ChamberLink Issue 1 2018

chamberlink ISSUE 01 2018

Remarkable Business

Cork Company of the Year Awards

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CONTENTS

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BUSINESS NEWS

Celtic Interconnector: Connecting Ireland to continential Europe

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<< 12-13 Get Connected - Annual Dinner 2018

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INFLUENCE 5 6 7

Welcome to your first ChamberLink magazine of 2018, the bi-monthly 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 30,000 across E-mail, Twitter, Facebook and Linked-In 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.

Our latest Quarterly Economic Bulletin reports a continued high level of business confidence amongst the Cork business community at 95%. This is very positive for Cork reflecting the robust growth across the region, with exciting new construction projects underway and in planning, and with strong year on year jobs announcements across the region.

However there is no room for complacency as members also report Cost Competitiveness as the number one threat to business growth over the next 12 months, followed by the availability of housing and rental accommodation, skills, and Brexit. Cork Chamber is committed to continuing our work in addressing these concerns, to enhancing the Cork offering and resilience in the face of global economic uncertainties.

Livable Cork Celtic Interconnector: Connecting Ireland to continental Europe Chamber welcomes Eirgrid

COVER STORY 8-9 10

Maximise Your Membership

Ferry Across to Santander Bonjour Paris

Recognising the Region’s Remarkable Success: Cork Company of the Year 2018 In the Chair with Sean Gayer

FEATURE EVENT This year’s Annual Dinner saw almost 1,000 business leaders descending on City Hall to enjoy a night with their peers and colleagues while building connections for the year ahead. The key message from Chamber President Bill O’Connell was calling on government to acknowledge the value of investment in city regions of scale.

With Cork set to be the fastest growing region, Mr O’Connell spoke of Cork’s future place within the Ireland 2040 plan and Government’s forthcoming capital investment programme.

Together with Vodafone Irl, we were delighted to celebrate the best of Cork business and announce Boston Scientific as Cork Company of the Year 2018 with EviView, Spearline and Teamwork.com taking the honours in their respective categories. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our guests, speakers, award entrants and especially our sponsors for helping make this event so special. Check out the full coverage on pages 8 & 9 and across our Social Media channels.

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Second City Region calls for accelerated Investment 12-13 Get Connected: Annual Dinner 2018

NETWORK 14-15 Upcoming Events

SNAPPED 16-17 Out & About

BUSINESS SKILLS 18

Your Skills, Your Future

GROW 20

European IPR Helpdesk

CONNECT 21-23 New Connections 24 On the move 25 Members News

CONNECTIVITY & BUSINESS INNOVATION 26

Giving Irish Businesses an edge in the Digital Revolution

To help you discover the many ways in which Cork Chamber is by your side, your business and Cork we have introduced a new series of Maximise your Membership events so come along to hear more or simply contact any member of the Chamber Team who look forward to working on your behalf throughout the year.

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

Ferry across to Santander

New Ferry Service from Cork to Santander Set to Increase Tourism and Freight in Munster The Port of Cork Company welcomed the announcement of a new route into Northern Spain from Cork which is due to commence at the end of April 2018. The service which will make two return sailings a week from Port of Cork to Port of Santander will be operated by Brittany Ferries and will include a new weekly return sailing from Cork to Roscoff also.

A new RoPax ship called ‘Connemara’ will be chartered to serve the route which will add much needed capacity to Brittany Ferries existing line to France from Cork. The ship is currently operating on routes between Italy and Greece and will carry around 500 passengers with space for 195 cars. The Port of Cork and Brittany Ferries would expect a fifty-fifty split between passengers and freight.

Port of Cork’s Commercial Manager Captain Michael McCarthy said, “The Port of Cork wholeheartedly welcomes a service we have been trying as a port to establish for some time now. We are delighted that our long term customer, Brittany Ferries, has committed to this new service which will see an increase in tourism and freight. The option for freight carriers to bypass the UK land bridge will be seen as very attractive, as Brexit uncertainty continues. We have no doubt that both exporters and importers will make this a viable service.’

Congratulating Brittany Ferries and the Port of Cork on the announcement, Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber said: “Our new link to Northern Spain by sea is really good news for both tourism and business in Cork. Not least in the context of Brexit it is important for Ireland to have better direct connectivity to our key markets in Europe to enable the continued growth of Irish exporting business. I have no doubt Northern Spain will also prove hugely popular for leisure tourism, both for Spanish visitors wanting to explore the Wild Atlantic Way or Ireland’s Ancient East, as well as Irish people wishing to experience the Camino or indeed the Heineken Cup taking place in Bilbao in May.”

Bonjour Paris!

Last month, Cork Airport revealed the addition of a new airline, with Air France to begin services out of Cork to Paris-Charles de Gaulle from 26th May until 27th October.

This route not only adds 33,750 seats to Cork Airport’s capacity, but also connects passengers from the south of Ireland to Air France’s extensive network of over 180 destinations worldwide via the international hub of Paris-Charles de Gaulle.

“By flying out of Cork Airport with Air France, travellers will have easy access to many long-haul destinations from ParisCharles de Gaulle, such as Brazil, Mauritius, Mexico and Algeria as well as easy short haul connections to Nice, Brussels, Rome and Lisbon” Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director at Cork Airport said.

Pictured at the announcement were: Sinead Kinsella, Swissport; Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director, Cork Airport; Louise Griffin, Swissport and Daragh Hanratty, Head of Aviation Marketing at Cork Airport. Picture: Brian Lougheed

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Flights will depart Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 2.55pm (local time) and arrive at Cork at 3.50pm. The Cork-Paris flight departs daily at 4.30pm and arrives at Paris-Charles de Gaulle at 7.20pm (local time). All flights will be operated by Air France Hop! using Embraer 170 aircraft, carrying up to 76 passengers.

Fares start from €129 return in economy including all taxes.

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Liveable Cork

A few weeks ago, a very passionate conversation about how Cork’s core city centre could be improved to attract more footfall and increase residential occupancy unfolded on Twitter.

Some of the commentators singled out the need for making the city centre more appealing to families through the provision of more child friendly facilities. Others flagged a need for more attractive public spaces and green areas. Others again called for more covered areas on for example Opera Lane (similar to the new Apple Market in Waterford) to encourage more people to visit the city centre on rainy days.

One thing all commentators agreed on was a desire for more car free streets, safe for both children and adults.

Inspired by this conversation and our ongoing work to drive a thriving city centre, our last survey on the economy of Cork included a question about which factors you consider most important for making cities more attractive locations for family living.

The results of the survey are interesting.

In addition to ‘necessities’ such as the provision of schools, a diverse housing mix and local amenities, our members identify lower traffic volumes as among the 5 most important measures needed to improve the attractiveness of the city centre.

A further 45% of respondents list a desire for quality public parks as among their top 5 priorities.

This strong expression of support for restricting city centre traffic and reforming Cork into a living city comes at an interesting time. Research by Cork City Council has found that two thirds of all city centre traffic represents passing traffic, i.e. vehicles whose enddestination is outside the city centre.

To that end, it has commenced the implementation of a new City Centre Movement Strategy to encourage more reliable bus movements and improve the city experience of cyclists and pedestrians.

Pictured with Michael Nolan, CEO of Transport Infrastructure Ireland are Conor Healy and Thomas Mc Hugh from Cork Chamber following a meeting in January 2018 on Cork’s public transport and infrastructure needs.

While the new strategy has already delivered noticeable improvements on e.g. Parnell Place and both Bus Éireann and Irish Rail have experienced strong growth in the number of passengers using public transport to get to and from Cork City, it will take a much more dedicated effort from Central Government to make Cork a more liveable place, with much less car dependency, and better public transport.

Some fear that reducing car numbers in city centres will have a negative impact on consumer spend. However, research by the National Transport Authority has found that public transport users spend more than twice as much as car users in Dublin. The same research found that cities rely on public transport users and pedestrians to deliver the strongest cash injection to a city’s economy as a whole.2 So why in Cork are public transport users and pedestrians not put at the centre of infrastructure investment?

A light rail network opened in Denmark’s second city Aarhus just before Christmas. Aarhus has 320,000 people. Metropolitan Cork has 305,000 people. The new network links Aarhus city centre with the university and the hospital, and further extensions to the network in its suburban areas are already in planning.

“The success of light rail in other second cities such as Aarhus and Manchester underline that an ambitious public transport visions should not be reserved for capital cities alone.”

The success of light rail in other second cities such as Aarhus and Manchester underline that an ambitious public transport visions should not be reserved for capital cities alone. In weeks from now, Government will publish a new 10 year investment plan for Ireland to 2028. Cork Chamber has asked that a reform of public transport in Cork is included in this plan. The last of its kind failed to do so and had no big spend public transport projects outside of Greater Dublin.

Let’s not repeat past mistakes. All data to hand show a growing appetite for living and working in city centres. Let’s make it easier for families to do so by facilitating the demand for more liveable cities by putting people first in our city’s core.

Sarah Foley// public Affairs executive

e: sfoley@corkchamber.ie // t: 021 453 0139 See the full results in the Economic Bulletin enclosed in Chamberlink 2 Dublin City Centre Shopper Survey Report 1

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Celtic Interconnector: connecting Ireland to continental Europe A new interconnector between Ireland and France bringing regional benefits to the Cork area and making national electricity supply more secure, sustainable and cost effective.

