ANNUAL REPORT 2019
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President’s Message
02
CEO’s Message
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Board of Directors
04
Your Team
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Empowering You 06 Connecting 06 Upskilling & Informing 08 Growing Your Business Advancing Global Opportunity International Relations Promoting & Supporting
10 10 11 12
Representing You & Enhancing Your Environment Transforming Cork Recognising Your Success
14 14 16
Corporate Responsibility
18
Cork Chamber 200
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Financial Statements Income & Expenditure
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Financial Statements Balance Sheet
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Sponsors 2019
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Outstanding Contribution to Business Award 2019 winner Anne O’Leary, Vodafone Ireland
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President’s Message
In 2019, Cork moved decisively in response to Ireland 2040. Government made strong commitments to invest in the necessary infrastructure to ensure Ireland’s fastest growing City Region would continue to excel and become increasingly competitive on the international stage. Cranes dotted the skyline and healthy debates about the future of a city moving at pace were to be found in every corner. Throughout 2019, as final drafts of the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy came into place with a focus on active and sustainable mobility, it became apparent there was tremendous appetite for our City region to not only thrive, but to do so in a way that has sustainability at it’s core. Children marched in the streets demanding real progress on climate. The City and County Councils created Climate Adaptation Strategies and passionate discussions filled every public consultation. As a Chamber we committed fully to supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals which have come to frame the whole of our work as a Chamber. All of this fervent activity took place as we celebrated 200 years of Cork Chamber. A year in which I had the privilege of being the President of Cork Chamber.
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We launched the Sustainable Cork Fund to deepen the Chamber legacy within worthy communities and we welcomed students to the Glucksmann and who set forth their vibrant vision for 200 years more. Needless to say, they weren’t short on ambition for Cork. While I won’t dissect the many poignant moments that took place for Cork over two centuries, I will say that I’m confident that the appetite for progress shown in 2019 will be a strong reflection of the character of Cork once 200 more have past. As we stand together now in 2020, in a new world where we are reminded of our vulnerability as individuals, as communities and as nations we know that we have no choice but to be forceful in our pursuit of a resilient and better society. It is clear now that we must be actively pro sustainability, we not only champion diversity but be ardently anti-racist, and we must hold ourselves to higher standards in everything we do. Most of all we must remain restless in our pursuit of a better society. Places who retain such aspirations and actively fight for them will be the be the best places for business. And that is our vision for Cork.
Paula Cogan
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CEO’s Message
From the celebration in 2019 of 200 years of Cork Chamber Championing Cork to the current challenges of a global pandemic and impending Brexit. Such are the ebbs and flows of life and business which bring out the best in Cork Chamber members and the Cork community. The Chamber values of being dynamic, resilient, inspiring and purposeful will seldom be drawn upon to such extent. 2019 was an exceptional year for Cork Chamber as we recognised the past in the context of how much more can be achieved in the years ahead. Our vision as set out in our current strategic plan of together making Cork the best place for business holds true with many achievements to be proud of as our city region continues to evolve, grow, innovate and thrive. Through 2020 we will re-evaluate that plan taking account of current difficulties and future opportunities to best reflect the perspectives provided by our members, stakeholders and wider community.
Through 2019 and onwards we have continued to affirm our support for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and specifically those relevant to diversity, inclusion, infrastructure, community and sustainability. There is an opportunity for Cork to differentiate and with our recognised agility, commitment and track record of leadership I am confident that major steps can be taken. From this report you will gain an appreciation of the range and focus of Chamber activities, meeting the needs and expectations of our members through the delivery of key business services and also as the independent voice of business where decisions are made. We continue to refine our approach and priorities based on changing business needs and externalities. Cork Chamber is a ground up business representative organisation whose success fundamentally depends on member participation and engagement. This is best represented through the voluntary commitment and contribution of those who serve on committees, as directors, officers and particularly through the leadership of the Chamber President. Our sponsors, partners and Thought Leaders Council are essential enablers while day by day with never failing enthusiasm a highly professional team delivers to the highest level. We look forward to continuing the journey together.
