dublin chamber of commerce annual report 2006

8/14/2019 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Annual Report 2006

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Annual Report 2006

Infrastructure | Competitiveness | Knowledge



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Dublin Chamber of CommerceAnnual Report 2006

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Contents

President’s Address Page 2

Chief Executive’s Address Page 4

Council Listing Page 6

Pictorial Review Page 7

Knowledge Economy Committee Report Page 8

Competitiveness Committee Report Page 9

Transport and Infrastructure Committee Report Page 10

Communications Committee Report Page 11

Business Development Committee Report Page 12

International Committee Report Page 13

Accounts Page 14

Staff Listing Page 16



It has been my honour to represent the membersof the Dublin Chamber of Commerce over thepast twelve months as we led the debate on theissues that affect Dublin business. Through theexcellent work carried out in our committees, theChamber has continued to strengthen its voice –locally, regionally and nationally – ensuring thatthe concerns and interests of our membersinfluence the decisions of tomorrow.

Dublin’s successes over the past decades havebeen built by driven business leaders. While thesetraits are still entrenched in our culture,tomorrow’s growth and continued success will bebased on a ‘knowledge economy’ which willnecessitate the integration of technologydevelopments into the way we live and work aswell as the creation of an environment forlifelong learning. To push forward these goals Iasked Martin Murphy, Managing Director HP

Ireland, to chair a new committee at theChamber to focus on the ‘Knowledge Economy’.This committee along with our ‘Infrastructure’and ‘Competitive Dublin’ committees formulatedour strategic policies which Dublin will need fortoday and tomorrow.

In our meetings with Ministers and key officials,we made clear our priority recommendations forthe future, calling for increased usage of ICTtechnologies, greater levels of R&D, lowercommercial rates and business charges, improved

road and rail infrastructure, and better tourismand port infrastructure within the Greater DublinArea. Action must be taken across this broadrange of policy areas. The Chamber is committedto working with all involved – Government,business and Higher Education Institutes – totransform Dublin and make it competitive intothe future.

In our NDP 2007-2013 submission, we called onGovernment to prepare an Environment 21,Health 21, Housing 21 and Education 21, along

similar lines to the successful Transport 21 multi-annual capital programme. Government musttake charge and provide the investment to meetfuture population needs in the city.

Our influence on such strategies and initiativeswill make our vision of Dublin in 2020 a reality.We believe Dublin and the Greater Dublin Areamust be a world class region – a safe, clean andvisually attractive place that attracts highly skilledlabour and encourages and promotes research,enterprise and an entrepreneurial culture. TheChamber’s members are critical to the realisationof this vision. I would like to express sincerethanks to the members of our committees fortheir important contributions and commitment in2006.

The Chamber has also played a key role inpresenting Dublin to business around the world.

Through international trade missions we broughtrepresentatives from Dublin to India, Belfast, andHong Kong, while we also played host to anumber of receptions receiving delegations fromSan Jose, Georgia, and China among others.

As President, it was a privilege (as well aspersonally enjoyable) to welcome on behalf ofthe Dublin Chamber the numerous distinguishedguests who addressed our meetings in 2006. Thesuccess of our immensely popular AGM, Annual,and Sporting Dinners was a testament to the

quality of speakers which the Chamber attracts.From these feature events to our Dinner InCamera and Business Breakfast series, Chambermembers have had the opportunity to listen toengaging speeches and gain insight into theinternational business environment. It is throughthe generosity of sponsors and supporters thatsuch events are made possible.

The Port Tunnel, which opened in December,was first announced by the Taoiseach at ameeting of the Chamber ten years ago. As


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President’s AddressEugene McCague



decisions are made for the next decade, theChamber will continue to make sure that thevoice of Dublin business is heard and our policiesare implemented. We are able to ensure thisthrough the active participation and backing ofall our members. Thank you for this continuedsupport.

I would like to express a heartfelt thanks to themembers of the Executive Committee andCouncil for the tremendous amount of time,effort and assistance that they gave to theChamber and me as President through out theyear.

I would like to wish the Chamber and itsmembers continued success in the coming years.