For the past number of years, EirGrid has been working with its counterpart in France, Réseau de Transport d’Electricité (RTE), to investigate the feasibility of building an electricity interconnector between our two countries.

EirGrid is the state-owned operator and developer of the electricity transmission grid in Ireland, managing the flow of power on the grid and planning for its future.

The proposed development, called the Celtic Interconnector, will move electricity between Ireland and France.

The interconnector will comprise a 500 kilometre submarine electricity cable placed on or beneath the seabed between France and Ireland. There will be a further 75 kilometres of cable on land in France and Ireland.

It is a significant undertaking and the estimated cost of the project is between €800 million and €1 billion.

There is strong support from Europe.

The European Commission views interconnection as key to a more integrated European electricity system and has invested €3.9 million in the project to date. A further €4 million has also been approved for ongoing and future studies.

The EU has also designated it a Project of Common Interest (PCI). These are key infrastructure projects that link the energy systems of EU countries. They are intended to help the EU achieve its energy policy and climate objectives: affordable, secure and sustainable energy for all citizens, and the long-term decarbonisation of the economy in accordance with the Paris Agreement.

The Celtic Interconnector has taken on an added importance since the UK’s Brexit announcement. It will reinforce security of supply for Irish electricity users as it will be the only energy connection to a member state once the United Kingdom leaves the EU. EirGrid already has an interconnector to Wales and there is a further interconnector linking Northern Ireland with Scotland.

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The Celtic Interconnector will bring many further benefits, including: •

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The ability to import and export 700 megawatts (MW) of electricity, the equivalent of supplying power to around 450,000 homes Apply downward pressure on the cost of electricity to consumers in Ireland Help facilitate Ireland’s transition to a low carbon energy future Provide a direct fibre optic communications link between Ireland and France

One of the key pieces of work to date has been the consideration of connection points on the grid near the south and east coast of Ireland for the interconnector. This connection point must be able to accommodate the export and import of large amounts of power to and from France.

The Knockraha substation in East Cork and the Great Island substation in West Wexford were identified as the two most likely points.

EirGrid conducted a high-level analysis of the potential impact the Interconnector would have on the transmission grid. The results of this showed that the East Cork connection point would accommodate additional power flows significantly better than the Wexford option.

Various studies and surveys were conducted to identify and assess viable offshore route options between the south coast of Ireland and the north-

west coast of France. These concluded that a route to East Cork was preferable and the route was confirmed as feasible with no major constraints identified.

Various onshore studies were also undertaken which established that there are feasible options for the onshore elements of the Interconnector.

Following an initial consultation to provide information and gather feedback from stakeholders EirGrid has now confirmed that the best-performing option for the Interconnector is to connect to France via East Cork.

It is hoped that the only above ground infrastructure as part of the Interconnector will be a converter station as the system will largely utilise underground cables. Further engagement and consultation will be required to determine the routes and location for this infrastructure.

If the project goes ahead, the interconnector would go live in 2025 or 2026.

While the interconnector is of national importance and will make electricity supply more secure, sustainable and cost effective, it will also bring regional benefits. It will provide an additional power supply to the Cork region as well as provide a direct fibre connection to continental Europe. These will be of strategic benefit to the region enhancing both the electrical and telecommunication connectivity with the potential to attract new inward investment.

Chamber Welcomes Eirgrid Announcement

Cork Chamber welcomes the announcement of the Celtic Interconnector project for Cork. This collaboration between Eirgrid and French counterpart Réseau de Transport d’Electricité involves the installation of a 600km cable between Ireland and France, which will connect to the grid at Knockraha Substation, East Cork.

Speaking at the briefing, Cork Chamber CEO, Conor Healy said, “We are delighted to welcome the Eirgrid team to Cork Chamber. This project is significant at the national and regional level providing flexibility, security of supply and opportunity to import and export electricity once completed. Added to this, Ireland will now have a direct energy connection to mainland Europe if the UK leaves the EU.”

“Cork is a net exporter of electricity generation to the national grid and at the forefront of renewable energy generation in the country. The Energy Hub here in Cork supplies over 25% of Ireland’s total energy demands, and is home to 20% of Ireland’s electricity generating capacity. Cork is also a growing hub of economic activity, and with this we can expect an increase in demand for a flexible, secure and resilient electricity supply. The potential of this link is enormous for the region and we are delighted to see progress being made” Mr. Healy concluded.

Michelle O’sullivan // public affairs executive

e: michelle@corkchamber.ie // t: 021 453 0132

“The Energy Hub here in Cork supplies over 25% of Ireland’s total energy demands, and is home to 20% of Ireland’s electricity generating capacity.”

Pictured above: Conor Healy, Chief Executive Cork Chamber with Gary Nolan, Celtic Interconnector Project Manager at EirGrid and John Fitzgerald, Director of Grid Development & Interconnection at EirGrid at the announcement of the Celtic Interconnector project for Cork an the Cork Chamber Offices. Pictures: Darragh Kane

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cover story

Recognising the Region’s Remarka Cork Company of the Year Awards 2018 At the Cork Chamber Annual Dinner, Cork’s leading businesses were presented with the prestigious Cork Company of the Year Award, which is considered the hallmark for business excellence. Winners were revealed amongst an audience of almost 1,000 people, including leading industry and political figures.

The awards run in association with Vodafone Ireland, involve a thorough four month judging process with an experienced mix of business professionals from across the business community.

The overall Cork Company of the Year 2018 winner was awarded to Boston Scientific Cork, manufacturers of a diverse portfolio of medical devices supporting four global Boston Scientific Divisions. The company will celebrate 21 years in Cork next month and has an annual output of 6 million units per year, supports a workforce of 890 employees and is a ‘zero-landfill’ site. 7 patients per minute will be positively impacted by products shipped from Boston Scientific Cork in 2018.

Accepting the award on behalf of Boston Scientific, Sean Gayer VP Operations said: “This is a fantastic recognition for the entire Boston Scientific team at Model Farm Road. It is an honour to be considered in the same light as previous finalists, who have inspired business excellence in our community.”

Other category winners include: • Cork Emerging Company of the Year 2018 was awarded to EviView, providers of smart analytics software for lean-focussed pharmaceutical manufacturers.

• Cork SME Company of the Year 2018 was won by Spearline, providing the world’s only automated monitoring platform which allows enterprise clients to proactively benchmark, monitor and troubleshoot their global telecoms footprint.

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Cork Large Company of the Year 2018 was won by Teamwork. com, who are leading the way for SaaS in Ireland providing a suite of operations to help run the businesses of their 20,000 customers across 183 international companies.

Cork Corporate of the Year 2018 and Overall Cork Company of the Year 2018 was won by Boston Scientific, who are transforming lives through innovative medical solutions, which improve the health of patients around the world.

Bill O’Connell President, Cork Chamber, noted the remarkably high standard of entrants and how becoming a finalist in these awards is an achievement in itself given the rigour of the judging process. Mr. O’Connell added that “Cork Company of the Year Awards provide a wonderful platform for businesses in Cork to reflect on their success and the deserving winners will now join the 20 year network of previous respected winners. The legacy, longevity and prestige of these awards are renowned and coveted within the business community. It has been a fantastic journey for all of us on the judging panel over the last few months, getting to meet diverse businesses and hearing more about fascinating companies who are doing great things in Cork; in particular their CSR, diversity and inclusivity programmes. We would like to thank our long standing award partners, Vodafone and our media partners the Irish Examiner, who further amplify these awards.

Leo O’Leary, Director of Sales, ‘Vodafone Ireland commented, “We are delighted once again to be part of the Cork Company of the Year Awards. This event showcases the very best of business talent in Cork each year by celebrating outstanding achievements within the local business community. Cork like the rest of the world is embracing an exciting technological revolution which will be driven by the internet of things,

artificial intelligence, data analytics, robotics. And it is set to transform this city. Underpinning all of this is gigabit connectivity and Vodafone is working very hard to support businesses all over Cork and the country through our joint venture with SIRO. The future is exciting for Cork city and county and I am excited to watch the city grow and thrive into the future. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate each and every one of the winners and wish them continued success in the future.”

able Business Success

Taken at the Cork Chamber Cork Company of the Year Awards in Cork City Hall.

Standing: Winner of Cork Corporate Barbara O’Gorman from Boston Scientific; Conor Healy, Chief Executive Cork Chamber; Leo O’Leary, Sales Director Vodafone Ireland; Bill O’Connell, President Cork Chamber; Winner of Cork Corporate Sean Gayer, Boston Scientific and Debbie Power, IOT Vodafone.

Seated: Winner of Cork Large Company Award, Daniel Mackey and Peter Coppinger from Teamwork.com; Winner of Emerging Company Pat Lynch, EviView and Winner of SME Kevin Buckley from Spearline.