Conor Healy 3
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Management Committee and Current Board
Board of Directors Paula Cogan President The Doyle Collection
Bill O’Connell Immediate Past President Apple
Richard Martin Honorary Secretary Ronan Daly Jermyn
Ronan Murray Honorary Treasurer Deloitte
Niall Kenny AB Sales
Mark Fitzharris AIB
Liam Luddy Arup
Maxine Hyde Ballymaloe Foods
John McAllen Bank of Ireland
Robert Horgan Cafe Velo
Gerard O’ Donovan CIT
Prof. Thia Hennessy Cork University Business School
Seamus Downey EY
Deirdre Waldron Fuzion
Mark Whitaker Johnson & Perrott Motor Group
Shane Clarke Nano Nagle Place
Clair Murphy Pfizer
DC Cahalane Republic of Work
Hugh Smiddy Tyndall National Institute
Debbie Power Vodafone Ireland
Eoin Motherway Willis Towers Watson
Nominations Committee
Remuneration Committee
CHAMBER PRESIDENT & BOARD
Member Services Council
Audit & Risk Committee
Public Affairs Council
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
CEO & TEAM
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Your Team
Conor Healy CEO 021 450 9044 conor@corkchamber.ie
Naoimh Frawley Operations Manager 021 453 0143 naoimh@corkchamber.ie
Jessie O Brien Receptionist 021 453 0131 Jessie@corkchamber.ie
uby Hardie Brown R Office Assistant 021 450 9044 info@corkchamber.ie
Carmel Holland Accountant 021 453 0134 accounts@corkchamber.ie
Annie FitzGibbon Director of Member Services 021 453 0145 annie@corkchamber.ie
Garrett O Rourke Training Network Manager 021 453 0141 garrett@corkchamber.ie
Kate Murray Training Executive 021 453 0142 kate@corkchamber.ie
Lisa Dennehy Events Manager 021 453 0149 lisa@corkchamber.ie
Vicky O Connor Events Executive 021 453 0140 vicky@corkchamber.ie
Deirdre Griffin Business Development Manager 021 453 0136 deirdre@corkchamber.ie
Helena O Keeffe Membership Executive 021 453 0133 helena@corkchamber.ie
Thomas Mc Hugh Director of Public Affairs & Communications 021 453 0147 thomas@corkchamber.ie
ichelle O’ Sullivan M Senior Public Affairs Executive 021 453 0132 michelle@corkchamber.ie
Bo Browne Communications and Marketing Manager 021 453 0146 bo@corkchamber.ie
Katherine Fitzpatrick Director of International Relations 021 453 0137 katherine@corkchamber.ie
Margaret Kelly International Relations Executive 021 4530138 mkelly@corkchamber.ie
Imelda Mulcahy Export Documentation Manager 021 453 0130 imelda@corkchamber.ie
eigh Delaney L Export & International Relations Executive 021 453 0148 ldelaney@corkchamber.ie
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Empowering You To make Cork the best place for business, we need to be the best and we are here to support you
7,000
attendees at events in 2019
CONNECTING
98% Cork Chamber events create the perfect opportunity to make vital connections. We deliver a vibrant programme of events that are as diverse as our membership and offer the chance to learn new skills, engage in activities, widen business networks and meet new contacts. Connecting you with each other is central to making Cork the best place for Business.
of 967 Annual Dinner attendees would recommend the event to a colleague/client
270
attend Cork Digital Marketing Awards
Return of the Summer Garden Party
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300
attend sold out Christmas Lunch
3
Thought Leaders Council events
600
attendees at Cork Chamber’s Dublin Dinner with Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Richard Bruton T.D. as guest speaker
27,000
followers across social media platforms Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram
7
Business Breakfasts
New experiential Networking: ‘Clock Out & Connect’ at Cork City Gaol and Yoga in the Park
30
4
3
80,000
New Members Breakfasts
Leadership Fora events
Videos Published
visitors to CorkChamber.ie
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Empowering You To make Cork the best place for business, we need to be the best and we are here to support you
1,574 trainees
UPSKILLING & INFORMING
7,700 training days
Cork Chamber Skillnet is the leading business learning network in the region, offering highquality enterprise-led personal and professional development programmes. Our focus is to assist member companies in developing skills and talent to drive competitiveness and growth in the region in the areas of Management Development, Leadership, Digital & Design and Professional Skills.
249
training events
355
participating member companies
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bespoke in-house training interventions
Future Leaders Programme: 6-month leadership programme for the future leaders of Cork
50
e-Bulletins circulated to 4,200 weekly
Cert. In Leadership Development: Special Purpose Award Level 8 delivered in collaboration with CIT – 5 months
191
graduates from our QQI Accredited Courses
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ChamberLink magazines
Empowering Women Leadership Series: Series to develop aspiring female leaders in Cork
Cork Chamber Skillnet proudly sponsored the 2019 Cork Digital Marketing Awards
Launch of new quarterly Economic Trends supplement and webpage
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Growing Your Business Your success is making our economy thrive. We are proud to champion your business
No 1
in Ireland for certification
24,848 115 documents certified for
ADVANCING GLOBAL OPPORTUNITY
countries
Bespoke export certification service offered to key clients
The global outlook of Cork’s business community is one of its defining characteristics. From the growth of our airport and port to the growing footprint of our business community in international markets such as North America, China, and Europe, the Chamber plays its part in supporting this journey. The opportunity is global and we are here to help you map your next steps.
