ANNUAL REPORT 2024
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
The past year has been one of progress and collaboration for County Wexford Chamber Since the unification of the four chambers, we have continued to grow as a strong community of businesses, leaders, and skilled professionals united by a shared vision for the county’s future
Guided by our Strategic Plan 2023–2025, we focused on sustainability, membership growth, tourism, and education - priorities brought to life through the commitment and energy of our members
The past year has been rich with milestones Highlights of the year included the Leadership Summit in November 2024, which challenged us to think boldly about innovation and leadership, and the Political Summit in February 2025, providing an important platform to engage with our TDs on key business issues. Hosting the European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Committee was another proud moment, showcasing Wexford on an international stage
We also celebrated what makes Wexford unique - from the Kennedy Summer School to our amazing food producers, to our renewed and reinvigorated links with Normandy and Savanah, we continued to showcase Wexford on a global stage.
As we look to 2026, we will launch our new Strategic Plan 2026–2028, building on strong foundations and setting new ambitions for growth, innovation, and global connection.
Thank you for your continued support.
Conor Robinson President
County Wexford Chamber
CEO’S MESSAGE
I was honoured to take up the role of CEO of County Wexford Chamber in March 2024. From the outset, my objective has been transformation - to strengthen the Chamber’s foundations and create an organisation that truly reflects the ambition and potential of County Wexford’s business community.
Our focus this year has been on enhancing operational excellence and ensuring we deliver the best possible experience for our members.
COMPANY INFORMATION
Accountants RH & Associates
Auditor Doyle Fielding Chartered Accountants
Banking Bank of Ireland
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CORPORATE PARTNERS
County Wexford Chamber extends its sincere thanks to all our 2024 members and corporate partners for their continued trust and support. We are delighted to report a 10% growth in membership and a 20% increase in corporate partnerships during the year - a clear reflection of the confidence our business community places in the Chamber Your ongoing commitment enables us to deliver an ambitious calendar of events, expand our services, and continue strengthening the voice of business across County Wexford.
MEMBERS 2024
MEMBERS 2024
BUSINESS AWARDS 2024
Overall Business of the Year sponsored by Integer Winner: Gardiner Grain
NEWS & EVENTS 2024
JANUARY / FEBRUARY
County Wexford Chamber welcomed leadership consultants Gavin Duffy and Orlaith Carmody to a networking event in Enniscorthy.
County Wexford Chamber launched the 2024 Business Awards at Killowen Farm, Overall Winners of the 2023 Awards
County Wexford Chamber’s Shop Local Vouchers sales topped €2 million in sales since their introduction in 2020.
County Wexford Chamber President Lorcán Kinsella travelled to Brussels to help launch Chambers Ireland Manifesto for Europe.
County Wexford Chamber welcomed the visit of the Australian Ambassador to Ireland, the Honourable Gary Gray, to The Hatch Lab, Gorey.
County Wexford Chamber held successful B2B Networking mornings in Gorey and New Ross.
County Wexford Chamber supported and attended the South East's newest Sustainability Green Tech Cluster, at GreenTechHQ offices in Enniscorthy.
We celebrated International Women's Day with LEO Wexford, championing inclusion and empowerment
County Wexford Chamber announced Paula Roche as our new CEO, heralding a new chapter for the Chamber and its members
Enniscorthy & District Chamber integrated with County Wexford Chamber, strengthening advocacy for businesses across the county.
We attended the launch of Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann 2024, the world’s biggest celebration of its kind.
We partnered with the Riverside Park Hotel for its Fireside Chat and Networking Evening in Enniscorthy
County Wexford Chamber and PwC partnered on an event to outline the VAT in the Digital Age proposals.
Valuable insights on business exit strategies were delivered at the KDA Success Summit, supported by County Wexford Chamber
MAY / JUNE
We welcomed the Ambassadors to Ireland from Japan and the United Kingdom to Gorey, strengthening international ties and facilitating links for members trading abroad.
The County Wexford Business Awards were held in Clayton Whites Hotel, honouring our county’s finest businesses, with Gardiner Grain named Overall Business of the Year
The sun shone on our Business Afterhours in Kellys Hotel, Rosslare!
JULY / AUGUST
Johnstown Castle was the location for our Summer BBQ, offering a stunning backdrop for a network evening in one of our heritage jewels.
Our B2B in Enniscorthy was designed to welcome the district’s businesses to the county Chamber, as we move forward with a unified voice.
