.

While Cork’s selling points come as no surprise to any local, we must take it upon each of us to communicate the many advantages nationally and externally.

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#1: Frankie Whelahan, The Montenotte Hotel lead sponsor Annual Dinner 2017.

Picture: John Roche #2 : Chamber Chat commences: pictured are Barrie O’Connell, President Cork

Chamber with Doug Howlett, Graínne Dwyer and Will Sliney.

Picture: Darragh Kane #3 : Annual Dinner takes off! #4 : Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Des Cahill with Ann Doherty, Chief Executive Cork City

Council. Picture: Darragh Kane #5 : Barrie O’Connell, President Cork Chamber makes a presentation to UCC Past

President Dr. Michael Murphy marking his contribution to Cork. Picture: John Sheehan #6 : CAMEO usherettes, from the Montenotte in-house cinema, working the room.

Picture: John Sheehan #7 : Samba to Network to. Picture: John Sheehan

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Speaking at the annual dinner Doug Howlett, Graínne Dwyer and Will Sliney shared their personal experiences of living locally in Cork while working internationally. They highlighted authenticity, the quality of family life, and community feel as decisive factors for choosing Cork as base for their careers. Combined with Tier-1 data connectivity, international connectivity from Cork Airport our region really does have a unique attraction as a place to live and work they reflected.

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Emma Kennelly, Voxpro with Donald Morrissey and Brian Bowler from The Montenotte Hotel. Picture: John Sheehan Ciara Flaherty and Megan Party, Springboard PR. Picture: Darragh Kane Paul McSherry, Holly Macintosh, and John McWey, Blizzard Entertainment Ireland Ltd. Picture: John Sheehan Colm O’Regan entertains the guests. Picture: John Sheehan Attendees from Pepsi Cola Int. included Panksj Agarwal, Liam Gohery, Rhona Holland and Erik Martinoli.

Picture: John Sheehan Annamarie Coughlan, Peter Nash and Sean Kelly, Everyman. Picture: John Sheehan Damien Wallace, Eileen Gleeson and Martin O’Donoghue, Cork Opera House Picture: Darragh Kane Tom Murphy, Irish Examiner with Diarmuid O’Leary, Stephen Ryan, Fiona Darcy, RedFM and Dave McArdle from Red FM. Picture: John Sheehan Rhona Abbey, EY; Renate Murphy, Cameo Communications and Suzanne Kearney, SECAD. Picture: Darragh Kane Ray O’Connor, IDA Ireland (Regional Manager South West) with Judy Hopkins, Marketing Institute of Ireland (Cork Branch Chair); Sharon Corcoran, Cork County Council (Director of Service) and Ciara Wilson, Network Cork (President). Picture: John Roche Fiona Coveney and Fran Stafford from Bank of Ireland Corporate Banking with Declan Lynch and Deirdre Anderson, WENTWORTH Audit Tax Advisory. Picture: John Sheehan Leigh Gillen, Cork Chamber with David Austin, Irving Oil Whitegate Refinery and Paula Cogan, Annual Dinner Task Force (Chair). Picture: John Sheehan Attendees from Lisney included Margaret Kelleher, Edward Hanafin, Trish Stokes, Cian O’Donoghue with Annemarie Linehan, J W O’Donovan Solicitors. Picture: John Sheehan

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ANNUAL DINNER

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cover story

Applauding Business Excellence

Cork Company of the Year Awards 2017 The winners of the Cork Company of the Year Awards 2017 were revealed at our Annual Dinner. The event is one of the most prominent business events in the country attracting a large breadth of companies, including the country’s leading business and political figures.

The coveted Cork Company of the Year 2017 title was awarded to Dairygold, a company that has sustainably grown its business, increasing employment and developing its people, while adapting to an evolving and volatile business environment.

Now in its 20th year, the Awards are run in association with Vodafone and are the region’s most prestigious business awards, with a rigorous judging process overseen by a respected mix of business professionals on its judging panel.

Category winners include: • Cork Emerging Company of the Year 2017 was awarded to OrthoXel, a medical device company focussed on the development and commercialisation of novel orthopaedic trauma devices.

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Cork SME Company of the Year 2017 was won by Irish International Trading Corporation (IITC), one of Irelands leading wholesalers of agricultural and general hardware, steel, wire, plumbing materials, bathroom supplies and accessories.

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The Large Company Award was also won by Dairygold.

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The special award category for 2017 is ‘Cork Non-Profit of the Year’ recognising an organisation that has demonstrated through outstanding programs, services, events or campaigns the greatest impact on Cork community and its residents. The Award was won by Enable Ireland.

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#1: Cork Company of the Year award winner Jim Woulfe, CEO of Dairygold (centre)with Sinead O’Keeffe, Enable

Ireland winner of Cork Non-Profit Company of the Year; Conor Healy, Chief Executive Cork Chamber; Barrie

O’Connell, President Cork Chamber; David Heffernan, Irish International Trading Corporation winner of

Cork SME Company of the Year; Pat O’Connor, OrthoXel winner of Cork Emerging Company, and Anne O’

Leary, CEO, Vodafone Ireland, award sponsors. #2: Winner of Cork Emerging Company of the Year, Charles Daly, Pat O’Connor and James Harty, OrthoXel. #3: Barrie O’Connell, President Cork Chamber with Cork Company of the Year award winner Jim Woulfe, CEO

Dairygold and Leo O’Leary, Head of Large Business Vodafone Ireland. #4: Sinead O’Keeffe, Enable Ireland winner of Cork Non-Profit Company of the Year. #5: Winner of Cork SME Company of the Year David Heffernan and John Lyons from Irish International Trading Corporation.

