ChamberLink Issue 4 2017

chamberlink ISSUE 04 2017

Digital HEROes

Digital Connector

PRII award

Out and About

Celebrate the magic of the festive season at The River Lee Join us at The Weir Rooms where a wide range of Christmas menus are available from festive Afternoon Tea to private dining, glamorous drink receptions and buffets.

T +353 (21) 425 2700 doylecollection.com/riverlee #SliceOfTheCity

W theweir.ie

@RiverLeeHotel

/TheRiverLeeHotel

@TheRiverLee

CONTENTS

05 >>

BUSINESS NEWS

Gearing up for Success

4

Irish Water Non-Domestic Tariffs

INFLUENCE

<< 13 Skill, Re-Skill and Re-Skill Again

21 >>

5

Gearing up for Success

COVER STORY 6-7

Cork Digital Marketing Awards 2017 Looking for a Digital Superhero Digital Digest 60 seconds with Jerry Sweeney Digital Connector

9 10 11

BUSINESS SKILLS 13

Customs & Trade Post Brexit

Skill, Upskill and Re-Skill Again

NETWORK 14-15 Upcoming Events

Welcome to the fourth edition of Chamberlink 2017. There seemed be no let-up in the pace of activity this summer and our current edition is full of key policy issues that are unfolding, businesses that are flourishing and networking events held in the warm summers evenings.

As our bright mornings and long evenings slip away we have many exciting events to liven up the Autumn. We have handmade afterhours pizza in the Voxpro garden and the perennial Golf Classic at Cork Golf Club where the first hole-in-one wins a Jaguar.

If you time it right, you could enjoy lunch aboard Brittany Ferries ship, Pont Aven, at our France-Ireland Chambers lunch and take your new Jaguar on a road trip through France thereafter. For those left behind, we have a breakfast session in the amazing new Páirc Uí Chaoimh, our Women in Leadership lunch and the Art of Business at the Glucksmann in UCC. As the seasons change we also await a number of Government publications and decisions that will define the growth and development of our country for many years to come. At the time of writing the National Planning Framework, Capital Plan Review Budget 2018, N28, M20, Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme and Mackinnon Report are all at varying stages of speculation, interpretation, assessment and completion.

We are active on all fronts.

International seminars such as Brexit and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) continue to influence our future too. We encourage you to check out our Brexit resources online to get the opinions of a multitude of European Ambassadors on how Brexit will affect them and their relationship with Ireland. We have further dedicated events for those who wish to understand the effect of Brexit on customs and trade and a further session on GDPR. In the spirit of constant change, a recent World Economic Forum update shows that our skills devalue by about half, every five years. The onus is on every business and employee to stay ahead of the curve and our training team will be right there with you. Our courses do everything from analysing your skills needs to getting you a green belt in six sigma. Get in touch with aoife@corkchamber.ie for further details.

As ever, thank you to our members for constantly bringing their energy and enthusiasm which inspires our team every day.

Conor Conor Healy, CEO conor@corkchamber.ie

SNAPPED 16-19 Out & About

BUSINESS FEATURE 20

Getting to Grips with Data Protection

GROW 21

International Business

CONNECT 22-23 New Connections 24 Members News 25 On the Move

CONNECTIVITY & BUSINESS INNOVATION 26

Vodafone putting focus on diversity and inclusion in the workplace

Q2 Economic Trends Survey “Member confidence in their businesses increases from 91% in Q1 to 96% in Q2.

Overall confidence in the Irish economy is also improved with 33% stating an increase compared to three months ago and 61% unchanged.”

For more results see enclosed Economic Bulletin

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 sponsor

business news

Irish Water Non-Domestic Tariffs Ireland currently has 57 different non-domestic water charging regimes and 900 different connection charges spread across 31 Local Authorities. Irish Water intends to be the sole point of contact and service provider for this disparate network and charging regime. As such, they are in the process of preparing a policy paper for consultation on tariff harmonisation.

•

Irish Water may seek to change the rates we are accustomed to and to the way in which they are calculated. It is probable that a method known as the Mogden Formula will be adopted to calculate charges. The Formula is in line with the polluter pays principle and adopts a means of differentiating between varying effluent strengths and charging accordingly.

•

•

•

•

•

The polluter pays principle must apply fairly to all businesses.

The potential fast tracking of a number of businesses to a new charging regime ahead of full harmonisation is inequitable and potentially a form of cross subsidisation.

Business must not cross-subsidise the shortfall in domestic charges.

Once applied, the new rating system must not in any way compromise our international competitiveness.

Any changes must be complemented with appropriate transitionary instruments including reasonable timeframes, and supports for businesses most impacted.

There should be one single consultation on all of the above to avoid confusion amongst businesses throughout Ireland.

In addition, there is a possibility that proposals to fast track an interim non-domestic effluent charging regime for heavy users not currently charged based on effluent strength will be consulted on too. This would potentially apply to Cork City and County users and we await further detail on whether this proposal will be taken forwards and which businesses it may affect.

Once Irish Water completes their draft policy documents, they will be submitted to the CER and opened to consultation. The details of the draft policy documents may well differ from the above which represents preliminary insight.

In advance of full consultation, a few basic points are clear to Cork Chamber: • Harmonisation and the associated changes should support and enhance our economic stability and the employment of our workforce.

Consultation is currently expected in Q3 or Q4 2017. Cork Chamber represents members at the CER Non-Domestic Water users group. Irish Water and the CER are keen to meet with members during this consultation phase and interested members should contact thomas@corkchamber.ie

Cork for IFS Cork’s Potential for International Financial Services Growth Presented to New Minister Cork Chamber was delighted to welcome our new Minister for Financial Services & Insurance Michael D'Arcy T.D. to the Chamber on his first trip to Cork in his new role on Monday 24th July.

Hosted by the Chamber’s Financial Services Forum, the purpose of the meeting was to present the Minister and local elected representatives with detail on the strong offering available in Cork to grow the International Financial Services (IFS) sector, as planned for under Government’s IFS 2020 strategy.

To find out more about Cork for IFS, check out www.connectingcork.ie PAGE // 4

chamberlink

Pictured from left to right: Orla Flynn, Vice President External Affairs CIT; Thomas McHugh, Cork Chamber; Deirdre Clune MEP; Martin Corkery, Regional Manager Enterprise Ireland; Minister Michael D’Arcy TD; Michael McGrath TD; Barrie O’Connell, Cork Chamber Financial Services Forum; Senator Jerry Buttimer; Senator Colm Burke.

influence

Gearing up for Success: M20 would have game-changing impact on South and Mid-West Regions The proposed 80km M20 motorway between Cork and Limerick would enable balanced economic development on a scale not seen heretofore on the island of Ireland, a new report commissioned by Cork and Limerick Chamber has found.

Titled ‘Gearing up for the M20: A Route to Success’ , the report by Indecon Economic Consultants and RED C Research, concludes that the M20 will help realise the Atlantic Economic Corridor concept of a powerful threecity region comprising Cork, Limerick and Galway.

Among the top findings in the report is that the motorway would have the potential to support an estimated additional 4,000-5,400 direct jobs in the region. In gross terms, excluding displacement impacts, these additional direct jobs could provide an annual gross exchequer impact of up to €128 million, depending on the nature of investment attracted, the report finds.

The development of the M20 would see a continuous motorway from Cork all the way to Limerick through to Galway, creating an economic corridor that would provide a strong complement to Dublin. The report also found that the existing N20 between Cork and Limerick has significant capacity constraints that inhibit economic development.

Other key findings in the report include that the motorway would increase the labour force within a 45 minute commute of major employment centres by 23% to 243,000 people.

Further findings include: • Development of the M20 would reduce Blarney to Patrickswell journey time by 16 minutes to approximately 47 minutes • The M20 scheme would prevent approximately 118 accidents per annum • The transport benefits would underpin the competitiveness of the South-West and MidWest Regions • The M20 would reduce stress and improve the quality of life for commuters The above benefits have jointly been presented by Cork and Limerick Chambers to Senior Officials in the Departments of Public Expenditure and Reform; Transport, Tourism and Sport; as well as Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. At these meetings, Cork and Limerick Chambers asked that the M20 be progressed in the forthcoming review of the Capital Plan.