Picture: Darragh Kane

The Cork Company of the Year Awards 2018 finalists were: Emerging Apis Protect EviView Fuller Marketing SME Atlantia Food Clinical Trials Glenilen Farm Spearline Large MSL Engineering Poppulo Teamwork.com Corporate Abtran Boston Scientific MSD Brinny

Cork Company of the Year 2018 Judging Panel:

John Higgins, Chair of the Judging Panel, Treasurer at Cork Chamber, Managing Partner of EY’s Cork office Leo O’Leary, Sales Director at Vodafone Ireland Bill O’Connell, Cork Chamber President David Owens, Senior Vice President of International Finance and Operations at SolarWinds Mary Power, Managing Director, Westboro Partners Frank Walsh, Partner, Enterprise Equity Orla Rimmington, Partner, Kernel Capital Pat O’Flynn, CEO of Solvotrin Paul Hands, Company Director Open Innovation Partners Conor Healy, CEO Cork Chamber

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Cover Story

IN THE CHAIR

with Sean Gayer, VP Operations Boston Scientific To begin, tell us a little about you and your background I am a past pupil of St. Colman’s College Fermoy. I did a B.Comm in UCC and I qualified as a Chartered Accountant with PricewaterhouseCoopers. When I moved into industry, my boss gave me great advice; “Do not be a scorekeeper, be a team player”. He did not want me just to report the numbers monthly but rather go down to the production floor, understand the cost drivers behind the numbers and be part of the team to drive improvement.

It was wise counsel and I became an accountant interested in operations.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife Annette, my sons Luke and Ben, and also with friends. I play some golf and follow most sports involving Cork and Munster.

Describe Boston Scientific Boston Scientific transforms lives through innovative medical solutions that improve the health of patients around the world.

As a global medical technology leader, we advance science for life by providing a broad range of high performance solutions that address unmet patient needs and reduce the cost of healthcare. Boston Scientific Cork manufactures a diversified portfolio of medical devices for global distribution. Our product portfolio includes active and access catheters, occlusion coils and microspheres, inflation devices and atherectomy devices. Our employee groups are active in our community across a number of areas including; Environment, Education, STEM, Diversity and Inclusion.

Our charity team raises €40,000 annually for a local charity, chosen by our employees.

“This is a fantastic recognition for the entire Boston Scientific team at Model Farm Road. It is an honour to be considered in the same light as previous finalists, who have inspired business excellence in our community.”

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What is unique to your company in this sector?

Some of our products and technologies are unique. We produce the only nondrug therapy for the treatment of Asthma. Bronchial Thermoplasty(BT) is delivered by our Alair™ System, which is a safe outpatient procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to apply mild heat to the lining of the airways in the lungs.

Our Rotablator™ Atherectomy System is used for the treatment of coronary heart disease, where a diamond-tipped burr rotates at up to 190,000 RPM within the artery vessel ablating its way through a calcium blockage. Our Drug Eluting Microspheres are designed to be loaded with chemotherapy drugs for direct delivery to cancerous tumours in the liver.

What makes your company stand out?

Our talent. All of what we do is only possible with a great team and our team has 8,000 years of tacit knowledge. Patient care is at the centre of everything we do. Every employee strives to improve our processes in an open and honest environment where trust and respect prevails, allowing us to better serve the physicians and patients, who depend on our products being available when required. Over 70% of our vacancies last year were filled with internal candidates and it is great that we can give these opportunities to our people, who chose Boston Scientific as their place of work.

What are the highlights of your work?

Receiving patient feedback is inspiring, especially when the patient is from our community. We run an annual event called “Everyone Makes an Impact” where we hear patient stories on how our products saved or greatly improved their lives. Recently, an employee’s brother came in to tell his story and thank the employees. It was very moving and re-enforced the fact that we improve millions of lives annually. We will produce over 6m medical devices in 2018, positively impacting 7 lives per minute by the products shipped from Model Farm Road, Cork.

What has been your greatest business achievement and challenge?

Winning the Cork Company of the Year Award is a great achievement, especially considering the standard and calibre of all finalists involved. We are thrilled with the award as it is great recognition for the entire team’s work.

In Q4 2016, Boston Scientific Cork won the prestigious Shingo Prize, the world’s highest standard for Operational Excellence. It involves a complete assessment of an organisation’s culture and how the culture drives world class results.

The examiners interviewed over 400 team members in the assessment process and the award was positive affirmation of our journey to date.The challenge is to keep progressing on our Continuous Improvement journey; what we did yesterday will not be good enough for tomorrow. We are up for that challenge!

What’s your business goal for the future?

We have an exciting New Products program, where we have 23 projects to execute from 2017 to 2020. At this point we are on track, with 6 New Products launched in 2017 and 3 more on plan for the first half of 2018. Successfully completing (and adding to) this New Products Program along with delivery of our site investment plans will ensure we continue to offer a strong Value Proposition to our key stakeholders.

What’s your top business tip?

Growing up my mother always told us “anything worth doing is worth doing well”.

This principle is so true, whatever you are doing in business (and life), do it to the best of your ability and achieve a result you are proud of.

Feature event

Master of Ceremonies Jonathan Healy calls on Bill O’Connell, President Cork Chamber to make the inaugural address from the Millenium Hall. Picture: Darragh Kane

Second City Region Calls for Accelerated Investment Ireland must acknowledge the value of investment in city regions of scale. This was the key message from Chamber President Bill O’Connell at Cork Chamber’s Annual Dinner.

While highlighting Cork’s unique offering as a business location, Mr. O’Connell spoke of Cork’s future place within the Ireland 2040 plan and Government’s forthcoming capital investment programme: “Cork will be the fastest growing region in the country for the next two decades.

We are ready for this challenge. But let me be clear. Government must be ready to allocate investment accordingly and acknowledge the potential of Ireland’s second city to substantially strengthen Ireland’s metropolitan profile.”

The Chamber President went on to reference key investment requirements for Cork and Ireland’s proposition to be elevated globally: “Cork Chamber calls for commitment by Government to invest in Cork’s public transport needs. A rapid transit system to enable our city region. High speed rail connecting Cork and Dublin. We call

for recognition of Cork’s Docklands as a national strategic asset, a space where people will enact Government’s vision of living and working in a vibrant highdensity city.”

The President also called out the need for Ireland to become better at forward planning and delivery for the country to remain competitive, specifically mentioning supply of rental accommodation and housing: “Affordable apartments to rent are essential to enable economic growth.

Their delivery are critical if we are to have a housing stock that meets the needs of an increasingly mobile and dynamic workforce. We have a vision for Cork to be smart, sustainable and high density city. Cork should grow up and not out.”

“Every one of us is a shareholder in the future of Cork” the Chamber President reminded the dinner guests before

encouraging all to continue driving forward in 2018 with the same level of optimism and confidence currently evident throughout business in Cork.

Annual Dinner Task Force Paula Cogan (Chair) Bill O’Connell Barrie O’Connell Frank Boland David A. Power Maxine Hyde Natasha Lynch Holly Macintosh Barbara-Anne Richardson Donna Miskell Leigh Gillen Conor Healy chamberlink PAGE // 11

Feature event

Get Connected This year’s Annual Dinner was the largest and busiest event so far with almost 1000 people from Cork’s business community gathered to network and connect with their peers at City Hall.

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Edel O’Regan, Trend Micro, Amanda Sheehan, Montenotte Hotel and Breda Byrne, Heineken Ireland.

Grainne Murnane, RedFM with Thomas McHugh, Cork Chamber.

Aoife Dunne, BizNetCork Skillnet (sponsor), Karen Fleming, Network Cork President and Maressa Mills, Marketing Institute Chair.

H.E. Kevin Vickers, Ambassador of Canada to Ireland with Patrick Doyle, Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

Brian Nolan, Construction Industry Federation with Martin Shanahan, IDA Ireland and Conor O’Connell, Construction Industry Federation Edwina McDonnell and Elaine Collins from Vodafone with Gillian Keating, Ronan Daly Jermyn.

Dori Tallent and Declan Carey, Irving Oil. Des Burke, Mike O’Sullivan, GSK and Pat McGrath, McGrath Management .

Keynote Speaker, Caroline Dowling, President, Communications & Enterprise Compute at Flex during her inspiring address to attendees.

Ciara Flaherty and Marie Tracey, Springboard PR Pictures by John Sheehan Photography & Darragh Kane Photography

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Rosaleen Hyde, Ballymaloe Foods and Maeve Cotter, Bank of Ireland Corporate Banking.

Wine List sponsors Maryborough Hotel & Spa with their guests Dave Barry, Fastnet with Colette Quinn, Real Insights and Tony O’Regan, Tony O’Regan Associates.

Lesley Turner, Named Feres, Tina Forrester and Paul McSherry, Blizzard Entertainment.

Kevin Cullinane, Cork International Airport with Ruth Fuller, Fuller Marketing and Raymond Kelleher, Trigon Hotels.

Trish McNamara, Maireád Maher, Poppulo and Niamh Hennessy, Red FM. Chamber Team ready for action Kearys BMW in gear.

Concert Hall during the annual dinner.

Bill O’Connell, President Cork Chamber with Barbara-Anne Richardson, Cork Chamber & Brian Bowler, GM of Montenotte Hotel. #10

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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

February Business Breakfast – Demystifying Data in partnership with Chartered Accountants Cork Society Date: Thursday 15 February Time: 7:30am - 9:30am Venue: The Imperial Hotel Cost: €25 Cork Chamber & CSCA members / €50 non members Cork Chamber will once again partner with the Chartered Accountants Cork Society to bring you “Demystifying Data” a breakfast event that will help you to find valuable insights in your data through analysis.

All businesses have plenty of data at their fingertips, but learning how to analyse and utilise this data is a mystery to most of us. This event will help you to see and understand the data that you have worked hard to build up over the years.

We are delighted to have Jason Burns, IBM and Yvonne Holmes, AIB as our guest speakers. On the day we will also have some key case studies, who will bring their experience of data analytics to life and help you gain insight into how data can work for your business.

