Annual Report policy promotion. training. events. membership. international

Transcription

1 Annual Report 2013 policy promotion training events international membership

2 notice of AGM The 195 th Annual General Meeting of the Cork Chamber of Commerce will be held on Monday 12th May in the Imperial Hotel, Cork at 6pm. AGENDA To consider and, if thought fit, to adopt the Report of the Board as laid before the meeting. To consider and, if thought fit, to adopt the audited Annual Statement of Accounts and Balance Sheet, as presented by the Board. To elect a President. To hear the result of the election of the Board of Directors and Honorary Officers. To hear an address by the President. To authorise the Directors to fix the remuneration of the Auditor. To consider any other business proper to an Annual General Meeting. By order of the Board Olan Wixted, Honorary Secretary.

3 contents 04 President s Message 05 Board and Councils 06 Chief Executive s Report 08 Staff 10 Policy 12 Events 14 International 15 Training 16 Media 17 Communications 18 Directors Report & Financial Statements 28 Appendices Committees Training Information & Events Task Forces Events List

4 president s message At the commencement of my term as President of Cork Chamber I spoke of how this region, more than any other, had realised the potential of the collaborative approach, the power of many with the voice of one and how important it was to the future growth of the region that we maintained and developed this competitive advantage provided many examples of how successful this collaborative approach has been for the Cork region and a few instances in particular are noteworthy. Cork Chamber assisted Cork City and County Councils in hosting the inaugural and hugely successful Global Cork Economic Forum. This Forum generated ideas and actions for the economic recovery of the Cork region. It restated Cork s ambitions as a world class second city and reaffirmed the commitment and enthusiasm amongst the global diaspora to support and assist this region in realising those ambitions. When businesses in the Cork Region were again devastated by flooding in the winter of 2013 Cork Chamber and all of the stakeholders in the region came together as one to highlight the devastation the flooding created in the region and Cork City centre in particular. This joint approach resulted in Minister Hayes ultimately agreeing to make Cork his number one priority Flood Relief Scheme for the country and Cork securing a commitment of at least 50,000,000 to the Flood Defence Scheme in Cork City. Looking forward, the strength of the collaborative approach can be seen in the recent announcement of the establishment of Cork INC (Innovated, Networked, Connected) to drive the development of leisure and business tourism and the strategic economic marketing of Cork. A range of stakeholders led by Cork Chamber on the strategic economic marketing of Cork have worked to develop a strong marketing message for the Cork region. Cork INC will be the vehicle to communicate this message globally for the benefit of Cork business and deliver for Cork an enviable brand of best in class. As we look ahead through 2014 there are many other reasons to be positive regarding brand Cork and the Marketing of Cork as a leisure and business travel destination. We expect to see the commencement of construction of an event centre for Cork City later this year. In June Fota Island Resort will once again host the Irish Open on the same weekend that Cork City will host the Il Divo open air concert in Musgrave Park. I am confident that 2014 will be a good year for Cork. We hope to see commencement of large scale office buildings in the City and Cork Chamber will continue to work to improve the cost competitiveness of business in the City and the greater Cork region. We have in 2014 renewed calls for a merging of Cork City and Cork County Councils to improve efficiencies, ensure the limited resources of the region are better applied and that resultant savings are passed on to businesses through a reduction in rates. In 2014 Cork Chamber will continue to work with Cork City and County Council and other key stakeholders to drive business from and to the Cork region. We will continue to lobby to secure the significant investment Cork requires in the road network so that Cork is truly connected and well placed to attract FDI and build the global economy up from and through this region. We will redouble our efforts through our representation on the newly formed Cork Airport Development Council to ensure Cork Airport maintains existing and secures further connectivity to Europe and the US. Cork Chamber renews its commitment for 2014 to support the SME sector and will continue in its efforts to ensure access to finance, skills and resources to fully support this sector so that we can achieve sustainable innovation led growth throughout the region. We will also continue to advance the great entrepreneurship story of this region. Cork is alive with visionaries in many sectors and the time is now right to empower and enable them to transform, disrupt and rebuild this region. The Cork region can, through the smartest use of its cutting edge skills base, its world class research centres and its significant IT community, spawn world class enterprises with globally significant technology and attract into this country not just multinationals but transformatively make this region the go to place from which all start-ups from all over Europe want to locate presents many opportunities for Cork, to exploit these opportunities our members need to think smart, be innovative and adapt and Cork Chamber will as ever lead the way. The first year of my presidency of Cork Chamber has been demanding for the challenges it presented and exciting for the opportunities created from meeting those challenges. A huge thank you to Conor Healy and the excellent Management Committee of Barrie O Connell, Olan Wixted and John Mullins for all the assistance they have given me. I am also indebted to the Board of Directors of Cork Chamber for their support, insights and guidance. I have particularly enjoyed working with all of the professional, energetic and committed staff at Cork Chamber. I look forward to continuing to work with all of you over the next 12 months for what promises to be a positive and eventful Gillian Keating President 4

5 board & council PRESIDENT: Gillian Keating J.W. O Donovan Solicitors IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT: John Mullins Augmentis HONORARY SECRETARY: Olan Wixted Davy HONORARY TREASURER: Barrie O Connell KPMG BOARD MEMBERS: Margaret Brennan AIB Denis Collins IBM Paul Duffy Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals Noel Keeley Musgraves Michael Loftus Cork Institute of Technology Kevin Mills Mills Public Relations Limited Kevin Murray Kevin J Murray & Co. Dr. Michael Murphy UCC Ronan Murphy Smarttech.ie William O Brien William O Brien Plant Hire Michael O Connor Cork BIC Anthony O Mara Trend Micro Ann-Marie O Sullivan H+A Marketing + PR Dan O Sullivan Maryborough Hotel & Spa CORPORATE POLICY COUNCIL Gillian Keating J.W. O Donovan Solicitors and (Chair) President of Chamber John Mullins Ronan Murray Denis Healy Augmentis and Immediate Past President of Chamber EY & Economic & Enterprise Committee Port of Cork & Transport & Infrastructure Committee MEMBER SERVICES COUNCIL William O Brien William O Brien Plant Hire (Chair) Paul Hands Qumas Kevin Mills Mills Public Relations Anthony O Mara Trend Micro AUDIT & RISK COMMITTEE Noel Keeley Musgraves (Chair) Anthony O Mara Trend Micro Barrie O Connell KPMG Olan Wixted Davy Alf Smiddy Alf Smiddy & Co. 5

