ANNUAL REPORT 2023
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Welcome to the County Wexford Chamber Annual General Meeting
2023 This year has been one of transformation and growth, building on past successes and setting bold goals for the future
In 2023, we launched our Strategic Plan 2023-2025, focusing on sustainability, membership growth, tourism, and education Developed with input from members, it aims to strengthen local business support and position County Wexford as a key player in Ireland’s economy.
We hosted events like the Breakfast Briefing with Finance Minister Michael McGrath, and a meeting with the Canadian Ambassador to expand export opportunities. Celebrations of Wexford-Normandy links and the Kennedy Summer School showcased our commitment to strengthening international ties and influencing national conversations. Key events like the Jobs Fest connected businesses with talent, and our Annual Business Awards celebrated the spirit of entrepreneurship in County Wexford
Our Skillnet partnership supported 483 businesses with 97 training courses, and we’re proud of a 10% membership increase, highlighting the value to businesses.
As we head into 2024, our Strategic Plan will drive further growth and international connections. We are dedicated to supporting local businesses, and I look forward to navigating new challenges and opportunities together.
Thank you for your continued support
Lorcan Kinsella President County Wexford Chamber
CEO’S MESSAGE
As the new CEO of County Wexford Chamber since March 2024, I’m proud to build on the strong foundation laid by my predecessors. I’d like to recognise Emma Dunphy for her passionate leadership until May 2023, and Deirdre O’Flynn, who stepped in as Deputy CEO and ensured a smooth transition while keeping members highly engaged. In 2023, under their leadership, the Chamber made significant progress.
They effectively championed members' interests through lobbying, hosted successful events, and contributed to the creation of the 2023-2025 Strategic Plan - a roadmap for future growth and innovation
As I step into this role, I am excited to lead County Wexford Chamber into a new era of growth, building on the strong member engagement and community collaboration that has been a hallmark of our success. My focus will be on enhancing our services, driving new initiatives, and ensuring that we continue to represent the best interests of businesses across the county Together, we will embark on a journey that strengthens our local economy and supports the ambitious goals outlined in our strategic plan.
Thank you to our members, partners, stakeholders and our wonderful team at the Chamber for your continued trust and support I look forward to working alongside you to take County Wexford Chamber to even greater heights.
Paula Roche CEO County Wexford Chamber
COMPANY INFORMATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CORPORATE PARTNERS
County Wexford Chamber extends its heartfelt gratitude to all our members and corporate partners for their ongoing support. Your continued commitment enables us to host numerous events and enhance our services, further strengthening the business community
MEMBERS
2Cubed
Activ Rewards Ireland
Advance Cleaners
Augustus Cullen Law
AIB County Wexford Hub
Alternative Business Finance Brokers
Altura Credit Union
Amy Janes Boutique
Ann McDonald's Café & Bistro
APB Treecare
Ashdan SPS Ltd
Ashdown Park Hotel
Asple & Co
Audi Wexford
Azets Ireland
Azure Beauty
Bailey's Toymaster
Baku GLS Ltd
Bank of Ireland Gorey
Bank of Ireland New Ross
Bank of Ireland Wexford
Barrow Office Supplies
Beat 102-103
Beaufield Steel Fabrication Limited
Beautiful Well-Being
Big Red Book
Bio Grease Solutions Ltd
BJ Doyle Accountants
Black Amber
Blacknight Internet Solutions Ltd
Bluebird Care Wexford
Blueface Ltd
BNY Mellon
Bodibro
Bofin Consultancy
Brand Nova Digital
Brandon House Hotel & Solas Croí Eco Spa
Browne Fire Protection
Browne's Photography
Butchers Best
Byrnes Opticians
C&C Building Providers Ltd.
