Month: November 2018

New Road Traffic Management System for Cork Airport

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- Cork Airport investing in improvements to internal roads to cater for passenger growth - 

- Passenger numbers due to grow by a further 7% in 2019 to 2.6 million -

 

27 November 2018: Cork Airport, Ireland’s second busiest international airport, is introducing a new road traffic management system to facilitate growing passenger numbers. The measures include investment in an upgrade of the forecourt, improved access to car parks, improved signage, a new two-way road system to the Red Express car park and enhanced public transport lanes, all designed to improve road traffic at the airport. Construction will commence immediately following the recent granting of planning permission, with the new system to be fully operational from March next year.

Con Dooney, General Manager Operations and Safety at Cork Airport, stated: “Over 2.4 million passengers will pass through Cork Airport this year, our third consecutive year of growth, and this will rise again next year by a further 7% to 2.6 million. To cater for this significant increase, we need to make improvements to our roads infrastructure.

“Our customers’ airport experience is of the utmost importance to us. The road traffic management system will make the overall airport experience smoother, quicker and safer for all passengers, whether they are using public transport, private cars or hire vehicles.”

The project includes upgrades to the forecourt, and the introduction of a new two-way system to the Express Red long-term car park, reducing traffic volumes on the main road towards the terminal. The project also includes road signage improvements for better traffic-flow, and enhanced public transport lanes for taxis and buses. The 226/226A provides a frequent bus service from Cork Airport to the city centre, Parnell Place Bus Station and Kent Railway Station.

In line with international best practice, Cork Airport is also changing the layout of its forecourt and set down area. The outer right-hand lane on the forecourt will continue to be used by private vehicles, for set down and drop off only. A new barrier system with automatic number plate recognition is being put in place and access will be free-of-charge for up to 15 minutes to allow for normal drop off and collection. For drivers who wish to stay beyond the 15 minute grace period, charges will apply.

Those dropping off or collecting passengers who wish to stay longer are advised to use the short-term multi-storey car park, which is also free for the first 15 minutes.

The project’s main contractor is HBS Construction Ltd with a number of local based subcontractors working on site.

For more information on the new traffic management system see www.corkairport.com

Cork Airport Welcomes Additional Summer Flights with Ryanair

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22 November 2018: Cork Airport, Ireland's second busiest and best connected international airport, welcomes the news that Ryanair has added over 330 additional return flights to France, Italy and Spain for its Summer 2019 season. The airline’s new service to Naples, Italy for Summer 2019 will also launch a month early due to demand.

Over 54,000 extra seats will be added to routes across Barcelona Girona, Barcelona Reus, Bordeaux, Carcassonne and Milan Bergamo, for travel between June and August 2019.

The recently announced twice-weekly service to Naples, originally due to commence in July 2019, will now run from June to August next year, adding over 1,700 seats.

In 2019, 2.6 million passengers are forecasted to travel through Cork Airport, up 7% on this year. Over 50 routes will be on offer, which include the recent Ryanair announcements of Naples, along with Poznań, Budapest and Malta. For more information on Cork Airport, visit www.corkairport.com 

Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director at Cork Airport said:

“Today’s announcement to extend these very popular summer sun routes underlines the ongoing investment Ryanair is making in their extensive network from Cork Airport.

 

“These destinations offer Ryanair customers in Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Waterford, and the entire South of Ireland region, the opportunity to enjoy a great summer holiday next year while experiencing the award-winning customer service synonymous with Cork Airport.”

Mr MacCarthy added:

“We will deliver our fourth consecutive year of growth in 2019 with a further increase of 7%. I am confident of further positive announcements as our business development team is working continuously to make that growth happen.”

Ryanair’s Summer 2019 Cork schedule offers 18 routes, with the airline delivering 1.1m customers through Cork Airport next year as it grows its Cork traffic by 20%.