Jason Burns has had a variety of roles within the IT sector beginning in software development as a technical writer, then progressing to team management positions before finally PAGE // 14

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gaining his PMP qualification and moving into a variety of project management roles. Since joining IBM, Jason has spent several years working in the data and analytics arena, covering data warehousing and business intelligence through to advanced analytics solutions - helping customers make the most of their data to help drive the business growth.

Yvonne Holmes is a member of the Retail and Commercial Banking Senior Leadership team of AIB where she Heads up the Business Performance & Analytics Team, leading a team of over 80 Data Scientists and Information Analysts . The role of analytics in business has come to the forefront in recent years in helping businesses understand their customers, drive business decisions and clearly monitor the success of these decisions. Yvonne has also led a number of significant business change transformation programmes throughout her career and is a member of the Diversity & Inclusion board in AIB. Join with your Cork Chamber and Chartered Accountants Cork fellow members for an informative event on data analytics and the practical application for your company.

Clock Out & Connect Date: Tuesday 27 February Time: 5:30pm – 7:00pm Venue: Griffith College Cork Cost: FREE for Cork Chamber members Cork Chamber is delighted to invite you to an evening of “divine” networking at the chapel on the grounds of Griffith College Cork. It’s time to continue the New Year’s Resolutions by coming along and raising your company profile at this event, as well as taking in the stunning views of Cork City from the College’s hilltop location.

Griffith College Cork offers full and part-time third level, higher education degree and masters programmes in Law, Business, Media, Computing Science, Professional Accounting and Pharmaceutical Management. Griffith College Cork is located on a five-acre campus on the grounds of the former Marymount Hospice on Wellington Rd, Cork City.

Make your mark and meet at least 10 new people at this engaging and interactive event, you will not regret it!

March Business Breakfast - Your Next Port of Call Date: Thursday 22 March Time: 7:30am - 9:00am Venue: Cork International Hotel Cost: €25 members / €50 non members Cork Chamber are delighted to host Brendan Keating, Chief Executive of the Port of Cork Company as the guest speaker at our March Business Breakfast, held in association with the Irish Examiner.

At the event Brendan will discuss the Ringaskiddy Port Redevelopment project and what it will mean for the region in terms of trade, tourism and business, as well as wider plans for Docklands Redevelopment. Brendan has 25 years of experience in the Local Government sector and since taking up his role as Chief Executive in 2002 his primary focus has been on business development, planning port infrastructure, and the delivery of higher levels of efficiency and quality throughout the Port.

The Port of Cork is classified as a Tier 1 port of national significance and is one of only two Irish ports which service the requirements of all six shipping modes.

The Port of Cork owns and operates facilities in Cork City Quays, Tivoli, Ringaskiddy and Cobh, they also acquired Marino Point in a joint venture in 2017.

Maximise your Membership In order to further support our members in getting the most out of their membership for 2018 The Cork Chamber will be running monthly ‘Maximise your Membership’ Sessions.

These sessions will help you to learn the true extent of benefits available to you, your team and your company and how you can engage fully with us.

In particular the use of the online Members Information Centre (MIC) will be demonstrated. Both new and existing members are encouraged to attend these sessions, they are suitable for all sized businesses and industries.

Your Cork Chamber membership provides your business with an unparalleled business network to connect with almost 1200 other businesses. As part of the largest network in the region you can promote and grow your business by actively using your membership, attending our events, using the promotional channels like the MIC and utilising the training programmes available to your company. These monthly sessions provide the perfect opportunity to refresh on how you can get maximum value and impact from your Chamber membership in an intimate and non-formal atmosphere.

Places are limited to 15 attendees per session and they will be run on the following dates;

Date Friday 2 March 2018 Friday 6 April 2018

Time 9.30am – 11am 9.30am – 11am

To book a place go to www.corkchamber.ie

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Snapped

Out & About Recent Events with Cork Chamber

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Festive After Hours There was a great turnout of members at the fabulous Lookout Terrace in The River Lee Hotel for the last networking event of 2017! #1: Bill O’Connell, President Cork Chamber with Ruairi O’Connor and Claire Myler,

River Lee Hotel. #2: Stephanie Lynch, OnTheQT.ie; Eibhlín O’Sullivan, EOS Solicitors; Lucy

O’Donoghue, Lucy O’Donoghue Consulting and Johanna Fitzpatrick, Oyster Tavern. #3: Denis Healy, Marie O’Donovan and John Healy, Mallow College of Further Education.

Pictures: John Sheehan Photography

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Marketing the Ultimate Driving Machine Cork Chamber were delighted to partner with MII Cork to host guest speaker Paulo Alvez, Managing Director of BMW Group Ireland, at an evening event in Cork International Hotel on 24 January. #4:

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Barbara Anne Richardson, Cork Chamber; Paolo Alvez, Managing Director of BMW Group Ireland and Maressa Mills, Chair, MII Cork.

Pete Weedon, Enterprise Holdings; Andy Whitaker, Johnson and Perrott and Patrick Reynolds, Sixt Leasing.

Attendees got a sneak peek at the future of the automotive industry where, according to guest speaker Paulo Alves, Managing Director of BMW Group Ireland, electrification, shared mobility, automation and connectivity will be the key factors driving innovation.

Pictures: Diane Cusack Photography

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Networking Masterclass 2018 Over 100 members got a head-start on growing their business in 2018 at this year’s sold-out Networking Masterclass learning valuable tips and tools to help make the most of all networking opportunities. #1: Networking expert Caitlin O’Connor, Accelerating Performance shared valuable tips on making

the most of every networking opportunity. #2: Anthony Quinlan, Behan Irwin and Gosling and Kevin Morrison, Cork International Hotel. #3: Peter Blissett from the Project Foundry and Linda O’Mahony, PE Global. #4: Jim O’Connell, AIB Bank with Fachtna O’Driscoll, Fachtna O’Driscoll Solicitors. #5: Laura Halissey from Cork Foundation, Amy Ormond and Linda Wright from Republic of Work. #6: Derek Shears, Babelfis; Marina O’Flynn, Eli Lilly and Eugene Higgins, National Learning Network. #7: Attendees put their networking skills to the test with a series of fun exercises.

Pictures: John Roche Photography

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BUSINESS skills

Skills for the Future

The World Economic Forum has boldly stated that more than a third of the skills needed to do our jobs in 2020 will be skills not considered crucial to the job today.

The pace of change at the moment is the slowest it is ever going to be.

Jobs are ever-changing and the skills needed to do those jobs are constantly evolving.

Josh Bersin, a leading commentator in the area of work, talent & learning has commented, “As technology automates more and more of our work, skills in communication, listening, empathy, and integrated thinking have become more important than ever.” With technological advances creating a more even-playing field, it is the transversal and core professional skills of the workforce that will help companies to compete and prosper. A skilled workforce inexorably leads to a more competitive enterprise.”

Your Skills Your Future Our 2018 Portfolio provides ample opportunities for employers and employees to engage in continuous professional & personal development; key to the success of both the individual and organisation at large.

Management Development: • Advancing Leadership Programme (QQI L6) • Supervisory Management (QQI L6) • Training Delivery & Evaluation (QQI L6) Core Professional Skills: • Dale Carnegie High Impact Presentations • Influencing & Negotiating Skills • Project Management Team Development: • Building & Leading High-Performance Teams • Change Management • People & Performance Management Digital Marketing/IT: • MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) • Digital Marketing for Business • Google Analytics GDPR/Data Protection for Business: • Data Protection for Business • Data Protection Officer Training If you would like to discuss the training needs of your organisation & your employees, please do not hesitate to contact Aoife Dunne, Training Manager, on 021/4530141 or aoife@corkchamber.ie

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Corkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most creative meeting and event space Western Road, Cork W doylecollection.com/riverlee T +353 21 425 2700 /TheRiverLeeHotel

E riverlee@doylecollection.com

@RiverLeeHotel

@TheRiverLee

#SliceOfTheCity

GROW

European IPR Helpdesk

The Enterprise Europe Network at Cork Chamber chats to Gerard O’Regan, Senior Technology Transfer Executive at Enterprise Ireland.

Gerard is Ambassador for Ireland at the European Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Helpdesk.

What is the European IPR Helpdesk in a nutshell?

The European IPR Helpdesk offers free-of-charge, first-line support on Intellectual Property (IP) matters to beneficiaries of EU-funded research projects and to SMEs. It is managed by the European Commission’s Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (EASME), with policy guidance provided by the European Commission’s Enterprise and Industry Directorate-General.

What are the main objectives of the EU IPR Helpdesk?

One of the main objectives of the EU Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Helpdesk is to raise IP awareness and to help SMEs to capacity-build. This is primarily done by providing on-site training events, local awareness-raising events, through the development and dissemination of guidelines, checklists and factsheets that deal with different aspects of IP, both in business or in collaborative research. EU-IPR Helpdesk Ambassadors promote the Helpdesk’s services and provide basic IP training and information; helping to strengthen IP knowledge and raise awareness amongst SMEs. The EU IPR Helpdesk cooperates with stakeholders involved in IP and promotion of innovation, in order to foster synergies.

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Why do SMEs need to increase their knowledge of IPR? In a survey undertaken in the context of a study on trade secrets, European companies who participated clearly indicated trade-fairs as one of the most important sources of information spillovers across businesses. The professional management of IP and IPR is therefore critical to ensure that you can make the most of your company’s or project’s innovative potential. IP is an important concept throughout the product lifecycle and is key when innovating.