Campbell's Toys
Campion Insurance
Carnew Training & Consultancy
Carnsore Broadband
Carrie's Creations
Caulfield Financial
Cedarwood Furniture
Celtic Linen
Chair FX Chair Covers
Changing Lanes
Charlie's Pizza Ltd
Chevron College
Clayton Whites Hotel
Clearsoft
Coast Rosslare Strand Hotel
Coatek
Courtown Golf Club
Creacon Wellness Retreat
Creative Design & Print
Creative Sound
Crosbie Bros Ltd
Cross Philip Engineering
Cumas New Ross
Cunningham & Co Accountants
Currahee Food Consultancy
Daly & Associates
Darerca Flynn Services Ltd
Darlex Risk Management Limited
David M. Power Consultancy
Deegan's Toymaster
Dental Compliance
Dermot Kehoe Supply & DIY
Dillon Dental
Discovering Drama
Donal W O'Reilly & Co Ltd
Doyle Associates
Doyle's Garage Courtown Ltd
Doyles O'Hanlon Solicitors
Dr Catherine O'Donohoe
Dulann Ltd
Dunne Law
Dynamic Marketing
Earth Food
EBS Wexford
EcoMerit Ltd
EllaDev Consulting
Emco Printers
Employability Services (WCSE Ltd)
Enniscorthy Golf Club
Enuff Agency
Eoin O'Connor (Artist)
EPA
Equifax Commercial Services
ESET Ireland
European Refreshments Wexford
EW Levingstone & Co
Ferns Engineering Ltd
Ferrybank Motors
Ferrycarrig Autobody Repairs Ltd
Ferrycarrig Hotel
FHM Accountants
Flag Lane Marketing
Flood Water Solutions
Forristals Jewellers
Fortune's Pharmacy
Frontline Audio Visual
Funges of Gorey
Gainfort Hair & Beauty Supplies Ltd
Gallagher Insurance
Geraldine Doyle Accounts Training
Genie King Photography
Glen Fuel Services Ltd
Gorey Dental Practice
Gorey Shopping Centre
Grantstown Priory
Graphedia
Green Biofuels Ireland Ltd
GreenTech HQ
Greenvalley Farm Ltd. T/A Killowen Farm
Guardian Fire & Safety
H.Murphy & Co (Enniscorthy) Ltd (Cash & Carry)
H20 Creative Hair
Halfords Hair Studio
Halo Bathroom & Tiles
Harte Outdoor Lighting
Hartley People
HBS Connect
Hidden Hearing
Highfield Veterinary Wexford
Home Instead Senior Care
Innovate Business Technology
Initiate Digital Ltd
Integer
International Outdoor Activity Centre
Ire Wel Pallets Ltd
Irish Country Meats
Irish Ferries
J Donohoe BMW
Jack Dunne & Son
JCE Autos Ltd
JFK Trust
John A. Sinnott & Co Solicitors
Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens
Jones Business Systems
Joyces Expert Electrical
Joyces Home Centre
K&K Windows
KCC Workspace
KDA Doyle Kelly Accountants Ltd
Kearney & Co
Kehoe & Associates
Kehoe Farming Ltd
Kent Stainless
Kia Ora Mini Farm
Kinetic Fitness
Kingfisher Fresh Ltd
Kinsella Management Solutions
Knockavilla Service Station
KPI Consulting
Lantern Presents Ltd
Liam Hipwell & Co
Lombard Cullen Fitzpatrick Solicitors
Love Energy
Luuuby Creative
Machinelab Ltd
Mahon & Fox
Management Resource Institute
Mann Engineering
Margaret O'Hanlon Ltd
Marlfield House
Mary Fleming Design
Matthew Wall & Sons
MEMBERS
Max Power
McGrath & Co
McGrath Construction
MDdm Ltd
Medentech-Kersia
Meyler’s Fish Merchants
MGM Partnership
MindAClient
MK Aesthetics
MK Brazil
Molloys Supervalu
Monart Destination Spa
Morriscastle Strand Holiday Park
Myles Doyle Select Grocer
National Learning Network
Natural Health Store
Neiland Financial Services Ltd.
New Mood
New Ross Credit Union
New Ross Golf Club
New Ross Needlecraft Ltd
New Ross Properties
New Ross Sport & Leisure (The Apex)
New Work Junction
Next Level Gaming/Pink Ladies Glam Van
Nitrofert Ltd
Nolan Shared Services Ltd
Nutricia Infant Nutrition LTD. (Danone)
NVD Ltd
OC Dental
O'Connor Mullen Solicitors
O'Doherty Warren Solictors
Optimize Recruitment Ltd
Park 100 Fire & Security
Partridge's Bistro
Patricia Gilhooly Accountant
People Newspaper Group
ptsb
Petmaster Ltd.
