County Kildare Chamber - Annual Report 2024

2024 COUNTY KILDARE CHAMBER

ANNUAL REPORT

Foreword

TABLE OF

CONTENTS

About County Kildare Chamber 2025 Strategy Areas Governance Structure Public Affairs Events Member Engagement Export Documentation Financial Overview

Foreword The County Kildare Chamber Annual Report for 2024 offers a detailed overview of our activities, achievements, and strategic initiatives over the past year. This report underscores our unwavering commitment to supporting local businesses, driving economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life in County Kildare. Reflecting on 2024, we have much to be proud of. It was both humbling and gratifying to be appointed CEO in the first quarter of 2024.

Significant changes often bring challenges and stress to any organisation. However, our membership stood strong with the Chamber and we have seen significant growth over the past year. Throughout the last 12 months, we have embraced new approaches, becoming a more open organisation. We have made significant strides in bringing the Chamber closer to our members by initiating regional monthly meetings. These meetings ensure our message is received by as many businesses in our region as possible. From both a county and regional perspective, we are in a favourable position as we move into 2025. Growth and investment have remained robust. According to census data, the employment figure in Ireland as of August 2024 was 2.74 million, representing an annual gain of nearly 71,000 jobs compared to the same period last year. The Mid-East region, including County Kildare, saw nearly 6,000 additional jobs created over the same period, with total employment in the region increasing from 399,900 to 405,600.

Kildare, as a county, boasts a multifaceted area with a diverse ecosystem of businesses, encompassing both Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and homegrown industries. In the last 12 months, under the umbrella of Enterprise Ireland, 555 jobs were created in Kildare by 158 Enterprise Ireland-assisted companies. Total employment within Enterprise Ireland-assisted companies in the county reached 9,436 in 2023, with an employment growth rate of 2%.

Ireland and Kildare continues to be recognised as a highly attractive location for Foreign Direct Investment. Currently, there are 45 IDA client companies in County Kildare, employing 11,909 people. Across the broader Mid-East region, a total of 118 IDA client companies employ 20,429 people. County Kildare Chamber remains dedicated to continuing our lobbying and advocacy efforts on behalf of our members, truly being the voice of business for Kildare.

Whether engaging with government bodies, state agencies, local, regional, or national stakeholders, we are committed to representing our members' interests. Our efforts are backed by a fantastic board with leadership and experience across a wide geographical and industry base. The Chamber team has consistently delivered value for money while producing new initiatives to engage and support our membership. As we close the year, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all our members, board, staff, and stakeholders for their unwavering dedication and support. We look forward to working together in 2025 and beyond, continuing to build on our achievements and drive further growth and prosperity for County Kildare.

Sinéad Ronan CEO

Mairéad Hennessey President

ABOUT COUNTY KILDARE CHAMBER County Kildare Chamber is a dynamic organisation dedicated to the advocacy and representation of businesses in County Kildare and the Mid-East region. Established as a unifying voice for the local business community, we are committed to fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life in our region. Our mission is to provide comprehensive support to our members, ranging from advocacy efforts to practical assistance in business operations. By leveraging our extensive network and resources, we strive to address the needs and concerns of our diverse membership base.

Since the merger of North Kildare Chamber and Newbridge Chamber in 2017, County Kildare Chamber has emerged as the principal advocate and representative for businesses in the area. Our role as the main voice of business is underscored by our dedication to promoting a vibrant economic environment. Through our lobbying efforts, we engage with government bodies, state agencies, and local stakeholders to ensure that the interests of our members are well-represented and that policies conducive to business growth are enacted.

In addition to our advocacy and representation efforts, we provide a range of services designed to support our members in their daily business operations. These services include offering certificates of origin, which are essential for businesses engaged in international trade. We also organise networking events, training sessions, and informational seminars to help our members stay informed and connected. Our goal is to create a supportive and collaborative environment where businesses can thrive and achieve their full potential. Our commitment to our members is reflected in our proactive approach to addressing their needs and concerns. With a membership base of 400 businesses, who in turn employ approximately 52,000 people in Kildare and the Mid-East region, we understand the unique challenges faced by businesses in our area and are dedicated to providing tailored solutions and support.

Backed by a knowledgeable and experienced team, County Kildare Chamber continues to be a trusted partner for businesses, driving economic development and fostering a strong sense of community in County Kildare and the Mid-East region.