Commenting on the importance of the project, Dr. James Ring, CE of Limerick Chamber, said: “The M20 is probably the most significant piece of infrastructure yet to be developed in the State.

Current severe capacity

Conor Healy, CE of Cork Chamber with Dr. James Ring, CE of Limerick Chamber. constraints on the N20 is restricting growth potential in our second and third cities, and limits access to business and communities across Limerick, Clare, Kerry, Cork and up into Galway.

Conor Healy, CE of Cork Chamber added: “It is in the national interest that our regional economies expand for Ireland to remain competitive and to complement growth in Dublin. With the right road network linking them, Cork, Limerick and Galway could effectively become one large labour and customer marketplace improving opportunities and choice for employees and businesses, while also enhancing safety for all users of the road, improving Ireland’s external connectivity and competitiveness. As Government ramp up capital spend from next year, the M20 must be first on the list of projects to be progressed.”

Cork Chamber is currently in the process of trying to secure a meeting with our new Taoiseach Leo Varadkar T.D. to discuss the importance of investment in the route for the future success of the South and Mid-West regions.

The full report is available to read on www.corkchamber.ie

Sarah Foley// policy & research executive

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

chamberlink

PAGE // 5

cover story

Looking for a Digital Superhero The Cork Digital Marketing Awards 2017 are now open for entries, with the final to be held on the 26 October next in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, where Legends are Born!

The theme for 2017 is Digital Superheroes and that is what these Awards are all about highlighting the great work that is being done by Cork businesses.

On the night winners in each category as well as Cork’s Overall Digital Marketing Champion 2017 will be announced!

Categories are as follows: Best Website

Best use of Video

There are four catgories available New / Small / Medium / Large

There are two categories available <30 Employees / >30 Employees

Best E-Commerce Website

Best use of Facebook

Best use of Instagram/Snapchat

Best use of Twitter There are two categories available <30 Employees / >30 Employees

There are four catgories available New / Small / Medium / Large

Best use of Digital Marketing to Showcase Cork

For companies or organisations that have used digital to make the world see just how special Cork is - via video, social media or websites etc.

Digital Superhero Best use of digital marketing for the promotion of socially responsible practices and anything for the greater good e.g. Community projects, local initiatives etc.

We are delighted to have Cork’s 96FM as Media Partners for the 2017 Cork Digital Marketing Awards!

Be sure to tune in to 96FM for updates on the Awards in the coming weeks!

PAGE // 6

chamberlink

Top Tips for a great submission • Case Studies – the best submissions are concise case studies on how companies work their digital/social media. A start, a middle and an end work the best.

• Don’t be insular – members of the general public will be looking at your submission so your submission should be about explaining to them how you operate. i.e. explain acronyms & internal metrics • Real numbers - the judges scorecard has points for metrics so give real metrics.

“Grew a lot” or “doubled” without giving actual numbers are not the metrics we are looking for.

• Less is not more but too much is too much - Each section of your entry has specific word counts so put some work into each section. If judges have to guess what the submission is about, you won’t score well.

• Treat each category as an independent entity - Copying & pasting the same submission into several categories won’t do you any good. Each category is different and a generic entry means no focus and lower marks.

chamberlink

PAGE // 7

cover story

Digital Digest From home grown heroes to global heavyweights, the leading names in digital marketing came to Cork for the first ever Amplify Digital Marketing Conference in July.

Here’s a taste of what they had to say: The goal of your content should be to go deeper than engagement. Make people feel something, good or bad.

Emotion comes just before action.

Steve Bartlett, Social Chain Uber used ‘Pirate Metrics’ to build their business and eventually pass out Facebook’s revenue. ‘Pirate Metrics’ is Acquisition, Activation, Retention, Revenue, Referral…AARRR! George Berkowski, Author How to build a billion dollar app

#1

#2

Creating content is essential. Don’t just sell your product - sell your brand, your story, what makes YOU different.

Ross O’Dwyer, Pundit Arena The key to a successful digital campaign is to think like a customer not a company. Start with your customer and work backwards to your campaign while always trying to turn customers into advocates for your business.

Greg Fry, socialmedia.ie

#3

#4

Be brave - switch off digital marketing channels that aren’t working.

Aoife McGuigan, Lucozade Ireland Every piece of content you create is an opportunity to be helpful to your customers.

Eadaoin Murphy, Hubspot EMEA Find your own style and stick to it, make your content easily recognisable.

Claire O’Brien, Design Wizard Social media is a long term game, results come over time. Post meaningfully and conversationally to build and connect with your audience.

Jamie White, leadingsocial.com

#5

#6

#1: Steve Bartlett, CEO & Founder Social Chain #2: Anna Pas & Beth Quigley, Wolfgang Digital

in conversation with David Brett, Core Optimisation #3: Carol O’Kelly, CEO & Founder Redstorm. #4: George Berkowski, Author of ‘How to Build a

Billion Dollar App #5: Ken Nugent, Commercial Manager RTE #6: Eadaoin Murphy, Hubspot EMEA #7: Jamie White, Founder Leadingsocial.com

#7

chamberlink

PAGE // 9

Cover Story

60 seconds with Jerry Sweeney, Managing Director Cork Internet eXchange Explain CIX to someone unfamiliar with the business?

Cork Internet eXchange is a data centre. Think of CIX as a luxury hotel for computers. We keep computers, secure, powered up, cooled down and connected to the Internet. We are the ideal environment for critical compute and data storage equipment.

What differentiates your organisation from others?

CIX is the only significant commercial data centre in Munster. We are locally owned and managed.

Who is your target audience?

We serve 160 locally based businesses.

We also have a sales operation in Hyderabad in India and we expect international sales to grow quickly over the coming years.

What is your vision for the future of CIX? Think of the technological changes we have seen in the last decade such as smart phones, social media, Netflix, cloud computing and crypto currencies such as Bitcoin. The next decade will see far greater change in areas such as artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, IoT, smart cities, and quantum computing. CIX will help bring these technology revolutions to Cork.

What has been your greatest business achievement?

The company behind CIX, Chip Electronic Services Limited has been operating in Cork since 1981. In order to survive we have had to evolve rapidly throughout our thirty six year existence.

Our greatest achievement has been adaptation.

What’s your top business tip Bill Gates and Warren Buffer say that ‘focus’ is the most important ingredient for success and I can’t disagree.

However, I think a bias for action is the critical second ingredient. Christopher Columbus is credited as being a most successful explorer and navigator.

However, he couldn’t have been farther from India when he arrived in the West Indies. He achieved something far greater than he had planned by just setting sail.

What makes Cork a great place to do business?

I was born here. I don’t need a better reason to do business in Cork. I am part of Cork and Cork is part of me.

Digitalise: become a Superstar Digital Marketing & Social Media has created a new economy & completely changed how brands interact with their consumers.

Businesses are now built solely on social media platforms and are disrupting how modern day business is done.

Businesses that do digital marketing well, that create engaging content and interact with their customers online are reaping the rewards.

To help you and your business, our comprehensive Digital Marketing QQI Level 5 accredited course will take attendees through the most important aspects of running a Digital Marketing campaign, from developing a strategy, to creating content and delivering it in the most accessible way. Our trainers will demonstrate good and bad content, with real world examples of what works and common pitfalls to avoid The programme is delivered by industry experts to give you a greater understanding of the constantly evolving space that is Digital and will equip you with informed techniques and tools that can be implemented immediately.

The course will cover: • Digital Marketing Strategy • Google AdWords / Pay Per Click Ads • Search Engine Optimisation • Online Video • Writing for Digital Marketing • E-Mail Marketing & Lead Generation • Website Analytics • Data Protection & Cyber Security • Social Media & Your Online Brand • Inbound Marketing • Online Advertising By the end of the programme, you’ll have a solid grounding in the field and be in a position to develop an informed and comprehensive Digital Marketing Strategy for yourself and your company.

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

www.corkchamber.ie/training PAGE // 10

chamberlink

Digital Connector Feargall Kenny, Founder and President, New York Digital Irish Tell us a bit about your background?

I’m from Dublin and left for New York in 1994, right after college, armed with a Morrison Visa. I planned to stay for a year but I am now longer in the US than I was in Ireland and am married with 3 kids. Over the years I’ve worked in technology sales, managing sales teams and worked on large outsourced technology deals. My own start-up, Citizen Image, was in the citizen photojournalism space and although we raised angel money we ran out of time to make it work/figure out a good monetisation model. Finally, I worked for two West Coast VC-backed start-ups, Attributor and Kickapps, before starting my own recruiting firm, Glenborn.