Pettitts SuperValu
Pillar Healthcare Ltd
PN O'Gorman MIAVI
Prim-Ed Publishing Ltd
Printhouse
Professional Hair Products Limited
Profitsflow
Property Claims Loss Assessors Ltd (PCLA)
Pro-Reliability Solutions Ltd
Prospect Holiday & Leisure Park
PwC
Quadventure
Quinn Property
R U Compliant
RDA Accountants
Redmond Electrical
Reynaers Aluminium
RH Associates
Riverbank House Hotel
RMDK Consultancy
Roban Financial
Rochefreight (Ireland) Ltd
Rogers Dental
Ronan Marketing
Rosslare Europort
Rosslare Golf Links
Scallans Food Service
Scurri Web Services Ltd
Sean Doyle Group
Secret Valley Wildlife Park
Sensible Safety
Sheil Kinnear
Sherry Fitzgerald Radford
Sherry Fitzgerald, O'Leary, Kinsella
Shu4U
SKC Providers Gorey
Slaney Flowers
SONRA ID Solutions
Sonrú Ltd
South East Energy Agency
South East Radio
South East Technological University SETU
SouthEast Vegetables
Sovereign Security (Wexford) Ltd
Specsavers Wexford
Spiritual Earth
Springmount Garden Centre
Stafford Bakeries
Star Digital
Stena Line Ltd
Stokestown Port Services
Storm Technology Limited
Sulzer
Sundara Self Care
Sunshyne Coaching
Systems Softwares
Taylorstown PM Ltd
T Morris
T/A Your Way Forward Coaching
Tetra Tech
The Clothesline Boutique
The Gaslamp Gallery
The Holy Grail
The Irish National Heritage Park
The IT Department
The Kitchen
The Maldron Hotel
The Model County Enterprise Group
The National Opera House
The Palms Health & Wellbeing Centre
The Social Media Department
The Solutions Group
The Talbot Collection Wexford
The Wine Buff
Think Group
TOC Translation
Tom Finn Lean Solutions
Trudies Kitchen Ltd
Turas Nua Wexford
Ufu Coffee
Urban Gym
Wallace Mobile Homes Ltd
Warren Estates
Waterford & Wexford ETB
Waters Technologies Ireland Ltd
Weber Packaging Solutions UK & Irl
Wellbeing & Motivation
Westgate Design
Wexford Bus
Wexford Credit Union
Wexford Enterprise Association
Wexford GAA
Wexford General Hospital
Wexford Home Preserves
Wexford Local Development Ltd
Wexford Motor Club
Whelans Pharmacy
Whitmore Jewellers
Whizzy Internet
WISE Wexford Information Systems Engineering
Youth Train Community
Zurich Insurance plc
BUSINESS AWARDS
ExcellenceinSustainability sponsoredbyWexfordBus
Winner: SlaneyFarmsProduce
RunnerUp: MaldronHotel
BusinessoftheYear(20-50) sponsoredbyScurri
Winner: TheApex
RunnerUp: K&KWindows
HospitalityProvideroftheYear sponsoredbyPermanenttsb
Winner: LaCoteRestaurant
RunnerUp: TalbotHotel
OnlineBusiness&DigitalMarketing sponsoredbyAIBBank
Winner: EoinO’Connor
RunnerUp: CandyBoutique
OperationalExcellenceAward sponsoredbyWatersTechnologies
Winner: McGrathQuantitySurveyors
RunnerUp: KersiaGroup
AmbassadoroftheYear sponsoredbyMonartDestinationSpa
Winner: PaddyBerry
TourismProvideroftheYear sponsoredbyZurich
Winner: TalbotHotel
RunnerUp: HookLighthouse
BusinessoftheYear(50+) sponsoredbyPwC
Winner: KentStainless
RunnerUp: CelticLinen
BusinessoftheYear(1-20) sponsoredbyDanone
Winner: Coatek
RunnerUp:HarteLighting
TrainingProvideroftheYear sponsoredbyCWCSkillnet
Winner: GainfortAcademy
RunnerUp: SensibleSafety
ExcellenceinInternationalTrade sponsoredbyRosslareEuroport
Winner:KersiaGroup
RunnerUp: NiallMByrneArchitects
StartUpBusinessoftheYear sponsoredbyLocalEnterpriseOffice
Winner: MachinelabLtd
RunnerUp: MKAesthetics
ServiceProvideroftheYear sponsoredbyAzetsIreland
Winner: SecretValleyWildlifePark
RunnerUp: GuardianFire&Safety
EmployeeoftheYear sponsoredbyKentStainless
Winner: MonicaBryne-Alzheimer SocietyofIreland
RunnerUp: JohnCasey-McGrath
QuantitySurveyors
OutstandingContributiontotheCommunity sponsoredbyPeopleNews