6 chief executive s report The Chamber has had an extremely successful year in We played a vital role in driving and shaping the economic agenda in the region, as we looked forward with optimism to a stronger and more robust economy. We continued to support and facilitate members business activity. By engaging with the business stakeholder environment both locally and nationally, we ensured that we met and exceeded our targets and expectations throughout the year. Our member s insights, experiences and perspectives have been vital to informing our policy work at Cork Chamber and to this end, we worked closely with a number of dedicated, time-bound expert groups on key regional and national submissions. We invited members to participate in the preparation of our views on the draft County Development Plan and made submissions on a City Centre Movement Strategy, Metropolitan Cork Joint Retail Strategy, National Aviation Policy, Competition in the Irish Ports Sector and Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme to name but a few. Overall, we made 11 submissions and an additional 6 submissions in conjunction with Chambers Ireland on national policy issues throughout the year. Our over-arching aim is to include as many members as possible in the development and delivery of our policy work. Membership at the Chamber continued to grow, with close to 1,100 member businesses employing over 100,000 people, who engaged with our services on many different levels. As members are the lifeblood of our organisation, our success can only be determined by the strength and activity of our membership base. Through the feedback and support of our members, we continued to refine and develop our services to meet business requirements. Our Chamber Ambassadors worked tirelessly to support and represent start-ups and SME new members. We launched a new Corporate Partner Programme which was designed to strengthen the voice of the Chamber, to drive change and accelerate business growth, using the collective voice of some of the largest employers in the region for the benefit of all business sizes and sectors. We continued to benchmark and improve our performance, giving added value to our members and providing excellent services and facilities. 6 The Business School at Cork Chamber saw a steady growth in numbers and in the range and standard of courses delivered. Our Export Documentation Service has seen continued expansion, increasing its level of service and support to members and clients, meeting their specialist export certification needs. Throughout the year, we improved and grew our communications and media channels, increased our web traffic and social media activity and delivered several weekly communications. Our Twitter followers doubled in the past 12 months and we issued and printed our key publications such as the Chamber s Economic Bulletins and Chamberlink magazine. The Chamber s International division, through the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) continues to go from strength to strength. The EEN office, based in the Chamber is part of a global network of over 600 offices in 54 countries. As part of the remit of the EEN, we supported SMEs to access overseas trade and research partners and successfully organised or participated in business missions to France, Russia, the US and China in Other partnership projects based at Cork Chamber offices include Cork Innovates, which focuses on regional efforts around developing a culture of entrepreneurship to support viable job creation activities. One of the most visible aspects of membership engagement is through attendance at events. As part of our programme of events, we have seen attendance levels increase across events to over 3,500 attendees. This level of activity indicates a strong and vibrant business community seeking every opportunity to network, engage and learn and we will continue to deliver an attractive programme in 2014 to ensure these levels are maintained. I would like to thank all those members of the Chamber who have voluntarily given of their time during This collective spirit of volunteerism ensures an energetic, focused and forward-thinking Chamber for the benefit of our membership base. My sincere thanks also to our wide range of sponsors throughout the year, without whose support we would be unable to provide quality services and events. I would also like to thank the highly dedicated team at the Chamber who continue to respond with enthusiasm to members needs and whose commitment contributes to a strong and vibrant organisation. I would like to particularly acknowledge the commitment of the Chamber President, Officers, Board, Chairs and Members of Committees, Working Groups and Task Forces who work tirelessly on behalf of Cork s business community. To all our members, thank you for making Cork Chamber a strong and representative voice for the Cork region. Conor Healy Chief Executive

7 52 Weekly Communications Over 70 networking events hosted?? ANNUAL REPORT Press Statements Over 16,000 export documents issued 4 Economic Bulletins 6000 Twitter followers 997 attended Annual Dinner 2379 training days 120 Member Engagements 11 ChamberLink Magazines 3500 Event Attendees 13,300 International Partnering Opportunities 50 Lobbying Meetings 41 Corporate Partners 15 Formal Submissions 1900 Linked-In members 900 people up-skilled Helping companies export to 125 countries 600 Partner Organisations in 51 countries 5% increase in membership Cork Chamber By Numbers... 7

8 cork chamber staff Conor Healy Chief Executive The Chief Executive is responsible for the operational activities of the Chamber, working with the President, the Board of Directors and Committee Chairpersons in developing the overall strategic plan of the Chamber and coordinating its implementation. T: (021) E: Naoimh Frawley Executive Assistant Naoimh is Executive Assistant for both the President and the Chief Executive as well as providing office management and administrative services for all Chamber activities. T: (021) E: Leigh Gillen Events Manager Leigh is responsible for the creation, organisation and administration of the extensive calendar of events throughout the year. T: (021) E: Imelda Mulcahy Export Documentation Manager Imelda is responsible for the issue/notarisation of both EU and Arab Irish Certificates of Origin, as well as ATA Carnets. She is also responsible for the publication of Chamberlink and other Chamber publications. T: (021) E: Barbara-Anne Richardson Director of Membership Development & Services Barbara-Anne is Director of Membership Development & Services and is responsible for the strategic development of membership and membership services, communications, marketing and promotional activities of the Chamber. T: (021) E: Norma Lynch Business School Manager Norma manages all aspects of the Business School including funding submission, procurement, sales & marketing, brand awareness & profile building, financial management & budgeting, FETAC accreditation & certification. T: (021) E: Patrick Doyle Membership Development Manager Patrick is responsible for all membership development and retention as well as managing the Corporate Partner Program. He is also responsible for ensuring that members are maximizing their membership benefits and coordinating the Chamber Ambassador scheme. T: (021) E: Aoife Dunne Business School Executive Aoife works closely with the Business School Manager and manages all of the reporting elements of the Business School, website management, social media, liaising with network members and trainers. T: (021)