Eugene McCague

President

1 Eugene McCague (right), Chamber President, met withthe Attorney General, Rory Brady.

2 The 2006 Annual Dinner with guest speakers David O’Reilly(left), Chairman & Chief Executive of Chevron Corporation,and Brian Cowen TD (right), Minister for Finance, greeted byEugene McCague (centre), Chamber President.

3 Michael Smurfit (right), Chairman of Smurfit Kappa Group,and Eugene McCague, Chamber President.

4 John Howard MP (left), Australian Prime Minister, withChamber President Eugene McCague prior to a jointly hostedbusiness lunch by the Chamber and IBEC.

5 Chamber’s AGM Dinner (l-r): Rt Hon Peter Hain, MP;Eugene McCague, Chamber President; andAn Taoiseach Bertie Ahern TD.


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Last year was an excellent year for the Chamberthanks to the continued support of our membersand the hard work of all our staff. Over the pastfive years we have seen consistent growth inservices to our members (+9%) and in ourmembership numbers (+5%) and an increasingrespect for and attention to the voice of theDublin Chamber in making a difference to doingbusiness in the Greater Dublin Area.

Once again our unrivalled events broughtthousands of guests to be informed by leadingpolitical figures (Australian Prime Minister JohnHoward, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern TD, Rt Hon PeterHain MP, Minister Brian Cowen TD and MinisterMichael McDowell TD), to be inspired by eminentworld business leaders (David O’Reilly, Hugh Friel,Dr. Michael Smurfit, Denis O’Brien, John Herlihyand Jean-Philippe Courtois) and to be entertainedby prominent personalities (Gordon Ramsay and

Peter Alliss).

The Chamber has also developed itself as amodel for business, from technologydevelopments to highlighting the importance ofcorporate social responsibility. Over the course of2006, we have been working on a new IT systemthat will help improve our services to membersand our ability to capture their views onimportant current issues. We expect to launchthis system in 2007. We have also focussed onthe importance of involvement in Dublin’s

communities through the Irish Times LivingDublin Awards, which recognises the significantcontribution made by individuals andorganisations to the communities within whichwe live and work.

This year the Chamber sought to improve andstrengthen North-South business links. Weformalised these efforts by signing aMemorandum of Understanding with theNorthern Ireland Chamber of Commerce andIndustry. The signing took place at an historicfirst joint meeting of the Councils of bothChambers, followed by a reception with guest ofhonour President Mary McAleese. We continuedthe successful Network + Getwork series which

was started in 2005 with the support ofInterTradeIreland. Network + Getwork hassuccessfully encouraged and assisted companiesin Ireland and Northern Ireland in developingcross border business.

We made sure that in 2006 our members’ voicewas heard on key decision makers on the issuesthat mattered. The Chamber’s key policy focusfor 2006 was infrastructure, the knowledgeeconomy and competitiveness.

We continued to monitor progress underTransport 21 and to campaign for the DublinTransport Authority as a key delivery mechanismfor this capital programme. In our Budget 2007submission, we argued that the centralchallenge facing the Greater Dublin Area is itsinfrastructure deficit and called on theGovernment to re-direct funds from the failed

public service decentralisation programme to a¤1bn capital allocation towards completing theprimary roads programme and strategic non-national roads.

Realisation of Dublin’s potential to develop as aknowledge city, where life long learning is thenorm, drove our recommendations in this policyarea. We called on Government to implementPC penetration schemes, and the introduction oftax and capital incentives to accelerate PCownership as a critical delivery mechanism in the

learning process. The transformation of Dublininto a leading ‘knowledge city’ will requireengagement, co-operation and activeparticipation from all relevant actors –Government departments, agencies, HigherEducation Institutes and business – and theChamber is leading this dialogue for Dublin.Thus throughout 2006 we maintained a firm eyeon business costs, in particular local authoritycharges, in order to maintain thecompetitiveness and attractiveness of the GDA.

Our policy progress on these issues will ensurethat Dublin becomes a competitive world-classcity. Dublin competes with the cities of theworld for investment and not with other cities


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Chief Executive’s AddressGina Quin



and regions on this island. It is critical that Dublin’s skillbase and infrastructure compares favourably with othercities. We have maintained this year a firm eye on businesscosts, local authority charges and on the implementationof Transport21, in order to maintain the competitivenessand attractiveness of the Greater Dublin Area.