Winner: WexfordArtsCentre
RunnerUp: AlturaCreditUnion
Food&BeverageProducer sponsoredbyIrishCountryMeats
Winner: KillowenFarm
RunnerUp: StaffordIrishSpirits
FamilyBusinessoftheYear sponsoredbyReynaersAluminium
Winner:TrudiesKitchen
RunnerUp: NaturalHealthStore
ExcellenceinRetail sponsoredbyJoycesExpert
Winner: SchoolBooksIreland/ TheTreasury
RunnerUp: FerrybankMotors
OverallBusinessoftheYea sponsoredbyWexfordCoun Council
Winner:KillowenFarm
LifetimeAchievementAward sponsoredbyClaytonWhites
Winner:TheNolanGroup
NEWS & EVENTS
JANUARY / FEBRUARY
County Wexford Chamber celebrated the opening of Nolan Transport’s second hub in Wexford.
County Wexford Chamber’s Shop Local Vouchers sales top the €1.5 million mark for the first time since their introduction in 2020.
County Wexford Chamber welcomed the announcement that the French Embassy in Ireland was to establish an Honoury Consulate in Wexford
County Wexford Chamber called on the Government to re-examine the eligibility criteria for the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) The TBESS was introduced in Budget 2023 to help the business sector with soring energy costs
MARCH / APRIL
County Wexford Chamber celebrated 100 years of Advancing Business Together with Chambers Ireland.
County Wexford Chamber held a successful B2B Networking morning in Gorey.
County Wexford Chamber collaborated with the Local Enterprise Office on the International Women’s Day event, with Joanne Hession of Lift Ireland as keynote speaker
County Wexford Chamber launched the 2023 Business Awards with Wexford County Council as primary sponsor
County Wexford Chamber welcomed the news that An Bord Pleanála approved the purchase of a site for the SETU Wexford campus.
County Wexford Chamber in collaboration with Dungarvan and Waterford West Chamber hosted a public meeting for locals and business people alike, to discuss the incoming benefits of the South East Greenway.
County Wexford Chamber shared Chambers Ireland’s SDG Toolkit for Business, a practical guide for businesses of all sizes across Ireland who wish to begin incorporating the UN Sustainable Development Goals
County Wexford Chamber welcomed the news that construction will start on the Trinity Wharf Project with its plans for retail, cultural, hotel and commercial development will enhance Wexford as a location in which to live, work and visit.
County Wexford Chamber launched its Strategic Plan 2023-2025 in Wexford Arts Centre The Strategic Plan outlines the vision, values, and purpose of the Chamber along with five key strategic objectives to guide the organisation’s activities and actions over the next three years
County Wexford Chamber was delighted to meet with the Canadian Ambassador, Nancy Smyth, on her visit to the Gorey area The meeting in the Hatch Lab on was also attended by representatives from Irish Country Meats and Kersia-Medentech, which export to Canada
County Wexford Chamber hosted JobFest 2023 at Talbot Hotel The event, supported by Wexford County Council, brought together 30 key employers in County Wexford with significant numbers of expectant job-seekers
MAY / JUNE
County Wexford Chamber published ‘Inside Wexford Business’ Magazine Issue 4. The issue included features on Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann, Top Security Tips for Businesses, details on the Small Company Administrative Rescue Process, and so much more.
County Wexford Chamber Business Awards were held in the Clayton Whites Hotel honouring our county’s finest businesses, with Killowen Farm named Overall Business of the Year.
