Cork is undergoing 'considerable change' and is poised to emerge as 'vibrant city', says CBA President

CORK is undergoing “considerable change” and is “uniquely positioned to emerge as a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable city”, the newly elected president of the Cork Business Association (CBA) Aaron Mansworth told those attending Saturday night’s President’s Dinner at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island.

In his address, Mr Mansworth, who is Managing Director of Trigon Hotels, said the city was seeing new hotels and retailers opening and undergoing significant refurbishment while others were visiting Cork to consider locating here and this all showed “growing confidence”.

“Together, we have the power to shape the future of our city and foster an environment where businesses of all sizes can flourish,” said Mr Mansworth.

“Our city is undergoing a period of considerable change,” he said. “An unprecedented amount of national exchequer money has been invested in the city, which is a very attractive proposition for retailers and businesses alike.”

The event, which raised funds for autism charity, the Rainbow Club, was attended by Cork’s Lord Mayor, Kieran McCarthy, Seanad Éireann Cathaoirleach, Jerry Buttimer, and the Cork North Central Fine Gael TD and newly appointed Minister for State in the Department of Health, Colm Burke.

Cork firms recognised 

After feasting on a special ‘Taste of Cork’ menu created by local chefs working in Irish Hotel Federation establishments, attendees enjoyed the presentation of the Cork Business of the Year Awards which recognised several of the city’s leading firms and outlets. McKechnie Cleaning Service was named Large Business of the Year while Cameron Bakery received the Small and Medium Enterprise accolade.

His “unwavering support for emerging talent and marginalised youth” earned Echo columnist and Red FM music presenter Stevie Grainger, Stevie G, the Champion of Cork award while former CBA Director and Board Chair Claire Nash was also acknowledged for her central role in the association over decades. The winners were selected by a panel of independent adjudicators and were voted on by more than 15,000 members of the public.

Local food business Oakfire Pizza was honoured for Sustainable Business Innovation while the Marina Market was named the Best New Business. O’Sullivan’s Gastropub in Douglas was awarded the title of Cork’s Best Restaurant while Moody Café Vin was named Best Café. The Liberty Bar won the title of the best Vintners Federation of Ireland pub while the Best Retail Business in Cork was named as Flowers by To Have and To Hold.

The Crawford Gallery in the city centre won the Best Tourism Arts Events award.

Other award winners were DBFL Consulting Engineering in the Best Professional category and Craving Cork which won the Best Digital award.

The awards, which are run in partnership with JCD, Centra, Peninsula Ireland, and media partner the Irish Examiner, recognise the value and achievement of Cork businesses who survived, thrived and innovated over the past year and those who have contributed to or promoted the enhancement of the commercial, cultural or civic life of Cork.