Ryanair’s Robin Kiely said: “With the weather getting colder, it’s the perfect time to start planning a summer escape and Ryanair is pleased to launch extra flights from Cork during June and August 2019. With over 55,000 additional seats from Cork to Barcelona Girona, Barcelona Reus, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, Milan Bergamo and Naples, customers have a range of sun holiday destinations to choose from. These extra flights at amazing low prices will be quickly snapped up, so we advise early bookings to avoid missing out.”

 

Chef Adrian Hillgrove head’s up kitchen at Fitzgerald’s Vienna Woods Hotel following €1m renovation investment

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Corkman Adrian Hillgrove has been appointed as the new Executive Head Chef at Cork's much-loved Vienna Woods Country House Hotel. This exciting appointment comes on the back of a €1million investment to renovate all guest rooms and suites in the family-run 48-bedroom property.

 

The renovation project has also delivered upgrades to the hotel’s meeting spaces and technology offering to meet the hotel’s growing demand as a travel and business destination. The work, which is almost complete, has given the 18th century property a sumptuous yet vibrant fresh look. Adrian's appointment to further enhance the hotel’s quality food offering, together with the recent investment, will dovetail to reposition the already thriving 4-star hotel as a deluxe country house.

 

An experienced head chef and graduate of Cork Institute of Technology's Culinary Studies, Adrian’s career highlights include working at Rick Stein’s flagship eatery ‘The Seafood Restaurant’ in Cornwall. Back on home soil, Adrian, who hails from Bishopstown, Cork, has previously worked as executive head chef at the Montenotte Hotel, as a chef at Man Friday’s Restaurant in Kinsale for five years, as well as The Bosun, Monkstown and Clifford’s Restaurant in Cork city.

 

Adrian is passionate about the use of seasonal, local produce and leads what he describes as 'an all-star team of 14 hand selected chefs' at Vienna Woods.  The renowned chef, who in his spare time is a keen fisherman, loves to work with fresh seafood and is already incorporating some signature seafood dishes into his new menus. Some of his favourites include the French classic Black Sole with meuniere butter and his own special signature seafood tasting board (pictured above).

Adrian’s role as Executive Head Chef at the Vienna Woods Country House Hotel means he oversees the food offering at the hotel restaurant, 'Maybel Crawford's Bistro,' where all dishes are freshly cooked to order. He also plans to give special care and attention to delivering the highest quality food for the hotel’s wedding and events, an area for which Vienna Woods is already renowned. He will also be responsible for the hotel's breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner room service menus.

 

Commenting on his appointment, chef Adrian said: “My career to date has seen me cook in some exemplary establishments in both the UK and Ireland and I am excited to join team at Vienna Woods Country House Hotel. My aim is to create modern and appealing menus with a focus on local produce, seasonality and taste that will further enhance the hotel’s positive reputation as a dining destination. I’m fortunate to have a very strong team behind me in the kitchen, with the excellent Marsha O’Carroll as head chef. As a team, we all share a desire to fulfil the needs and expectations of the customers and delight them with high quality delicious tasting food.”

Michael Magner, owner and manager of The Vienna Woods Country House Hotel, said: “Because Vienna Woods is family run, everything we do is personal, we go the extra mile because we truly care. I am delighted to welcome Adrian onboard to lead our kitchen team as I know that his food passion is as strong as our care for our guests. I have faith that his talent and experience will take us to the next level and help in our aim to offer an unrivalled guest experience.”

For more see www.viennawoodshotel.com/

Shop in Cork City this Christmas – A FREE parking gift for you!

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Cork Business Association and Cork City Council encourage people to shop in Cork City this Christmas by giving them the gift of free evening weekend parking!

 

Nothing quite beats the festive atmosphere of shopping and socialising in Cork city, and now there’s another great excuse to head into the centre!  The people of Cork are being given the gift of FREE parking!

Cork City Council and the Cork Business Association have launched a free parking initiative that will run after 5pm in Paul Street and North Main Street car parks every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from November 22 until January 12.  This means for almost two months there will be 1,000 free car parking spaces available for shoppers in Cork City, three nights per week!