Essentially, it helps to protect SME owners.

How can Irish SMEs avail of the European IPR Helpdesk’s services?

Across 27 European countries, there are 49 EU-IPR Helpdesk Ambassadors. I work on the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) project and am the EU-IPR Helpdesk Ambassador for Ireland. Any SMEs wishing to discuss the EU-IPR Helpdesk’s services can contact me by emailing gerard.oregan@enterprise-ireland.com.

What types of information can be accessed via the European IPR Helpdesk?

The Trade Secrets Directive (EU) 2016/943 came into force on 5 July 2016.

Member States have until 9 June 2018 to incorporate its provisions into national laws. The IPR Helpdesk can provide assistance with regard to understanding this legislation. Equally, companies can register on the European IPR Helpdesk’s website, or get in touch via phone to receive confidential support on specific IP issues from a team of experienced legal specialists.

The European Commission contractually requires the European IPR Helpdesk to treat all information and documents received with the utmost confidence. By simply subscribing to the European IPR Helpdesk, you can keep up-to-date with the latest developments in the field of IP. The European IPR Helpdesk’s online library has a repository of information, with ready-to-download factsheets, case studies, guides and information material.

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

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

Connect

NEW CONNECTIONS We welcome the following new members Accountants/Auditors AG Associates Accountancy Practice, Bookeeping and Payroll Provider. Spearheaded by an experienced professional, and assisted by a team of dedicated support staff, AG Associates take the worry out of managing your accounting records.

Contact: Angela O’ Leary

T: 021 4824723 E: angela@agassociates.ie W: www.agassociates.ie

Advertising/Marketing/Market Research Choice Media For all your design & printing needs.

Stationary, calanders, yearbooks, flyers. Make the right CHOICE Contact: Paul Earls

T: 0402 39395 E: info@choicemedia.ie W: www.choicemedia.ie

Whisper Marketing Limited Whisper is an innovative and different consultancy, providing creative marketing and branding solutions and also personal development coaching solutions. These solutions change and influence the way companies and individuals perform, work and live.

Contact: Fergal Keniry

T: 021 2019324 E: info@whisper.ie W: www.whisper.ie

Arts Nano Nagle Place An unexpected oasis in the heart of bustling Cork city, celebrating Nano Nagle’s life story and vision. The complex houses a heritage centre, archive, hidden gardens, Good Day Deli café and gift shop. The restored 18th century convent buildings are home to several educational charities. There are also conference rooms and short-let apartments.

Contact: Shane Clarke

T: 083 1577 112 E: shane@nanonagleplace.ie

Auctioneers/Property Consultants CBRE U.C.

CBRE is the country’s largest commercial real estate services company with offices in Dublin & Cork. We work with occupiers, investors and developers of office, industrial, retail, hotel and healthcare property, providing strategic advice; property sales and leasing; tenant representation; property management; valuation; debt advisory; business rates, compulsory purchase and research & consulting.

Contact: Brian Edwards T: 021 4917255 E: brian.s.edwards@cbre.com W: www.cbre.ie

Charities Togher Family Centre CLG Delivers Early Years and Youth Services to 400 children alongside courses to 60 adults in the Togher area and beyond. Togher Family centre also provides family support and early intervention for up to 100 people each year.

Contact: Niamh Sheridan

T: 021 4316766 E: manager@togherfamilycentre.ie W: www.togherfamilycentre.ie

Engineering Dornan Engineering Limited Dornan is an International Mechanical, Electrical and Instrumentation Company which has gained significant experience across a wide section of construction sectors.

At Dornan, we are committed to achieving client satisfaction through safely offering value, deliverability and quality.

Contact: John Phillips

T: 021 2330900 E: john.phillips@dornangroup.com W: www.dornangroup.com

Entertainment/Leisure/Tourism Cool Running Events Limited Cool Running Events is an event management company specialising in the production, management and marketing of seasonal ice rings and visitor attractions at shopping centres and other high footfall locations.

Based in 40,000 sq ft warehousing and office facilities in Cork - comprising of warehousing, technical support, management, marketing, telesales and administration.

Contact: Laoise Cronin

Financial Services/Pensions/Investment Apex Fund Services Apex is a large global institution that retains a focus on high client service levels delivered locally. Originally established in Bermuda in 2003 by Chairman and Founder, Peter Hughes, Apex now has over 1000 staff based in 24 jurisdictions globally with circa $300bn in assets. Apex provides a full suite of products surrounding its core fund accounting services.

Contact: Bryan Atkinson

T: 021 463 3366 E: rachelm@apexfunds.ie W: http://Apexfundservices.ie

Food/Drink Atlantia Food Clinical Trials Atlantia Food Clinical Trials Ltd is an independent clinical research organisation (CRO) that spun out of the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre (APC) in University College Cork. The APC is a globally-renowned translational research centre in the area of food for health, with extensive expertise in pre-clinical and clinical research, studies and trials.

Contact: Barry Skillington

T: 021 4231000 E: bskillington@atlantiafoodtrials.com

Erin Hampers We are a Cork company in business 50 years in the manufacturing and tourist retail market. Erin Hampers is our new venture, a hamper company supplying luxury gift hampers to corporate and private individuals alike.

Contact: John Lane

T: 021 2066066 E: laoise@coolrunningevents.ie W: www.coolrunningevents.ie

T: 087 8039005 E: info@erinhampers.com W: www.erinhampers.com

UCC Campus Accommodation Originally founded in 1845 as “Queen’s College Cork”, University College Cork (UCC) is one of Ireland’s oldest institutions for higher education. Over 150 years later, our University is internationally acclaimed as one of the top 2% of research institutions in the world.

Located in Cork City, UCC is easily accessible from Cork International Airport, just 8kms away.

Contact: Michelle Devaney

Franciscan Well Brewery & Brewpub Cork’s Franciscan Well Brewery and Brew Pub is one of Ireland’s longest established and best respected craft breweries. The “Well” has gained national fame for its popular beers along with international recognition for its numerous craft beer awards from across Europe along with their successful collaboration with Jameson Whiskey.

Contact: Kate Clancy

T: 0214818451 E: beds@ucc.ie W: www.ucccampusaccommodation.com

T: 021 4393434 E: franciscanwellbrewery@gmail.com W: www.franciscanwellbrewery.com

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Connect

NEW CONNECTIONS We welcome the following new members Health & Safety SEE Specialists Ltd Founded by Dr. Aoife Trant in 2014, SEE Specialists are industry leaders in Health & Safety, Environmental and Energy consultancy services. SEE Specialists provides a comprehensive range of strategic, management and technical consulting solutions partnering with clients to achieve their Health & Safety short-term needs and long-term goals.

Contact: Frank O’Meara

T: 021 4500 911 E: info@seespecialists.ie W: www.seespecialists.ie

Healthcare Provider Evolve Therapy We are an independent team that offers: Speech and Language Therapy, Autism Specialist Services Play Therapy, Social Skills Groups, Dyslexia Support Groups, Fussy Eater Program, Psychology, Occupational Therapy.

Contact: Emily Ahern

T: 085 7431134 E: info@evolvetherapy.ie W: www.evolvetherapy.ie/

Irish Blood Transfusion Service The IBTS is responsible for managing the national blood stock and supplying hospitals across Ireland with safe blood for transfusions.

Maureen Gill-Emerson T: 021 4807400 E: maureen.gill@ibts.ie W: www.giveblood.ie

Insurance Apex Insurance Insurance Broker specialising in Business Insurance, Property Owners, IT/Cyber Insurance. The Team at APEX Insurance are professionally qualified Insurance Advisers, with a passion for delivering excellent Customer Service and Cost Effective Insurance Solutions.

Contact: Theo Hoare T: 021 2398864 E: info@apexinsurance.ie W: www.apexinsurance.ie

Aviva Around the world, Aviva provides around 33 million customers with insurance, savings and investment products. We are a leading insurer in Ireland and provide a comprehensive range of general insurance products, including motor, household and commercial. We also offer a comprehensive range of insurance policies including pensions, protection plans and savings & investment products.

Contact: Sean Boyle

T: 021 4527200 W: www.aviva.ie

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IT Services OEE Systems OEEsystems International provide powerful, intuitive manufacturing performance management software solutions to the world’s most progressive manufacturing companies. We help them to increase output, reduce costs, improve competitiveness, make informed decisions and deliver business performance excellence.

Contact: Angela Drum

T: 052 6181900 E: angela.drum@oeesystems.com W: www.oeesystems.com

Remote Signals The Remote Signals platform, a hardwareenabled software as a service (HE-SaaS) technology, allows companies to easily integrate IoT capability with their products.

Doing so opens up previously untapped revenue opportunities and benefits.

Contact: Joe Perrott

T: 087 0542854 E: joe@remotesignals.ie W: www.remotesignals.ie

StorageCraft Technology The StorageCraft family of companies, founded in 2003, provides award-winning backup, disaster recovery, system migration and data protection solutions for servers, desktops, laptops and SaaS applications in addition to powerful data analytics.

Contact: Ellen Hickey

T: 087 9019494 E: ellenmarie.hikey@storagecraft.eu W: www.storagecraft.com

Logistics Smart Routes Smart Routes is the best in class delivery route planning solution for companies who have in house vehicles that do deliveries, collections or customer visits. Smart Routes makes this software accessible & affordable for businesses who do not have the expertise or budget to complete this in house.