We focus on sales roles for VC backed start-ups in marketing, commerce and publishing technology.

How did NY Digital Irish start?

I have always had an interest in making connections for people and saw the power of being able to leverage my Irish heritage with Irish expats and Irish Americans (and even other Englishspeaking expats) during my sales career. I had the opportunity to meet with a few Irish start-ups over the years and was able to make some useful connections for them. About 5 years ago, I thought there was suddenly a critical mass of Irish start-ups coming to NY and wanted to see if I could widen the net for them by offering them a pitching forum to other Irish people that I knew were connectors by nature. Oisin Hanrahan of NY-based Handy offered his office space for our first event and 4.5 years later we have had 110 Irish start-ups pitch at events that we run every 2 months. We get between 80-200 people at these events and now front the pitches with panel/ educational segments around specific themes like Blockchain, AR/VR, fintech and healthcare tech. The group is sponsorship-based and is now run by a board of seven.

Some of the firms we have assisted with warmed introductions to the US include AQ Metrics and Trustev. We have also spun off an angel network called Digital Irish Angels that focuses on deals that already have an Irish VC lead. The group has invested in several

Irish start-ups including Videoelephant, Brightflag and Likecharity. In addition to the angel network deals mentioned above, we have made countless customer and job/advisory board connections.

We like to work with start-ups that are truly ready to expand in the US and have the commitment and funding to follow through. NY is home to many verticals such as agencies, brands, retailers, fashion, pharma and finance so we are generally better positioned to help start-ups aligned to those verticals.

What are some of the most common mistakes made by new companies coming to NY? • Thinking that you can survive the US market from Ireland by doing flying visits.

• Not going native or hiring native once you get here.

• Underestimating what it is going to cost to expand here and how competitive the market is • Thinking your Irish case studies are going to resonate in the US. • Lack of follow up! The biggest issue I see with Irish start-ups is they will meet you, take up your time and then not follow up rigorously afterwards, with either you or the connections you make for them.

What are your plans for the future of NY Digital Irish?

We will continue to do themed events but we very much want to bridge our events with a more content-centric approach. We want to highlight which Irish start-ups are coming to the US and what their “asks” are, via our web and social presence. This will allow us to continue to have impact outside of events. We want Irish start-ups to be able to leverage this before they make a trip, so they can maximise the use of their time here. We also want to highlight members of our community in the US (expats and Irish Americans) which will aid both the Irish start-ups and help sustain the community.

Find out more about New York Digital Irish on www.digital.irish or via Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter @nydigitalirish

Some simple advice from Feargall for start-ups targeting the US market: •

•

Get out of your bubble fast! Even though the group highlights Irish and Irish American connections in the US market, it is crucial to go native fast: hire native, meet American customers, go for American capital from American VCs and work in non-Irish workspaces to expand your native network.

Get US case studies for B2B firms or consumer proof points for B2C firms. Working with the GAA or Iarnród Éireann won’t impress anyone in the US (no disrespect meant to any firms with those deals in Ireland!)

•

Raise enough money to do the US properly. Don’t underestimate how expensive it is to do business here.

A good VP of Sales and 4 sellers is going to cost you the best part of $1m in a year in fully loaded salary and commission costs!

•

Read books to understand US business culture and language.

They may speak English over here but I am still learning colloquialisms 25 years in! For example, American sports terminology is everywhere.

Also, Americans are so confident you think everyone is amazing when you interview them (because they tell you they are)! chamberlink

PAGE // 11

Higher Diploma in Business in

Sales Management

(Part-time)

The Higher Diploma in Business in Sales Management is a custom built programme geared at those in sales careers who wish to attain a qualification that matches their experience.

The programme is ideally suited to anyone working in a sales related role.

•

Ideal for those in sales careers and/or aspiring to sales management.

•

Industry based lecturers with extensive expertise.

•

12 Month programme culminating in major award.

•

Emphasis on organisational sales strategy with opportunities to study international selling, digital selling environments and sales team management.

•

The programme is assessment based (practical report-writing, presentations, group projects) and involves no terminal exams.

Effective businesses invest in sales. Effective careers invest in learning. Previous graduates have linked their participation on this programme to career development and organisational success.

More details:

www.cit.ie/salesmanagement

BUSINESS skills

Skill, upskill and re-skill again A recent update from the World Economic Forum confirms that every five years, our skills are about half as valuable as they were before. There is a rapid pace of change in jobs and skills and accordingly, a growing demand to update skills continuously.

There is an onus on employees to take ownership of their own personal skills development; increasing their employability and marketability for the years to come. And also, a responsibility on employers to educate their workforce, allowing them to make a more positive contribution to their workplace and to the region at large. By facilitating and encouraging career development, employers are helping to secure the loyalty and engagement of their workforce, whilst equipping them with the skills needed to keep pace with the rapid changes ahead.

All of our training programmes are designed for maximum effectiveness, impact and relevance; both for the employer and employee.

Dale Carnegie High Impact Presentations Starts 19 September next, €980 for Chamber Members • Sharpen your presentation technique to perfection • Communicate with greater impact • Motivate others to action • As close as you can get to having a personal coach • Small class, supportive environment, outstanding results!

Advancing Leadership Programme – Certificate in Business & Executive Coaching (QQI Level 6) Starts 20 September, €760 for Chamber Members • Unlock your potential & the potential of others to maximise performance • Use Coaching as a means to ensure high performance outcomes in your organisation • Build powerful leadership relationships • Gain skills in skills rapport building, active listening, systematic questioning, feedback and empathy • Develop personal effectiveness as a coaching leader

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (QQI Level 5) Starts 25 September next, €980 for Chamber Members • A vital asset to any business • Make changes for the better happen • Help your business become better & faster • Impact the bottom line of your business • Bring Continuous Improvement into the everyday life of your organisation Aoife Dunne // Business School Manager

e: aoife@corkchamber.ie // t: 021 453 0141

Analysing Training Needs for SMEs 28 September, €125 for Chamber Members • Develop a Strategic Learning Plan for your business • Link a Learning Goal with a Business Goal • Develop a Toolkit for identifying future skills requirements • Develop a Competency Framework for each role in our business • Future-Proof the skills in your organisation

Data Protection for Business Tuesday 17 October €140 for Chamber Members

A comprehensive 1 day course which will give you a solid understanding of data protection and will give practical advice on how to implement good practice across a range of business activities such as running a website, marketing activities, handling customer payments and providing customer service.

• Understand data protection principles &

considerations • Know how data protection applies to your business • Avoid the common mistakes that put your

customer data at risk • Develop strategies to apply the concepts and principles of data protection to common business activities • Understand the common business policies and procedures around data protection and find out where to find support material when doing any work on data protection This one day course is a fantastic opportunity to arm yourself with the relevant information so you and your business are GDPR ready!

www.corkchamber.ie/training chamberlink PAGE // 13

Network

Upcoming Events

Attending networking events affords your business the opportunity to meet with potential suppliers, meet new clients and build on existing relationships. To book go to www.corkchamber.ie

Pizza at the Pleasuredome at Voxpro

Par-Tee Time

in association with City Life

All Aboard!

in association with France Ireland Chamber of Commerce

Thursday 31 August 5pm – 7pm Voxpro, Mahon Cresent FREE for members, bookong essential

Thursday 7 September Tee off 7am – 2:30pm Cork Golf Club €400 per team

Saturday 9 September 12pm – 3pm Pont Aven, Ringaskiddy Port €60 members / €65 non-members

Cork Chamber invite you to “boogie on down” to the the grooviest pizza party in town for our August Business After Hours Pizza Party in the Voxpro Pleasuredome. The brand new Pleasuredome is an open cabin built around a unique rotating disco ball shaped oven -just one of the funky features of Voxpro’s employee garden which is also home to a thriving greenhouse, rescue chickens and giant beanbags!

With the timesheet quickly filling up you need to act fast to secure your team’s place at this year’s Annual Golf Classic.

This one of a kind garden is usually only open to employees so don’t miss your chance to try the handmade pizza and see the garden for yourself while connecting with other members.