Not only that, but there will also be increased park and ride services, along with additional late-night buses, making the city more accessible than ever in the busy Christmas period.

Commenting, Lawrence Owens, CEO of Cork Business Association said: “Cork businesses are already extending their opening hours for the festive season and this initiative should give everyone another boost.  Cork is a fantastic, compact city with the highest number of independent retailers in Ireland and we want to encourage as many people from the greater Cork area as possible to come the city centre in the run up to Christmas to soak up it’s incredible atmosphere, so this is our gift to you!”

The new free parking offer, which was unveiled by Cork City Council last Monday night, will allow more visitors and families to enjoy Christmas shopping in the city and attend attractions like the annual GLOW festival which opens on Grand Parade and Bishop Lucey Park on Friday November 30th. The initiative will also mean shoppers and visitors alike can grab a bite to eat or drink in many of the city’s restaurants, cafes and bars, or attend a Christmas panto’ or show without the consideration of parking costs.

The parking offer will be available at North Main St Car Park from 5pm to 9.30pm and at Paul St Car Park and from 5pm-midnight on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays from November 22nd. The offer will continue until Saturday January 12, meaning that it can also be enjoyed by New Year sales shoppers too. (The promotion is only valid if you enter after 5pm).

For even easier access into the city centre, Bus Eireann plans to increase park and ride services and spaces to encompass late evening and Sundays at Blackash and the Kingsley, and expand services to and from the city centre in the run up to Christmas. This will include a doubling of frequency on the 220 route between Ballincollig and Carrigaline, and an extension of the park and ride bus hours later in the evening and to include Sundays for the festive period.

The free Christmas parking gift comes just weeks after Cork Chamber introduced a new one4all multi-store gift card aimed to maximise support for local businesses as it can be accepted only by shops and businesses in the Cork area that have signed up to the scheme, while Cork Business Association recently launched a co-ordinated social media platform to promote shopping in the city centre, highlighting the city’s fantastic range of boutiques, high street stores, quirky shops and quality array of bars and eateries that make Cork City Centre so unique.

 

The Cork City Shopping social media channels can be accessed on Facebook (@corkcityshopping), Instagram (@corkcityshopping) and Twitter (@corkshopping) and the CBA is encouraging consumers and retailers alike to follow the channels to keep up to date with what’s on offer in Cork City Shopping.

 

Let the countdown begin!

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Cork Christmas Lights to be switched on this Sunday November 18th

Organised by Cork City Council, the countdown to Christmas has truly begun with the announcement that the switching on of the Cork City Christmas Lights will take place on Patrick’s Street this Sunday November 18th.  The Christmas Lights will be switched on by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Mick Finn and there is a rumored appearance of Santa!

 

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Mick Finn said,

 

“Cork’s Christmas starts here! The Switching on of the Christmas City Lights officially marks the start of the countdown to Christmas in Cork. The Switch on will take place at approximately 7.15pm and I would encourage people to come into the city to experience this wonderful free family festive event. I would also encourage people to shop local for Christmas and help keep jobs and shops alive in Cork.”

Beginning at 6.30pm on Patrick’s Street, the Switch on Party will be hosted by KC and Ros Browne from Cork’s 96FM.

 

Ireland’s leading pop music school, The Academy of Popular Music will perform a selection of much-loved Christmas songs including All I want for Christmas, Merry Christmas Everyone and Fairytale of New York. Students from The Academy of Popular Music, have previously performed on the Late Late Toy Show, the Voice of Ireland, and Cork’s Got Talent.

 

They will be joined on stage by the Cork Deaf Choir who will sign and sing a selection of Christmas Songs, and they invite everyone to ‘Sign Along’ by learning the chorus of Santa Claus is Coming to Town which you can find  here: https://youtu.be/UfQOqkk5jPU or by searching ‘Irish sign language santa’.

 

Throughout the evening ISL Irish Sign Language Services will be on offer, and patrons with additional mobility needs will be accommodated close to the stage.