Contact: Calvin O’Callaghan

T: 087 2718337 E: calvin@smartroutes.ie W: http://smartroutes.ie

Media/Publishing/Video Production Matt Sullivan Multimedia Storytelling News and Documentary production for Non Government Organisations & Business involved in Corporate Social Responsibility projects.

Contact: Matt Sullivan

T: 085 1218797 E: info@mattsullivan.ie W: www.mattsullivan.ie

Management Consultants Murphy Surveys Established in 1983, Murphy Surveys is committed to providing world-class survey solutions cost-effectively, through a combination of highly qualified personnel and the most cutting-edge technologies available. We offer 3D Laser Scanning, UAV/ Drone Surveys, Underground Utility Surveys, Topographic and Hydrographic Surveys, GPR and more, all to the highest standards of accuracy and detail.

Contact: JP Kelly

T: 021 489 5704 E: jpkelly@murphysurveys.ie W: www.murphysurveys.ie

Tom Connolly and Associates An experienced project manager, trainer and coach/mentor. Projects completed in ICT, eLearning, SME, University, and Bio-Medical sectors; encompassing Product Development, Software Development, Organisational Development, Document Control, Business Planning, Business Development, and EU FP7.

Contact: Tom Connolly

T: 087 8092885 E: tom@tomconnollyandassociates.ie W: www.linkedin.com/in/tomconnolly/

Motor Traders Suro Cars Ltd Your luxury car sales specialist in Co. Cork.

We are a family run business based at the Old Maxol Oil Depot, Centre Park Road, Cork. We aim to provide our customers with a professional and exclusive car-supplying / sourcing service, a service that is hassle free.

We are committed to saving you time, hassle and money on your next car purchase.

Contact: David O’ Hea

T: 083 8166553 E: Surocarsinfo@gmail.com W: www.Surocars.ie

Recruitment/Executive Search Validant Consulting Limited At Validant our vision is to ensure safe and reliable access to the world’s life-saving healthcare products. As the leading Quality, Compliance, and Regulatory consulting firm, we blend industry expertise with innovation to create custom solutions for companies on the frontier of health.

Contact: Laura O’Regan

T: 021 2357980 E: loregan@validant.com W: www.validant.com

Renewable Energy Solo Energy Solo Energy is a next-generation energy business which combines distributed energy storage, cloud-based control and analytics, and dynamic energy trading to disrupt the electricity supply sector.

Contact: Killian O’Connor

T: 021 2376054 E: killian@solo-energy.com W: www.solo-energy.com

Restaurant/Bar/Catering Oyster Tavern Bar & Restaurant Oyster Tavern has a stylish & contemporary restaurant and a luxurious old world feel bar. Located just feet away from the famous English Market, where we are privileged to source our meat, fish & produce daily. We serve breakfast, lunch & dinners, with a late bar & DJ on a Fri & Sat night. We are pleased to welcome small & large group bookings, special family occasions & corporate entertainment Contact: Bob Kriva

T: 021 735 5677 E: sales@oystertavern.ie W: www.oystertavern.ie

Service Contractors Mainline Group A leading utility solutions provider servicing the Water, Telecom & Energy sectors.

Mainline provides a diverse range of services including Design, Build, Operation and Maintenance of utility infrastructure, In-Home Service Solutions, Turn-key Wind & Solar Energy Solutions, and Commercial Carrier Class WiFi Solutions.

Contact: Jill O’Reilly

T: 021 4800068 E: info@mainline.ie W: www.mainline.ie

Security Services

T: 025 32211 E: aaherne@prostrategy.ie W: www.prostrategy.ie

Manguard Plus is one of Ireland’s leading private security service providers, offering clients professional solutions to their security needs. With offices in Dublin, Kildare and Belfast, we manage security contracts throughout the length and breadth of Ireland. Manguard Plus provides a firstclass service to a diverse client base offering customers innovative, flexible and costeffective solutions.

Contact: Darren Service

Systemic Mind Ltd PeakSoft.io is the ULTIMATE goal attainment software. It combines goal setting, time management and counter procrastination technologies, to bring dreams and goals into reality. Visit www.PeakSoft.io SystemicMind.com features cutting edge software, programs, books and strategies to help individuals unleash their personal and professional potential. Visit www.

SystemicMind.com

Manguard Plus South

T: 081 8313300 E: info@manguardplus.com W: www.manguardplus.ie

Services

CBRE Managed Services Ireland Ltd (Global Workplace Solutions Division)

Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) is a division of CBRE which supports occupier clients of all sizes, through facilities management, project management, advisory and transaction services. We support occupiers throughout the entire real estate lifecycle: from the property search to planning and acquisition, design and construction, property maintenance and facilities management, further development.

Contact: Eanna Kavanagh T: 01 8293987 E: infodublingws@cbre.com W: www.cbre.ie

The Sales Institute of Ireland (SII)

The SII is a network for Sales Directors from blue-chip progressive companies. We will help you learn from and network with other Sales Directors so as to understand the driving forces and innovation within the Sales Arena so that you can create the most relevant and competent Sales Organisation. Our aim is to advance the Sales Leadership Capability of our member companies.

Contact: Hugh Griffin T: 01 6626904 E: hugh@salesinstitute.ie W: www.salesinstitute.ie

Travel Agents Activity Days Ireland Ltd

Inbound Tour Agency offering activity to Groups with local guides. Packages of 3 and 5 day Tours in the South of Ireland.

Contact: Maire Ni Mhurchu T: 087 4129698 E: maire@curtisandhooper.ie W: http://CurtisandHooper.ie

Software/Software Services ProStrategy ProStrategy has over 30 years’ experience providing Business Management Software Solutions & Services. With a team of over 50 highly-skilled Business & IT Professionals and an established Strategic Business Alliance with Global brand including a leading IBM & Microsoft Gold Partner, our Portfolio includes - Business Intelligence Analytics; Data & Analytics Platforms; ERP; CRM and IT Services.

Contact: Aileen Aherne

Software/Software Services DataDragonX Ltd Facilitating SME’s on their GDPR journey, through our cloud-based GDPR Data Management System.

Contact: Fionnuala Hendrick

T: 085 1076516 E: fionnuala@datadragonx.com W: http://datadragonx.com

EviView Limited EviView is an Irish start-up that develops smart manufacturing analytics software primarily for the Pharma and Biotech manufacturing industry, using unique domain and industry knowledge of lean manufacturing. In this sector, the company has developed cutting-edge software to capture key metrics and display focused insights.

Contact: Karol Dabrowski

T: 087 1938042 E: kdabrowski@eviview.com W: www.eviview.com

Solicitors/Legal Services

4 Washington Street, Cork

We are a group of self employed barristers with offices at 4 Washington Street, Cork.

With a wide range of legal expertise, we can provide assistance in commerical law, employment law, personal injuries and many other areas. As barristers, we provide services through a solicitor. We give legal advice and represent clients in Court to achieve the best possible outcome.

Contact: Martin O’Flynn T: 087 1303805 E: martin@systemicmind.com W: www.PeakSoft.io

Telecommunications Digisoft TV Ltd Digisoft.tv is a global multiscreen platform provider for the broadcast and media industry. We help MSOs to realize the value of their infrastructure investment by building on our extensive experience in video delivery, DRM, mobile & web-based technologies.

Contact: Fergal Kelly

T: 021 4917272 W: www.digisoft.tv

Web Design Dmac Media Ltd Dmac Media are pleased to offer a wide range of Web Solutions for business, including Website Design, eCommerce Platforms, Content Management Systems and Digital Marketing. With over 10 years web development experience and a proven track record in customer satisfaction, Dmac can help you to grow your online business.

With offices in Dublin, Sligo and Cork we are happy to assist you in finding you Contact: Mark Hurley

T: 021 4530136 E: mark@dmacmedia.ie W: www.dmacmedia.ie

Contact: Julie O’Leary E: 4washingtonstreet@gmail.com

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Connect

On the Move Members new appointments

G J Moloney announces new senior appointments G J Moloney, the Cork and Dublin based legal firm, has announced two senior appointments. Kieran Coveney has been appointed CEO and Jerry Canty has been appointed Joint Managing Partner, with specific responsibility for the Cork office. Gerald Moloney, who manages the Dublin office, is the other Joint Managing Partner. Kieran Coveney was Head of Business Banking for Bank of Ireland in Cork for many years prior to joining G J Moloney. The firm has also announced that Munster Rugby Captain and Irish and Lions player Peter O’Mahony has become an Ambassador for G J Moloney.

G J Moloney has a history in Cork going back over 100 years with the current business dating from 1982. Located at City Quarter, the firm also has a fullservice office at Lower Pembroke Street in Dublin which for the past 28 years has been managed by Gerald Moloney.

The firm has a strong regional, national

and international corporate and private client base. It specialises in commercial litigation, business and commercial law, commercial property, security, employment, probate and licencing.

Jerry Canty (Joint Managing Partner), Kieran Coveney (CEO), Peter O’Mahony (Brand Ambassador) and Gerald Moloney (Managing Partner).

www.gjmoloney.ie

MC2 Accountants announces appointment of New Partner Cork based MC2 Accountants has today announced the appointment of Pamela Murphy as partner at the firm. Pamela is a Chartered Tax Adviser and a member of the Irish Tax Institute.