Announcement that County Wexford Chamber’s Business Awards Podcast Series, hosted by President Brendan Crowley and CEO Emma Dunphy, was shortlisted for a prestigious Chambers Ireland Award
County Wexford Chamber attended a visit from French Ambassador to Ireland, HE Vincent Guérend Monsieur Guérend spoke to a gathering at a press reception at Enniscorthy Castle to mark the 225th anniversary of 1798.
County Wexford Chamber hosted a Breakfast Briefing with Finance Minister Michael McGrath TD at the Ashdown Park Hotel. The event, kindly sponsored by Nolan Transport, was attended by businesspeople from across the county, local Oireachtas members and county councillors
JULY / AUGUST
County Wexford Chamber supported Chambers Ireland in launching its new Chamber Skillnet Networks website which provides information for businesses in specific regions about how to provide upskilling to their workforce
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER
County Wexford Chamber was delighted to attend the signing of a Letter of Intent between Wexford County Council and the Chinese province of Jiangxi
County Wexford Chamber Board member Lorcan Kinsella announced as a new director on the Board of Chambers Ireland.
County Wexford Chamber hosted its Annual Golf Classic at Enniscorthy Golf Club. The event sponsored by J Donohoe BMW attracted teams from across the county. Sensible Safety from Enniscorthy finished the day in top position, winning the opportunity to represent County Wexford Chamber at the inaugural Chambers Ireland All Island Chamber Golf Classic
County Wexford Chamber launched its Wexford Fringe Guide in the T Morris Bar, Wexford. The Fringe Festival Guide provides essential information on events, ticket information, festival tours, historical attractions and much more
County Wexford Chamber in collaboration with MK Brazil, PwC and KDA hosted Budget 2024 Breakfast Briefings in Gorey, New Ross, and Wexford town. The events were held the day after the Government announced a €12 billion budget package.
County Wexford Chamber hosted a Business After Hours Networking & EV Expo in partnership with J. Donohoe BMW. Attendees heard about the extended range of new electric vehicles, along with the growing infrastructure of chargers across the whole road network,
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER
County Wexford Chamber announced the appointment of Lorcan Kinsella as its new President, succeeding Brendan Crowley, whose leadership has left a lasting and significant impact on the organisation.
2023 IN NUMBERS
320 MEMBERS
EMPLOYING 20,000 PEOPLE
17 NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES AND EVENTS
30+ EMPLOYERS AT JOBS FEST
20,623 SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWERS
475 ATTENDEES AT ANNUAL BUSINESS AWARDS
€658K SHOP LOCAL VOUCHERS SOLD, AND 270 OUTLETS PARTICIPATING
963 EXPORT CERTIFICATES ISSUED
30 NEWSLETTERS, 2 MAGAZINES AND 1 FRINGE GUIDE PUBLISHED
SKILLNET TRAINING
In 2023, County Wexford Chamber Skillnet secured €442,336 funding under five separate funding streams:
Training Networks Programme (TNP): €295,836
This funding was used to provide training to private sector companies for sole traders to large multinationals in all sectors. We offered over 30 industry and higher-level certified courses such as: Higher Certificate in Hospitality Management Studies with TU Dublin, QQI L6 Supervisory Management, Level 3
HACCP Management of Food Safety We also worked with over 40 companies to design, develop and deliver in-company programmes. Funding was also received under the Brexit back to work scheme.
Future Dynamics: €61,500
Funding primarily used to deliver the Aspire Training Academy - Mastery of Manufacturing Programme, which was designed in collaboration with industry leaders to enhance the workforce in the manufacturing sector
Skills Connect: €85,000
This funding scheme was designed exclusively for people seeking employment. All programmes under Skills Connect are 100% funded, include a minimum two-week work placement and are designed on the back of feedback from the Department of Social Protection. Courses included QQI Level 5 Frontline Office & Reception Skills and a Certificate in Practical Hospitality Skills
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW
County Wexford Chamber of Industry & Commerce (A company Limited by Guarantee and not having Share Capital) Income Statement for the Financial Year ended 31 December 2023
As we conclude this year’s report, we reflect on the remarkable progress and resilience shown by our members, partners, and the broader business community. Together, we have navigated challenges and capitalised on opportunities, driving growth and innovation throughout County Wexford.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to driving growth within the business community, empowering our members, and building sustainable prosperity for our region. Thank you for your continued support and dedication.