Pictures: Darragh Kane Barrie O’Connell, President Cork Chamber stated, “It has been another hugely successful year for Cork Company of the Year Awards which acknowledge and celebrate outstanding achievement in business. The Awards shine a spotlight on the exceptional businesses in the Cork region and give us great confidence in Corks ability to deliver business excellence. The last six months has been an exciting and engaging journey for all involved, in particular our committed

“The Awards shine a spotlight on the exceptional businesses in the Cork region”

judging panel. The Awards show the vibrancy of businesses that our region hosts and have demonstrated that Cork is a hub for business excellence. We would like to thank our award partners, Vodafone and our media sponsors the Irish Examiner, which amplify these valued awards even further.”

Anne O’Leary, CEO Vodafone Ireland, sponsors of the Awards commented, “We are delighted to be part of this event which showcases the very best of business talent in Cork each year.

The Awards celebrate outstanding achievements within the local business community in Cork city and county and it is deeply important to me that we recognise these successes. Vodafone is working very hard to support business all over the country and through our joint venture with SIRO

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we are focused on our commitment to delivering a gigabit society in Ireland. This means equality of access for everyone to 1 gigabit broadband speed. We strongly believe that this will have transformational benefits for businesses and will fundamentally change how everyone in Ireland works, lives and plays. We only have to look to the Ludgate Hub in Skibbereen as testament to this. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate each and every one of the winners and wish them continued success well in the future.”

by the commitment and support of the organisation’s many stakeholders”.

Accepting the award on behalf of Dairygold, Jim Woulfe, Chief Executive Dairygold, “We in Dairygold are delighted to have won the esteemed Cork Company of the Year 2017. This recognises the successful execution of the current phase of Dairygold’s strategy through the completion of phase one capital investments programme, key strategic partnerships agreed and the economic benefits being delivered to the wider Cork region, all made possible

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“this event showcases the very best of business talent in Cork” Cork Company of the Year 2017 Judging Panel: • • • • • • • •

Barrie O’Connell, President Cork Chamber and Chair of the awards Leo O’Leary, Vodafone Ireland David Owens, SolarWinds Senator Colette Kelleher Frank Walsh, Enterprise Equity Orla Rimmington, Kernel Capital Pat O’Flynn, Solvotrin Paul Hands, Open Innovation Partners Conor Healy, Cork Chamber

The Cork Company of the Year Awards 2017 had 4 categores and the finalists in each category were: Emerging • OrthoXel • Pundit Arena • Vconnecta SME • Cork’s Red FM • Irish International Trading Corporation • Spearline Labs Large • Dairygold • Mater Private Hospital Cork • Ronan Daly Jermyn Special Award Category: Cork Non-Profit Company of the Year • Cork Opera House • Enable Ireland • Everyman Palace Cork • Shine Centre for Autism chamberlink

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BUSINESS skills

Setting attainable Goals The beginning of each year brings a time of motivation, drive and ambition. Resolutions are formed, we make promises to ourselves and to others, plans are made and goals are set.

“BiznetCork Skillnet can help you turn Goals into Actions and Actions into Results.”

Setting goals for your work-life will ensure that you make things happen. It will give you an opportunity to focus on the important things, to make good decisions, become self-confident & enthusiastic.

What goals do you want to make happen in 2017?

To become a better leader?

To become a better business?

To become more productive?

Try our Building & Leading High Performance Teams programme.

Good teams do not build themselves.

You have to lead – you need to put in place a process and a structure to form and develop the team, to maintain team motivation, and to ensure team delivery.

• 5-day programme • Look at leadership styles, leading and motivating employees and developing high performance teams.

• Learn what makes a good leader • Recognise the difference between leadership & management • Learn how to lead groups to deliver clear outcomes

Then Stand out from the Crowd: How doing good is good for business is the workshop for you. Companies who engage in responsible business practices, or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) are increasing their competitiveness and reaping the business benefits.

• Gain the knowledge that will positively impact on your bottom line.

• Better understanding of what being a responsible business really means.

• What the benefits are for your business.

• Ideas to enhance your organisation’s responsible business practices.

Give our Coaching for Performance course a go. This two-day course introduces participants to the discipline of Coaching and how it can be used to build self-awareness, enable positive change in how we think and behave, and improve our performance in our work and daily lives.

• 2 day programme • Build an awareness & knowledge of Coaching and Mentoring in the workplace.

• Learn the key skills of effective Coaching & Mentoring and gain hands-on experience.

• Develop self-awareness & how to use this to enhance performance of yourself & others.

Personal Development is a marathon, not a sprint If you would like to discuss the training needs of you and your organisation, please contact Aoife Dunne, Network Manager on 021-4530141 / aoife@corkchamber.ie PAGE // 16

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Network

upcoming events Attending networking events affords your business the opportunity to meet with potential suppliers, meet new clients and build on existing relationships. See more at www.corkchamber.ie

Business Breakfast Briefing

Networking takes centre stage

Brexit-proof your business

Date: Wednesday 22 February Time: 7.30am – 9.00am Venue: Clayton Hotel Cork City €25 members / €50 non members

Date: Thursday 23 February Time: 5.30pm – 7.00pm Venue: The Everyman FREE for Cork Chamber members

Date: Wednesday 8 March Time: 1.30 pm to 4.00 pm Venue: Maryborough Hotel FREE to attend, but registration is essential

We are delighted to announce that Robert Mulhall, Managing Director of Retail and Commercial Banking Ireland at AIB will be our guest speaker for the February Business Breakfast in association with the Irish Examiner.

Robert was appointed Managing Director of AIB Retail & Commercial Banking Ireland, in October 2015.

Robert’s career in AIB has spanned almost 20 years and covered a variety of roles up to senior executive management level in areas including Digital Channels Innovation, Retail Banking Distribution, Customer Relationship Management, Business Intelligence, Strategic Marketing, Strategy Development, Operations and Sales Management.

