A year of opportunity

Pictured are Colin Hunt, CEO AIB who sponsored the event with keynote speaker, Brian O'Sullivan, Founder & CEO, Zeus; Ronan Murray Cork Chamber President, and Conor Healy Cork Chamber CEO.P icture: Michael O’Sullivan /OSM PHOTO

The Cork Chamber Annual Dinner 2023, proudly sponsored by AIB returned to the iconic City Hall on Friday 3rd February with over 960 business leaders, political decision makers and stakeholders in attendance including guest speaker Brian O’Sullivan, Founder & Owner of Zeus.

Celebrating the progress of Cork City and the Cork region, Ronan Murray, President Cork Chamber in his address spoke about the pace of change in the world we now live, “Technology and geopolitics are reshaping the global economy, the Irish economy and indeed our own city. In this new environment we have shown an outstanding ability to adapt and succeed, but to continue to do so, we must constantly innovate and continue to challenge ourselves.”

Ronan Murray, President Cork Chamber addressing guests at Cork Chamber's Annual Dinner 2023

Outlining our “long history with innovation and fresh thinking”, Ronan continued “We need to take inspiration from historic innovators like Boole and continue to welcome creative thinkers from wherever they hail. That diversity of people and of thought, is critical to creating Cork’s knowledge economy. Everyone in this room has a pivotal role to play in continuing that drive towards innovation and entrepreneurism – this will be key to our future success.”

“Cork must continue to be a hub of fresh thinking. In this new modern era, innovation is not just for business, it is for society as a whole as we address the various challenges that will define this decade.”

Guest speaker Brian O’Sullivan, Zeus received a standing ovation following his captivating address outlining his own career and the impressive journey that he has chartered for Zeus over its 25 years in business which has led to acquisitions across 30 countries with over 700 people now employed. Brian was delighted to announce news of further expansion plans closer to home “We are opening a new regional distribution centre which will bring Zeus infrastructure back to my home county Cork. Did I ever imagine that the business I created could give back in this way.”

Ronan’s closing words on an evening filled with optimism were certainly fitting ‘2023 is a year of opportunity for Cork.”