With a world-class venue, top-notch prizes and a chance to win a brand new car in our charity Hole-in-One Competition, supported by Jaguar at Johnson & Perrott, this is an unmissable day out for golf enthusiasts.

You will be transported to France without leaving Ringaskiddy Port as our extremely popular annual luncheon aboard the Brittany Ferries flagship vessel the “Pont-Aven” will be once again held in association with the France Ireland Chamber of Commerce.

This event offers fantastic networking opportunities for companies that already have business interests in France or those who are considering working in France in the future. The relaxed atmosphere, unique venue and sumptuous luncheon means this event is also ideal for an afternoon spent entertaining anyone with an appreciation for French food and wine be that colleagues and clients or family and friends. All welcome!

PAGE // 14

chamberlink

The fourball scramble event will this year be held in the stunning surrounds of Cork Golf Club, in partnership with our new sponsors City Life who have been offering financial planning and portfolio advice in Cork for almost 50 years.

Thursday Morning Throw-In

Women in Leadership Executive Lunch

The Art of Business

in association with Network Cork

Thursday 14 September 7.30am – 9.00am Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Where legends are born €25 members/ €50 non-members

Friday 29 September 12pm – 3pm Clayton Hotel Cork City €50 for members

Thursday 12 October 5:30pm – 7pm The Glucksman, UCC FREE for members

Cork Chamber is proud to bring you Thursday Morning Throw-In, the September Business Breakfast in association with the Irish Examiner, which will be held in the brand new Conference Centre at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Cork Chamber and Network Cork will once again join forces for the “Women in Leadership Executive Lunch and this year we are thrilled to welcome Caroline O’Driscoll as the key note speaker.

Cork Chamber invite you to spend an extraordinary evening surrounded by the wonder and majesty of the ocean at our upcoming after hours hosted by the Glucksman.

Tread in the footsteps of countless sporting heroes of the past and see the stunning transformation of Páirc Uí Chaoimh where legends truly are born and the legacy continues.

As well as managing a demanding role as a tax partner in KPMG, Caroline is also serving as Chair of it@cork and a remarkable social entrepreneur having co-founding the award winning I Wish programme in 2015. I Wish was designed to inspire female secondary school students to pursue careers STEM and over 7,000 female students have participated in the programme to date.

We will have an exciting panel of speakers lined up for you discussing the business of sport on the morning and we guarantee you will start your day inspired and empowered!

This promises to be an inspiring lunch with a leading local businesswoman and a great mix of Network Cork and Cork Chamber members – Places are limited, so please BOOK NOW to avoid disappointment.

The Glucksman is a cultural and educational institution that promotes the research, creation and exploration of the visual arts. Housed in an awardwinning building that is in itself a work of art, the Glucksman features extensive gallery space over three floors as well as a riverside restaurant, gift shop and dedicated education space.

On the evening you will have the chance to meet and connect with other members and if you need a break from talking business there will be plenty to say about the Glucksman’s current exhibitions Now Wakes the Sea and Deep Maps: West Cork Costal Cultures, both on display until 5 November.

dates for Your Diary Thursday 28 September Get to Grips with Data Protection Maryborough Hotel

Monday 2 October Cork Company of the Year Launch Cork Chamber

Tuesday 21 Novermber Cork Chamber’s Dublin Dinner Clayton Hotel Burlington Road

Thursday 26 October Cork Digital Marketing Awards Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Where legends are born

Friday 8 December Annual Christmas Lunch Fota Island Resort

*Additional events are added on a regular basis, please ensure to keep an eye on www.corkchamber.ie/upcoming chamberlink

PAGE // 15

Snapped

Out & About Recent Events

Business Breakfast Business Breakfast in association with Irish Examiner at The Carrigaline Court Hotel. #1:

#2:

Conor Healy, Chief Executive Cork Chamber; Bill Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell, President Cork Chamber; guest speaker Jim Woulfe, Chief Executive, Dairygold and Aidan Forde, Irish Examiner.

David Farrell, 12 Tables with Robert Cogan, Cogans Toyota.

Pictures: Larry Cummins

#1

#2

#3

Get Your Business Brexit Ready Cork Chamber and Intertrade Ireland breakfast on Brexit. #3:

#4: #5:

#4

#6

PAGE // 16

chamberlink

Eoin Motherway, Deputy President Cork Chamber; Thomas Hunter McGowan, Chief Executive InterTradeIreland and Paul Nolan, Group Development Manager Dawn Meats.

Attendees at the Brexit themed breakfast briefing particpated in a lively Q&A Paul Nolan, Group Development Manager Dawn Meats addresses

attendees at the Brexit themed breakfast.

Empowered by the innovation of technology in association with the National Recruitment Federation (NRF) #1:

#2:

Joseph Walsh, Abtran, Ed Heffernan, NRF and Robert Byrne, IDA Ireland, speakers at the NRF/Cork Chamber Joint Event Geraldine King, CEO NRF opens the event.

#1

#2

#3

Speed Networking in association with JW O’Donovan Solicitors #3:

#4:

#5 #6

Bill O’Connell, President Cork Chamber (centre) with John Sheehan, Anne Marie Linehan, John Fuller and Jerome O’Sullivan from JW O’Donovan Solicitors, event sponsor.

Jennifer McSweeney, HIM @ The Modern Gent, Karen O’Reilly, Network Cork and Geraldine O’Brien, Thinking Into Results.

New Connections at the Speed Networking Event Buzz and excitement as Members pitch their business! #4

#5

#6

chamberlink

PAGE // 17

Secure Business Communications Solutions

01 256 9200

|business@viatel.com |www.viatel.com

Snapped

Out & About Recent Events

#1

#2

Thought Leaders Council #1

#2

Taken at the event in Hayfield Manor Hotel, Conor Healy, Chief Executive Cork Chamber with Robert Watt, Secretary General Department of Finance & Public Expenditure; Bill O’Connell, President Cork Chamber and Jonathan Healy, MC. Picture: John Sheehan Fergus Monaghan, ARUP; Annie Fitzgibbon, Cork Chamber and Edwina Nyhan, Gas Networks Ireland.

Chillin’ and grillin’ at The Courtyard on Sober Lane #3 Claire Myler, The River Lee Hotel, Denis O’Shea, The Flying Enterprise and

Karen Fleming, Hayfield Manor #4 Aileen O’Sullivan, Chernobyl Children International and Alex Chernenko, Translit. #5 Members mingling and enjoying the delicious BBQ.

#3

Excellence in Public Relations Cork Chamber accepts the award for Best Public Affairs Campaign for successful Cork-Boston flights outcome at the PRII Excell in Public Relations Awards 2017. #6

#5

Rhona Blake, PRCA Chairman presenting the award to Conor Healy, Chief Executive and Sarah Thatt-Foley, Policy & Research Executive, Cork Chamber.

#4

#6

chamberlink

PAGE // 19

Business FEATURE

Get to Grips with Data Protection Have you tackled the data management requirements imposed under GDPR? Last month, UK pub-chain Wetherspoons deleted their entire 650K strong customer mailing list on the basis that the privacy risks it presented outweighed the value they were getting from monthly email updates.

Surveys show that whilst the majority of large companies are making progress towards compliance, smaller firms are significantly behind the curve as the introduction of General Data Protection Legislation (GDPR) in May 2018 looms closer.

In response, EEN at Cork Chamber and it@cork have teamed up with the Department of the Taoiseach to bring together the best available guidance and expertise for SMEs, in a free half-day seminar entitled ‘Get to Grips with Data Protection’. This half-day seminar will take place on Thursday, September 28, and is designed to give companies a clearer picture of how the new legislation will impact them and how to respond to it.

The programme runs across a range of pertinent issues from data subject rights and data security through to working with third party data services.

The seminar will offer four Masterclasses giving delegates the opportunity to attend the two of their choice.

“GDPR is a serious regulation with the potential for fines that dwarf those under the existing laws, not to mention the fact that the Irish national supervisory authority will have significantly more clout when it comes to general enforcement” says Bryan McCarthy, who leads Ronan Daly Jermyn’s Cyber and Data Protection Group. “It is crucial that company leaders start now to move from a general understanding to actively preparing for GDPR. Data and GDPR audits are very important at this stage. Companies must understand what areas of their business handle personal data and why.”

