Cork Chamber Ambassadors

Take the opportunity to chat with one of our Ambassadors at an upcoming event - they can be recognised by their Red Welcome Badge and will be listed on the attendance list.

See our Cork Chamber Ambassadors

CHAMBER AMBASSADORS

Chamber Ambassadors assist our members maximise their membership and make the best of the many networking opportunities that are on offer throughout the calendar year, as well as giving New Chamber Members a “helping hand” to get started and build a strong network.

Chamber Ambassadors are 'voluntary' Chamber members who have seen the value of Chamber membership and have shown an interest in helping to promote this message to new and existing members. The aim of the Ambassador programme is to give Chamber members, and in particular new members, an additional opportunity to learn directly from existing members - find out how they have used their membership to enhance their business, learn some practical tips and hear some success stories.

The role of the Ambassadors is to:
• Look after new members who are at their first event, facilitate networking, introduce them to other members
• Give advice to other members on maximising their membership
• Provide testimonials of how membership has helped their business - for promotional use by the Chamber
• Have good knowledge and awareness of membership services
• Pass on and give feedback from members to the Chamber
• Attend a number of meetings each year to maximise the Ambassador role

To enquire about becoming a Chamber Ambassador email: deirdre@corkchamber.ie

CORK CHAMBER AMBASSADORS

	Name: Ken Buckley Company / Organisation: The Gallery Kinsale, 57 Main Street, Kinsale, Co. Cork Position: Owner Contact: M: (086) 844 8589 E: info@thegallerykinsale.com Website: www.thegallerykinsale.com Profile: Ken owns and manages ‘The Gallery Kinsale’, set in the heart of the historic town of Kinsale. It's all about personal service in this boutique style Art Gallery, if you have any art related questions Ken will try his best to answer it for you. He also runs Art Courses and Classes with some of Ireland's leading artists all year round in Kinsale - aimed at every age and ability they are proving very popular as gifts and family fun days out. You can ‘Like’ the gallery on Facebook, follow @Gallerykinsale on Twitter or connect with Ken on LinkedIn. Message to new and potential new members: Membership of the Chamber, in a lot of ways is like a gym membership in so far as you only get out of it what you put into it! You need to give your membership the same attention as you would any other aspect of your business to reap the rewards it can bring.
	Name: Mark Hegarty Company / Organisation: eFolioAccounts.com Position: Managing Director Contact: T: (021) 4217322 E:mhegarty@efolioaccounts.com Website: www.efolioaccounts.com Profile: Mark is Managing Director of www.efolioaccounts.com a bookkeeping Software as a Service which provides software to SME’s but also provides true white label software to Accounting Practices. Mark Hegarty is also the founder and Managing Director of Irish Formations, an independent Company Formations agency in Cork. Irish Formations provide formations agency business accounts to Accountants and Solicitors in Ireland, and Europe. They also provide Virtual Office services with VOIP technology. Mark works with clients all over the world to create a footprint for their business in Ireland from the incorporation stage to sourcing services for them through partners. Clients include existing corporates abroad moving to Ireland and new Irish business. Message to new and potential new members: We have been members of the Chamber for many years. Membership has given us opportunities to promote our business, train, and network with other members which has created real results for us. Regular attendance at events has made a real difference to our business. I would welcome a call from anyone who is considering membership.
	Name: Ciara McCrann Company: CEA Engineers and Architechts Position: Office & Accounts Manager Contact: T: (087) 0541 311 Email: ciara.mccrann@ceagroup.ie Website: www.ceaengineersandarchitects.ie Profile: CEA Engineers & Architects was founded in 2000 to provide a Multidisciplinary Architectural & Engineering Consultancy to clients nationwide. The company provides design consultancy services encompassing Architecture & Engineering, Planning, Urban Design and Interior Design all underpinned by a proven commitment to Sustainability. We are based in Cork and Dublin offering a professional service and advice tailored to suit our client’s needs. Message to new and potential new members: CEA Engineers & Architects have been members of the chamber with the last 12 months and have found it very beneficial for our business. The Chamber gives great opportunities to promote your business by After Hours Networking, Business Breakfast once a month. Also available is training within the chamber, Business Hub which is now also very beneficial for members. If any new and potential new members would like to ask any questions regarding the Chamber events from a member’s view please don’t hesitate in contacting myself.
	Name: Colin O Mara Company: Cork Taxi Co-op Position: Corporate Account Manager Contact: M: (086) 7961 505 / T: (021) 4272 222 Email: colin@corktaxi.ie Website: www.corktaxi.ie Profile: Cork Taxi Co-op was formed in 1971 when taxi men in the city saw the need to provide a radio taxi service for the city. That spirit of innovation has never left us and we have been at the forefront of all major initiatives in the industry ever since. We are proud to say that we are the service the business community rely upon. My role as Corporate Account Manager with Cork Taxi Co-op is to grow relationships with our existing clients and develop our customer base and look for their ongoing feedback to help us enhance our quality of service. Message to new and potential new members: It is important as a member of Cork Chamber to get involved and participate in as many events as possible in order to maximise the benefits of being a member. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of any assistance.