Cork Chamber is delighted to continue the 2017 “Year of Networking” by joining forces with The Everyman for a Business After Hours event on Thursday 23 February.

The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) at Cork Chamber, in association with the Local Enterprise Offices, Cork, will host ‘Brexit-proof your business’, as part of Local Enterprise Week 2017. Companies will be guided by the expert speakers on how to strategically address the challenges and opportunities presented by Brexit.

On the day, Robert will talk about maintaining competitiveness across industries, highlighting some challenges and opportunities facing SMEs, such as Digitisation, Labour Costs, Skills, Trade and Brexit.

Join with your Chamber colleagues to hear from a senior leader in the Irish banking industry.

The Everyman, a building that we all know and love is celebrating its 120 year anniversary in 2017. Having first opened it’s doors as a music hall in 1897 and later serving as a cinema, the building is a jewel of late Victorian architecture. The Everyman is now one of Ireland’s leading presenting and producing theatres and a vibrant cultural hub for the people of Cork.

The newly refurbished bar and foyer, and with a Spring season bursting with the very best of performing arts, the Everyman and Cork Chamber invite you to celebrate 120 years.

Come along and network with your Chamber colleagues and friends and see what The Everyman has in store for the future.

Brexit-proof your business will feature expert speakers on the following topics: •

• • •

•

Brexit - An overview of the political situation, Dr Mary C. Murphy, Lecturer in Politics, Department of Government, University College Cork The Currency Challenge, John Finn, Managing Director, Treasury Solutions Making your Business more Competitive, PJ Timmins, CEO, The Alternative Board Enterprise Ireland’s post-Brexit Advice for Exporters, Martin Corkery, Regional Director, South & East Regions, Enterprise Ireland Expanding your business in international markets with the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), Eimear O’Mullane, EEN at Cork Chamber

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Snapped

Out & About Recent Events with Cork Chamber

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Networking Masterclass The Chamber’s events calendar 2017 kicked off with the ever popular Networking Masterclass facilitated by networking expert Caitlin O’Connor from Accelerating Performance. #1:

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Barrie O’Connell, President Cork Chamber with Gerard O’Brien, Heritage Wealth and Anna Marie Coughlan, The Everyman.

Breakout session gets underway.

Putting new techniques into action.

Pictures: John Sheehan

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Welcome New Members New Members Breakfast held in association with AIB. New members have the opportunity to pitch their business and network with fellow members. #4:

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Conor Healy, Chief Executive Cork Chamber with Katherine Lynch, AIB Branch Manager Carrigaline; Barbara-Anne Richardson, Cork Chamber and Elmarie Kelleher, AIB. Oonagh Connolly, AIB welcomes Gill O’Shea, Gill O’Shea Nutrition and Sarah Sexton, Bean Brownie.

Networking gets underway.

Pictures: Andy Gibson

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Rebrand, Reposition â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Why? The MII Cork January event in association with Cork Chamber featured guest speaker David Field, Commercial Trading Director at Eason. #1: Judy Hopkins, Chair MII Cork; David Field, Eason and Maressa Mills, Newsweaver. #2: Chris Kelleher, B2B Signs and Kay Looney, CIT. #3: Annemarie Fleming, Dave McDonald and Jason Spain from Nova Broadband. #4: Jerry Crowley, CAB Ford; Brendan Coughlan, MSC Missions; Syrena Long,

Hopkins Communications; Eoin Kennedy, Zone Digital and Ray Lougheed,

Lougheed Marketing. #5: Michelle Walsh and Clodagh Thompson from Musgrave. #6: Linda Kelleher from Ronan Daly Jermyn and Sean Donovan from CIT. #7: Caroline Dwyer, MBE Design & Print and Tricia Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Sullivan, TPlan Planning Consultant. #8: Michelle Johnson, ASA Marketing and Donna Mannion, Clayton Hotel Cork City.

Pictures: Miki Barlok

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Connect

NEW CONNECTIONS We welcome the following new members Advertising/Marketing/Market Research Really Marketing Really Marketing is all about growing your business through lead generation. We work by listening to your needs. We use our experience and research to understand where the opportunity lies for you.

Contact: Anne Cogan T: (087) 645-1328 E: anne@reallymarketing.ie W: www.reallymarketing.ie Architects/Town Planners TPlan Planning Consultants Planning Consultancy working independently or in conjunction with other built environment professionals, including viaFulcrum.

Contact: Tricia O’Sullivan T: (086) 1728331 E: info@tplan.ie W: www.tplan.ie Building Contractors/Providers Encore Management Ltd. Project Management of building projects from inception to completion Contact: Patsy Supple T: (086) 2313750 E: psupple@encoremanagement.ie W: www. encoremanagement.ie Charities South and East Cork Area Development Partnership CLG SECAD is a Local Development Company est. in 1995 to manage locally focused community, social inclusion, environmental, and enterprise investment funds on behalf of the State, EU and commercial entities.

SECAD’s staff assists indigenous and international businesses to maximize the impact of their community interactions through the implementation of innovative ‘community benefit fund’ strategies.

Contact: Ryan Howard T: (021) 4613432 E: info@secad.ie W: www.secad.ie

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Entertainment/Leisure/Tourism Chuckies Playzone Play is the most important thing a young child can do. At Chuckies, our carefully chosen play equipment supports healthy child development through play. We strive to have an environment where kids can learn new skills and have lots of fun at the same time. Parents & Carers can relax and enjoy a Tea or Coffee while kids burn off plenty of energy.