PAGE // 20

chamberlink

GET TO GRIPS WITH DATA PROTECTION Thursday 28 September Maryborough Hotel FREE but pre-booking is essential!

This half-day morning seminar will build GDPR impact awareness among SMEs and provide guidance for action. It will include the following:

• • • • •

Managing the Controller/Processor Relationship Data Security and Breaches Risk and Privacy / Consent Employee Awareness Interactive workshops

For further information contact Ivan on t: 021 4530144 or ivan@corkchamber.ie Book now on www.corkchamber.ie

Bryan will run a Masterclass on a key component of compliance which focuses on the nature of the relationship between data controllers and data processors. “The contractual agreement with all third party processors must be reviewed and revised so as to meet the new GDPR criteria. A comprehensive training of staff will all be essential to achieving successful compliance with the regulation.”

Cork Chamber and it@cork are currently surveying Cork SMEs to establish their GDPR readiness and priorities. The online survey will inform the seminar presentations but will also contribute to wider support responses by industry bodies and will be fed back to the Data Protection Commission. Indeed

John Keyes of the Data Protection Commission, a keynote speaker at the seminar, is a member of the EU’s Article 29 Working Party, which is preparing detailed GDPR guidance that can be relied upon by companies in their preparations. The survey is available on our website and Cork Chamber strongly encourages all SMEs to complete the survey to help us get as full and accurate a barometer reading as possible.

GROW

International Business In the coming months, EEN at Cork Chamber will examine the implications for Customs & Trade post-Brexit and highlight opportunites to find new partners at brokerage events Customs and Trade post Brexit: What do I need to know?

Most Irish companies are already aware that early planning and preparation is important in order to respond to the business challenges that Brexit will bring. From March 2019, goods traded between the UK and Ireland will be treated as imports and exports, rather than as intra-community goods.

This means that customs duties could be chargeable on businesses’ goods, if the EU and the UK do not agree a Trade Agreement/Customs Union. The lodging of customs import and export declarations, border controls and additional compliance and clearance costs will also be required; thus potentially leading to substantial administrative overhead and related additional costs for businesses. In short, companies will need to upskill to better understand these possible requirements and then prepare themselves accordingly.

• What happens if we don’t have a Customs Union?

• How much do customs and import duties cost?

• What could the impact on import and export documentation be?

• What will the practical customs requirements look like?

This autumn, Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) at Cork Chamber is teaming up with Carol Lynch, partner at BDO, to deliver two Brexit-focused workshops. These workshops will aim to address some of the questions asked above. The workshops will focus on preparing for possible customs controls and duties in Ireland-UK trade post Brexit, based on the various scenarios that may emerge. Whilst we do not know what (if any) trade agreement will be settled upon, it may take a number of formats.

Workshop 1 will take place in the River Lee Hotel on Friday, 22 September. Its focus will be on general practical customs requirements and these include: • Understanding customs and import duty costs • Potential tariff rates and import VAT payments • Understanding customs obligations regarding the movement of goods • Impact for today of the introduction of the EU Single Market on January 1 1993 on EU trade meaning of a Customs Union • Procedures at Customs Borders and customs clearance insight • Explanation of Import and Export Documentation required by the EU and Irish Authorities • Supporting documentation required by Customs • Application of the above to the UK if/when trading as a non-EU country • Understanding the Common Travel Area and potential impact of same

• •

• •

Difference between airports and seaports versus the land border between North and South Practical example regarding exports from Ireland to the UK and to Europe through the UK using the Transit Regime Practical example regarding imports into Ireland from the UK and into Ireland from Europe crossing through the UK Opportunities outside of Europe by taking advantage of new EU trade agreements such as the EU Canada Agreement

Workshop 2 will take place on Wednesday, 4 October. Elements of the first workshop will be included and in addition, it will specifically focus on customs and trade pertaining to agrifood: • Cap charges/ Meursing rates • Licensing costs • Non-tariff barriers • Quotas For further information on these workshops, please contact Eimear@corkchamber.ie or Ivan@corkchamber.ie

TASTE THE FUTURE AT ANUGA 2017

ANUGA is the world’s largest trade-fair for food and drink products and it takes place in Cologne, Cork’s sister city, 7-11 October. ANUGA will attract approx. 160,000 visitors and more than 7,000 exhibitors. In line with this, EEN is hosting a free pre-ANUGA buyer-producer event entitled ‘Tour d’Europe’ on Friday, 6 October. Tour d’Europe will comprise of pre-arranged buyer-producer meetings, based on specific requests from German buyers.

HEALTHCARE BROKERAGE EVENT AT MEDICA 2017

MEDICA 2017, the world’s No. 1 event for the medical sector, takes place in Düsseldorf 14-16 November. Companies attending MEDICA 2017 can avail of the opportunity to meet likeminded companies during an EEN brokerage event. This brokerage event is designed for companies who want to attend pre-arranged 1:1 meetings with potential new business partners.

Contact Eimear for further information.

chamberlink

PAGE // 21

Connect

NEW CONNECTIONS

We welcome the following new members - connect and do business Accountants/Auditors Malvern Hill A specialist consultancy providing Outsourced Strategic Financial services addressing the financial information needs of growing SMEs who still need to manage within limited resources. Key services include Part Time CFO, Outsourced Cloud Based Accounting with meaningful monthly management reports, Business Plans and special once off projects.

Contact: Dan Murphy T: 086 8558978 E: danmurphy@malvernhill.ie W: www.malvernhill.ie

Education/Training/Languages BBA Training Simon McAuliffe works with senior leaders and managers to ensure they get the very best from themselves and from their teams. He designs and facilitates impactful workshops and team training interventions to deliver results and makes a real impact for the better. He has 20 years experience working with clients such as Pfizer, J&J, Dell, McAfee, Kerry Group and BSkyB. Contact: Simon McAuliffe T: 087 2774122 E: simon.mcauliffe@bbatraining.ie W: www.bbatraining.ie

Reardon & Company Mark Reardon FCA, having spent several years with a multinational firm in Ireland and overseas, formed the practice, in October 1988, with the objective of providing an efficient and professional service to clients and to assist in their understanding of the financial aspects of their businesses. Since then he has established a team with expertise to complement his own skills.

Contact: Mark Reardon T: 021 4832886 E: mark@reardons.ie W: www.reardonandcompany.ie

Making Shift Happen We are an innovative whole-brain coaching company. We design and deliver dynamic and highly engaging customised coaching and training experiences to meet the specific needs of our clients. We typically partner with our clients to grow leaders, enable innovation, develop strategies, increase productivity, enhance team effectiveness, create revenue growth, and deliver change management initiatives.

Contact: David O’Mahony T: 087 2197552 E: david@makingshifthappen.ie W: www.makingshifthappen.ie

Advertising/Marketing/Market Research SmartFox Digital marketing partner and trainer specialising in talent solutions and talent attraction for recruitment agencies and in-house talent acquisition teams. Harness the power of digital marketing to hire better and hire faster.

Contact: Louise Bunyan T: 086 3577540 E: louisebunyan@smartfox.ie W: www.smartfox.ie

New Minds College Our aim is to provide the highest standard of education to our students, providing the skills, knowledge and tools necessary to achieve goals. Whether to progress and develop career opportunities, increase employee skill set to improve efficiency. The objective of New Minds Digital Marketing College is to provide digital courses to employers and employees in a bid to close the digital skills gap.

Contact: Sonia O’Connor T: 021 4820649 E: info@newmindsdigitalmarketingcollege. com W: www.newmindsdigitalmarketingcollege. com

Food/Drink Chicken Inn Established in 1955. Wholesale and retail poultry suppliers In the English Market.

Contact: Tim Mulcahy T: 021 4275415 E: chickfoods@gmail.com W: www.englishmarket.ie Legacy Irish Cider A fabulous fresh Irish Craft Cider, with a crisp sparkly finish. From the boutique Cidery in the beautiful Brickey Valley Dungarvan Waterford.

Contact: Liam McDonnell T: 087 6494724 E: liam@legacyirishcider.ie

PAGE // 22

chamberlink

Trigraph Professional Training Trigraph addresses the business, technology and process-related knowledge needs of today’s senior managers and executives with short executive briefings and comprehensive training courses with many leading to internationally recognised formal qualifications.