9 cork chamber staff Katherine Fitzpatrick EU, Trade & Innovation Services Manager Katherine is responsible for international trade and innovation at Cork Chamber. A key aspect of this work is the management of the Enterprise Europe Network centre, which aims to increase the competitive and innovative capacity of Europe s SMEs. Other areas of work include trade missions, market information seminars & various EU projects. T: (021) E: katherine@corkchamber.ie Alma Murnane Director of Policy and External Relations Alma is Director of the Policy and External Relations functions and is responsible for the overall development and co-ordination of strategies and policies in the areas of stakeholder and policy development, public affairs, governance of policy structures and the continued development of strategic linkages and co-operation with regional and national stakeholders. T: (021) E: alma@corkchamber.ie Eimear O Mullane EU, Trade & Innovation Services Executive Eimear is responsible for assisting the Enterprise Europe Network Manager with the EU, trade and innovation activities. This includes answering enquiries & providing assistance to companies looking for information on EU and trade issues, as well as assisting with EU projects. T: (021) E: eimear@corkchamber.ie Siobhan Finn Cork innovates Siobhán coordinates the activities of Cork innovates, an initiative funded by Cork City and County Councils and hosted by Cork Chamber of Commerce. The focus of this initiative is to support regional economic growth by supporting job creation, promoting an entrepreneurial eco-system with stakeholders and partner organisations in the Cork region. T: (021) E: siobhan.finn@corkinnovates.com Margaret Good Accounts Administrator Margaret manages all accounting and finance functions for the Chamber. T: (021) E: accounts@corkchamber.ie Siobhan Bradley Policy & Research Projects Manager Siobhan is responsible for the leadership of the Chamber s research agenda within the Policy Department of Cork Chamber which underpins the strategic interventions of the Chamber as it seeks to develop Cork s economy. T: (021) E: siobhan.bradley@corkchamber.ie Claire Davis Policy & Research Executive Claire works as part of the policy team to support and contribute to Cork Chamber s policy and research activities, including the Chamber s policy committees, EU projects and lobbying and representation activities. T: (021) E: claire@corkchamber.ie Deborah Barrett Member Services Executive Deborah works with the Member Services Team looking after Member relations, assisting members to maximise their advertising and promotional opportunities through the Chamber s various communications channels. Deborah also co-ordinates the Chamber s online and social media activity. T: (021) E: deborah@corkchamber.ie 9

10 policy - Strengthening Your Business Voice in 2013 CORK CHAMBER POLICY & RESEARCH ACTIVITIES SOME OF OUR 2013 POLICY INFLUENCING TOOLS Cork Chamber is in the business of influencing policy. Our dedicated Policy & Research Department engage in an extensive range of activities to ensure that: our members interests are communicated to Government and key decision makers we deliver on key policy priorities for the Cork region OUR POLICY COMMITTEES Our policy committees provide a key mechanism for our members to engage in the public policy process. The expertise of our business and economic representatives strengthen our capacity to influence policy developments that benefit our members and Cork s economy. The Chamber now has two strong policy committees in place who are working to advance our strategic interests across a number of key economic areas. Chamber's Policy Commitees Policy Events Participation in European Projects Government Lobbying Policy analysis and development work, membership consultation and advocacy and engagement through a variety of media have been crucial and powerful policy influencing tools in Representation Meetings with Decision Makers Publications & Surveys Formal Letters & Submissions Press Releases & Media Work ECONOMIC & ENTERPRISE COMMITTEE Chair: Ronan Murray, EY Key Areas of Focus: Branding/Economic Marketing of Cork Skills Development & Labour Market Demand Region s Economic Infrastructure Cost Competiveness Cork s Agrifood & Drinks Sector TRANSPORT & INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE Chair: Denis Healy, Port of Cork Key Areas of Focus: Connectivity: Rail, Aviation, Ports & Bus Sustainable Transport: Smart Cities, Traffic, Roads Utilities: Water, Flooding & Energy Waste & Planning International Telecommunications Connectivity DELIVERING THE MESSAGE: 2013 POLICY OUTPUTS AT A GLANCE 60+ Meetings with Politicians & Key Decision Makers on Key Requirements 50 Written Communications to Government & Decision Makers 40 Press Releases & 7 Opinion Pieces 12+ Partnered Campaigns with Regional/National Stakeholders 15 Submissions on key Regional & National Policy Consultations Weekly Policy Updates through Chamber s E-bulletin Monthly Policy Updates through Chamber s Chamberlink 4 Economic Bulletins PRIORITISING OUR MEMBERS VOICES 7 Membership Surveys ensure member s policy requirements drive our work and agenda 50+ Internal Policy Committee Meetings with 120+ Chamber members SOME OF OUR 2013 SUBMISSIONS: City Centre Movement Strategy (Cork City Council) Metropolitan Cork Joint Retail Strategy (Cork City and County Council) Pre Budget Submission 2014 (Dept Finance, Public Expenditure, Government Ministers, T.Ds) National Aviation Policy Submission (Dept Transport, Tourism & Sport). Cork County & City Development Plan - Issues paper Consultations (Cork City & County Council) Tourism Policy for Ireland (Dept Transport, Tourism & Sport) Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme (Office of Public Works) 10

11 SOME OF OUR PARTNERED CAMPAIGNS: Ongoing campaign with Chambers Ireland to improve supports for entrepreneurs, microenterprises and SMEs On-going campaign on the air-travel needs of Corkbased businesses based on evidence informed data collected from 300+ Cork businesses in association with Cork Airport On-going campaign with Cork Development Forum (Port of Cork, UCC, CIT, City and County Council, IDA, Enterprise Ireland, CIF) focusing on securing support at Government level for key regional economic development infrastructure and supports. SOME OF OUR REPRESENTATION MEETINGS: Government Ministers for: Transport, Tourism & Sport Public Expenditure and Reform Research & Innovation Agriculture, Marine & Food Secretaries General: Dept. of Finance Dept. Public Expenditure & Reform Dept. Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation Locally Elected Representatives, TDS & Councillors City & County Manager and Executive Staff Director of DAA, Cork Airport, Regional Airline Service Providers Gillian Keating, President Cork Chamber, Simon Coveney, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Conor Healy, CEO, Cork Chamber SAMPLE OF CHAMBER POLICY REPRESENTATION ON COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIPS: Member of Government Advisory Group for Small Businesses Minister Sean Sherlock TD, Gillian Keating, President, Cork Chamber, Deputy Ciaran Lynch TD and Conor Healy, CEO, Cork Chamber Member of Cork Area Strategic Plan (CASP) Steering Committee Member of Cork Airport Development Council Member of Chambers Ireland Board, Transport Policy Council & Public Affairs Forum SAMPLE OF KEY POLICY ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2013: k10m Government Fund for City Events Centre The establishment of Cork Airport Development Council with Chamber representation which will guide the strategic development of Cork Airport Appointment of Chamber Board Member to DAA Board Reduced IAA planned air-traffic control restrictions at Cork Airport from 6 to 1.5 hours with commitment to retain effective 24 hour coverage Major Progress towards N28 Upgrade Budget 2014: % Corporation & 9% Hospitality tax retained - Air travel tax abolished - R & D credit scheme improvements - cash accounting threshold increased - EIIS improved - CGT improvements for entrepreneurs 11