Contact: Helen McCarthy T: (021) 4344112 E: play@chuckies.ie W: www.chuckies.ie Food/Drink Clóna Dairy Products Ltd. Dairy Company based in Clonakilty, West Cork. Manufacturers and distributors of award-winning dairy produce across Munster to the Retail and Food Service sectors.

Contact: Mary Vaughan T: (023) 8833324 E: info@clona.ie W: www.clona.ie

Financial Services/Pensions/Investment Calastone Calastone is a financial technology company. Our mission is to make markets friction-free by connecting trading partners through our global fund transaction network. More than 1,100 customers in 29 countries and territories are now processing domestic and cross border transactions via Calastone, benefitting from the cost and risk reduction opportunities transaction automation can offer.

Contact: Gemma Marshall T: (087) 613-2751 E: gemma.marshall@calastone.com W: www.calastone.com ORIGIN Sports Group Sports Management and Investment Group. Origin Sports Group aims to develop and grow sports properties utilising its experience and knowledge of the sports industry, and the commercial sector.

Different from the standard sports agency/ consultancy model, Origin Sports Group balances venture capital style investment with a team who can deliver at the highest level of international sport.

Contact: Stewart Hosford T: (087) 6556063 E: stewart@originsportsgroup.com W: www.originsportsgroup.com

Freight Forwarders/Shipping Agents DB Schenker DB Schenker is a division of Deutsche Bahn AG that focuses on logistics. We support industry and trade in the global exchange of goods: in land transport, worldwide air and ocean freight, contract logistics and supply chain management.

Contact: Declan Toomey T: (021) 4520900 E: sales@dbschenker.com W: www.dbschenker.ie IT Services Sumato Campus Sumato Campus helps businesses improve performance through learning and technology.

Contact: Anthony Chung T: (086) 4109488 E: anthony@sumatocampus.com W: www.sumatocampus.com Media/Publishing/Video Production Classic Hits 4FM Classic Hits 4FM is Ireland’s only multi-city radio station: Broadcasting across the 4 highest populated urban areas in the country. We’re the home of Classic Hits from the 60s to today.

Contact: Mary Power T: (01) 4255450 E: mary.power@classichits.ie W: www.classichits.ie Medical Services/Supplies O’Flynn Medical Ltd O’Flynn medical supply specialist medical equipment to the HSE and other healthcare organisations. We also supply linen / garment dispensing machines for workwear in the private sector.

Contact: Deirdre O’Flynn T: (029) 21799 E: info@oflynnmedical.com W: www.oflynnmedical.com Printing/Packaging Omah Printing Ltd We are an established digital and lithographic, commercial printing and signage company. We operate from a 3200 sqft customised premises located just off the sarsfields road roundabout. Our equipment covers digital printing, litho printing, signage and wide format applications.

In addition we have a full print finishing service.

Contact: Brian Donovan T: (021) 4342133 E: design@omahprinting.ie W: www.omahprinting.ie

Property Management/Lettings Powell Property Property Management/Sales/Rental Contact: Michael Powell T: (021) 4279729 E: info@powellproperty.ie W: www.powellproperty.ie Retail Marc Cain Store (Venetus Ltd) Premium ladies fashion retail store based in Cork city centre.

Contact: Louise Conway T: (021) 4279909 E: mc.store.cork@gmail.com Services ETC Consult ETC Consult provides online psychometric testing services to companies of all sizes to help them avoid hiring the wrong people, promoting the wrong people and putting the wrong people into teams. We train people how to use the tests, which are available in several languages and choose instantaneous reports most relevant to job descriptions and that take the guesswork out of the selection process.

Contact: Pat Shortt T: (01) 4972067 E: info@etcconsult.com W: www.etcconsult.com Westward The Dry Cleaning & Laundry Co Westward is a family run business established in 1980. Our services include dry cleaning, laundry & Alterations. We service both the commercial & private sectors. We are based in The Old Square in Ballincollig & West Point on the Link Rd in Ballincollig.

Contact: Barbara Mc Donagh T: 021 4871767 E: info@westwardcleaners.com W: www.westwardcleaners.com Serviced & Virtual Offices PLUS10 Coworking & Start-up Space Plus10.io is a membership based Coworking community of start-ups, Micro-enterprises, freelancers and Digital Nomads who share a common workplace, facilities. Coworking is both a place to work and to socialize, to make friends, to network, learn from peers.

Its not for everyone, but most find it increases productivity and wellbeing. 1.1m people worldwide are members of Coworking Spaces.

Contact: Fergus Murphy T: (086) 2500841 E:info@plus10.io W: www.plus10.io

Serviced & Virtual Offices REPUBLIC OF WORK Ltd Innovation meets tradition in a new home for business at the heart of Cork City. 15,500 sq ft of pure innovation for businesses of all sizes in all industries.

Contact: DC Cahalane T: (085) 1536394 E: dc@republicofwork.com W: www.republicofwork.com

Solicitors/Legal Services Sweeney Solicitors General practice solicitors office Contact: David Sweeney T: 021 494 96 50 E: info@sweeneysolicitors.ie W: www.sweeneysolicitors.ie

Software/Software Services TAPSTAK TAPSTAK is a SaaS platform that makes smart-phone based interaction quick, cost-effective & simple. Organisations can login and create branded micro-apps for the TAPSTAK mobile app to make it easy for their customers,staff or audience to answer, vote, order, pay, report, or control things.We provide Smart Buttons for Interaction.

Contact: Michelle Donovan T: (086) 732 5522 E: contact@tapstak.com W: www.tapstak.com Wren Data Limited Wren Data Ltd., Interactive Intelligence’s Gold Partner in Ireland, are a specialist company dedicated to the design, delivery and support of complete end-to-end, leading-edge, multimedia Contact Centre technology solutions to leading BPOs, Government Agencies and Customer Engagement focused Domestic and Multi-National companies.