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER
Our Golf Classic was held at Enniscorthy Golf Club, sponsored by J Donohoe BMW. The winning team represented CWC at the Chambers All Island Chamber Golf Classic
Over 450 students from schools across Co Wexford and south Wicklow attended Wexford’s firstever wind energy job and education fair, which was organised by Wind Energy Ireland and supported by County Wexford Chamber.
County Wexford Chamber announced the appointment of Conor Robinson as its new President, succeeding Lorcan Kinsella, whose leadership has left a lasting impact on the organisation.
County Wexford Chamber in collaboration with MK Brazil, PwC, KDA and Azets hosted Budget 2025 Breakfast Briefings in New Ross, Wexford, Gorey, and Enniscorthy.
Wexford County Council and County Wexford Chamber signed a new Heads of Agreement, paving the way for further strategic collaboration in promoting County Wexford for investment, economic development, and job creation.
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.
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER
County Wexford Chamber launched the County Wexford Shop Local Gift Card. The physical and digital gift card replaced the paper Shop Local Vouchers, which had been in place since 2000. Over 190 participating outlets signed up to accept the Card and €588,000 in sales were recorded to end-December.
County Wexford Chamber unveiled its new Roundtable Networking format at a packed event in Gorey, employing the expertise of its members, who shared valuable insights in their professional fields.
The County Wexford Chamber Leadership Summit in November was a remarkable success, bringing together business leaders and innovators from across the region. The event featured a keynote address by An Post CEO David McRedmond, who captivated the audience with his insights on business transformation and innovation
2024 IN NUMBERS
SUPPORTED 400 MEMBERS AND 18
CORPORATE PARTNERS
53 NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES AND EVENTS
425 BUSINESS AWARDS ATTENDEES & 19 AWARD RECIPIENTS
SKILLNET TRAINING
In 2024, County Wexford Chamber Skillnet secured €411,979 in funding across five streams, which, together with match funding of approximately €160,000, enabled the delivery of 91 training programmes These initiatives supported local businesses, enhanced workforce skills, and created new pathways to employment across County Wexford.
1. Training Networks Programme Core (TNP) – €199,999
Provided training to nearly 300 private and semi-private companies, offering over 30 accredited and non-accredited programmes, including: Special Purpose Award in Training & Development Certificate in International Trade Continuous Improvement and Customer Excellence Programmes for Hospitality HR for Managers Lean Tours with Adman Steel Sheds A selection of Wellbeing Programmes
2. European Social Fund (ESF+) – €89,982
Supported businesses in addressing current and future skills needs, enhancing innovation and competitiveness Key accredited programmes included: Bachelor of Business Degree Master of Arts in Leadership & Early Childhood Education
3. Future Dynamics Co-Creation (FDCC) – €35,000
Established the Aspire Training Academy for General Operative staff in Manufacturing and Distribution. The 2024 pilot programme engaged 10 companies and received excellent feedback as a model for workforce development
4. Skills Connect – €34,998
Delivered fully funded, industry-led training for unemployed individuals, helping them upskill for high-growth sectors while providing businesses access to trained talent. Key programmes included QQI Level 5 in Business Studies/Administration
5. FD – Industry Regional – €52,000
In collaboration with GreenTech Skillnet, County Wexford Chamber Skillnet developed a Sustainability Framework and the ESG for Business Success pilot programme, engaging 13 businesses An online platform complemented the programme, enabling self-assessment, progress tracking, flexible learning, and scalable national rollout.
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 2024.
In 2025, under our new Constitution, we introduced an annual audit process for County Wexford Chamber, beginning with the 2024 accounts. As part of this enhanced financial oversight, the Board reviewed debts outstanding for over two years and approved the write-off of those deemed irrecoverable This step ensures our accounts accurately reflect the Chamber’s position and reinforces our commitment to transparency and strong governance. New invoicing and credit control measures have also been introduced to prevent future recurrence
2024
THANK YOU
As we close this year’s report, we reflect on the progress, resilience, and collaboration shown by our members, partners, and the wider business community Together, we have faced challenges, embraced opportunities, and driven growth and innovation across County Wexford.
Looking ahead, our commitment remains clear: to strengthen and grow the business community, empower our members, and build sustainable prosperity for the region
Thank you for your continued support and engagement - it is the foundation of all we achieve together