12 events 2013 was again a bumper year for Cork Chamber Events. Having listened closely to your requests, Cork Chamber provided plenty of networking opportunities, as well as top notch speakers throughout the year. There is currently a programme of over 50 events each year, all providing a variety of uses for members, from dedicated networking events to speaker driven events, large scale business events, corporate entertainment events, social events, informational events and many more, with the addition of the Cork Chamber Business Bootcamp in association with Aviva, providing members with vital information on Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Business Cork Chamber events stimulate genuine commercial opportunities, enhance the flow of knowledge and develop a supportive business community in Cork. Highlights of the 2013 events calendar include over 500 guests at Cork Chamber s Dublin Dinner in the Doubletree Hilton Hotel, with a variety of VIP guests and decision makers, helping to put Cork Business on the national map, another successful Annual Dinner with almost 1000 guests enjoying the atmosphere at City Hall, a series of targeted Business Breakfasts as well as the ever popular Annual Conference, Christmas Lunch and Golf Classic. We also added a Speed Networking event to the calendar as well as the Business Bootcamp Series and the highly popular Access to Finance event run by the Enterprise Europe Network. We would like to thank all those who supported the events throughout the year, in particular all Events Task Force members who gave selflessly of their time and expertise to organise some of the Chamber s most prestigious events. Annual Dinner, the largest and most popular event in the Cork Chamber calendar, attracting almost 1000 guests to City Hall every February 4 New Members Breakfasts per year to welcome and assist New members of Cork Chamber to maximise their membership and introduce their products/ services. 9 Business After Hours run in 2013 in a variety of venues across Cork City and County. These are all dedicated networking events and also help businesses to showcase their premises to the wider membership 7 Business Breakfasts run in 2013 covering sectors of Telecoms, Banking, Oil & Energy to name a few with speakers such as Rob Penney, Munster Rugby Coach, Tony O Reilly Jr, Providence Resources and Richie Boucher, Bank of Ireland. 12

13 Annual Golf Classic, held each September is one of the most popular events in the Cork Chamber calendar, with over 140 players in This event is a fantastic corporate entertainment opportunity and also donates charity raffle proceeds to charity annually. Cork Chamber s Dublin Dinner, a now annual event held in the Doubletree Hilton Hotel, attracting a wide variety of businesses from both the Dublin and the Cork Regions. This event also presents the Outstanding Achievement in Business award, which this year went to Leslie Buckley. Christmas Lunch in association with the Marketing Institute of Ireland attracted over 350 guests to the Radisson Hotel Little Island and featured sporting heroes Steve Redmond and Rob Heffernan. Lunch on board the Pont Aven Ferry, in association with the Ireland France Chamber of Commerce. This popular annual event with a French twist is a popular union of both Chambers and an unique opportunity to lunch in style on board with Brittany Ferries. The Cork Chamber Annual Business Conference entitled Winning in the UK and Beyond was held in the Fota Island Resort and attracted approx. 200 attendees, featuring speakers from Goldman Sachs, IBM, GSK and Musgraves. The introduction of the Cork Chamber Business Bootcamp in association with Aviva, helped Chamber members enhance their work life balance by fostering a Healthy Mind, Healthy Body, Healthy Business The Access to Finance series run by the Enterprise Europe Network covered all aspects of sourcing funding for SMEs, from EU funding to crowd funding and private investment. Cork Chamber partnered with 5 organisations to host joint events, including the British Irish Chamber of Commerce, National Recruitment Federation (NRF), IFIA, Ireland France Chamber of Commerce and the Marketing Institute of Ireland. Cork Chamber hosted a variety of gatherings attended by representatives of some of Cork s largest companies, multinational and indigenous as well as Corporate Partners of Cork Chamber and included such high calibre speakers as Minister Simon Coveney and Michael Cawley, formerly of Ryanair. 13

14 international Cork Chamber s international trade activity continued to strengthen in 2013 as the Chamber strived to ensure that Chamber Members benefited from the opportunities that international markets offer. Key relationships in the US (Chicago and San Francisco), UK and China (Shanghai) have allowed Cork Chamber to build strong networks that extend outwards into wider international regions to attract and deliver trade opportunities and investment Working closely with other Cork stakeholders the Chamber has built and strengthened the economic profile of the Cork region in international markets. Outbound trade missions to France, Russia, US and China in 2013 have allowed the Chamber to strongly position and promote Cork as a destination for trade and investment whilst inbound delegations from organisations such as the Shanghai Commission of Commerce and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and Embassy delegations from Australia, Austria, Croatia, Morocco, Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Japan, Mexico and Poland have been guided to experience first-hand, through presentations and site visits, the economic landscape in the Cork region. Cork Chamber hosts the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) office in the region, a European Commission initiative that seeks to provide innovation and business support to SMEs across the EU. EEN at Cork Chamber supports SMEs in the Cork, Kerry and Limerick region and it is an integral part of the Chamber s International department. The EEN office supports SMEs, Entrepreneurs, Business Start-ups, Research Centres, Universities and Institutes of Technology and Business Support Organisations to improve business competitiveness and technical and non-technical innovation whilst providing a valuable gateway for local businesses to identify trade and research partners in the Enterprise Europe Network global network which is represented by 600 offices in 54 countries in Europe and beyond. In 2013 Cork Chamber s International department dealt with 260 enquiries from local companies and stakeholders, relating to access to finance, EU programmes and projects, start-up advice, trade enquiry, innovation, IPR/Patents, and female entrepreneur mentoring. The Department worked with local partners to platform the Global Technology Leaders Summit and CorkMEET brokerage event in Cork City. Under the banner of the EEN office, information seminars were presented on Access to Finance on the themes of Bank Finance, EU Funding, Venture Capital & Private Investments and State Agency Funding as well as a number of seminars that outlined an export checklist for SMEs interested in the Chinese market. The Department s theme of enterprise and innovation was further reflected in activities which included the Cork Chamber School Science Awards which in 2013 was sponsored by Boston Scientific and hosted by Cork Institute of Technology and the Female Entrepreneur Mentoring Programme, an EU initiative which was supported by established female entrepreneurs who gave of their time to mentor and support fledgling women entrepreneurs. Cork Chamber is officially authorised by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and Chambers Ireland to issue and certify export documentation on behalf of our exporting companies, who require certification of these documents for customs and for their clients. Export Documentation Service Cork Chamber is officially authorised by the Department of Jobs Enterprise & Innovation and Chambers Ireland to issue and certify export documentation. Cork Chamber processed over 15,000 export documents including 9239 certificates of origin for 113 countries, with the highest number of consignments in the technology and food ingredients sectors. There was a 46% rise in the number of export documents done on line in 2013 and now 80% of certificates of origin are certified online. The Chamber also issues ATA Carnet which are a passport for goods being temporarily exported. The items being sent are classified as professional equipment, commercial samples or international trade fairs/exhibitions. 14