The Chamber’s 2020 vision (www.dublinchamber.ie)remains our guiding strategy for achieving a Dublin whichis agile to global demands and achieves harmoniousgrowth. Our progress toward accomplishing this vision willtake the continued active participation of all our membersfor which we are very grateful.

I would like to thank sincerely all the sponsors andsupporters of our policy development and events,committee chairs and members, and all the otherindividuals who played a vital role in making the past yeara success. In particular I would like to thank the membersof the Executive Committee and Council for their

considerable time and effort in making the DublinChamber the success that it is. We are a membership-based organisation, and it is only through the activesupport and involvement of both sponsors and membersthat our successes can be achieved.

I look forward to your valued contribution in 2007.

Gina Quin

Chief Executive

1 Gina Quin (left), Chamber Chief Executive, and Eugene McCague

(centre), Chamber President, welcome Michael McDowell TD,Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, before a ChamberDinner In Camera.

2 Dublin Chamber discussed Transport 21 with Martin Cullen TD,Minister for Transport. (l-r) Ronan King, Chamber Vice President; GinaQuin, Chamber Chief Executive; Minister Martin Cullen TD; MargaretSweeney, Chair of Chamber’s Transport Committee; and EugeneMcCague, Chamber President.

3 Country Manager for Microsoft Ireland, Joe Macri (left), with GinaQuin, Chamber Chief Executive, and Eugene McCague, ChamberPresident.

4 Gina Quin, Chamber Chief Executive, took part in the 2006 Liffey Swim.

5 Getting tips from golfing great Peter Alliss before the2006 Sporting Dinner. (l-r) Peter Alliss; Gina Quin, Chamber ChiefExecutive; Eugene McCague, Chamber President; and Leslie Morrison,CEO of Invest Northern Ireland.


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Mr. Eugene McCague (President) Chairman, Arthur Cox 10 of 10Mr. Ronan King (Vice President) Director of Business Development, Howard Eurocape 9 of 10Ms. Margaret Sweeney (Deputy Vice President) CEO, An Post/Fortis Banking Venture 7 of 10Ms. Áine Maria Mizzoni (Immediate Past President) Managing Director, Grafton Recruitment 6 of 10Mr. Patrick Coveney (Honorary Treasurer) Chief Financial Officer, Greencore 6 of 10

Mr. Peter Brennan Managing Director, EPS Consulting 8 of 10Mr. Clive Brownlee Chairman, Dublin Convention Bureau 9 of 10

Ms. Grainne Byrne Managing Director, gbc Public Relations Ltd 8 of 10Mr. David Carson Partner, Deloitte 7 of 10Ms. Maeve Donovan Managing Director, The Irish Times 2 of 10Mr. Des Fahey Chief Executive, Dublin Business Innovation Centre 9 of 10Mr. Niall Feely Business Markets Director, Eircom plc 9 of 10Mr. Niall Geoghegan Chief Executive, Jurys Doyle Hotel Group 2 of 10Mr. Jack Golden Human Resource Director, CRH plc 7 of 10Ms. Jacqueline Hall Managing Director, Political Communications Limited 7 of 10Cllr. Vincent Jackson Lord Mayor of Dublin 3 of 5Mr. John Kelly Head of Consumer Strategy, AIB Group 6 of 10Mr. Mark Kelly President, JCI Dublin 6 of 8Mr. Declan Lawler Area Director – Dublin, AIB Group 7 of 10Mr. Aidan O'Hogan Managing Director, CB Hamilton Osborne King 6 of 10Mr. Pat Maher Executive Director, Enterprise Ireland 7 of 10

