Strategic Plan 2021-2023 by Cork Chamber

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Strategic Plan 2021–2023

About Cork Chamber HISTORY Cork Chamber has been a champion for the business community and a strong advocate for the economic development of the Cork region for

over

200

years

DEFINITION Chambers of Commerce act as a focal point for the business community. Cork Chamber is a

not-for-profit

membership-led organisation, existing to serve our members through excellence in service provision and

thought leadership

Strategic Plan 2021–2023

BOARD & GOVERNANCE Cork Chamber is governed by a board comprised of representatives who are our members and have been elected by fellow members. The President of Cork Chamber is the Chairperson of the board and a leader of and

spokesperson for the business community

TEAM

Cork Chamber activity is driven by a professional team with a

broad skillset,

delivering services including training and event management, to promotion and communications, trade and export development, diplomacy and advocacy, sustainability, operations and finance.

Strategic Plan 2021–2023

MEMBERSHIP BREAKDOWN

Cork Chamber has approximately

1,200 members

250+ employees 51-250 employees

together employing

100,000+ people

throughout the city, metropolitan area and county.

10% 11% 49%

30%

≤10 employees

11-50 employees

OUR MEMBERSHIPS/AFFILIATIONS

Strategic Plan 2021–2023

Public utilities Consulting/Professional services

Retail

2% 3%

Healthcare & Medical supplies Charities & Community

3% 5%

21%

Tourism 6%

IT/Digital services/ Communications

Construction and Engineering

13% 9%

10%

Financial services

Hospitality/ Food & drinks services

10% 10%

Education/Government/ Representative bodies

Industry/ Manufacturing/Agrifood

Strategic Plan 2021–2023

Our vision To be a world-leading Chamber of Commerce, delivering on a progressive economic, social and sustainability agenda at the heart of a vibrant business community.

Strategic Plan 2021–2023

Our purpose Our members are our motivation. We champion Cork as a globally recognised place for business, innovation and quality of life. Working together we empower and support a successful and inclusive membership who drive a thriving Cork.

Strategic Plan 2021–2023

Our values DYNAMIC

INSPIRING

Forward Thinking

Respected Thought Leaders

Dynamism is about constant change, progress, agility and momentum. We work on the understanding that the way we do things today will not be the way we do things tomorrow.

We work not only to support, but also to provoke and inspire braver, better decisions that can positively impact business.

We keep innovating, so you can too.

We bring the brightest and most innovative people together to catalyse positive change. Together we push the issues that make us competitive.

Strategic Plan 2021–2023

RESPONSIBLE

PURPOSEFUL

Sustainable, Inclusive, Diverse

Change Makers

Everyone has a valuable contribution to make. We believe in the power of sustainability, inclusivity, equality and diversity for the greater good. We do the right things for the right reasons. For members, business, community and future generations.

For over 200 years the Chamber has stood with members and championed Cork. We work with passion and purpose to achieve economic, social and environmental resilience. We have a duty to leave our own legacy.

We’re here for the long run, the big picture.

We make our contribution count.

Strategic Plan 2021–2023

Our commitment to sustainability The delivery of this Strategic Plan will be influenced, guided and consistent with our formal pledge to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which we will continue to embed, evolve and push with urgency. As this agenda evolves rapidly on issues from taxonomy and the Green Deal, to ESG, doughnut economics and the circular economy we aim to be at the forefront of a positive, confident and well informed business community that cares about the future.

Framed through the lens of the Sustainable Development Goals we will:

Establish a Sustainability Council to drive and guide our direction

Deliver an impactful Sustainable Cork Programme

Commit to sustainable operations, inclusion, equality, and diversity

Evolve Environmental, Social and Governance principles (ESG)

Support societal cohesion and community development

Strategic Plan 2021–2023

Strategic actions Our vision and purpose guide the daily activity and strategic decision making at Cork Chamber. We are a service innovator with dedicated member focus, creating opportunity and community. Our global outlook forges strong relationships and a healthy perspective. As a champion of sustainability, we drive change for good to enhance the competitiveness of Ireland’s fastest growing city region.

Influencing, Representing, Collaborating Informing, Connecting, Promoting Growing, Partnering, Internationalising Operations, Finance, Governance

Strategic Plan 2021–2023

Influencing, representing, collaborating As the voice of Chamber members, through our public affairs and communications activity, we engage proactively with Government and key stakeholders to collaboratively drive a positive and progressive agenda, creating a world leading business environment.

We will:

Demonstrate best in class member interaction to guide our mandate

Be the most impactful regional advocacy group in Ireland

Be leaders in the delivery and interpretation of the UN SDGs

Progress exemplary digital and media communications

Present a contemporary, world-leading chamber brand

Strategic Plan 2021–2023

Informing, connecting, promoting Proudly championing you, your team and your business. Supporting you at every stage with a proactive Chamber team and impactful services.

We will:

Deliver dynamic events with thoughtprovoking content and speakers

Provide unrivalled opportunities to develop meaningful business connections

Be the leading voice for relevant and critical updates for your business and the Cork region

Be a valued asset for the development of your team and competitiveness of your business with high quality training

Shine a spotlight on your business with strong promotional channels

Strategic Plan 2021–2023

Growing, partnering, internationalising Connecting you to our international networks through trade missions, events and businessmatching initiatives, while raising the profile of Cork internationally to support the attraction of investment and talent to the region.

We will:

Help you to grow your business into new markets

Showcase the dynamic business ecosystem and quality of life in Cork to global audiences

Connect you with our global diaspora and diplomatic community networks

Develop international relationships to support the exchange of innovative ideas and best practices

Position internationally Cork’s unique qualities and attributes for investment and talent

Strategic Plan 2021–2023

Operations, finance, governance To achieve the best results for Chamber members, this Strategic Plan will be delivered with confidence and excellence. We will continually challenge and improve our ways of working. We will be collaborative and governance-driven with a focus on ESG, innovation and digital transformation.

We will:

Maintain an agile Strategic Plan that will be integrated and reviewed on a quarterly basis by the Board. Agree a comprehensive annual operational plan with clear and appropriate Key Performance Indicators that will be assessed annually.

Live our values to achieve a culture and environment that respects the contribution of a diverse and professional team.

Be to the fore in adopting and implementing best in class governance practice

Maintain a rigorous pursuit of leading financial performance within our sector.

Strategic Plan 2021–2023

Cork Chamber.ie