15 training Cork Chamber offers subsidised, enterprise-led training through Biznetcork Skillnet, designed to be flexible and responsive to meet the enterprise needs of its member companies and to develop participant skills and business knowledge across a range of subject areas. It thrives on the support and engagement of its Steering group. implications of our social media footprint and the legal consequences of what is posted online. The seminar was chaired by well-known comedian and author Colm O Regan. The course schedule is based on the findings of an annual training needs analysis, which ensures the schedule is highly relevant to the needs of the business community. Course schedule is easily accessible through an on-line booking system and delivers exceptional value for money through the funding subsidy applied by Skillnets Ltd and all training is delivered locally. Clients include sole traders, small to medium sized companies from all sectors and many of the multi-national companies in the region. Biznetcork Skillnet ran two Jobseeker Support programmes (JSSP) in September and October 2013, which is 100% funded by Skillnets Ltd. The JSSP programme facilitates a one-month boot-camp training followed by one month work placement. Intercall, Ireland s most innovative outsourcing specialist, partnered with us in providing work placements. The one month bootcamp training included a Certificate in Consultative Selling (FETAC Level 6), IT, Personal Effectiveness and training on Intercall s in-bound sales campaigns.16 jobseekers completed and received a qualification in sales and 10 of these jobseekers were offered employment. In 2013, Biznetcork Skillnet delivered over 120 courses in the areas of Management Development, Communication Skills, IT, Sales & Marketing and Finance. A list of the courses provided is included in Appendix 2. Over 765 employed people were trained and 118 unemployed people. As part of the Skillnets funding model, Biznetcork offer free places to jobseekers on all courses. Also in 2013, a seminar was organised entitled Social Media Wake-Up Call. Representatives of over 90 companies based in the Cork region attended to hear expert speakers, including Pat Mullins, of Mullins Lynch Byrne Solicitors and member of the Biznetcork skillnet Steering Group, stress the importance of being socially responsible whilst maintaining your reputation online. The seminar also asked are we aware of the 15

16 media A total of 70 press releases were issued in 2013 which resulted in extensive coverage in local, regional and national print, radio, tv and on-line media. The coverage highlighted areas relating to Policy, Events, Awards, Training etc encompassing both the key areas of concern for the business community and celebrating the positive events and successes throughout the year. Examples of this coverage include: 16

17 ANNUAL REPORT 2013 communications Cork Chamber has a continually improving communications programme delivered to members, providing weekly business ezine updates, monthly issues of ChamberLink and quarterly Economic Bulletins. The Chamber s Social Media communications platforms keep members updated on a daily basis through Twitter and LinkedIn. Promotional Planning brochure and Members packages available for members to maximise all engagement opportunities Cork Chamber s LinkedIn group has grown to over 1,900 We have over 6,000 followers on Twitter which has doubled in a 12 month period Produced 11 editions of ChamberLink monthly magazine as the primary communications and marketing tool, with a readership of over 5,000 business professionals Weekly ebulletin distributed to over 3,000, with up to the minute information on Chamber services, events and activities Released and circulated 70 Press Releases with economic news, policy updates and events, working closely with local, regional and national media to generate coverage We would like to thank our sponsors for their continued support and engagement throughout

18 Financial Statements directors & other information BOARD OF DIRECTORS AT 7 APRIL 2014 Margaret Brennan (appointed 15 April 2013) Denis Collins James Paul Duffy Gillian Keating Noel Keeley Michael Loftus Kevin Mills Dr. Michael Murphy Ronan Murphy (appointed 15 April 2013) John Mullins Kevin Murray Alf Smiddy (appointed 15 April 2013) William O Brien Barrie O Connell Michael O Connor Anthony O Mara Ann-Marie O Sullivan Daniel Gerard O Sullivan Olan Wixted (appointed 15 April 2013) SECRETARY AND REGISTERED OFFICE Olan Wixted (appointed 15 April 2013) Fitzgerald House Summerhill Cork REGISTERED NUMBER AUDITORS Deloitte & Touche Chartered Accountants and Statutory Audit Firm No. 6 Lapp s Quay Cork SOLICITORS Barry M O Meara & Son 18 South Mall Cork BANKERS AIB Bank 66 South Mall Cork Bank of Ireland 32 South Mall Cork 18

19 Financial Statements statement of directors responsibilities Irish company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the profit or loss of the company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the directors are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and The directors are responsible for keeping proper books of account which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting standards generally accepted in Ireland and comply with Irish statute comprising the Companies Acts, 1963 to They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business. 19