Mr. Tom McAleese Managing Director, Barclays Bank Ireland Plc 7 of 10Ms. Sharen McCabe Managing Director, McCabe Pharmacy 3 of 6Ms. Denise Moroney Chief Executive, Brand Dynamics 5 of 10Mr. Cathal Muckian Director of Business Banking, Bank Of Ireland 6 of 10Mr. Martin Murphy Managing Director, Hewlett-Packard Ireland Ltd 6 of 10Prof. Brian Norton President, Dublin Institute of Technology 8 of 10Mr. Frank O'Connell Director Retail, Dublin Airport Authority 7 of 10Prof. Joyce O' Connor President, National College of Ireland 2 of 10Mr. David O'Halloran Group Marketing Director, Coyle Hamilton Willis 7 of 10Mr. Tiarnan O'Mahoney Chief Executive, ISTC – International Securit ies 7 of 10Mr. Dalton Philips Chief Executive, Brown Thomas 2 of 10Mr. David Pierce Head of Inward Investment, Ulster Bank 7 of 10Mr. Maurice Pratt Managing Director, Cantrell & Cochrane Group Limited 6 of 10

Mr. Liam Quirke Managing Partner, Matheson Ormsby Prentice 3 of 10Ms. Imelda Reynolds Managing Partner, Beauchamps Solicitors 9 of 10Dr. Michael Somers Chief Executive, National Treasury Management Agency 6 of 10Mr. Peter Stapleton Managing Director, Lisney 7 of 10Mr. John Tierney City Manager, Dublin City Council 2 of 5Mr. P. J. Timmins Chief Executive, Clery & Co. 10 of 10Mr. Peter Webster Chairman, Image Now 7 of 10


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Council listing




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2006 Pictorial Review

1 The 2006 David Manley Award winners received ‘the gift of time’ worth¤80,000 from a selection of top Irish companies. The David ManleyAward was established by a group of his friends in the Dublin Chamberof Commerce to honour his contribution to, encouragement andmentoring of SMEs. (clockwise from left) David Pierce, Chairman, DavidManley Award Committee; Sean Coughlan, Social EntrepreneursIreland; Dermot Egan, Chairman of judging panel; and Rowena Neville,Business2Arts.

2 An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern TD, addressing members at the 2006 AGMDinner

3 At the Chamber’s Christmas Lunch 2006 guest speaker Gordon Ramsay(centre), Chamber President Eugene McCague (right), and Cathal

Muckian, Bank of Ireland’s Director of Business Banking, brought giftsto the dinner which were donated to the Society of Saint Vincent dePaul and ISPCC.

4 Dermot Ahern TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs; David Marsden, Director,HKTDC; Brian Norton, President, Dublin Institute of Technology; andAengus McClean, Vice President, AOL Technologies Ireland.

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The creation of the ‘Knowledge Economy’committee in 2006 was an important additionto the policy scope of the Dublin Chamber ofCommerce. Helping to drive forward theChamber’s vision that by 2020, Dublin shall bea ‘knowledge city’ driven by creativity,imagination and innovation, the committeefocused upon the key areas whereimprovements could be made to raise theproductivity and efficiency levels of allorganisations.

Drawing from the wealth of knowledge andunderstanding of the members of thecommittee, which included representatives fromthe city’s third level institutes, and major IT andtelecommunications companies, our 2006 workprogramme focused upon:

Encouraging PC penetration and the adoption

of broadband technologies in the home and bybusiness;

Encouraging and supporting a knowledge basedentrepreneurial culture within SME’s

Strengthening the link between Governmentsectors, industry and the region’s educationalproviders;

Encouraging the development of R&D centresof excellence;

Promoting life-long learning for all citizens; and

Creating an environment where IP is nurtured,protected and exploited in all sectors.

We believe that Government must be the linchpin inthe transformation of Dublin into a knowledge city.We warmly welcomed the publication of the Strategy

for Science, Technology and Innovation 2006-2013

this year and support its goal that "Ireland, by 2013,will be internationally renowned for the excellence ofits research, and will be to the forefront in generatingand using new knowledge for economic and socialprogress, within an innovation driven culture".However, we believe that the success of thisambitious Strategy will lie in its timely delivery and fullimplementation, and have communicated this to theDepartment of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Throughout 2006, the Chamber held a series ofbusiness breakfasts, dinners and briefings for allmembers focusing on technology. Guest speakersfrom companies where ICT is at the heart of theiroperations - Google, Microsoft, Hewlett Packard,MyHome.ie – continuously reaffirmed the important

role ICT shall play in the transformation of Dublin intoa knowledge city.