Contact: Eamonn Brown T: 087 9588292 E: eamonn@trigraph.ie W: www.trigraph.ie

Financial Services/Pensions/Investment LCI Financial Services Ltd. Financial Services company catering for all of Ireland with headquarters in Cork.

Experts on all matters regarding Leasing and Financing for businesses who have years of experience and pride themselves on their quick efficient customer service. If you are interested in leasing or want to know more please contact us on 1890 252 747 Contact: Brian O’Dwyer T: 021 422 7997 E: brian@lease.ie W: www.lease.ie Wealth Management Concepts We specialise in providing financial planning advice to small business owners/ individuals. Working closely with clients to deal with potential risks and to put realistic & robust long term financial plans in place.

Contact: Gerry O’Brien T: 087 9679014 E: gerry.obrien@wealthmc.ie W: www.wealthmc.ie Fuel/Energy Inver Energy Limited Petroleum fuel import and distribution.

Contact: Chris O’Callaghan T: 021 4396950 E: inver@inverenergy.com W: www.inverenergy.com Hotel/Guesthouse Midleton Park Hotel Situated in the bustling East Cork market town of Midleton, located just 14 miles (15 mins drive) from Cork City, this luxury Irish hotel enjoys an enviable reputation for its accommodation, conference & meeting facilities and delicious food, all served in a warm, friendly atmosphere. The hotel boasts extensive Leisure Club facilities.

Contact: Amy Horgan T: 021 4635100 E: reservations@midletonpark.com W: www.midletonpark.com Hotel/Guesthouse Muckross Park Hotel & Spa One of the most luxurious 5 Star Hotels in Killarney with views and a location in the national park that are second to none.

Awarded ‘Best 5 star Accommodation in Ireland’ as well as receiving awards for Spa at Muckross and Yew Tree Restaurant, our award winning hotel has something to offer all.

Contact: Joe Holland T: 064 6623400 E: jholland@muckrosspark.com W: www.muckrosspark.com

Importer/Exporter Silverline Project Supply Ltd Provide supplier and procurement management services to clients. Primary target is international construction companies. They provide due diligence in procurement, stock surplus management, firefight purchases - urgent procurement services to the projects where the deadline is very close - project management and consultancy services.

Contact: Mert Demiralp T: 021 2428845 E: sales@silverlineprojects.com W: www.silverlineprojects.com IT Services Crosshaven Computers Computer repair and iPhone repair and Apple specialists with over 10 years experience in home and business service.

Our expert technicians are trained on the latest techniques to solve your technology problems. We strive to create real lasting relationships with our customers so you know you can count on us as your go-to computer shop.

Contact: Cormac O’Donoghue T: 085 8291012 E: cormac@crosshavencomputers.com W: www.crosshavencomputers.ie Manufacturers Watson-Marlow Limited (WMFTG) Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group is the world leader in niche peristaltic pumps and associated fluid path technologies for the food, pharmaceutical, chemical and environmental industries. Comprising of ten established brands, each with their own area of expertise, but together offering customers unrivalled solutions for their pumping and fluid transfer applications.

Contact: Eithne O’Connor T: 021 4757030 E: info.ie@wmftg.com W: www.watson-marlow.com/ie-en Management Consultants ReganStein ReganStein is a staff augmentation company that offers a fresh approach to managing projects. We provide experienced specialists and experts, at simple, benchmarkable pricing that offers organisations the higherlevel competency they need to deliver projects or tasks, without the higher-level costs of traditional consultancy solutions.

Contact: Lynn O’Keeffe T: 087 356 9293 E: lokeeffe@reganstein.com W: www.reganstein.com

Media/Publishing/Video Production DeepRed Productions DeepRed Productions is a Cork based production company that is passionate about visuals in all forms. From vibrant music videos to incisive corporate material we have an innate understanding in how to convey ideas with top quality production values at an affordable price.

Contact: Stephen Broekhuizen T: 087 6031824 E: info@deepred.ie W: www.deepred.ie Medical Services/Supplies OrthoXel Medical Device company focussed on the development and commercialisation of orthopaedic trauma devices for treatment of shin bone, thigh bone and hip fractures Contact: Pat O’Connor T: 021 2429550 E: info@orthoxel.ie W: www.orthoxel.net Office Supplies/Equipment/Furniture Office Master Office Interior Specialists - When it comes to Office Fit Outs you want to deal with experts.

Officemaster with 45 years’ experience, have a committed team of professionals who will project manage your installation from start to finish. In addition, because we are local, we can guarantee an unrivalled after sales service. Contact: Leonard O’Sullivan T: 021 2066100 E: losullivan@officemaster.ie W. www.officemaster.ie Photography Gaelic Fields Cork city-based photographer Contact: Paul Carroll T: 086 3007268 E: paul.carroll.photo@gmail.com W: www.gaelicfields.com Recruitment/Executive Search The Nanny Agency Munster’s Premier Childcare Recruitment Agency. The Nanny Agency’s core focus is to deliver a personal and professional service that you can trust and our motto is that every child deserves the best care and every parent deserves to know their child is in safe hands.

Contact: Naomi Cullen T: 085 7153943 E: Info@thenannyagency.ie W: www.thenannyagency.ie

Retail BabyBoo.ie Babyboo.ie is an online retail business, we design, manufacture and sell our products online. We stock 2 styles of bib which fit from newborn to age 3, we also sell an organic cotton sleeping bag with detachable sleeves called the SnuggleBoo and an organic cotton robe called the CozyBoo. For the corporate market we offer gift boxes in a range of sizes for employees and custom printed bibs.

Contact: Vicki O’Callaghan T: 087 1318874 E: hello@babyboo.ie W: www.babyboo.ie Hairy Baby Clothing Company Ltd Online retailer of some of the funniest Irish t-shirts in the whole wide world.

Contact: Daragh Murphy T: 021 4355856 E: daragh@hairybaby.com W: www.hairybaby.ie Solicitors/Legal Services Mason Hayes & Curran Professional Services Ltd We are an award-winning business law firm providing strategic and commercial legal advice with offices in Dublin, London, New York and San Francisco. We give clients a clear understanding of their options. This creates a shared perspective and builds trust so that solutions to clients’ issues are developed quickly together.

Contact: Catherine Madden T: 01 6145000 E: cmadden@mhc.ie W: www.mhc.ie Transport Spillane Brothers International Transport Operating one of the largest fleet in Munster, we are dedicated to providing the very best the road transportation industry has to offer - serving customers in Ireland, the UK & Europe. We are situated in the heart of industrial Little Island & have excellent fast road access to all major ferry ports, rail links & airports. The business is co-ordinated & managed directly by its owner operators Contact: Elayne Hickey T: 021 4351008 E: ehickey@spillanebros.com W: www.spillanebros.com

chamberlink PAGE // 23

Connect

members news

Members events, award wins, openings and more

#1

#2

#3

#5

#4

#6

#7

#1: ARUP celebrate one year in One Albert Quay

in Ireland’s smartest building. Picture: JMRL Photography #2 : Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs

and Trade; Mike O’Donnell, Vice President,

Shanbally Operations, BioMarin International

Irl. Ltd. and Jean-Jacques Bienaimé, Chairman

and CEO. At the official opening of BioMarin’s

new facility expansion.Picture: Adrian O’Herlihy #3 : Cloud CIX the largest commercial data centre

outside Dublin, has announced a €6m

expansion plan which will expand its

capabilities by 500%. Pictured are Jerry

Sweeney, CEO of Cork Internet eXchange, and

Barry O’Meara, Sales Manager at Cork

Internet eXchange. Picture: Cathal Noonan PAGE // 24

chamberlink

#4 :

#5 :

Cork BUMBLEance Fundraising Committee is launched to help sick children throughout the county. Pictured are Tony Heffernan, Carmel Longergan, Alice Delacour , Pat Guilfoyle, Sandra Murphy, Shirley Gallagher, Frank Caul, Paul Heffernan, Sinead Paley, Scott MacKeown Picture: Gerard McCarthy Pictured at Keep Cork Meeting 2017, an annual event organised by Cork Convention Bureau for hotels and other tourism service providers in Cork to showcase their work to the corporate market, were Bernadette Harrington and Rebecca English with General Manager Frits Potgieter from the Imperial Hotel, Cork.