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signatories accredited by ICC World Chambers Federation
90%
of export documentation certified online
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engagements with diplomats and ambassadors from international embassies in Ireland
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
7
engagements with Irish diplomats abroad Support for
10 150
inbound delegations totalling
5
trade seminars hosted to support companies to internationalise
international visitors Promotion of Cork in
Connecting Cork is our international marketing and diaspora outreach programme, deepening awareness of the Cork offering with a focus on Financial Services and talent attraction. Cork Chamber hosts the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), a European Commission-funded initiative that supports SMEs to research and explore international business partnerships.
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international cities across the USA, China and Europe
135+
B2B meetings facilitated by EEN between Irish and international SMEs
185%
audience growth on Connecting Cork LinkedIn page
Active We Are Cork partners
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Growing Your Business Your success is making our economy thrive. We are proud to champion your business
1,206
active members by end of 2019
PROMOTING & SUPPORTING
229
new members recruited
Representing the Southern Region’s largest business community of 1,200 members employing over 100,000 people, through our membership packages we will empower you, promote you and support you to grow your business. Together making Cork the best place to do business.
88
start-ups availed of the new Pioneer membership package Complimentary membership for start-ups in their first year of business
57
Chamber Partners engaged in Thought Leaders Council
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Maintenance of
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strong Ambassador Programmes to support new members
3
new ‘ In the Loop’ sessions giving members an overview of Public Affairs activity
68,108 Member Page Hits
New and enhanced functionality added to Member’s Area and Member Directory
24,594
Member Directory Searches
149
attend new, member-led ‘Chamber Pop Ups’ as part of Cork Chamber Skillnet and Republic of Work collaboration
146
attendees at the new Maximise your Membership sessions
4
external presentations to New Frontiers (CIT) participants, Ignite (UCC) participants and CSN students Cork Chamber Gift Card had sales of over
€450,000 supporting the local economy
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Representing You & Enhancing Your Environment
TRANSFORMING CORK
#1 Cork Chamber is a leading influencer of national, regional and local policy. Our Board and 57 Chamber Partners lead our Thought Leaders Council, our Public Affairs Council meet to refine our focus, and our surveys and conversations with members colour and guide our daily workflow. We lobby to make Cork a better place for business, through robust proposals, careful positioning and the building of lasting relationships with key decision makers. We are driven by the vision of a vibrant, resilient and sustainable city region with a thriving business community at its core. We are formally committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which guide the entirety of our advocacy.
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Regional Lobby Group in Ireland as verified by the Lobby Register of Ireland
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Economic Trends Surveys informing business leaders and Government decision makers Â
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EY DKM Viability of Apartments campaign with the CIF, seeking to promote vibrant communities in our urban areas Â
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Little Island Business Commuter Travel Survey assessing mobility trends and reviewing current infrastructure gaps, informing NTA investment
Chambers Ireland ‘Most Successful Policy Campaign Award’ for collaboration with Limerick Chamber to secure the commencement of the M20 Cork - Limerick Motorway
Constant championing of sustainable mobility and leading business contribution to the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy
Comprehensive Budget 2020 submission, highlighting gender balance in the workplace, SME improvements and tax reform
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election manifesto campaigns, Local, EU & Cork North Central
100+
representation meetings with key stakeholders from Government Departments to Local Authorities
Ireland’s first net zero emission passenger bus journey in Cork, collaboration with Energy Cork and Gas Network Ireland.
Working with our partners in City Regions Ireland to enhance the profile of City Regions within Government
Active membership of Chambers Ireland, our partners in influence and representation
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RECOGNISING YOUR SUCCESS
Digital Marketing Awards 2019 Cork Chamber member companies are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. We take steps to ensure this is recognised on the local, national and international stage. The integrity and rigour of our awards is core to our being. To to be shortlisted and to succeed requires exceptional ability. This is your time and we are your stage.