Contact: Enda McLoughlin T: (061) 485700 E: sales@wrendata.com W: www.wrendata.com Solicitors/Legal Services Arnall Golden Gregory LLP US legal services for Irish businesses Contact: Michael Burke T: +1.202.677.4046 E: mike.burke@agg.com W: www.agg.com Matheson Matheson’s primary focus is on serving the Irish legal needs of internationally focused companies and financial institutions doing business in and from Ireland. Our clients include the majority of the Fortune 100 companies. We also advise 7 of the top 10 global technology brands and over half of the world’s 50 largest banks. - See more at: http://www.matheson.com/aboutus/#sthash.cu8qaNDd.dpuf Contact: Ciara Hamilton T: 01 232 2000 E: ciara.hamilton@matheson.com W: www.matheson.com

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Connect

On the Move

Members new appointments

Noreen starts new role

New Partner at RDJ

Noreen Walsh, has recently been appointed to the role of Senior Branch Manager, AIB Bank, 66 South Mall, Cork. Noreen is the first female Branch Manager to be appointed to the South Mall, since its inception in 1862, when the Union Bank opened. She has vast experience of the Banking sector having joined AIB under Ark Life Assurance in 1999 and moved to Retail/ Business Banking in 2010, where she held a number of roles before being appointed to the South Mall.

Deirdre Malone has joined Ronan Daly Jermyn as Partner in the firm’s Employment Group. Deirdre has more than a decade of experience of providing strategic legal advice to employers of all sizes in both contentious and non-contentious employment matters. She has particular expertise in the healthcare and education sectors, representing clients before the Workplace Relations Commission, Labour and High Court.

Ciara joins Springboard PR & Marketing

Páirc Uí Chaoimh appoint Sales Manager

Springboard PR & Marketing is delighted to announce the appointment of Ciara Flaherty as its new Account Manager. An experienced content creator, Ciara will focus on communication campaigns for clients in a variety of sectors including technology, law, financial services and healthcare.

Ciara has worked as a content creator and subeditor with breakingnews.ie and the Irish Examiner for several years.

Patrick Doyle has recently been appointed as the Sales Manager for the new Páirc Uí Chaoimh Stadium which will reopen in June 2017. Patrick is a vastly experienced sales professional and was most recently the Membership Manager with Cork Chamber of Commerce. Patrick is currently focusing on the sale of the Premium level tickets in the new stadium.

Fastnet – The Talent Group Team expand the team

Ayrton Group continues expansion in 2017

Milo joins the FD Centre

Fastnet – The Talent Group, a leading provider of recruitment, search and talent solutions to Life Sciences, Medical Technology and Food sectors, have announced the appointment of Ben Woods and Siobhan Brosnan. Ben takes up the position of Contract Engineering Talent Consultant.

In his new role, he will focus on the recruitment of skilled contract engineering candidates primarily for the life sciences sector.

The newly rebranded Ayrton Group, is delighted to announce that Martin Murray has joined their expanding team as Regional Consultancy Sales Manager. Martin brings a wealth of experience with over 30 years working across a variety of sectors, including Construction, Pharmaceutical, Educational and Medical.

Siobhan Brosnan has been appointed as Talent Consultant within Fastnet – The Talent Group’s Quality & Laboratory Division. Siobhan, who holds a BSc in Microbiology Degree and a MSc. in Molecular Cell Biology from University College Cork, joins the specialist team dedicated to serving Pharma, Bio, MedTech & Food/Agri clients.

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Milo Molloy has been appointed as a part-time finance director with the FD Centre in Ireland.

His prior roles include running his own advisory business, OSMS (Outsourced Management Solutions Ltd), which provided financial and human resource management services. He also held senior financial roles in Irish owner-managed businesses as well as in the multi-national sector.

members news Members events and announcements

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The Springboard PR & Marketing team celebrate their fifth anniversary and the opening of their new office space on South Terrace, Cork City. Pictured (l-r) is Managing Director, Susie Horgan, with Ciara Flaherty, Maria Tracey and Megan Pardy.

Picture Clare Keogh Deloitte recently announced the appointment of Ronan Murray as Transactions Advisory Partner and John Kelly as Audit and Advisory Director. Honor Moore, Partner in charge, (centre) with John Kelly and Ronan Murray.

Michael Magee welcoming Ciara Collins and Brian Punch who recently joined Westboro Partners .

Picture: Rob Lamb JW O’Donovan Solicitors have announced that David Pearson has joined the firm as a Partner.

Pictured are David Pearson, Partner and Jerome O’Sullivan, Managing Partner, JW O’Donovan Solicitors. Picture: Billy MacGill Dr. Eoin O’Sullivan and Dr. Sean O’Sullivan from Bon Secours Hospital pictured at The Bon Secours Hospital GP Study Day in the Maryborough House Hotel.

Picture: Gerard McCarthy Euro Executive Recruitment recently celebrated 1 year in business. The company started their journey in December 2015 and are proud to now be recognised as a well-regarded recruitment provider.

Pictured are the Declan Casey, Operations Director (four from right) with members of the Euro Executive Recruitment Team – Cork Office.

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AND PROJECT ARTS CENTRE, PRESENTS

1

FUTUREPROOF

le sa

CORK MIDSUMMER FESTIVAL

On

THE EVERYMAN, IN ASSOCIATION WITH

M

Winner of the Edinburgh Fringe First Award in 2011, this is the Irish premiere of Lynda Radley’s magical and deeply compassionate play about identity and the capacities of the human spirit.

ar

BY LYNDA RADLEY

DIRECTED BY TOM CREED

THE EVERYMAN AND CADA PRESENT

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Don’t miss the most beloved panto of them all – Beauty and the Beast.