 

Due to the large volume of people who annually attend the Switching on of the Christmas Lights, members of the public are being asked to give themselves plenty of time to come into Cork City on Sunday. Normal Sunday parking restrictions will apply and traffic wardens will be on duty. Some additional road closures and lane restrictions will be in place from 12 noon to 10pm on the day, so drivers are advised to check the website. Park and Ride will operate on a Monday to Friday frequency from 11am-8.30pm from Black Ash to Lapps Quay, and with the last Bus leaving the City Centre at 8.10pm.

 

See www.corkchristmascelebration.ie for details on parking in the city.

The switching on of the Christmas Lights will kick start the city’s seasonal celebrations and a big promotional drive by Cork City Council and the Cork Business Association to encourage people to come into the city centre and to shop locally in the lead up to Christmas.

 

Cork will be transformed into a festive wonderland with the opening of GLOW on Friday November 30th which will run for four weekends in the build up to Christmas. Cork’s 96FM and C103 and the Evening Echo are the media sponsors of GLOW 2018.

 

For further information contact Eimear O’Brien PR

086 8900364/eimear@eimearobrienpr.ie

Enter the Cork Business of the Year Awards Today!

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Calling All Cork Businesses with Star Quality!

 

Entries open on Monday November 12th for the Cork Business Association

Business of the Year Awards 2018 

~ Two new award categories including the Champion of Cork Award announced ~  

Enter for free online by midnight December 3rd in any of the 12 exciting and diverse business categories and you could be celebrating at the Gala Awards Night on Saturday 19th January 2018 with fellow stars of the Cork Business scene!

 

REPRO FREE 13.11.2018 - Cork Business Association members gather to officially launch the Cork Business of the Year Awards 2018. Photo: Billy McGill

 

Cork Business Association (CBA) has launched the 'Cork Business of the Year Awards 2018’, in partnership with awards sponsor JCD, event partner AIB and media partner The Irish Examiner, to recognise the outstanding contribution of businesses and individuals working diligently across varied sectors of business in Cork City and its environs.

 

Your business could be set for stardom in January 2019, as entrants not only have the chance to win individual award categories but they could also be named the overall ‘Cork Business of the Year.’

 

The 12 award categories for 2018 include:

  • Best New Business in Cork, sponsored by LEO Cork City
    • Open to all businesses that have been founded or are new to Cork since 1st January 2016. Entrants will be asked to explain their business and to demonstrate how they have translated a great idea into a viable and successful business venture. They will also be asked to outline their plans for the future.

 

  • Best Cork Family Business
    • Open to all family owned and run businesses in the greater Cork city area. Your business must be managed by family members and you must be able to demonstrate the involvement of at least two generations of family members who are working in the business.

 

  • Best Cork Hotel, sponsored by Kings Laundry
    • The Best Hotel award acknowledges excellence in service and accommodation. Entrants will demonstrate high class, flawless service in a comfortable, quality establishment, while both meeting and exceeding guest expectations, and how they have helped to promote Cork as a destination nationally and internationally.

 

  • Best Cork Restaurant, sponsored by The English Market
    • The best Restaurant award acknowledges excellence in quality, service, price and ambiance. Entrants will demonstrate high standards in food quality, cost, efficiency, customer service, imagination, attention to detail, marketing and how well the establishment functions as a business.

 

  • Best Cork Café, sponsored by The English Market
    • The best Café award will recognise excellence in customer service, business innovation, premises ambiance and atmosphere. Entrants will demonstrate high standards in food quality, cost, efficiency, imagination, attention to detail, marketing and how they have raised the profile of their business in this ever increasingly competitive sector.

 

  • Best Cork VFI Pub, sponsored by Vintners Federation Cork
    • The award for Best Cork Pub will be awarded to the pub that, in the opinion of the judges, demonstrates ‘best in class’ in the areas of innovation, creativity, ambiance, operational excellence and customer service.  Open to VFI Members only.