20 Financial Statements directors report The directors present their annual report and the audited financial statements of the company for the year ended 31 December PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES The company operates as a business representative organisation in the Cork area offering a suite of services including hosting business events, selling of export documentation, the provision of training services, trade development, promotion and policy and research activities. RESULTS FOR THE YEAR The profit and loss account and balance sheet for the year ended 31 December 2013 are set out on pages 22 and 23. Profit on ordinary activities before taxation amounted to 73,157 (2012: 56,145). A profit of 73,157 (2012: 56,145) is retained in the balance on the profit and loss account. The increase in profit reflects the impact of growth in new membership recruitment and increased export documentation sales. The net increase in turnover reported from 1,420,453 in 2012 to 1,578,813 reflects an increase in export certification income during the year along with an investment in additional activity facilitated by increased revenue. PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES The principal risk affecting the company would be a decline in economic activity in the Cork area. IMPORTANT EVENTS SINCE THE YEAR END There have been no significant events affecting the company since the year-end requiring disclosure in the financial statements. FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS The company expects to continue its current operating activities. GOING CONCERN The directors after making enquiries, have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue operating for the foreseeable future. This reflects their assumptions about the company s trading prospects and finance available to the company for the future. For this reason, the going concern basis continues to be adopted in preparing the financial statements. BOOKS OF ACCOUNT To ensure that proper books and accounting records are kept in accordance with Section 202 of the Companies Act, 1990, the directors have employed appropriately qualified accounting personnel and have maintained appropriate computerised accounting systems. The books of account are located at the company s registered office. AUDITOR The auditor, Deloitte & Touche, Chartered Accountants and Statutory Audit Firm, was appointed during the year as auditor of the company and continues in office in accordance with Section 160(2) of the Companies Act, Signed on behalf of the Board: Barrie O Connell Gillian Keating Date: 7 April 2014 DIRECTORS & SECRETARY The directors and secretary of the company are set out on page 18. On 15 April 2013, David Power resigned as secretary and Olan Wixted was appointed at that date. Directors Paul Hands, Denise O Callaghan and David Power resigned on 15 April 2013 and Alf Smiddy, Margaret Brennan, Ronan Murphy and Olan Wixted were appointed at that date. All other directors served throughout the year. 20

21 Financial Statements independent auditors report We have audited the financial statements of Cumann Trachtala Corcaighe (The Cork Chamber of Commerce) for the year ended 31 December 2013 which comprise the Profit and Loss Account, the Balance Sheet and the related notes 1 to 15. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is Irish law and accounting standards issued by the Financial Reporting Council and promulgated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland (Generally Accepted Accounting Practice in Ireland). This report is made solely to the company s members, as a body, in accordance with Section 193 of the Companies Act, Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF DIRECTORS AND AUDITORS As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors Responsibilities, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements giving a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements in accordance with Irish law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board s Ethical Standards for Auditors. SCOPE OF THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an assessment of: whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the company s circumstances and have been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the directors; and the overall presentation of the financial statements. In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in the Reports and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2013 to identify material inconsistencies with the audited financial statements and to identify any information that is apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing the audit. If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report. OPINION ON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS In our opinion the financial statements: give a true and fair view, in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice in Ireland, of the state of the affairs of the company as at 31 December 2013 and of the profit for the year then ended; and have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Acts, 1963 to MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT BY THE COMPANIES ACTS, 1963 TO 2013 We have obtained all the information and explanations which we consider necessary for the purposes of our audit. In our opinion proper books of account have been kept by the company. The financial statements are in agreement with the books of account. In our opinion the information given in the directors report is consistent with the financial statements. The net assets of the company, as stated in the balance sheet are more than half of the amount of its called-up share capital and, in our opinion, on that basis there did not exist at 31 December 2013 a financial situation which under Section 40(1) of the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1983 would require the convening on an extraordinary general meeting of the company. MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT BY EXCEPTION We have nothing to report in respect of the provisions in the Companies Acts, 1963 to 2013 which require us to report to you if, in our opinion, the disclosures of directors remuneration and transactions specified by law are not made. Honor Moore For and on behalf of Deloitte & Touche Chartered Accountants and Statutory Audit Firm Cork 9 April

22 Financial Statements profit and loss account: year ended 31 December Notes Turnover - continuing operations 2 1,578,813 1,420,453 Cost of Sales (409,504) (315,290) Gross profit 1,169,309 1,105,163 Administrative expenses (1,099,429) (1,053,375) Operating profit - continuing operations 69,880 51,788 Interest receivable 3,277 4,357 Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 73,157 56,145 Taxation on profit on ordinary activities Profit on ordinary activities after taxation 9 73,157 56,145 There are no recognised gains or losses other than the profit for the financial year as disclosed in the profit and loss account. The financial statements were approved by the board of directors on 7 April 2014 and signed on its behalf by: Barrie O Connell Gillian Keating 22

23 Financial Statements balance sheet: 31 December Notes Fixed assets Tangible fixed assets 6 532, ,230 Current assets Debtors 7 342, ,684 Cash at bank and in hand 422, , , ,643 Creditors - (Amounts falling due within one year) 8 (369,127) (524,349) Net current assets 396, ,294 Total assets 928, ,524 Capital and reserves Revaluation reserve 9 124, ,751 Profit and loss account 9 803, ,773 Members funds , ,524 The financial statements were approved by the board of directors on 7 April 2014 and signed on its behalf by: Barrie O Connell Gillian Keating 23

24 Financial Statements notes to the financial statements 1 STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES The significant accounting policies adopted by the company are noted below ACCOUNTING CONVENTION The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention. BASIS OF PREPARATION The financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting standards issued by the Financial Reporting Council and Irish statute comprising the Companies Acts, 1963 to TURNOVER Income from members subscriptions is included in the profit and loss account in the year to which it relates. Receipts from certificates of origin, functions/seminars, publications and funded projects are included in the profit and loss account in the year in which the service is provided. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Tangible fixed assets are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment charges. Depreciation is calculated in order to write off the cost or valuation of tangible assets, other than construction in progress, over their estimated useful lives by equal annual instalments. The rates of depreciation are as follows: Premises Fitzgerald House Office equipment and computers Project fees Fixtures and fittings 1.5% straight line 33.3% straight line 33.3% straight line 14.3% straight line PENSION COSTS Pension benefits are funded over the employees period of service by way of contributions to a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions are recognised in the profit and loss account in the period in which they become payable. 2 TURNOVER Turnover comprises the invoice value of goods and services supplied by the company exclusive of value added tax. 24

