Chamber CEO has seen 'considerable growth and evolution' in Cork business during 20 year tenure

THE Cork Chamber, established in 1819, has served the business community of the city for more than 200 years, with Conor Healy the chief executive officer (CEO) for the last two decades.

Speaking to The Echo, Mr Healy detailed the impact of the organisation, the ins and outs of his role, and what he hopes for the future of the Cork business landscape.

“This is my 20th year as Cork Chamber CEO,” said Mr Healy.

“In that time, I have had the privilege of seeing considerable growth and evolution in the organisation and the Cork region’s business landscape.

“While the city itself has become a thriving, multi-cultural place and remains the fastest-growing city region in Ireland, we have seen immense change for the better in Cork and hope to see it continue for many more years to come.

“The role of Cork Chamber CEO brings a lot of responsibility, to represent and support our members in the best way possible — but the role doesn’t exist in isolation, it is driven by the work of the chamber team.

“It’s a cliché, but it’s true to say that no two days are the same and there is huge variety,” Mr Healy said.

“A typical day can consist of meetings with chamber members, board members, stakeholder groups, elected representatives or visiting international delegations taking place at the chamber office, online or elsewhere.

“Some days look a little different, of course, particularly when there is a major chamber event on.

“We have a few large-scale events during the year, which are always important days in the calendar, including our annual dinner in City Hall.”

CRIME AND CHALLENGES

Speaking of the challenges faced by the chamber in recent years, Mr Healy said that while global societal, economic, and geopolitical events have cause some unrest, the business community in Cork has quickly adapted.

“Over the years, economic downturns, such as covid and Brexit, have all brought varied challenges, to which the business community has had to respond with agility,” said Mr Healy.

“More recently, uncertainty in the international trading environment has posed challenges for the business community and the wider Irish economy.

“At Cork Chamber, we have been following developments closely and engaging with members to understand their concerns.

“A Cork taoiseach brings an enhanced understanding of the business and community landscape in Cork, enabling us to engage in more detail on some of the most pressing issues for chamber members.

“We have met An Taoiseach Micheál Martin several times since he took office, following the last general election, both in Cork and in Leinster House, and always appreciate his time and positive engagement on a wide range of issues, from infrastructure development and renewable energy to supports for SMEs and research and innovation.”

A recent survey, undertaken by ISME, the representative body for small businesses, showed that 36% of Irish SMEs were affected by crime in the past 12 months, with up to 100% of convenience stores reporting an increase in crime committed against them according to a recent survey by the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association.

Mr Healy said that Cork Chamber is “acutely aware” of this issue, and is continuing to engage with local businesses to combat this increase.

“It is critical that Cork is allocated sufficient Garda resources, in line with the region’s ongoing population growth, in order to prevent criminal activity and anti-social behaviour in urban areas,” said Mr Healy.

“Alongside the direct impact of crime on many businesses, anti-social behaviour can also result in reduced footfall and business traffic in the city centre, which, in turn, can harm Cork’s welcoming reputation. We have consistently raised this issue with key stakeholders, both locally and nationally,” he added.

“Creating and maintaining safe, welcoming urban spaces depends not only on sufficient Garda resources, but also on measures that support city centre living and vibrancy,” Mr Healy said.

“Continued improvements to the public realm around Cork city are particularly welcome in this regard, along with the consideration of measures that bring additional people into the city centre, such as above-shop living and ‘meanwhile use’ solutions for vacant properties.”

IMPACT

Mr Healy discussed the broad responsibility of the organisation and how it interacts daily with its various members and stakeholders.

“Right now, Cork is on a clear growth trajectory, in terms of population, the economy, and infrastructure development,” said Mr Healy.

“At such an important time for the city and county, the chamber works to engage with key stakeholders locally, nationally, and internationally, to advocate for strategic investment and development in the Cork region.

“We have a team of 23 dedicated professionals across member services, [and] the collaboration between the team, with our president and board, with members, and with other external stakeholders, underpins all of the chamber’s activities.

“What some may not realise is the breadth of the work undertaken by the chamber team in collaboration with members,” he said.

“What is hugely rewarding is the wide variety of members we engage with on a daily basis and the variety of perspectives this brings.

“From sole traders and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), to large domestic and multinational firms, we engage with businesses of all sizes, alongside other stakeholders, from local authorities to national government, as well as community and voluntary groups.

“It is this level of engagement that gives us a unique understanding, not only of the business landscape in Cork, but of the broader ecosystem that exists across communities in the city and county.

“Cork Chamber has been a champion for the business community in Cork and a strong advocate for the economic development of the region for over 200 years,” said Mr Healy.

“Every chamber of commerce traditionally acts as a focal point for the business community, representing their interests and advocating for economic development.

“In recent years, however, our remit has evolved; while we continue to champion the priorities of our more than 1,200 members, we also work to represent the interests of the wider community across Cork.

“Earlier this year, we launched a new strategic plan for the chamber for 2025 to 2028, with a purpose to unite, represent, and support our members and community.

“Our strategic plan also sets out a clear vision: To lead a transforming and ambitious Cork city and county,” he said.

“Being named Chamber of the Year 2025 is a proud reflection of the collective effort and shared purpose of the entire chamber team, the leadership of our board, and the support of our members, partners, and stakeholders.

“It’s worth highlighting, in particular, the chamber’s commitment to sustainability, which is embedded in all activities and initiatives we undertake.

“Cork Chamber has been appointed a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) champion by the government of Ireland, and we have pledged to uphold five SDGs that are particularly relevant for our members and the wider community.”

Mr Healy may be 20 years in the role of chamber CEO but, with a keen eye on further growth over the coming years, he is as determined as ever to advocate for the business community in Cork.