Picture: Joleen Cronin

#6 :

#7 :

Growing with Our Communities: HEINEKEN Ireland announces urban greening community initiative to create urban growing spaces.

Pictured taking part were: the new Karen O’Donohoe, Head of Community Development, GIY and Sandy Boundy, Communications & CSR Manager of HEINEKEN Ireland (Centre) with HEINEKEN team. Picture: Peter Pietrzak Samantha Stuart and Kylie Basnett from Cork International Hotel with Laura O’Connell and Ciara O’Driscoil from Celebs Entertainment taken as Cork International Hotel celebrated its 10th Anniversary.Picture: Gerard McCarthy

On the Move

Members announcements and new appointments

New Strategic Planner for Greenhouse Creative

Peter joins Johnson & Perrott Fleet

Ivan McCutcheon, EU Projects Executive

Naomi Simpson has been appointed Strategic Planner at Greenhouse Creative, one of the Ireland’s leading Branding agencies based in Cork with offices in Dublin. Naomi brings with her 11 years brand marketing experience gained from the UK and Australian markets, working in marketing consultancy for large multinational brands such as Unilever, Coca-Cola, Vodafone, Cathay Pacific, and Virgin.

Johnson & Perrott Fleet has announced the appointment of Peter McAviney as Business Development Manager.

Peter brings a wealth of knowledge to the role, having amassed over 15 years experience in the motor leasing industry, joining Johnson & Perrott Fleet from Joe Duffy Leasing where he was also Business Development Manager.

Johnson & Perrott Fleet is one of Ireland’s leading fleet management and leasing providers

Ivan McCutcheon has recently joined the Chamber team as EU Projects Executive working with the international department on the Enterprise Europe Network and Interreg projects. Ivan previously worked in rural development as LEADER Programme Manager with West Cork Development Partnership.

He brings a wealth of experience in SME supports, public funding, project management and stakeholder collaboration.

New at Finance Ireland

Ciara joins City Life

Expansion at Sixt Leasing

Finance Ireland has appointed Derek Drinan as Regional Sales Director for Cork. Derek has extensive experience in Financial Services with over 10 years in key positions including Business Development Manager and Commercial Portfolio Manager with Ulster Bank. Prior to that he worked with CIT Group and GE Capital Woodchester. Derek brings a wealth of experience in providing leasing options to SMEs and his primary aim is to build out Finance Ireland’s footprint within the greater Cork region.

City Life has announced the appointment of Ciara Harte as Corporate Schemes Manager. In her new role, Ciara helps corporate clients to design and set up group pension and risk schemes, and provides clients and scheme members with ongoing scheme management services and advice. Ciara has extensive experience as a group pension specialist, having previously worked with Invesco and Mercer. She holds a first class honours degree in Business from CIT and is a Qualified Financial Advisor.

Sixt Leasing is expanding its Fleet Management and Leasing services in Cork and has announced the appointment of Patrick Reynolds as Head of New Business Sixt leasing Ireland – Munster Region. Patrick bring over 11 years of automotive experience and expertise having previously been head of Corporate Sales at Enterprise Rent a Car. Patrick works with businesses throughout Munster advising on affordable leasing, fleet management services and sustainable mobility solutions.

chamberlink PAGE // 25

Connectivity & Business innovation

Vodafone putting focus on diversity and inclusion in the workplace In June, the city centre came to a standstill as families, citizens, domestic and international organisations, including Vodafone Ireland took to the streets to encourage their employees and their families to march in local Pride Parades to support the LGBT community.

The LGBT Pride Parade salutes LGBT rights, supports and stands up for people around the world face violence, discrimination and inequality- because of who they are and their sexual orientation. The parade advocates for laws and policies that will protect everyone’s dignity in the world and in the workplace so all people can enjoy their rights.

According to research by Stonewall, the largest LGBT rights organisation in Europe more than half the world’s LGBT community may not be protected from discrimination by workplace law.

This means that LGBT employees can be rejected for jobs, overlooked for promotion or fired for being who they are. It is important that organisations create an inclusive culture in the workplace, whereby everyone can perform to the best of their ability. While a lot of progress has been made within this area, much more needs to be done.

It is important that organisations create an inclusive culture in the workplace, whereby everyone can perform to the best of their ability.

Diversity and inclusion is at the heart of Vodafone’s workplace culture. We encourage everyone to ‘bring their whole self to work’ regardless of their background, values, gender or any other characteristics. As well, as supporting the Pride Parade, our employees and families, promoted and participated in the Pride Run in Phoenix Park.

PAGE // 26

chamberlink

Leo O’Leary Head of Sales, Vodafone Ireland. with Nigel Owen. Picture Naoise Culhane Photography Ltd

Diversity and inclusion is at the heart of Vodafone’s workplace culture. We encourage everyone to ‘bring their whole self to work’ During Pride Week, we were absolutely delighted to host an event to share our LGBT+ friends story, featuring international rugby union referee Nigel Owens. Nigel delivered an inspirational speech sharing his own personal story and around the importance of having a workplace where all employees can be ‘open. This speech centred around the fact that, according StoneWall the LGBT Advocacy group, 60% of young LGBT people go back in the closet during their first job.

60% of young LGBT people go back in the closet during their first job.

As a result of our work to ensure inclusiveness in the workplace, we have been recognised by Stonewall as one of the top 12 multinational employers for LGBT staff. Stonewall have awarded Vodafone this accolade based on submissions to its Global Workplace Equality Index – a powerful benchmarking tool used by employers to create inclusive workplaces across the markets in which they operate.

At Vodafone, we believe that building a culture of diversity and inclusion is the right thing to do – not just for our company, but for our people, our customers, and our community.

We believe diversity is a source of business strength, enabling us to better understand the needs of the men, women, families and businesses who rely on our networks and services.

Looking for a qualified & experienced Nanny?

At The Nanny Agency we deliver a personal and professional service that you can trust.

Our motto is that every child deserves the best care while every parent deserves to know their child is in safe hands.

For further information telephone: +353 (0) 85 715 3943 or email: info@thenannyagency.ie @thenannyagency

thenannyagency.ie

Munsterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Premier Childcare Recruitment Agency

the

nanny agency

your perfect nanny source

Issue 3 - August 2017

sponsored by

Call for Increased Tourism Budget to minimise Brexit fallout Members of the Cork business community are overwhelmingly in favour of increased support for the tourism sector as a challenge to imminent Brexit threats. The latest Cork Chamber quarterly economic survey has indicated that 77% of business respondents favour the allocation of increased support to market Irish tourism.

While trade export sectors such as agri-food, FDI and manufacturing have remained a focal point in government strategic Brexit planning, a strategy for tourism has yet to be implemented in order to mitigate the consequences of our closest neighbour’s exit from the EU.

This is in light of warnings that the tourism industry in Cork and around the country are expected to face a substantial reduction in visitor revenue from the UK this year in the wake of Brexit. Having celebrated a record year for tourism in 2016 with revenues in excess of €8 billion, early reports from the Central Statistics Office suggest a decline of almost 8% of British spending in Ireland for the first quarter of 2017, and a further drop of UK visitors to Ireland by 6.4% during the second quarter. A subsequent drop of 4.1% in the number of nights spent in Ireland by overseas travellers was recorded for the first 3 months of the year.

Despite a sizable growth of 14% from the North American Market, in large part due to the increasing presence of transatlantic routes in Ireland, the decline of the British market has diluted these gains, with the Brexit effect yielding a 1% drop in tourism revenues overall for the state this year. These regressions are anticipated to continue and have been directly linked to Brexit.

In particular, the sharp drop of the sterling against the euro and the dollar has made the UK a more competitive destination for tourists.

The Irish Tourist Industry Confederation (ITIC) have warned that Britain’s exit from the EU could trigger a loss of more than €100 million for Ireland’s tourism industry in 2017 alone. Brexit is the greatest challenge to face Irish tourism since the global economic recession of 2008, where the value of the UK market fell by 23% in the space of 12 months.

As the country’s largest indigenous employment industry, the tourism and hospitality sector employs on average 1 out of every 9 people in Ireland.