 

  • Best Cork Retail Business, sponsored by Cork City Council
    • The best Cork Retail Business will be awarded to the business that routinely strives for the highest standards across a number of key metrics such as customer service, value, visual merchandising, premises maintenance, marketing, and adaptability. High standards are particularly important given the very severe challenges currently facing Ireland’s retail industry. It is critical that the retail industry plays its part in consistently improving its offering to attract more customers, keep retail workers in jobs and simultaneously keep Cork city centre vibrant which in turn will re-engage citizens and customers alike.

 

  • Best Professional Services Business, sponsored by ETC – the events, tourism and communications agency.
    • This category is open to all businesses that provide a professional business service in the greater Cork city area. They include banking, legal, accounting, HR, recruitment, PR, marketing, architects, financial advisers, engineers, consultants, training providers, strategic advice etc. They can be any organisation or profession that offers customised, knowledge-based services to clients. Entrants must be able to explain what their professional business service is and demonstrate their commitment to customer service excellence within their particular service provided.

 

  • Best Tourism Art Event, sponsored by IHF Cork
    • This award is designed to recognise and reward an organisation, attraction, business or event that has excelled in tourism, contributing to growing tourist numbers and /or the visitor experience in Cork.

 

  • Cork Business of the Year, medium category, sponsored by JCD and the Irish Examiner
    • This award honours and acknowledges a business that has contributed or promoted the enhancement of the commercial, cultural, or civic life in Cork city. This award is open to all medium sized businesses irrespective of Category.

 

  • Cork Business of the Year, large category, sponsored by JCD and the Irish Examiner
    • This award honours and acknowledges a business that has contributed or promoted the enhancement of the commercial, cultural, or civic life in Cork city. This award is open to all large businesses irrespective of Category.

 

  • The Champion of Cork Award
    • This year we are very excited to announce the introduction of a brand new category to the Cork Business of the Year Awards, ‘The Champion of Cork Award.’ This award was created to praise, honour and recognise a Corkonian whom we believe has made a real difference to Cork and its people, be it through driving business, their contribution to the arts, their charitable work, their efforts in developing our city or their passion and drive for promoting all things Cork.

 

The Cork Business Association is celebrating 61 years in business this year, and the organisation’s Business of the Year Awards are always a highlight for Cork businesses. Speaking about the 2018 awards, Chief Executive of Cork Business Association Lawrence Owens said: “The Cork Business of the Year Awards have grown year on year and are certainly the highlight of Cork Business Association’s calendar. Through these awards, along with our sponsors and partners, the CBA annually seeks to recognise the hard work and good business acumen demonstrated by businesses in Cork.

“Last year we recognised some highly notable achievements, with CIT being named Cork Business of the Year 2017 – Large Category; Cork Convention Bureau winning Cork Business of the Year 2017 - Medium Category; and Republic of Work being named Best New Cork Business 2017. This year we are delighted to announce the separation of the Best Cork Restaurant and Café awards and the addition of an entirely new category, The Champion of Cork Award, which will honour the contribution of a key individual to business development within the city.

“We very much look forward to receiving this year’s submissions and would like to encourage all businesses located within the greater Cork city area to consider entering these prestigious awards.

“The benefits of being part of the awards process are many, including association with the awards, public recognition for your hard work, plus marketing and networking opportunities. We would also like to sincerely thank all of our sponsors, in particular our awards sponsor JCD, event partner AIB, and media partner The Irish Examiner.”

 

To enter the Cork Business of the Year Awards 2018, your business must be based in the greater Cork city area.

 

Nominations open on Monday November 12th and entries for all award categories which are FREE to enter should be completed online at http://corkbusiness.ie/cba-cork-business-of-the-year-awards-2018/ following a simple 3 step process no later than midnight December 3rd 2018.  An experienced panel of leading business executives will provide independent judging with shortlisting commencing on Monday December 10th.

 

The awards ceremony, which is a favourite event on Cork's glittering social calendar, will take place at a Black Tie dinner in the Clayton Hotel, Silver Springs on Saturday 19th January 2019.