25 Financial Statements notes to the financial statements 3 OPERATING PROFIT Operating profit is stated after charging: Staff costs: Wages and salaries 623, ,374 Social welfare costs 68,791 70,528 Pension costs (note 11) 50,678 14, , ,597 Directors remuneration - - Depreciation 63,017 37,248 Staff costs are included in expenditure for the year as follows: Administration expenses 668, ,707 Direct costs 73,980 73,980 4 EMPLOYEES AND REMUNERATION Employee costs during the year were as follows: Average number of persons employed: Administration Direct costs TAX ON PROFIT ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES Cost or valuation At 1 January 2013 Additions Transfers Disposals At 31 December No provision has been made for corporation tax on the assumption, based on precedent, that corporation tax on the company s surplus does not arise. Office 6 TANGIBLE ASSETS Fixtures equipment Premises & fittings & computers Total 540, , , , ,828 2,329 (29,035) 29, (4,240) - (4,240) 511, , , ,423 Depreciation At 1 January 2013 Charge for the year Transfers At 31 December 2013 Net book amounts At 31 December 2013 At 31 December ,870 4, , ,104 6,863 16,445 39,709 63,017 (15,481) 15, ,252 36, , , ,110 99,671 7, , , ,301 45, ,230 The company s premises, Fitzgerald House, is included at a historic open market valuation with subsequent additions stated at cost. The company has availed of the transitional provisions of Financial Reporting Standard 15 Tangible Fixed Assets and has not updated this valuation. The historic cost of Fitzgerald House cannot be determined. 25

26 Financial Statements notes to the financial statements 7 DEBTORS - AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Trade debtors 250, ,193 Prepayments and sundry debtors 77,051 66,207 Project funding receivable 15,284 15, , ,684 8 CREDITORS - AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Trade and other creditors 149, ,796 Bank overdraft 4,310 - Amounts received in advance 37, ,853 Income tax deducted under PAYE/PRSI 44,694 34,375 VAT 18,906 3,471 Deferred funding 115, , , ,349 9 PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT AND OTHER RESERVES Profit and loss account At beginning of year 124, ,773 Profit retained for the financial year - 73,157 At end of year 124, , RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENT IN MEMBERS FUNDS Profit retained for the financial year 73,157 56,145 Members funds at the beginning of the year 855, ,379 Members funds at the end of the year 928, , PENSION COMMITMENTS The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for its employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund. The pension charge for the year was 50,678 (2012: 14,695). There were no outstanding pension contributions at the balance sheet date. 26

27 Financial Statements notes to the financial statements 12 TRANSACTIONS WITH DIRECTORS AND RELATED PARTIES The directors had no transactions with the company during the year, within the meaning of the Companies Act, CASH FLOW STATEMENT Financial Reporting Standard 1, Cash Flow Statements, exempts small entities from the requirement to prepare a cash flow statement. The company has availed of this exemption. 14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS There have been no important events affecting the company since the year end, requiring disclosure in the financial statements. 15. APPROVAL OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The directors approved the financial statements on 7 April

28 Appendix 1 Cork Chamber Policy Committes ECONOMIC & ENTERPRISE COMMITTEE Mr Ronan Murray (Chair) Mr David Austin Dr. Eleanor Doyle Mr Eoin Gunn Mr Bryan Hyland Mr Pat Ledwidge Mr Conor Lupton Mr Conall MacAongusa Mr John McGarry Mr Eoin Motherway Mr. Con Nagle Ms Elaine O Driscoll Ms Isobel O Regan Mr Frank P Ryan Dr. Irene Sheridan Mr Paul Sutton EY Phillips 66 Ireland Limited University College Cork AIB Business Banking Morgan McKinley Cork City Council Comyn Kelleher Tobin Transport & Innovation PricewaterhouseCoopers The Bank of New York Mellon Global Properties Ltd P J O Driscoll & Sons Savills DTZ Sherry Fitzgerald Cork Institute of Technology Cork County Council TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE Mr Denis Healy Port of Cork Company (Chair) Mr John Ahern Indaver Ireland Mr. Denis Cambridge ESB Networks Mr Kevin Cullinane Cork Airport Authority Mr Aiden Fitzgerald Eircom Mr Joe Fitzgerald Bus Éireann Mr Bob Grantham Cork Internet Exchange (CIX) Mr John Higgins Ernst & Young Mr. Tony McGrath Project Management Group Mr. Tony Mullane Cork County Council Dr. Jerry Murphy University College Cork Mr Michael J O Connor Cork BIC Mr Frank M O Flynn O Flynn Exhams Solicitors Ms Josette O Mullane Cork Institute of Technology Mr Aiden O Neill Coakley O Neill Town Planning Ltd Mr Andrew Roche Iarnrod Éireann Mr Jack Sheehan Jack Sheehan & Associates CORK COUNTY COUNCIL STRATEGIC POLICY COMMITTEES Mr Kevin Murray Kevin J Murray & Co. Ltd Transport SPC Mr Conall MacAongusa Transport & Innovation Ltd Planning SPC Mr Frank O Mahony Mr Nigel O Mahony Mr Donal Kelleher Frank O Mahony Business Consultants Economic & Regional Development SPC OMF Publicity Tourism SPC Midleton & Area Chamber Tourism SPC CORK CITY COUNCIL STRATEGIC POLICY COMMITTEES Mr Declan O Mahony Mr Tony McGrath Mr Denis Cambridge Mr Denis Healy Brideview Developments Ltd. Planning & Development SPC PM Group Roads & Transportation SPC ESB Transportation SPC Port of Cork Environment SPC Ms Claire Nash Nash 19 Recreation, Culture & Amenity SPC Ms Julieann Brennan Jury s Inn Hotel Recreation, Culture & Amenity SPC 28