	Name: Mark Exshaw Company: Nat Ross Ltd Position: Director Contact: T: (021) 4968 539 M: (087) 7712 221 E: mark_exshaw@natross.ie Website: www.natross.ie Profile: Director of one of Ireland’s oldest furniture removal and storage companies; Nat Ross Ltd. Diploma in International Moving received in 1992. Past President of Irish Exporters Association - Southern Region. Past Chairman of St Michaels Primary School. Chamber Ambassador since 2013. Message to new and potential new members: Through the numerous networking opportunities Cork Chamber provides each year many new business contacts are made resulting in increased business. Therefore it is important to attend as many events as possible. Please feel free to contact me about how Cork Chamber can benefit your business. I will be pleased to help.
	Name: Deborah Maguire Company: IrishMadeGifts.com Position: Owner / Manager Contact: T: (087) 1961 454 E: deborah@irishmadegifts.com Website: www.irishmadegifts.com Profile: Representing over 70 craftspeople from all around Ireland, IrishMadeGifts.com provides 3 services 1- Corporate gifting 2- Designing Awards & Presentations 3- An online gift shop www.irishmadegifts.com IrishMadeGifts connects customers with their Irish roots by providing the best selection of quality gifts made here in Ireland. IrishMadeGifts.com was delighted to commission the awards for Setanta Sports Book of the Year Award, Cork Chamber Of Commerce Company of the Year Awards, Cork Digital Marketing Awards, Irish Institute of Training & Development Awards & SME Awards among others.We cater for all occasions from birth to retirement and everything in between. We also provide gift portfolios for corporate accounts to cater for company celebrations, years of service, staff loyalty gifts etc. We would be delighted to discuss your corporate or personal gift requirements and welcome any opportunity that promotes buying Irish. If you like supporting Irish made, you can follow us on Twitter @irishmadegifts and Facebook @Irish Made Gifts. Message to new and potential new members: Networking is a critical part of any business and Cork Chamber provides so many opportunities for meeting with fellow members; listen to keynote speakers from the world of business and play a part in contributing to economic policies…all under one roof. It is a fantastic forum if you just get yourself to at least one meeting each month. You actually do get to know the people behind the businesses- the success to real networking! I would be delighted to answer any questions regarding Chamber events from a member’s point of view or meet with new members at their first few meetings, so please feel free to contact me.
	Name: Paul Dennehy Company: Arachas Corporate Brokers Ltd Position: Financial Services Director Contact: T: (021) 4270 505 Email: Paul.dennehy@arachas.ie Website:www.arachas.ie Profile: Paul joined the Tyrrell Coakley Insurance Group in 2000. The group purchased other businesses and formed Arachas in 2004. Paul previously worked with Irish Life and CGU Life-Ireland in Account Management. Paul holds LIA qualifications in Financial Services, and he specialises in Pensions & Protection benefits for the SME sector. Arachas Corporate Brokers Limited is Ireland's largest independently owned insurance and risk management brokerage. Operating from locations in Cork, Dublin and Waterford, the group employ over 140 insurance, risk management and financial service personnel. Arachas is the Irish partner to the Assurex Group, one of the world's largest broker networks. We are also one of only two Irish incorporated Lloyd’s brokers and, as such, can offer our clients unparalleled access to Lloyd’s, the world’s leading specialist insurance market Message to new and potential new members: Being in the chamber provides an endless source of contacts and, it is a great business resource, but attendance at events is key. Go to meetings with an open mind and be helpful to others, and it will repay you greatly.
	Name: Niall Kenny Company: AB Sales Position: National Sales Director Contact: T: (021) 4837 077 M:(087) 2390 199 Email: niall@absales.ie Website: www.absales.ie Profile: Niall is National Sales Director of AB Sales since it’s foundation in October 2006, bringing together complimentary services like Print, Promotional Products, Signage and Catering Supplies. AB Sales provides a comprehensive range of promotional products to advertise your business and by combining it with our general print, graphic design and signage services, you can be confident that you will receive first class customer service, with excellent results every time. Our catering supplies division has everything you need to set up a venue of any size, from the office canteen, bar & Restaurant to hotel or large function room. We supply kitchen equipment, coffee machines, range of Robert Roberts Coffees and teas and packaging ( both generic and branded), everything from the coffee cup to the recyclable take-away sandwich holder. Message to new and potential new members: We have found our membership of Cork Chamber for the last three years to be an invaluable asset to our company. Providing us with plenty of opportunities to promote our business and to connect with like minded businesses, both locally and nationally. I would encourage regular attendance of Chamber events to maximize your networking and I’m available to chat over a coffee to answer any questions.