ChamberLink

Collaboration is the cornerstone of business growth and in the broader sense, it is a key component of our region’s economic growth. It is through collaboration that innovation is fostered, new opportunities harnessed and common interests explored more efficiently, sustainably and meaningfully. Collaboration has given rise to some of the most interesting success stories right across our city region, and has resulted in greater business success, more colourful communities and innovative solutions to business and societal issues.

While it comes as no surprise to those of us already familiar with Cork’s many bounties, our region punches well above its weight on the international stage as an attractive location to live and work, and of course to visit. Our culture of collaboration is a key component to how Cork excels.

Engagement with our members allows us to forge our agenda for the year ahead. During quarter one many members provided insights and feedback to us on business experiences which are indicators of the health of our region’s economy and which point us towards issues impacting on business and economic growth. Across industries there are a number of common challenges which we will continue to address through our programme of political, stakeholder and member engagements.

March has brought the welcome opportunity to travel. Through our international relations activity we develop partnerships and promote Cork as a destination for business and our recent programme of events and meetings brought us right across the US. It is a privilege to represent a region that has so much to offer and the recent high rankings that Cork received at the Financial Times European Cities and Regions of the Future Awards 2023 are testament to great work being done to ensure Cork remains competitive on the international stage.

Closer to home we had the pleasure of announcing the Cork Company of the Year as Stryker and each category winner, LegitFit, M & P O’Sullivan and Amarenco – each business worthy stars in their category. We look forward to launching our Cork Digital Marketing Awards in the summer –another occasion to recognise the success of businesses, teams and individuals in their field.

We look forward to a bright and positive season ahead and we plan to provide many opportunities for you to connect and grow. We will continue to support your teams through our training and development and to enhance any international ambitions or activities you may have.

17 A year of opportunity

4 Shaping our Advocacy Agenda for 2023

6 Next Generation Leaders: Leading with purpose

8 Cork March on America

12 Offshore Collaboration

13 Growing Retailers Internationally

14 Meet your virtual twin, they could save your life

17 A Year of Opportunity

20 Win for Stryker

23 Can ‘Positioning’