 

Tickets are competitively priced at €110 or €1,000 for a table of 10 (plus booking fee) and are available to purchase through Eventbrite or direct from the CBA office by calling (021) 427 8295. Tickets include a pre-dinner drinks reception, a sumptuous 3-course meal; wine, awards presentations, spot prizes and stellar live entertainment.

 

For more information on Cork Business Association and the 2017 Cork Business of the Year Awards including full detail of categories and how to enter see http://corkbusiness.ie/cba-cork-business-of-the-year-awards-2018/

-Ends-

 

For media enquiries or to arrange an interview with CBA Chief Executive Lawrence Owens

Contact:

Niamh Murphy ETC

niamh@e-t-c.ie

Tánaiste says decision on extra Events Centre funding will allow for early 2019 construction start

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The Cork Business Association welcomes today's comments attributed to An Tánaiste Simon Coveney indicating that clarification on the financing aspect of the Cork Events Centre from the Department of Heritage and the Gaelteacht was imminent. This will pave the way for a funding application to the Department of Expenditure and Reform. Mr Coveney stated he was confident that the funding issue will be resolved in 2018 and we will see the long awaited commencement of construction in 2019.
 
The Cork Business Association has in recent times declined from commenting on the subject of the Events Centre as we were not in possession of all the facts. This project is so vital to Cork both socially, culturally and commercially that any commentary must be both informed and accurate.
 
We fully acknowledge the complexity of the issue and the many stakeholders involved all working we believe to achieve a positive outcome. We also wish to acknowledge the ongoing work and deep personal commitment of Minister Simon Coveney on this issue. 

Legal agreement on public funding for the Cork events centre will be finalised in the coming weeks with construction starting as soon as early 2019, Tánaiste Simon Coveney has said.

Wednesday will mark 1,000 days since the official sod turning on the €75m project but City Hall officials and the Chief State Solicitor’s office are still locked in talks over how much in public funds can be allocated to the project without compromising the tender agreement.

High-level meetings on legal advice took place last week and another meeting is planned next week before the Department of Heritage and the Gaeltacht can be given the green light to make an application for funding to the Department of Expenditure and Reform.

Mr Coveney said he was confident we will have clarity on this project in 2018 and that we will see the start of the construction of the project in early 2019.

“This loose commentary that nothing is happening on the events centre - nothing could be further from the truth," he told the Evening Echo.

"A lot has happened. A lot of business meetings have taken place, a lot of board meetings and financial considerations have taken place and a lot of financial and legal advice has been needed and a second planning application isn’t fully through the process.

The then Taoiseach Enda Kenny turning the sod on the Cork Events Centre in February 2016.Pictured were Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Chris O'Leary; An Tánaiste Joan Burton, Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney; CEO of Live Nation Ireland Mike Adamson; and BAM Ireland CEO Theo Cullinane. Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision

The then Taoiseach Enda Kenny turning the sod on the Cork Events Centre in February 2016. Pictured were Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Chris O'Leary; An Tánaiste Joan Burton, Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney; CEO of Live Nation Ireland Mike Adamson; and BAM Ireland CEO Theo Cullinane. Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision

“In the meantime, an archaeological dig that has cost the guts of €500,000 has taken place and a detailed planning and cost estimate for the internals has been done.“I have taken a lot of stick for this politically and online and local radio. I don’t mind that and I can understand the frustration but I would like people to know that this is a real project that is very complicated and has changed as time has gone on.

“Let’s not let this project be undermined by negativity that is not informed. We are close to finalising the legality of how much money we can put in and when we have that, Live Nation and BAM will be wanting to move forward fairly quickly. It will take a few more weeks.”

“A number of businesses want this and a number of hotels want to be built on the back of this, while more want to expand. It is a 6,000 events centre that will probably be full four or five nights a week. It’s going to make a huge difference to the commercial activity of the city which is why I’m so committed to it, as are City Hall.”