Outstandng Contribution to Business Award 2019
“I am extremely proud and honoured to receive this recognition from the Cork Chamber. An organisation that, for the last 200 years, has been a force for such positive change in Cork and indeed further afield. I joined Cork Chamber in my twenties and I have been so lucky that through this network I have been able to meet and share ideas with incredible business people down through the years. It is a truly valuable organisation for the business community in Cork. We know that the business environment is ever changing, and with change comes challenges and opportunities. It is therefore important that we equip ourselves with the tools to lead and drive performance in the dynamic world we live in. I look forward to continuing to work towards our ambition of ensuring Cork is a thriving, prosperous city and at the heart of business in Ireland.” Anne O’Leary, Vodafone Ireland Outstanding Contribution to Business Award 2019
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Best Digital Marketing Student Jennifer Bryan, Cliq Media and Marketing Best Transformation – Traditional to Digital Marketing Central Statistics Office Overall Digital Transformer Visit Cork
Over 300 entries to Cork Digital Marketing Awards from 200 companies
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Cork Company of the Year Award 2019
Cork Emerging Company of the Year Verifish Cork SME Company of the Year O’Flynn Medical Cork Large Company of the Year Wisetek Cork Corporate of the Year and Overall Cork Company of the Year Zenith Technologies
“This award reflects an overnight success twenty years in the making and is a tremendous recognition of the effort and quality of the whole team at Zenith Technologies. As a Cork founded company, and Irish multinational, it is truly an honour to be considered in the same league as previous winners and to be celebrated in our home city. I’d like to thank all my colleagues for making this happen and I look forward to seizing new opportunities that undoubtedly will arise from receiving this award.” Brendan O’Regan, Executive Chairman and Founder, Zenith Technologies
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Cork Chamber is proud to partner with Business in the Community Ireland.
238
volunteering hours
THE BUSINESS IMPACT MAP
€110,056 cash donations
€9,010 employee undraising
#businessresponseirl
€29,588 in-kind donations
THE NETWORK FOR RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS 18
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Chamber Pledge
Chambers Ireland, The International Chamber of Commerce Ireland and the affiliated Chambers accross Ireland pledge to uphold, communicate and implement the SDGs throughout the work they carry out. At Cork Chamber, this commitment guides the entirety of our workflow. We have committed to championing the following five SDGs in particular:
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President Michael D. Higgins keynote speaker at Annual Dinner 2019
210
pages of Chamber history researched, compiled and published in a 200-year history of the Chamber ‘Championing Cork’
In 2019, Cork Chamber celebrated its bicentenary year. The activities associated with the celebrations of this anniversary were designed to reflect on the past, present and future, not only of Cork Chamber, but of the business community in Cork, and the businesses and leaders that have been responsible for its development over the past 200 years.
200
years of supporting and representing the business community in Cork
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1000+
students engaged in the arts outreach initiative ‘Future Forms’, looking at their vision of Cork in 200 years
€200k raised through Sustainable Cork Fund for social innovation projects
Nationwide featured Cork Chamber’s anniversary as part of an episode focused on Cork that aired in October 2019
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17 Chamber Presidents reunited at Chamber 200 Founders Dinner with keynote speaker An Tánaiste Simon Coveney T.D.
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Financial Statements Income & Expenditure Account
For the year ended 31 December 2019
Income Cost of sales Gross surplus Administrative expenses Other operating expenses Operating surplus Other interest receivable and similar income Surplus on ordinary activities before taxation Taxation on surplus on ordinary activities Surplus for the financial year
2019 â‚Ź
2018 â‚Ź
2,894,654
2,544,655
(1,297,606)
(1,051,420)
1,597,048
1,493,235
(1,491,195)
(1,422,971)
(100,375)
-
5,478
70,264
24
120
5,502
70,384
-
-
5,502
70,384
There are no items of comprehensive income in the financial year or preceding financial year other than those dealt with in the income and expenditure account. Accordingly, no statement of other comprehensive income has been prepared. The financial statements were approved by the board of directors on 27/04/2020 and signed on its behalf by:
Ronan Murray Honorary Treasurer
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Paula Cogan President
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Financial Statements Balance Sheet
As at 31 December 2019 2019 €
2018 €
446,982
400,093
361,462
482,955
1,067,536
1,093,235
1,428,998
1,576,190
(487,214)
(593,019)
941,784
983,171
1,388,766
1,383,264
124,751
124,751
Income and expenditure account
1,264,015
1,258,513
Members’ funds
1,388,766
1,383,264
Fixed Assets Tangible assets Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Net current assets Net assets Capital and reserves Revaluation reserve
The financial statements were approved by the board of directors on 27/04/2020 and signed on its behalf by:
Ronan Murray Honorary Treasurer
Paula Cogan President
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Our Sponsors
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Fitzgerald House, Summerhill North, Cork, T23 TD90. T +353 (0)21 4509044 E info@corkchamber.ie
CorkChamber.ie
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