Join the best panto team in town for a night full of magic and spectacle.

Fantastic fun for all the family!

DIRECTED BY CATHERINE MAHON-BUCKLEY

Buying Your Tickets

You can buy tickets to any of our shows In person 15 MacCurtain Street, Cork Online www.everymancork.com By phone 021 450 1673 Please note all online and phone bookings are subject to a booking fee of €2.50 per ticket.

This includes each ticket in the family price.

Box Office Opening Hours

Our box office opens Monday to Saturday from 12pm to 7.30pm on performance days and 12pm to 5pm on non-performance days. On Sundays and Bank Holidays we open from 4pm to 7.30pm on performance days only.

THE EVERYMAN, CELEBRATING 120 YEARS, 1897–2017 The beating theatre THE BEATING HEART OF heart THEATRE INofCORK - BE PARTin OF Cork THE STORY

YOU, OUR AUDIENCE AND SUPPORTERS, ARE A HUGE PART OF OUR SUCCESS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! With your help we are creating ambitious theatreEVERYMANCORK.COM and supporting local artists right here in Cork.

021 450 1673 BE PART OF THET STORY!

EVERYMAN EVERYMAN FRIENDS FRIENDS

CORPORATE CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP MEMBERSHIP

SPONSOR SPONSOR AA SEAT SEAT

SPONSOR A SPONSOR A PRODUCTION PRODUCTION

Contact Anna Marie for further info on corporate and friends schemes annamarie@everymancork.com

Connect

members news Members events and launches

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JP O’Leary (Captain), Michael Cashman (Manager) and Sean Gleeson (Vice Captain) are pictured in Laya Healthcare, Little Island with the Munster Junior A Football Championship Cup and Beamish Open Football Cup as Laya Healthcare’s Inter Firm GAA Team celebrate their recent Munster Championship win over O’Carroll Engineering in Dr. Crokes, Killarney.

Picture: Gerard McCarthy Cogans Sales Director Ken O’Neill with Cogans Brand Ambassador Cork Hurling Captain and Glen Rovers player Stephen McDonnell picking up his 171 Toyota Corolla from Cogans Carrigaline .

Picture: Gerard McCarthy DIGITAL SAFETY FIRST: Trend Micro – a global leader in security software launched their 2017 digital safety competition – “What’s Your Story?” in advance of Safer Internet Day. Pictured at the launch are Loren Flynn, Scoil Bhríde Eglantine Primary School and Nicola Buckley, “What’s Your Story?”

Programme Manager, Trend Micro.

Picture: Cathal Noonan New UCC President Prof. Patrick O’Shea greeting Minister Michael Creed on a courtesy visit to hear about food research and business at UCC. Picture: Gerard McCarthy Cathy Buchanan, GM Meitheal Mara and John Mullins, Port of Cork at the Port of Cork for the launch of Meitheal Mara’s ambitious plans for the realisation of an integrated maritime hub for Cork City.

Picture: Gerard McCarthy A new leadership development programme called SOAR has been launched to support women in being powerful leaders while managing the complexities and challenges that come from being a female in a senior role. Pictured at the launch were Miriam O’Connell, Kerry O’Keeffe and Betty O’Callaghan.

Picture: Darragh Kane

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Connectivity & Business innovation

The Future of Ireland is Connected!

We all live on a small island, on the edge of Europe that over the last two centuries, has moved from a largely rural-based farming economy, to an urban-based society.

This evolution has highlighted an urban-rural divide which has, and continues to have a profound impact on community life the length and breadth of the country.

There is a need to recognise the value of the rural economy and marketplace in its own right. It is too significant a proportion of the population to leave behind. Supporting and investing in rural Ireland will bring benefits to all of Ireland. Vodafone’s vision is for a situation where the people of rural Ireland have an opportunity to learn, work, live and prosper as part of a sustainable and fair society.

While rural Ireland offers a high standard of living, a sense of community, a strong identity and pride of place for those who live there, there are real concerns over how rural Ireland has become disconnected from the rest of the country.

From a business perspective, research carried out by Vodafone Ireland at National Digital Week in November 2016 showed that nearly half (44.5%) of rurally-based small businesses believe their existing internet speed is not sufficient for their business requirements for example.

Nearly two-thirds (62%) of the businesses surveyed agreed that faster broadband and mobile phone coverage would enable them to expand their business. (69%) said that slow and unreliable speeds prevent them from working efficiently and hold back their potential for growth and (37%) said that they would have to relocate to a nearby town or city if

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internet connectivity was not available.

Vodafone is committed to delivering a ‘Gigabit Society’ in Ireland and to playing a central role in driving that agenda – with the explicit goal of access for everyone to 1 gigabit broadband speed.

Equality of connectivity will change how everyone in Ireland lives, works and plays.’

The Gigabit Society has the ability to unlock the enormous potential in rural Ireland. The communities that have traditionally been ravaged by economic recession, emigration and isolation would be able to use the internet to facilitate a new way of doing business, of organising community and of socialising.

It can only be made stronger by a rising tide of interconnectivity. If you look at the current housing crises which effects Dublin most of all, you can see that it is a result of the need to live and work near the capital. There are then the knock-on effects of a high demand for housing and pressure on public services such as hospitals and schools.

Facilitating high speed broadband in rural areas would reduce the need for people to move to larger rural areas, thus allowing the communities to grow organically and to sustain that growth into the future.

It could fundamentally shift the social and economic landscape in the least densely populated areas of Ireland and start a new age of connectivity and prosperity.

Vodafone’s Gigabit Society will allow rural Ireland to fully realise its potential in terms of economic development.