2025 STRATEGY AREAS Voice of Business in Kildare Promoting a dynamic, globally competitive and sustainable region, offering an excellent quality of life, is at the core of our vision. Our strategic action points are designed to enhance the representation and advocacy of our membership and business needs in Kildare.

Reaffirming Our Role: As the voice of business in Kildare and the MidEast region, we stand for businesses of all sizes. We advocate for their needs and interests, ensuring that our members have a powerful and influential voice in regional and national discussions.

Promoting Economic Growth: Kildare is Ireland’s engine of economic growth. We are committed to building a highly connected "county that works," with well-planned housing and infrastructure to support and sustain our economic activities.

Enhancing Quality of Life: Kildare is not just a great place to do business; it is a great place to live. We recognise that companies and the areas in which they are based compete for talent and investment based on social and economic factors. It is essential that we create an environment where people choose to invest their lives and futures.

Working with stakeholders Through constructive dialogue and strong relationships, we convene discussions to listen, explore, inform and influence the future of our region.

Leadership and Advocacy: We provide leadership on critical issues facing Kildare, driving towards a better and sustainable future. By working closely with our members, we deliver evidence-based, authoritative, trustworthy, balanced, and insightful views on public policy.

Building Consensus: Our goal is to connect and rally all stakeholders behind a unified vision for Kildare. We aim to build a consensus that the Mid-East region will be globally renowned for its sustainability, quality of life, and economic vibrancy.

Policy Priorities: We focus on key policy priorities, including housing, planning and infrastructure, labour market development, sustainability, public finances, taxation and competitiveness. These areas are critical to ensuring the continued growth and prosperity of our region.

Informing and Supporting Our Members

MEMBERSHIP

SUPPORTING

We are dedicated to providing our members with the information, support and tools they need to succeed in their business endeavours.

Events and Networking: We organise a wide range of events, networking opportunities, and informational seminars. These events are designed to help our members stay informed, connected, and engaged with the latest industry trends and developments.

Certificates of Origin: We offer essential services such as certificates of origin, facilitating smooth international trade operations for our members.

International Connections: We are committed to growing international connections and opening new markets. One of our key initiatives is building a trade bridge between Boston and Kildare, fostering cross-Atlantic business collaborations and opportunities.

Through these strategic action points, County Kildare Chamber continues to be a robust advocate and support system for businesses, driving economic development and enhancing the overall quality of life in our region. We look forward to another year of progress and success, working together with our members and stakeholders.

Governance Structure The Chamber's governance structure ensures transparency and accountability. Our Board, composed of experienced professionals, provides strategic direction and oversight. Good governance is essential for a chamber's success. It ensures transparency, accountability, and effective decision-making. By setting clear objectives, managing risks, and allocating resources efficiently, good governance builds trust with members and stakeholders. This, in turn, enhances the chamber's credibility and effectiveness, helping it achieve its mission of supporting local businesses and advocating for their interests. Ultimately, strong governance contributes to the economic and social well-being of the county and region.

CHAMBER BOARD

2024

Mairéad Hennessy Chamber President Taxkey

Christophe Roche Chamber Vice President Endress & Hauser

Keith Traynor - Treasurer Keith Traynor Accountants

Ronan Twohig - Secretary HTH Accountants

John Hurley JAH - Business Operations Specialists

Evam Arkwright The Curragh Racecourse

Eoin Gannon Gannon Office Soilutions

Michael Prenty Ballymore Group

Ruth Murphy Elevate Marketing

Lisa Harlow Lifeline Ambulance Service

Mike Grogan Verity Financial Consultants

Claire Davey KPMG Co-opted May 2024

Damien Malone Malone & Co. Accountants Co-opted September 2024

Ger Alley The Killashee Hotel Elected October 2024

Adrian Mooney Kilkea Castle

Denise Brady Teamworx

Pat Sutton xeinadin Retired October 2024

Rebecca Doolin Maynooth University Elected October 2024

Board Committees Audit & Risk Committee Membership Committee Events Committee Staffing & Resourcing Committee

Registered Office: Naas Town Centre Sallins Road Naas Co. Kildare

Registered Number: 111234 Independent Auditors: Kealy Megihan Board Composition: The Board of the County Kildare Chamber plays a crucial role in providing efficient and effective leadership within a framework of practical controls. As the governing body, it ensures that all decisions and actions align with the Chamber's mission and strategic objectives. This involves setting clear goals and upholding the highest standards of transparency and accountability. The Board's oversight is instrumental in guiding the executive function, ensuring that the Chamber operates smoothly and fulfils its responsibilities to its members and the broader business community.

