Revenue from subscriptions rises as chamber cashes in on ‘active year’

CORK Chamber has cashed in on what it described as an active year, as revenue from subscriptions soared to over €427,000.

According to Cork Chamber’s annual report, there was a significant fall in pre-tax profits as profit on ordinary activities before taxation amounted to just over €32,000 last year, compared with a profit of over €46,000 in the previous year.

Salary and pension spending by Cork Chamber increased by €40,000 last year on the 2004 figure as these expenses amount to over €338,000.

Cork Chamber president Roger Flack said “2005 was a very active year for the chamber on a number of fronts”.

“The level of economic activity in the Cork region significantly increased and this was reflected in the positive business climate experienced by most chamber businesses and also as borne out by the level of export documentation executed by the chamber.”

He said the chamber focused on developing a new three-year strategic plan last year and they also were active in lobbying on issues including air access, signalisation at Dunkettle Interchange, the building of the flyover at Kinsale Road roundabout, the development of a new airport terminal, the Groceries Order and the introduction of waste water charges.

“In late 2005, we met with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise and Small Business to discuss issues impacting on small business including bureaucracy, high level of legislation, stealth taxes, public sector costs, benchmarking, inadequate infrastructure and childcare costs,” said Mr Flack.

A record number of 51 networking events was organised for chamber members last year.

Mr Flack said: “There are still many challenges to be faced in the coming months, including the serious concern that Cork Airport will be saddled with all or part of the costs of the construction of the new terminal.

“Cork Chamber is also concerned at the delays in the development of Horgan’s Quay and Kent Station. All sectors of business are alarmed at rising costs in the areas of labour, energy, transport, waste management and local authority charges.”