The very nature of rural Ireland’s disconnectedness

over centuries has meant rural communities have had to be highly adaptive, agile and innovative. There is plenty of initiative and an innate entrepreneurialism that exists in abundance. Every farmer is an entrepreneur and every household in some way a business platform. The can-do attitude in rural Ireland can be harnessed to transform the economic and social possibilities and make Ireland a more equitable place to live and do business.

Reporting on rural Ireland can unfairly focus on problems and on the past.

We at Vodafone have decided to focus on the future, on the potential within these communities and on the desires when it comes to the digital future. We have seen through our Amárach Research – ‘Connected Futures’ that any debate about a connected future for rural Ireland must involve the local community in the conversation.

Our vision is that every consumer, company and community in Ireland will be an equal member of the gigabit society with access to high quality services at high speeds – creating possibilities for everything from equality of access to lifelong learning, to opening up new markets to Irish companies through to harnessing improved connectivity for advanced healthcare services

The key finding coming out of the study is one of optimism.

People want to remove the barriers to participating in a digital economy, a digital society, but they also want to realise all the opportunities that are there. So if you can give them faster broadband for example they can also begin to benefit in things like jobs of rural areas, perhaps even allowing people to study and work from home who couldn’t otherwise do so.

There tends to be a lot of noise regarding rural Ireland and national and local strategies for connectedness.

“Our vision is that every consumer, company and community in Ireland will be an equal member of the gigabit society”

They said give us better access to broadband and we can then build stronger communities, create jobs, expand and develop businesses, start up new business, using the technology that’s already available in some parts of Ireland but isn’t available in all parts of Ireland and that’s the real opportunity.

Specatacular 45,000 capacity ďŹ&#x201A;oodlit stadium

10 Year Premium Level tickets > Best seats for all GAA matches in the stadium > Free entry to all Co. Championship matches in Cork County > Guaranteed advance access to concert tickets in your premium seat > Priority access to 15,000 sq. Ft. Conference space

www.paircuichaoimh.ie â&#x201A;Ź

6,500

per 10 year premium ticket.

Limited availability

Contact us: Tel: (021) 4963360 Email: premium@paircuichaoimh.ie

Proud to be awarded the Business Working Responsibly Mark.

Presented by Business in the Community Ireland.

Vodafone Power to you

Issue 1 - February 2017

CORK CHAMBER

Economic Bulletin Cork Chamber’s Airport Users Survey 2016 Developed in cooperation with Cork Airport, the Airport Users Survey circulated to Cork Chamber members in November-December 2016 focused on Cork businesses’ current travel patterns and their most desired future routes. Here we set out some of the main survey findings.

Future Route Wishes Over recent years Cork Airport has returned to growth resulting in a 3 million seat sale for 2017, with 9 scheduled airlines servicing

sponsored by

flights on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday during summer 2017, and will operate three weekly services in winter 2017.

over 40 routes across 12 countries.

Domestic Flights to Dublin

When asked to identify their most desired

Since the closure of the domestic air service

routes for the future, Cork Chamber

between Cork and Dublin in 2011, the desire

members ranked, in order of most desired,

for a renewed air connection between

connectivity to the following regions:

Ireland’s 1st and 2nd cites has re-emerged from time to time. With that in mind our

1.

The US

survey tested the market for a new

2.

Germany

Cork-Dublin air route.

3.

Italy

4.

Benelux

Considering the options already available

5.

UK

77% of Cork Chamber’s membership would consider flying to Dublin with the majority

Of these, New York came out as the single

of these (61%) indicating that they would use

most wanted route mentioned specifically

an air journey to Dublin for the purpose of

by 37% of all respondents.

onward connection, while a sizeable portion (39%) would opt for flying to Dublin

The recent 2016 announcements of new

point-to-point.

routes providing North American It is clear that the local business community relies strongly on Cork Airport on a day-to-day basis. Over the course of 2016, 20% of responding companies took more than 100 business trips from Cork with 71% using the airport at least monthly, and 11% using the airport daily. Of note, in

However, in order to make a new

the needs of airport users into the future,

Cork-Dublin viable appropriate pricing

with the most desired route connectivity

appeared to be very sensitive. Only 4% of

being by WOW air, Iceland’s low cost

respondents would be willing to spend more

operator, which commences a new Cork to

than €150 on a return flight, and none of our

Reykjavik service from May 19th, 2017, with

companies surveyed would be agreeable to

easy and affordable onward travel options to

paying above €200 return.

Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, Montreal, New

considering a departure location, the business community weigh convenience as ten times more important than cost.

connectivity was a success story in meeting

York City, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Toronto

For further information on the Airport Users

and Washington DC. The new WOW air

Survey findings contact Sarah Thatt-Foley

service will operate convenient weekly

on sfoley@corkchamber.ie or 021 453 0139.

Q4 2016 Cork Chamber Economic Bulletin contact: Michelle O’Sullivan / Policy and Research Executive e: michelle@corkchamber.ie t: 021 4530132

www.corkchamber.ie

2016

Economic Trends Q4 Survey Results

Executive Summary The Q4 2016 survey reports the highest ever business confidence levels at 98.7% since the commencement of the Chamber trends survey in Q1 of 2009,

Responding Businesses The responding businesses are representative of a broad cross-spectrum of businesses sizes.

Between 11 - 50 Micro Enterprise (2 - 10)

and shows a notable rise in confidence from the comparable period in 2015 which was reported at

Between 101 - 200

95%. This is an incredible and enduring testament to the resilience of the Cork business community with the 2009 figure reported at 52%, a reflection of the

Sole Trader

Over 201

Between 51 - 100

times that we were in and the road that has been travelled since. With a view to the most recent context however, the current confidence levels could

8.9%

24.1% 35.4% 6.3%

11.4% 13.9%

perhaps be indicative of the energy, and ever-growing robustness and resilience of businesses in the region, and, as with recent trends surveys, could be reflective of the opportunities that are also seen in light of the

Respondents are also representative of a broad range of sectors.

planned Brexit in March, and the developments of

3.8%

taking place and planned across the Cork region.