In terms of composition, the Board is designed to be balanced and reflective of the Chamber's diverse membership. It aims to represent various company sizes, sectors, and skillsets to ensure that the perspectives and interests of all members are considered. This diversity is vital for effective decision-making and strategic direction, as it brings a range of insights and expertise to the table. The Board's composition is continually reviewed to ensure it remains representative and capable of addressing the evolving needs of the Chamber.

The Board is comprised of; The President Vice President Treasurer Secretary In conjunction a minimum of 10 elected members. All Board members serve on a voluntary basis, receiving no remuneration for their time and contributions. Each member brings a wealth of experience and dedication, contributing to the Board's collective expertise and effectiveness.

New Board members undergo a comprehensive induction process to ensure they are wellprepared for their roles. This induction includes: Overview of key Chamber policies Code of governance Financial statements and management accounts Minutes of previous meetings The strategic plan Annual report

Board Meetings The Board of County Kildare Chamber meets six times a year on a bi-monthly basis, with the schedule of meetings circulated at the beginning of each year. These meetings are typically scheduled for 1.5 hours but may be extended depending on the issues being discussed. Prior to each meeting, a themed agenda is provided to Board members, along with supporting documentation such as minutes of previous meetings, management accounts and relevant reports. This ensures that members are well-prepared and can contribute effectively to discussions.

County Kildare Chamber has a robust conflict of interest policy, reviewed annually, to maintain transparency and integrity. Board members must promptly declare any conflicts of interest at the beginning of meetings, with such declarations recorded in the minutes. If a material conflict arises, the affected Board member must abstain from discussions and voting on related matters and may offer to withdraw from the meeting. The Board collectively decides if the withdrawal is necessary to ensure impartial decision-making.

Board Committees: Audit & Renumeration Committee Membership Committee Events Committee Staff & Resourcing Committee Audit & Renumeration Committee: The A&R Committee shall play an important role in underpinning the integrity of the financial reporting and shall make a significant contribution to the control environment within the Chamber and to the corporate governance arrangements of the Chamber. Minimum of three members.

Membership Committee: This committee is crucial in enhancing member engagement, recruitment, retention, and satisfaction. A minimum of three members play a key role in ensuring our membership base is diverse, active, and well-supported, helping us grow and thrive together.

Events Committee: Our events are at the heart of what we do, from networking meetings to high-profile functions like the Annual Awards and President's Lunch. A minimum of three members. This committee is responsible for planning, organising, and executing these events, ensuring they are highquality and valuable for all attendees.

Staff & Resourcing Committee: This committee focuses on the strategic planning and allocation of resources to ensure the Chamber is adequately staffed to meet its current and future needs. A minimum of three members, focus on insights and recommendations to help shape the Chamber's long-term success and sustainability.

CHAMBER

TEAM

Sinéad Ronan CEO

Jennifer Forster Marketing & Communications Manager

Ankit Anand

David Clince

Membership Services Executive

Accounts Administrator

This year, we intensified our advocacy efforts, engaging with government officials and stakeholders to address key issues affecting our members.

County Kildare Chamber is dedicated to public affairs work and policy advocacy, which are crucial for fostering a competitive and thriving business environment in Kildare and the region. Our focus includes housing policy, infrastructure development; such as energy security, grid infrastructure improvements and public transport connectivity and planning reform. These areas are essential for ensuring that Kildare remains an attractive location for business and community alike. By advocating for these key issues, we help create a conducive environment for economic growth and sustainable development.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Our policy advocacy efforts are informed by direct engagement with our membership and sentiment reports. Through these interactions, we identify the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in Kildare. Key findings have highlighted the costs associated with running a business, the need for supports for SMEs and the demand for specialist skills. We continue to advocate on behalf of our members, working with stakeholders to develop solution-based approaches to tackle these issues. This ensures that our members' needs are addressed, and their businesses can thrive.