She is also a Fellow with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. Pamela has been a driving force within MC2 Accountants since it was established five years ago and was previously Director of the Accounting and Audit Department.

Pamela Murphy, pictured with founding partners Jim McCarthy and Seán McSweeney

Ronan Daly Jermyn expands Property & Real Estate Practice Ronan Daly Jermyn continues to add depth and breadth to its Property and Real Estate Group. Patrick Dorgan joins Ronan Daly Jermyn as Partner, bringing with him a wealth of experience in advising on commercial property, development schemes and retail matters. Patrick is a former chair of the Conveyancing Committee of the Law Society and has lectured in conveyancing in the Law Society’s Law School. He is a regular speaker at seminars on property law and practice.

Patrick Dorgan (centre) with Managing Partner, Richard Martin and Head of Ronan Daly Jermyn’s Property and Real Estate Group, John Dwyer.

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members news Members events and announcements

#1:

Global Healthcare Company, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) launched a new 12-lecture Biopharmaceutical and Medical Device Microbiology module in UCC as part of its collaboration with the university’s College of Science, Engineering and Food Science (SEFS). Designed for fourth year BSc Biotechnology students and delivered by industry experts from J&J companies, Janssen Sciences Ireland and DePuy Synthes, the module, aims to provide undergraduate students with greater industry knowledge and awareness through exposure to state-of-the-art, scientific work environments. Pictured at the announcement are Liz Dooley, Director Operations (Biologics), at Janssen Supply Chain Ireland, David O’Sullivan, Project Sponsor, DePuy, Regina Mulhall, Project Sponsor, Janssen and Kyran Johnson, General Manager, Janssen Supply Chain.

Picture Darragh Kane

#2:

EY continues commitment to Cork through opening of new expanded office in the city. Pictured at the opening are Mike McKerr, Managing Partner EY Ireland, Michael McGrath TD, Anne O’Leary, audit partner with EY, John Higgins, Managing Partner EY Cork and Lord Mayor Cllr Tony Fitzgerald.

Picture Darragh Kane

#3:

Connecting Rural Communities: Cork Foundation are excited to work together with Ludgate Hub to help foster the entrepreneurial spirit that exists in West Cork. By partnering with Ludgate, this reinforces Cork Foundation focus on creating jobs, empowering the community and giving back to Cork. CEO of Ludgate Hub Adrienne Harrington and CEO of Cork Foundation, Padraic Vallely, announcing the strategic partnership between the two organisations at Ludgate Hub in Skibbereen.

Picture: Michael O’Sullivan

#4:

Announcing the Procurement Transformative Institute (PTI). Founded by iDDea and Arvo, the PTI will be Ireland’s nerve-centre and the go-to marketplace for procurement skills and capability assessments, training and educational programmes, industry-led research and thought leadership, to dramatically accelerate the competitiveness and innovation of Irish organisations in Europe. The PTI will also be the community where buyers and suppliers can learn, connect and collaborate to innovate. Co-founders of the Procurement Transformative Institute Mike McGrath, Arvo and Ingrid De Doncker, iDDea.

#5:

Gold for Wain Morehead Architects (WMA). WMA are delighted that their A1 BER Rated Cork City Passive House is the first project to receive GOLD (HPI) Home Performance Index Certification - Ireland’s first national voluntary certification system for quality and sustainable residential development, developed by the Irish Green Building Council (IGBC).

#1

#2

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#4

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chamberlink PAGE // 25

Connectivity & Business innovation

Giving Irish businesses an edge in the digital revolution Whether or not you’re an expert in the Internet of Things, the rise of the robot or Millennials, there’s no doubt that the world has gone digital. A revolution has taken place and it’s transforming our homes, our cities, our workplaces and our lives.

50% of Fortune 500 companies have contracted, merged or disappeared completely since the start of the millennium. The pace of change is incredible and although it is easy to be overwhelmed by the rapid growth in new technologies, only by embracing them can we work together to build long term sustainable advantage for the towns, cities and businesses that we live and work in.

The explosive growth of digitalization means enterprises can’t just stand still and the signs are already clear – the successors of the future will be the ones that have embraced the digital revolution.

Having the right technical solution and tools in place provides an environment in which collaboration can grow, helping employees to remain engaged and productive and the company to stay ahead of its competitors.

Today, we expect to communicate with anyone and access information and services from anywhere at any time. For employers, meeting these expectations isn’t just another box to tick. It’s critical to attracting and retaining talent, keeping employees engaged and productive, fostering a culture of innovation, and staying ahead of competitors – many of whom were born digital.

When that happens, global businesses are keen to continue investing in their regional offices which has a significant and positive impact on the local economy. By investing in and working with global business, organisations like Vodafone are also able to contribute to the growth of Ireland’s thriving business community.

By working closely with our customers all over the world, Vodafone helps provide seamless collaboration tools which ensure that someone sitting in an office in say Cork, is as accessible as a person sitting next to a member of the team in New York.

For multinational businesses to be able to use collaboration tools effectively, they cannot be constrained by national boundaries. Yet this doesn’t necessarily come easily. Thought and planning need to go into how and where the respective networks are connected and the right commercial strategy has to be in place to ensure that call costs aren’t a barrier to meaningful engagement.

That’s where global organisations like Vodafone, with specialists on the ground worldwide, can help customers turn technology into strategic advantage.

PAGE // 26

chamberlink

In turn, by delivering technology that puts Ireland at the forefront of the digital revolution; continued and increased foreign investment is more likely.

Every day we work with customers who are at the leading edge of their own industry, helping them to simplify the management of their communications and turn their infrastructure into a strategic business advantage.

Direct local investment is also critical to ensuring that Ireland as a nation has the tools needed to grow and thrive in the digital revolution.

By launching new technology such as the Narrow Band Internet of Things network we are working to help turn Ireland into a ‘smart nation.’ The network will enable farmers to monitor and track livestock, provide drivers with information about where the nearest parking bay is and even alert a local authority when a rubbish bin is full, reducing cost and improving city cleanliness.

By partnering with ESB, Ireland’s first 100% fibre-to-the-building network has already been rolled out to over 110,000 premises with digital hubs being offered for free for two years. This provides high speed access to businesses and consumers in areas targeted for high growth.

Claire Reynolds, Head of Vodafone Global Enterprise in Ireland We’re excited about what’s next.

So are you ready?

Visit www.vodafone.com/business/ global-enterprise for more information

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Our conference and meeting rooms can facilitate from 2 to 350 delegates which includes 8 dedicated training and meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 80 people and a conference room that holds up to 350 delegates.

We offer a dedicated conference desk and a team to ensure that all the delegates’ needs are catered for with 500MB internet bandwidth throughout the hotel.

Our excellent location provides convenient travel between the terminal at Cork Airport, the city-centre and the greater county Cork area, allowing for the seamless arrival and departure of your meeting or conference delegates.

Five bespoke and quirky meeting rooms with 300MB internet bandwidth throughout the hotel.

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4 Course Lunch Menu @ €25.00 pp Main Course with Tea or Coffee @ €16.95 pp For bookings call 021 464 3700 www.themetropolehotel.ie

A winning team for business

Proud to be awarded Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fastest mobile network

Awarded Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fastest mobile network by Ookla 01/10/17 for Speedtest Intelligence data Q2-Q3.

Issue 1 2018

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Lower cost, Large impact:

Thomas Mc Hugh, Director of Public Affairs at Cork Chamber, discusses the need for investment in a diverse range of enabling infrastructure to strengthen a growing Cork region.

The case for large, impactful problem-solving infrastructure projects in Cork is well known. Projects such as the M28, M20, Dunkettle and Northern Ring Road are natural focal points for Cork Chamber and are at varied stages of planning and delivery. Yet to focus on these alone would be to do a disservice to Cork. Large projects take time. They are subject to challenges in planning, design, funding and delivery which can lead to frustration in relation to pace and progress.

Recognising this, we use the term lower cost infrastructure to describe a suite of complimentary projects which are impactful and deliverable, yet are of a lighter scale.

Here, Thomas highlights a number of lower cost projects that Cork Chamber are focused on through our government lobbying activity. Practical projects, guided by our members, a non-exhaustive list. Cork Chamber believes that these projects are needed to support the larger developments and to create a resilient transport network for Cork as we move to create 120,000 jobs between now and 2050. Thomas explains the recent asks to Government on this point, and highlights a number of projects and support measures that have strong potential.

The Cork skyline is evolving by the day, with new projects taking shape across the City and County, and with exciting future projects in planning and design. To meet our potential as Ireland’s second city and the driver of the Southern region we need to look at the infrastructure that could be delivered in the short to medium term, in parallel with the larger slower moving works. We need to develop a transport network that is diverse, robust and fit for purpose. Our conversation can’t focus on hard infrastructure alone, we need to be investing in a diverse range of measures from growing our public bike scheme, to promoting the use of public bus transport, the development of bus corridors, the addition of park and ride facilities to the promotion of carpooling initiatives.

A key element in growing sustainably is to grow strategically.

Cork is referred to in the draft National Planning Framework as an emerging medium-sized European Centre of growth and innovation. Cork Chamber is calling for this acknowledgement to be matched by investment. To build on the successes to date and to increase Ireland’s metropolitan profile, the Cork transport network needs to be prioritised nationally. Cork now has a public transport infrastructure requirement that is greater than ever and it is critical that developments to support growing urbanisation and population, as well as Ireland’s commitment to climate change mitigation are undertaken and progressed now.