Further to this, the Q4 2016 survey reported a determined rise to 72% of business respondents indicating increases in turnover, a rise of 14% from Q3 2016, reflecting strong activity during the final quarter of 2016. This strong positioning is reinforced by the

2.5%

Tourism and Travel

6.3%

Multisectoral

10.1%

Construction

Transport

1.3%

12.7%

Agriculture and Fishing

Science and Technology

future predictions with 83% of respondents predicting an increase in turnover over the next 12 months. This correlates with a rise in net profits with 68% of respondents noting an increase, compared with 52% reported in Q3. This could be attributed for the most part to seasonality but is buoyed by the

Representative Respondents

future predictions with 76% of respondents expecting an increase in net profits over the coming 12 months.

In conclusion, the Q4 2016 Economic Trends Survey presents a strong, positive and resilient snapshot of

13.9%

the Cork regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic landscape as we settle

Industry/ Manufacturing

into 2017.

49.4% Services

Cork Chamber - Economic Bulletin

Top 5 1

Threats to Business Growth

Employment Outlook Change to employee numbers over Q4 2016

Brexit

2.5%

Decrease

2 Skills Availability

53.2%

3 Cost Competitiveness

Stay the same

4 Access to Credit

44.3%

5 Stability of Capital Markets and Changing

Increase

Consumer Spending/Reduced Orders Expected changes to employee numbers over the next 12 months

Other comments also highlighted the U.S. political situation and government policy

0%

Decrease

35.4%

Business Confidence

Stay the same

Confident

Not Confident

98.7%

1.3%

64.6% Increase

Number of businesses with vacancies advertised currently

Yes Turnover and Net Profit estimations and 12 month predictions 7.6%

20.3%

Decrease

No Change

No

48.1 51.9%

Of those surveyed with vacancies advertised currently, 25.3% of respondents indicated that they have experienced difficulties recruiting the right candidates (refers to those vacancies that have remained unfilled for greater than 3 months since the initial

Turnover

72.1% increase

recruitment process commenced). The top three difficult to fill vacancy types were surveyed as those across the engineering disciplines, the hospitality sector (chefs, managerial) and

83%

Expected change over the next 12 months

vacancies which require experienced sales people.

Pressing issues for employees Respondents were asked to rank issues of concern that have been

7.6%

24%

Decrease

No Change

highlighted across business teams. The following is reflective of the options provided within the survey and the dominance of that option being chosen as the number one concern:

Net Profit

68.4% increase

76.00%

Expected change over the next 12 months

Cork Chamber - Economic Bulletin

1. Housing/ rental accommodation supply 2. Possible future rent/ cost of living increases 3. Traffic congestion and commute times 4. Commuter options (public transport, cycling) Comments were added referring to such areas as work/ life balance and flexibility; accessibility of work locations for employees.

Confidence in the Irish economy Respondents were asked about their overall confidence in the

The final economic trends survey of 2016 gathered

Irish economy when compared with 3 months ago.

information on the business experiences of Cork Chamber members at the close of Q4 (October, November and

48.1% Same

December). The survey data gathered facilitates the assessment of the economic landscape across the Cork region and is instrumental in guiding Chamber policy priorities and strategy in its work to progress the agenda for the sustainable economic development of the region

Confidence

presently and into the future.

Finally, Cork Chamber would like to take this opportunity to thank members for participating in completing the

25.3%

More Confident

26.6%

Less Confident

Mergers & Acquisitions outlook for Ireland remains optimistic Over 81% of Irish business leaders expect this year’s Irish deal activity to match or exceed prior years despite geopolitical uncertainty.

According to KPMG’s Mergers and Acquisitions Outlook report for 2017, investor confidence is the single most important factor influencing deal activity with tech, agribusiness and health/life sciences as the sectors likely to attract most interest.

In a change from last year, Ireland is seen as the more likely source of deal targets for Irish M&A executives, overtaking the UK as the most popular source for deals. Less than half expect that M&A will be negatively impacted by Brexit in the short term. According to the survey of Ireland’s leading M&A executives and advisors, M&A levels for 2017 are forecast to be at or above 2016 levels and strategic fit is considered the key investment motivation for shareholders ahead of expanding customer base or cost/operating synergies. Mark Collins, Partner and Head of Transaction Services at KPMG in Ireland said: “Despite the various headwinds, we remain positive on the overall

Cork Chamber - Economic Bulletin

Q4 2016 survey.

outlook for M&A activity in 2017. Dealmaking will continue to play an important role for Irish organisations in achieving their strategic objectives, but will have to do so navigating even choppier waters.”

Michele Connolly, Partner and Head of Corporate Finance at KPMG in Ireland says that a range of options exist for ambitious and nimble businesses looking to take advantage of opportunities with debt funding the preferred source of capital for deals. “In addition, whilst the global outlook remains unpredictable, strategic fit and price will be the drivers of activity. Most respondents appear to have already started to factor political uncertainties into their thinking and recognised that businesses can't simply stand still,” she adds.

Michael Lynch, Partner and head of KPMG’s tax practice in Cork adds: “Current sentiment amongst the deal making community is positive, as this year’s M&A Outlook reports. Interestingly, less than half of respondents expect that deal activity will be negatively impacted by Brexit in the short term. Respondents acknowledged the US presidential election outcome but most do not anticipate a significant impact in 2017. Of course, the longer term impact of these two events is less certain.”