As part of our advocacy function, County Kildare Chamber represents the business community on various fora, such as the Mid-East Regional Skills Forum, Mid-East Enterprise Plan, Kildare LCDC, and several SPCs within the Council. Our involvement ensures that the voice of Kildare's business community is heard at local, regional and national levels. We also participate in government consultations and gather direct feedback from our membership to ensure their interests are fully represented. Through these efforts, we aim to create a robust business environment that supports growth and development across Kildare and the region.

47 lobbying engagements, including written submissions, meetings and statements 4 membership sentiment reports 20+ consultations on policy advocacy and submissions including; semiconductor industry, Local Area Plans, Budget Submission, and the Kildare Local Economic & Community Plan 2024-2029 Budget 2025 1 advocacy body in Mid-East region Active members of Chambers Ireland, our partners in influencing and representing business

County Kildare Chamber offers a diverse range of engaging and informative events designed to support and connect our membership. From networking mixers and educational workshops to industry-specific roundtable sessions, we cater to sole traders, SMEs and larger enterprises.

Our events provide an invaluable platform for members to gain insights, share knowledge and stay informed about industry trends and best practices. With a focus on creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, our events are tailored to meet the varied needs of our business community, fostering growth and innovation.

Additionally, the Chamber's events are designed to facilitate meaningful connections and peer learning opportunities. By bringing together professionals from various sectors, our events encourage the exchange of ideas and experiences, helping members build strong relationships and collaborate on new initiatives. Whether it's a casual networking breakfast or a focused panel discussion, each event is structured to maximise interaction and engagement, ensuring that our members leave with new contacts, fresh perspectives and actionable insights to drive their businesses forward.

EVENTS

90 events 2500+ member registrations First Kildare Sustainable Business Group event 3 HR Roundtable sessions New partnerships included the Workplace Relations Commission, IK3C, Boston Irish Business Association and Network Kildare Annual Business Awards held at Killashee Hotel Formation of new Events Committee

ENGAGEMENT

MEMBERSHIP

County Kildare Chamber has seen a significant increase in membership, growing by over 11% in the past year. Our proactive team is dedicated to supporting our members with impactful services that address their needs and promote their success. Our members are not just a part of our organisation; they are the very reason we exist and our primary motivation. We strive to create value through a range of initiatives that foster connection, learning, and growth, ensuring that our members feel supported and empowered.

A significant enhancement to our membership services has been the implementation of our new CRM system. This tool has streamlined many of our services, significantly reducing the administrative burden on our members. It provides an efficient online platform for connection and information, allowing members to access resources, network with peers and stay informed about Chamber activities. By leveraging this technology, we aim to enhance the overall member experience, making it easier for businesses to engage with the Chamber and benefit from our offerings.

400 members employing 52,000 + people 4 New Chamber Partners 40 New members recruited Rollout of new CRM system New Regional Meetings Formation of new Membership Committee Strategic partnership continued with Adare Human Resource Management

DOCUMENTATION

EXPORT

County Kildare Chamber is a leading provider of export documentation services, licensed by the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment and Chambers Ireland to issue and certify export documents.

With extensive experience, the County Kildare Chamber team supports companies by providing reliable and efficient services, which include: ·Certification of Certificates of Origin: We certify both EU and Arab Irish Certificates of Origin, ensuring your products are recognized and can be exported smoothly. ·Certification of Commercial Documents: This includes commercial invoices, packing lists, Certificates of Analysis, and Exporter Reports, ensuring all necessary documentation is in order. ·Processing and Certification of Other Documents: We handle various other documents required for notary and/or Apostille, legalisation with embassies, translations, and more.

By offering these comprehensive services, County Kildare Chamber ensures that businesses can navigate the complexities of international trade with confidence and ease.

1,000+ export documents certified 98% certified online 4 new clients Top 5 countries; Chine, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Germany 3 ICC certified signatories

FINANCIAL

OVERVIEW

BALANCE

SHEET

2024 CORPORATE PARTNERS

2024 SPONSORSHIP PARTNERS

ADVANCING BUSINESS TOGETHER

045 894 074 www.countykildarechamber.com info@countykildarechamber.ie Naas Town Centre, Sallins Road, Naas, Co. Kildare W91 KV4H