29 Appendix 2 Training Information & Events Task Forces BIZNETCORK SKILLNET STEERING GROUP Mr Niall Hartnett Barry Group (Chairman) Mr Adrian O Riordan Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Mr Pat Mullins Mullins Lynch Byrne Solicitors Ms Margaret Rahilly Apple Distribution International Ms. Ann Marie O Keeffe Laya Healthcare Ms. Eileen Forde Dulux Ireland Ms. Jackie Murphy EMC Ireland Mr. Conor Healy Cork Chamber (Network Promoter) Ms. Barbara-Anne Richardson Cork Chamber Ms. Norma Lynch Cork Chamber (Network Manager) Ms. Aoife Dunne Cork Chamber (Network Administrator) TRAINING COURSES 2013 Certificate in Business & Executive Coaching Leadership (FETAC Level 6) Certificate in Supervisory Management (FETAC Level 6) Certificate in Train the Trainer (FETAC Level 6) Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt) Dale Carnegie High Impact Presentations Dynamic HR Business Partner Increasing Sales by Telephone Business to Business Selling Project Management Professional PMI Exam Preparation Influencing & Negotiating Conflict Management Digital Media for Business Effective Presentation Skills Business Finance for Managers & Entrepreneurs & Business Writing Introduction to Technical Writing MS PowerPoint Beyond the Basics MS Word (All Levels) MS Excel (All Levels) Customer Service & Complaint Handling Customer Care General IT Courses GOLF TASK FORCE Eamon Dwyer (Chair) Brian McCarthy Niall O Shea Mark Hopkins Norman Coleman City Life ANNUAL DINNER TASK FORCE Paula Cogan (Chair) Gillian Keating John Mullins Ger O Mahoney John Cashell Denise O Callaghan Frank Boland David A. Power Martin Fitzgerald Mary Hopkins Vodafone VHI Healthcare Hopkins Communications Cola Design & Print The River Lee Hotel ANNUAL CONFERENCE TASK FORCE Gillian Keating (Chair) Greg Canty Jarlath Feeney Kevin Mills Ken Murphy Denise O Callaghan Gavin Reynolds President Cork Chamber Past President Cork Chamber Past President John Cashell Ltd Delicious, The Gluten Free Bakery Frank Boland Ltd McCarthy Insurance KBC Bank Hopkins Communications President, Cork Chamber Fuzion Cork Independent Mills Public Relations CareerWise Recruitment Delicious, The Gluten Free Bakery IBM Ireland 29

30 Appendix 3 Events List EVENTS 2013 January Wed 24th Tues 30th Summer BBQ at the Maryborough Hotel Social Media Wake Up Call, River Lee Hotel with the Business Cork Chamber Wed 23rd February Fri 1st Tues 5th Thurs 7th Tues 19th How Twitter Brings the World Closer, in association with MII Southern Region, Clarion Hotel Cork Chamber Annual Dinner 2013, City Hall Business After Hours at Flemings Restaurant Business Breakfast with Terry Clune, Connect Ireland, Clarion Hotel New Members Breakfast, Imperial Hotel September Thurs 5th Sat 7th Tues 10th Wed 11th Tues 17th Fri 20th Wed 25th Annual Golf Classic, Castlemartyr Resort Lunch on board the Pont Aven, Brittany Ferries in assoc with Ireland France Chamber Business Breakfast with Rob Penney, Munster Rugby Coach, Vienna Woods Hotel Access to Finance, Part 1 with EEN Business After Hours at the Port of Cork New Members Breakfast, Imperial Hotel Are you ready for SEPA? Gresham Metropole Hotel March Mon 5th Wed 27th April Tues 9th Wed 10th Mon 15th Tues 23rd Tues 23rd Thurs 25th Leadership Forum featuring Michael Cawley, Ryanair, Maryborough Hotel Business After Hours at Noel Deasy Cars, Blackpool Business Breakfast with John Dolan, VMware, Imperial Hotel Cork Meet, Rochestown Park Hotel AGM Annual Meeting, Imperial Hotel Transition Year Awards, UCC Are you Ready for China? River Lee Hotel Business After Hours at the Cork English College May Wed 1st Cork Chamber Business Bootcamp, Part 1, Clarion Hotel Wed 8th Business Bootcamp, Part 2, Clarion Hotel Wed 22nd Business Bootcamp, Part 3, Clarion Hotel Fri 24th Female Mentoring Clinic with the EEN Fri 24th New Members Breakfast, Imperial Hotel Tues 28th Business After Hours at the Electric, South Mall Thurs 30th Winning in the UK and Beyond - Cork Chamber Annual Conference 2013 June Wed 5th Thurs 13th Thurs 27th Business Bootcamp, Part 4, Clarion Hotel Business Breakfast with Padraig O Riordan, DAA, Cork International Airport Hotel Business After Hours Networking Event at Laya Healthcare, Little Island October Thurs 3rd Wed 9th Thurs 10th November Wed 6th Wed 13th Tues 19th Tues 26th December Wed 4th Fri 6th Wed 11th Fri 13th Mon 16th Tues 17th Cork Funds Network Funds Industry Update, Port of Cork Access to Finance, Part 2 with EEN, Rochestown Park Hotel Business Breakfast with Herb Hribar, Eircom, Cork International Airport Hotel Access to Finance, Part 3 with EEN, Imperial Hotel Business Breakfast with Richie Boucher, Bank of Ireland, Clarion Hotel Cork Chamber s Dublin Dinner, Doubletree Hilton Hotel, Dublin Business After Hours at St Lukes Home, Blackrock Access to Finance, Part 4 with EEN, Radisson Hotel Little Island New Members Breakfast, Rochestown Park Hotel Business Breakfast with Tony O Reilly Jr, Providence Resources, Imperial Hotel Annual Christmas Lunch, Radisson Hotel Little Island Leadership Forum featuring Edmond Harty, Dairymaster, Maryborough Hotel Festive Cheer at the Kiln, Heineken July Thurs 3rd Wed 17th Trends in Recruitment & Retention, Joint Event with NRF, Clarion Hotel Speed Networking Event, River Lee Hotel 30

31 Access to more than training courses Network at over 50 events each year Connect with 100,000 business professionals ANNUAL REPORT 2013 Reaching over 100 markets worldwide Driving change for Cork s economic development policy training events promotion international works for your business The numbers speak for themselves at Cork Chamber we don t believe in sitting still and we continuously work to maximise and grow business in Cork, that is why we are the number one business organisation in the region. To discover how Cork Chamber can you work for your business contact us at or patrick@corkchamber.ie find us on 31