Shop In The City

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  • Cork Business Association and Cork City Council launch plans to promote shopping in Cork City
  • Cork City Shopping social media channels launched
  • New ecommerce, business training, and tourism initiatives announced
  • Opportunity for retailers to work together to drive footfall

 

The Cork Business Association (CBA) together with Cork City Council have launched new retail social media channels to promote shopping in Cork City, offering an opportunity for retailers to work collectively to drive footfall to the city centre.

 

The ‘Cork City Shopping’ channels on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter will highlight the city’s fantastic range of boutiques, high street stores and quirky shops.  They will also promote the array of cafes, bars, restaurants, cultural venues and events, which are all within walking distance of each other, making shopping in Cork City so unique!

 

The CBA is also working alongside the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) Cork Branch to create a brochure for hotel rooms that will offer visitors discounts and incentives to shop in the City.  The aim is to launch the brochure in the first quarter of 2019.

 

Having recently relocated to a new premise on No. 5 South Mall, the CBA is now even more at the beating heart of retail and hospitality in Cork city.  Businesses are encouraged to pop in if they would like to discuss a business matter or if they have any issues requiring support or advice.  The new office also offers a free hot desk for members and the boardroom is available to book for all CBA members.

 

The Cork Business Association is also partnering with the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) on a CBA led initiative to drive awareness and information on e-commerce and business innovation.  Expert advice will be given to businesses on a one-to-one basis from their South Mall office, and information workshops will also run over the coming months in the areas of innovation, social media, marketing, business exchange (encouraging owners or their staff to do an exchange case), studies of best practice in retail, how to change with the times, and effective networking. Contact the CBA office for more information.

 

Commenting, Chief Executive of Cork Business Association, Lawrence Owens, said,

“Cork Business Association has always offered personal one-to-one advisory and support services to retailers and the hospitality trade, in particular in the areas of infrastructure, planning and transport, flood defence, security and social issues, graffiti, garda liaison, connection with relevant departments in Cork City Council, tourism development and input into events that impact the city.  We also update members on a regular basis on what’s happening in the city in our weekly email. However, we recognise the need to constantly review how effective our communication is with our members and I am confident these new initiatives will help us improve our messaging. We also run a number of awards including the Cork Better Building Awards and upcoming Cork Business of the Year Awards.”

 

“In more recent years, we have actively developed campaigns to help drive much needed footfall into the city centre and are delighted to now launch a number of new initiatives this week, in partnership with Cork City Council.”

 

“One such initiative is our new Cork City Shopping social media channels.  I would encourage all retailers to follow these channels and to share their content with our team.  The aim is to attract shoppers from the Cork surrounds and further afield.”

 

“Our partnership with LEO will also help the retail sector in Cork to go to the next level.  It is a sector that is in constant flux and the challenge to match the speed the sector is evolving, can often be the difference between success and failure”.

 

Helping businesses to understand the need to embrace change and stay up to date with shifting tastes and trends, whether it’s exploring new technology and buying habits or knowing what is going on around them, is crucial. Essentially, businesses must adapt to suit their customers needs, not just in terms of products, but in how their customer wants to shop and when they wish to shop”.
Also commenting, Paul McGuirk, City Centre Co-ordinator for Cork City Council, said,

“We recently ran a significant marketing campaign in association with the National Transport Authority to support businesses in Cork City Centre.  We are delighted to now partner with Cork Business Association on their exciting social media campaign that will be driven from the ground up. It’s a fantastic opportunity for retailers in the city to work together to promote how unique the shopping experience is in Cork City Centre. With the city's broad range of festivals and events continuing for the remainder of the year, the atmosphere really is second to none."

 

The ‘Cork City Shopping’ social media channels are available on Facebook (@corkcityshopping), Instagram (@corkcityshopping) and Twitter (@corkshopping).

 

There’s an opportunity to win a gorgeous Fiorelli handbag from Kilkenny Shop for one lucky person who signs up over the coming week.

 

For more information or to send information on your business to share, contact corkcityshopping@gmail.com or info@corkbusiness.ie.