Amidst the ambiguity of Brexit negotiations, an accurate forecast cannot be made as to what kind of exit deal Britain will negotiate with the EU and what this will mean for Ireland. This provokes the urgent need to plan for the implications of Brexit. Furthermore, the impact of a hard Brexit could include restrictions on the movement of people, revision of common aviation policies, and new regulations governing the conduct of business between Ireland and Britain.

Q1 2017 Cork Chamber Economic Bulletin contact: Michelle O’Sullivan, Policy & Research Executive e: michelle@corkchamber.ie / t: 021 4530132

Recent speculation that the special reduced VAT rate of 9% on goods and services in the hospitality industry could be increased to 13.5% poses yet another risk to tourism. In addition, the aviation sector faces upheaval, with Brexit likely to pose inherent risks to the aviation market. In response to the volume of threats to tourism, ITIC have highlighted the necessity of a support structure, comparable to other export sectors, to assist businesses most susceptible to a downturn. They are calling for a €12 million annual Brexit fund with a view to consolidating market share in Britain, diversifying into new markets, and supporting vulnerable tourism enterprises.

The UK market is fundamental to the success of the tourism sector, which is in critical need of financial support to minimise the impacts of Brexit. It is evident from the findings of the latest Q2 survey that the importance of protecting our vital tourism sector from the vulnerabilities of Brexit is at the heart of the Cork business community, and thus Cork Chamber echoes the call for additional funding and planning towards minimising risks post-Brexit.

www.corkchamber.ie

2017

Q2

Economic Trends Survey Results

Executive Summary The Cork Chamber Q2 Economic Bulletin is published at a time of unprecedented opportunity for the region and for Ireland. Optimism abounds and member confidence in their businesses increases from 91% in Q1 to 96% in Q2. Overall confidence in the Irish economy is also improved with 33% stating an increase compared to three months ago and 61% unchanged.

With Brexit unfolding in a piecemeal manner, business is becoming fatigued by the lack of clarity and is focussing on what can be managed in-house. As such, the relative precision of cost competitiveness is of heightened relevance. It swaps places with Brexit to lead our list of threats showing that the strong optimism in Cork is in no way reflective of complacency.

The Q2 Bulletin is also published immediately in advance of a series of significant Government documents that will define the immediate and longterm future of state investment from now until 2040.

We await our 2018 budget, a first glimpse of the National Planning Framework 2040 and the mid-term review of the Capital Plan which is set to reinforce the vision for 2040.

The endorsement of capital spending as a budgetary priority is a complement to ongoing Chamber lobbying and formal submissions. It highlights the appetite for releasing the potential of the region and the complements signals from Government in advance of the budget and Capital Plan review.

In taking the time to complete the Q2 survey members provided opinion and insight that will continue to guide and enhance our advocacy activity:

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

Micro Enterprise (2 - 10) Between 11 - 50 Over 201

Sole Trader

8%

33%

28%

Between 51 - 100

4%

8%

19%

Respondents are also representative of a broad range of sectors

1%

Agriculture and Fishing

9%

Industry/ Manufacturing

8%

Science and Technology

5%

Transport

10%

“Capital investment is the most important as the budget will not be able to accommodate all areas and rather than spreading the investment too thin across too many areas, better to focus on one area that can have a lasting impact on the economy and society.”

“Greater long-term vision and strategic investment in items such as broadband, road networks, public transport. Areas that will help drive future economic growth. Help struggling middle class who are being squeezed.”

Between 101 - 200

Tourism, Trave Culture and Artsl

8%

Representative Respondents

Construction

8%

“Travel Infrastructure to Cork, is holding back the area.”

“Infrastructure, housing and tax restructuring are required as priority items.”

“The supply of affordable housing needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency across the private owned, and private and social rented sectors.”

Cork Chamber - Economic Bulletin

Multisectoral

52%

Services

TOP 5

Threats to Business Growth

1. Cost Competitiveness 2. Availability of Housing/Rental Accommodation for Employees 3. Brexit 4. Skills availability 5. Managing cashflow The above are closely followed by changing consumer spending/reduced orders, Government stability and over regulation. Cost competitiveness and Brexit swap place in comparison with Q1. In commentary, US foreign policy in relation to trade is raised as a threat for the third consecutive quarter.

Employment Outlook Change to employee numbers over Q2 2017 3%

Decrease

50%

Stay the same

47%

Increase

Expected changes to employee numbers over the next 12 months 3%

Decrease

48%

Stay the same

49%

Increase

Business Confidence Not

96%

4%

Turnover and Net Profit estimations and 12-month predictions

7%

31%

Decrease

No Change

Turnover

63%

increase

78% Expect an increase over the next 12 months.

7%

Decrease

41%

No Change

53%

increase

72%

Expect an increase over the next 12 months.

Cork Chamber - Economic Bulletin

Percentage of businesses with vacancies advertised currently

Yes No

38% 62%

Among the roles rated as hardest to fill include chefs, customer services, sales and marketing, engineering, software, fund accountants and medical professionals from admin to consultants.

Priority Areas for Budget 2018 1.

Capital investment 2.

Tax reforms 3.

Improved financial supports

for SMEs 4.

Health investment 5.

Social Housing 6.

Education & childcare investments Respondents ranked the above areas of priority for Budget 2018. In comparison to Q2 survey data from 2016, the identification of capital investment and tax reforms as number 1 and 2 priorities remain unchanged, while the need for increased funding to support SMEs was raised from seventh priority to third in Q2 2017 findings. Investment in health, social housing supports and the further investment in education and childcare were previously prioritised in 2016 and have again ranked highly in 2017 reflecting their strong importance as priorities amongst respondents. This data and the qualitative feedback provided will inform the Cork Chamber budgetary submission.

Supporting Tourism 2016 was a record year for Irish tourism, valued at €8billion to the Irish economy and is Ireland’s largest indigenous employment sector. In 2017, visitor numbers from the UK are down for the second quarter in a row, linked to the Brexit currency effect. The Irish Tourism Industry Confederation have advocated for a €12million per annum booster for the sector. We asked members whether there should be heightened investment in supports and marketing to offset the negative implications of Brexit.

17%

Maintain funding at current levels

Brexit spending for tourism

6%

Other

77%

Favour the allocation of increased support to market Irish tourism Increase funding for international marketing for organisation such as Tourism Ireland: 57% Increase funding to further develop 20%

Confidence in the Irish Economy 61% Same

Majority of Irish CEOs see disruption as opportunity for their business, says KPMG A recent survey by KPMG has found that the majority of Irish CEOs (90 per cent) see disruption as an opportunity, not a threat, to their business. While just four in ten Irish CEOs are confident about growth in the global economy, 84 per cent say they are confident about growth in the domestic economy and 93 per cent are confident of growth in their industry, according to KPMG’s Irish CEO Outlook for 2017.

In addition, the study found that 60 per cent of Irish CEOs believe geopolitical uncertainties are having a greater impact on their business than previously seen. Separately, CEOs in the Republic of Ireland are significantly more optimistic about economic growth (84 per cent) than those in Northern Ireland (40 per cent).

The number of Irish CEOs who expect to increase headcount over the next three years has also risen from 32 to 43 per cent in comparison with data from last year.

Commenting on the survey results, Barrie O’Connell, Partner in Charge with KPMG in Cork said: “This year’s survey shows that many Irish CEOs are optimistic about the future of their own business, despite ongoing doubts about the global economy.

From the uncertainty of Brexit, the threat of protectionism and the challenges of new technology, Irish CEOs are becoming increasingly accustomed to risk and in many cases are using it to create new opportunities.”

From an Irish perspective, new technology is noted by respondents as having the biggest potential impact on company growth over the next three years. Meanwhile attracting new talent is cited by over a third of respondents (37 percent) as the biggest tech challenge they face.

33%

6%

According to Barrie O’Connell: “Operating in a more complex and rapidly changing environment is challenging CEOs like never before, with an expanding breadth of skills and expertise needed to lead their organisations. Amongst the challenges highlighted

by CEOs is the need to stimulate innovation, oversee new types of customer relationships, manage heightened reputational risks and make major decisions about their investments in technology.”

For more information on the KPMG CEO Outlook 2017 see www.kpmg.ie

Disrupt and grow Irish CEO Outlook 2017

90%

of Irish CEOs see disruption as an opportunity – not a threat.

Learn more at kpmg.ie #CEOoutlook

Cork Chamber - Economic Bulletin