Cork Chamber identified a number of opportunities such as access upgrades, the review of traffic light sequencing, and improvements to unnecessarily congested roundabouts such as Lakeview on the N25. We highlight the need to bypass Castlemartyr and Killeagh, enhancing our links with Waterford and Ireland’s Ancient East. Looking west, the N71 is an area of specific focus. Further access upgrades would facilitate growth in Cobh, Ireland’s Energy Park at Whitegate, and Little Island.

The introduction additional public bike schemes in business parks such as Little Island and the introduction of carpooling and bus lanes would be hugely positive. The continued development of cycle and pedestrian greenways are an essential evolution of how we leverage our natural environment as both an amenity and as a viable commuting option.

The increased affordability of rail fares across known commuter stations as Mallow would greatly increase the attractiveness of this travel mode for commuters. This requires the review of fare structures at national level, to redress affordability at these known and growing commuter access points. We need Park and Ride facilities on the North and East of the City to

Cork Chamber Economic Bulletin contact: Michelle O’Sullivan, Public Affairs Executive e: michelle@corkchamber.ie / t: 021 4530132

(continued on p4)

www.corkchamber.ie

2017

Economic Trends Survey Results

Q4

Executive Summary The final Economic Trends Survey of 2017 reflects the business experiences of Cork Chamber members over the course of October, November and December.

The survey gathered information on the financial performance and business experiences of Cork Chamber member organisations, and also member opinions on what you believe a City needs to make it attractive for family living. It is particularly encouraging to note the continued high level of business confidence among the Cork business community reported at 95% over Q4 2017, and consistent with the sentiment surveyed throughout the past number of years.

Responding Business The responding businesses represent a broad cross section of business sizes.

Micro Enterprise (2 - 10) Between 11 - 50

Over 201 Between 51 - 100

Sole Trader

6%

33%

26%

8%

Between 101 - 200

10%

17%

2%

Industry/ Manufacturing

Agriculture and Fishing

TOP 3

Priorities for Cork

1. Quality and affordable housing options – new builds and refurbishment of existing vacant stock 2. An enhanced Cork transport infrastructure and network (a range of modes - car, bicycle, bus, walking) 3. Further amenities – public spaces, river walkway, crèches, restaurants, cafes, shopping The work of Cork Chamber is focused across these priorities, to develop and support actions for a thriving and vibrant Cork into the future. We will continue to engage on these topics throughout the year.

They also represent of a broad range of sectors.

17%

Alongside this we note an increase in overall confidence levels in the Irish economy compared to 3 months ago, now at 48%, an increase of 9% on the Q3 survey results. Again an encouraging response and a vast improvement on the 25% reported for the same quarter in 2016. When asked about the priorities for growing a City environment for family living, the number one response by far related to diversity of housing, the quality, affordability, the need for new builds, and the need for refurbishment of vacant buildings. Cork Chamber are committed to this and will be contacting business members in the coming months as we develop recommendations to address housing supply in Cork.

8%

Science and Technology

5%

TOP 5

8%

Transport

Tourism, Travel Culture and Arts

Representative Respondents

Threats to Business Growth

1. Cost Competitiveness 2. Availability of Housing/ Rental Accommodation for Employees 3. Skills Availability 4. Brexit 5. Managing Cashflow

12%

Construction

5%

Multisectoral

43%

Services

Business Confidence

These are followed by Speed of Technological Change and Stability of Capital Markets.

Not

Below is a snapshot of your commentary: “Motorway to Limerick and an extension of the airport runway”

95% Business confidence remains very healthy, and compares strongly to the 96% reported in Q3 2017.

5%

“Cost of commercial rent” “Strength of sterling is a huge issue to the motor trade” “Reliable public transport”

Living Cities Cities for family living We asked your opinion on what cities need to make them more attractive for family living.

Here is what you said: 1. Diversity of Housing 2. Amenities – shops, cafes, cinemas, theatres, bars 3. Schools 4. Lower traffic volumes 5. Green spaces

Turnover and Net Profit estimations and 12-month predictions Response Percent %

Decrease

No Change

Increase

Change to employee numbers over Q4 2017

6%

Decrease

45%

Stay the same

49%

Increase

Expected changes to employee numbers over the next 12 months

5%

Decrease

44%

Stay the same

51%

Increase

Number of businesses with vacancies advertised currently

Yes

46%

No

54%

Top Ranked 1 Engineers (across a range of disciplines)

65% 54% 31%

29% 6%

Employment Outlook

15%

2 Quantity Surveyor / Construction Workers 3 IT Professionals

Here we see the re-emergence of construction workers, very much tying in with the emphasis on attracting skilled tradespeople back from abroad, and the growing opportunity for employment from trade apprenticeships. The previous Q3 2017 survey reported the hard to fill vacancies as Engineering, Chefs/Hospitality and IT professionals.

Turnover The % increase in turnover and net profit is only slightly down on Q3 2017 which was at 67%, and 58% respectively.

Looking ahead over the next 12 months

83% Expect an

increase in Turnover

71% Expect an

increase in Net Profit

Confidence in the Irish economy 46% Same

Your Thoughts “We need a strict cap on wage inflation starting with the Government and Public Service” “Tackle bank charges which have increased over the last 3 years.”

“Public realm, flood protection and amenities for future generations” “Government would recognise that Cork is the second city and needs investment”

48%

6%

“I would like to see a public transport proposal that will be fit for purpose in 20 years’ time.”

The Q4 2017 survey responses compare positively to the previous quarter which reported 39% of respondents as ‘more confident’, with 10% ‘less confident’ and 51% ‘the same’.

We thank members for their valuable input. The work of Cork Chamber is shaped by you and for you, and your participation is key in guiding our focus as we promote and advocate for an ever-thriving Cork region.

Lower cost, large impact: (continued)

facilitate commuters accessing major employment hubs, these could be linked to the rail network, and bus network. For example, Park & Ride at the redundant Blarney Rail Station, and at Carrigtwohill Station with the inclusion of bus connection to major employment hubs outside the rail network such as Mahon and Cork University Hospital should be an attractive commuting proposition.

These projects are welcome but our commuting ecosystem will thrive only when treated holistically. We need a transport network that facilitates continued growth, is sustainable, connected and incorporates diverse travel modes. Ireland needs city regions that are enabled by infrastructure. We need proactive action, support and commitment for strategic and sustainable growth.

Overall, bus and rail usage is increasing in our city region but we must plan proactively for further percentage uptake to simply meet our population growth. We need to develop bus corridors, to interrogate the phased introduction of a Bus Rapid Transport system linking Ballincollig and Mahon, via the City Centre and Docklands, Kent Station, Parnell Place bus station, UCC, Bon Secours Hospital, CUH, Cork County Council offices, CIT and the proposed Science Park.

The combined impact of these projects can be enormously valuable. They have the potential to impact positively on commuter experiences, the flow of goods and services, quality of life, safety and health, and the ongoing attractiveness of Cork to investment. Our intention is not to be prescriptive or exhaustive, but to highlight potential opportunities for assessment and investment to Government Ministers and Departments, the National Transport Authority and Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

Infrastructural development in Cork is an evolving space with a number of very positive projects commencing such as the Dunkettle Interchange upgrade, the N22 Macroom to Ballyvourney road upgrade, and the planning for the N8 Silversprings Junction upgrade underway.

We must continue to elevate our vision, while being mindful of the details that will ensure our continued success.

If you have thoughts or comments please get in touch thomas@corkchamber.ie

Talent, governance and succession vital to family businesses KPMG’s recent European Family Business Barometer survey of over a thousand European family business owners highlights some universal priorities. Respondents, including those from Ireland, name the ‘war for talent’ in recruiting skilled staff as their number one challenge.

43% of respondents have this talent challenge as their main concern for 2018 – higher than topics such as regulation (28%) or access to finance (7%). The survey shows that greater competition and reduced profitability pose challenges, a majority (71%) are either ‘confident’ or ‘very confident’ about their family business economic prospects in the year ahead.

Michael Lynch, Partner with KPMG Private Enterprise in Cork says; “We see family businesses increasingly looking to fill senior skills gaps with non-family members.” Over three quarters (77%) of those surveyed agree that non-family members bring expertise to a family business where the business doesn’t have the skills. Michael Lynch notes issues such as hiring new sales teams for overseas expansion or cyber security expertise as examples of where external expertise may well be warranted.

Lynch also highlights that the research puts considerable emphasis on the balancing of the interests of the family and the business. 87% of respondents ranked this as important or very important. According to Michael Lynch; “Many family owned companies, in Ireland and throughout Europe, now have formal rules for what family members can expect from the business and what the business can expect in return.”

Inevitably, succession planning is also an important theme for family business. More than 50% of respondents said that they have a member of the next generation in a management role to allow them to prepare earlier for succession planning.

Lynch believes that “clarity around ownership and the role for non-bloodline family members” such as spouses should be significant priorities. Meanwhile a third (34%) of survey respondents believe that they will face such issues in 2018 as they plan to handover management or business ownership to the next generation.

Michael Lynch concludes that the 2018 family business agenda should prioritise talent, governance and succession planning – “All fundament to successful family businesses.”

At the heart of business in Ireland © 2018 KPMG, an Irish partnership

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Cork Chamber - Economic Bulletin

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