We are a local voluntary collective of business people who provide a support network for members and personal one-to-one advice. We champion a vibrant, safe, clean, welcoming, sustainable and living Cork City.
By working together, we can ensure that businesses in the city have a stronger voice when dealing with local and national issues.
As a board driven organisation, we have ensured that our board is made up of exceptional Cork Business leaders with diversified experience, expertise and knowledge to steer the CBA, with the city’s and members’ needs central.
Eoin O’Sullivan, a prominent business leader, serves as the Director of M&P O’Sullivan Ltd, Gala Retail Services, and is a Past-President and active Board member of CBA. With a family legacy of over 118 years in the wholesale food sector, Eoin is dedicated to ensuring M&P O’Sullivan Ltd adaptability to industry changes while upholding a strong reputation. Passionate about business, Eoin extends his commitment to community through Gala Retail Services spearheading their commitment to service and local engagement. His leadership, business acumen, and community involvement make him a respected figure in Cork’s business landscape.
Dave leads the tax advisory practice of Xeinadin Ireland, where he provides guidance to both corporate entities and individuals in various aspects of tax planning. His expertise spans company restructures, succession planning, and VAT matters, drawing on more than 15 years of experience in tax advisory.
Dave is the president of the CBA and is on the Board of Directors. Dave assists the organisation on financial and governance issues.
Aaron Mansworth, a seasoned leader in the hospitality industry, serves as the Managing Director of Trigon Hotels in Cork. Aaron has established a reputation for driving operational excellence, fostering innovation, and delivering exceptional guest experiences. As the Managing Director of Trigon Hotels,he oversees the strategic direction of the company. He is known for implementing forward-thinking strategies that enhance overall business performance.
Aside to CBA, Aaron sits on numerous boards from Visit Cork, the Everyman Theatre and Cobh Heritage centre while also sitting on national Management and Council of the Irish Hotels Federation.
Niamh is an award-winning communications professional and project manager, with particular expertise in festivals and events, hospitality, retail, and tourism. She is involved in many of the city’s top festivals including the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, Cork on a Fork Fest, and Cork International Choral Festival. Niamh is is on the steering group for Let’s Play Cork, communications steering group for We Are Cork, and is a member of Cork Convention Bureau. Creative and PM orientated, Niamh has a hands-on and collaborative approach. She has been volunteering with CBA since 2009 and is passionate about the City
The CBA Executive comprises members with extensive expertise in diverse fields. This deliberate selection ensures that the CBA possesses a wealth of knowledge, specialised skills, and valuable contacts across various sectors. Our aim is to leverage this expertise to effectively support our members and address the specific needs of Cork City.
Clara brings over ten years of professional experience as an Urban Planner and is the founder of her own planning consultancy based in Cork City. Currently, she sits on the Community, Culture and Placemaking Strategic Policy Committee of Cork City Council. Within CBA, Clara supports as Infrastructure lead and is set to spearhead the newly established ‘City Centre 2030’ pillar. Her expertise lies in policy development, placemaking, urban regeneration, and master planning, and she held a leading role in the planning strategy for the Victorian Quarter in Cork.
Louise is a strategic communicator and not-for-profit specialist with over 15 years’ experience supporting charities to grow, sustain, and amplify their impact. Louise’s career has been shaped by working closely with organisations at critical moments, helping them secure funding, strengthen their voice, and build long-term sustainability.
As Director and COO of Yellow Harbour, Louise focuses on turning ambition into action. Whether that’s through strategic planning, high-impact grant writing, or strengthening digital communications, my work is centred on giving charities the tools and clarity they need to thrive – not just survive. At the core of everything I do is a strong belief that organisations changing lives should be properly supported to do so.
With a passion for creating unforgettable experiences and a background in hotel business management, Margaret has dedicated her career to the art of event planning and management. As the Owner of O’Regan Events and the Operations Director of Event Plan, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the world of corporate event planning. Margaret thrives on the art of crafting exceptional events that leave a lasting impression, and her businesses have consistently delivered outstanding events that reflect the unique visions and objectives of their clients.
Aside to CBA, Aaron sits on numerous boards from Visit Cork, the Everyman Theatre and Cobh Heritage centre while also sitting on national Management and Council of the Irish Hotels Federation.
Michael Powell is the Managing Director of Powell Property, one of Cork’s leading property and asset management companies, specialising in residential sales, lettings, investment and large-scale property management across Cork City and County.
Coming from a long-established Cork business family, Michael has spent over 20 years working within the property sector and has developed a strong reputation for his entrepreneurial mindset, deep understanding of buildings and passion for regeneration and investment within Cork City.
Michael is known for identifying opportunities within underutilised and neglected properties and is particularly passionate about the repurposing of upper floors above retail units, vacant commercial buildings and older city centre properties back into residential use. His work focuses not just on property transactions, but on improving and revitalising areas of Cork through investment, regeneration and long-term strategic thinking.
Julie Evans, a University of Wales graduate and member of the Public Relations Institute of Ireland, boasts over 30 years of PR experience. Starting her career in Harrods of Knightsbridge, she later freelanced for global PR giants Shandwick PR and Prime Communications in London. In 1991, she moved to Dublin to work with Fashion PR firm Profile Plus. Julie joined Casey Communications Consultants in Cork in 1993, where, as Account Director, she was strategically involved with significant projects such as the Cork Main Drainage Scheme and the Beth Gali, St. Patrick’s Street Refurbishment. Julie’s diverse client portfolio has included Amgen Technology Ireland, University College Cork, Cork University Hospital, and retail projects for House of Fraser, Dundrum and Opera Lane, Cork. She remains the PR and Marketing Manager for Opera Lane and continues to work with Cork City Council on various projects. Julie has been a member of CBA’s Executive for five years and leads and chairs CBAs direction and policy on Retail.
Lorraine is the General Manager of the Imperial Hotel in the heart of Cork city, where she oversees the day-to-day running of one of the city’s most historic and well-known hospitality businesses. Lorraine’s role gives her a front-row seat to how Cork is experienced by both locals and visitors, and to the factors that shape a successful, vibrant city centre.
Lorraine hopes to see Cork continue to grow as a welcoming, vibrant, and well-managed city that people are proud to live in and excited to visit. From a hospitality perspective, that means a safe and clean city centre, a strong calendar of events, and an environment that encourages people to spend time here.
Biography to come …
The CBA is organised into seven committees, each dedicated to advancing specific aspects aligned with our Strategic Pillars. These committees include members from both the Board and the Executive, forming a collaborative effort. The Strategic Pillars are the core driving force of CBA, shaping our mission and vision. We invite our members to actively participate and support these committees. You’re also welcome to join as committee members, contributing to our shared goal of propelling Cork City into 2030 while ensuring it remains a Safe & Clean environment.
All CBA Committees are supported by the CBA office. The CBA 5 year Strategic Plan here contains further details on each CBA committee.