A New Dawn

County Kildare Chamber is the business organisation in Kildare, proactively working to identify and progress developments that are facilitative of economic and sustainable growth. Representing an employer base of 400 businesses and over 38,000 employees across the county, County Kildare Chamber is the largest business organisation in the mid-east region of Ireland.

Given the significant breadth and depth of our membership, and our representation on various bodies at local and national level, County Kildare Chamber constitutes the representative voice for business in Kildare, a particularly important role given the current economic circumstances we find ourselves in this year with Covid19 and the ever-looming Brexit.

Our continued lobbying, be it with regards to the recent Covid19 restrictions in Kildare or in regards to our pre budget submission, ensures that the voice of business in Kildare is heard. Our vast range and diversity of membership enables the Chamber to be the voice of business in the region. We are extremely fortunate in Kildare to have an array of multi nationals based in the county, along with strong vibrant indigenous SME’s and a diverse collection of HPSU’s operating in all our major towns. Our engagement with Government and department officials ensures that businesses in Kildare can interact with national policy makers readily. Covid19, the recent restrictions in Kildare and the ongoing supports required for business are our primary focus currently. The supports that businesses require with the presumed inevitable no deal Brexit influences our weekly policy engagement with Government.

Most importantly for us working in the Chamber is that we enjoy an excellent relationship with all our members, and we are fully aware of the challenges that face businesses every single day. Whilst most of our work is now virtual and our interactions with business has changed this year, we are always available by phone and perhaps for a coffee to ensure we are here to promote, protect, maintain and enhance business and also to maintain business in Kildare.

The Covid19 crisis threatens long-lasting changes to the way we work. It is affecting employees and employers everywhere. The impact so far has been considerable but varies sharply according to industry and size of business. There are major concerns regarding the ongoing viability of companies, large and small. Some are in short-term survival mode –others are accelerating strategies to digitalise and automate. We are very encouraged by many of our member companies who are adapting quickly to the impact of Covid19. As we enter Q4 2020 and begin budget projections for 2021, the potential impact of Covid19 and Brexit will be the main concerns for the majority of businesses. One thing is for sure, we are very encouraged with the resilience of business in Kildare and also with the supports that are out there. Supports not only from the Chamber and the Local Enterprise Office but from neighbouring businesses. Members are assisting their fellow members which is inspiring. Advice and supports are free flowing. I am always amazed at the genuine interaction between businesses in Kildare. Over the past number of years, we have excelled at our premium events, our showcases and our Business Awards and whilst they are on a break they will be back hopefully at some stage in 2021. We do of course still host weekly virtual network mornings and we are providing a suite of tailored workshops for business owners on a regular basis.

Allan Shine

CEO County Kildare Chamber

Our continued lobbying, be it with regards to the recent Covid19 restrictions in Kildare or in regards to our pre budget submission, ensures that the voice of business in Kildare is heard.