A key area of policy in 2006 was the strengthening ofDublin Chamber’s link with the city’sHigher EducationInstitutes. These institutes shall play a central role indeveloping Dublin as a learning society that promoteslife long learning. Over the coming years, we shallcontinue to encourage all actors to make thenecessary investments to develop a vibrant andsuccessful 4th level of education and to provide SMEsand owner-managers with relevant training and

resources ‘on the ground’ to develop their businesses.

The transformation of Dublin into a leading‘knowledge city’ shall require a cohesive vision andstrategic approach to be taken and shared by allGovernment departments, agencies, Higher EducationInstitutes and industry. Realisation of this vision shallrequire engagement, co-operation and activeparticipation from all involved, the Dublin Chamber ofCommerce included. Thus I would to thank eachcommittee member for their valuable input and timethroughout the year. Your efforts have ensured thatthe Chamber’s contribution is substantial and of ahigh quality.

Martin Murphy

Chairperson


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Committee Report: Knowledge EconomyMartin Murphy, Managing Director, HP Ireland

Microsoft International’s

President, Jean-Philippe

Courtois, briefed members of

the Chamber on knowledge

economy and the launch of the

National Productivity Centre.

(l-r) Margaret Sweeney,

CEO An Post/Fortis, Banking

Venture; Jean-Philippe Courtois;

Cllr. Vincent Jackson, Lord

Mayor of Dublin; and Joe Macri,

Country Manager, Microsoft

Ireland.



Committee Report: Competitive DublinPJ Timmins, CEO, Clery & Co.

Capital city-regions are internationally recognised drivers ofeconomic development. They are the homes of most jobs,businesses, Higher Education Institutes and seats ofGovernment, all central to achieving innovation,entrepreneurship and business growth and employment forthe whole country.

The Greater Dublin Area region plays this important rolewithin the Irish economy, and throughout 2006, thecommittee focused on maintaining the competitiveness andattractiveness of the GDA as a location in which to live and dobusiness. Our work programme focused on two key areas –business costs, in particular Local Authority charges, and theinfrastructure deficit in our tourism industry.

During 2006, the committee continued to strengthencollaboration and cooperation with our essential businesspartners - Dublin City Council. Local Authority charges placegreat pressure on the cost base of companies. Accordingly,during our quarterly meetings with Dublin City Council, we

encouraged them to continue to take steps to increase theiraccountability and the efficiency of their operations.

Given the results of the Census 2006, showing strongpopulation growth in the GDA, we are calling on CentralGovernment to augment the level of financial assistance givento rapidly expanding urban Local Authorities. Increased use ofservices and higher standards are placing huge pressure onthe revenue of Local Authorities. In response to this werecommended that a ‘Greater Dublin Area Authority’ beestablished to Minister Cowen during our 2006 AnnualDinner. This ‘Greater Dublin Area Authority’ would focus on

issues currently spanning across numerous Local Authorities,ensuring an integrated vision for our city. This Authoritywould build upon the proposed Dublin TransportationAuthority and be under the leadership of a directly electedMayor. A popularly elected Mayor would allow citizens of theDublin region give input into the policies and vision that drivetheir region, thereby enhancing accountability.

During a meeting with Minister O’Donoghue to discuss ourpaper Tourism ABC: Promoting Dublin as a location for Arts,Business and Culture, we reiterated the need for swiftcompletion of the National Conference Centre and theimportance of having a ‘cultural ambassador’ for the city. Wesuccessful lobbied for the creation of a taxation climate tosupport the overseas conference business, with Budget 2007allowing for deductibility of accommodation expenses on a

ring-fenced basis. Overall we continued to pursue our goal ofregenerating the city’s tourism "product" to attract highervalue-added customers to the city.

Another key area focused upon during 2006 was the DublinPort and Bay Area. We have called on the Taoiseach to bringtogether all stakeholders and ensure that a robust long-termdevelopment master-plan, encompassing the retail andtourism heart of the city and future transportation needs ofgoods in the GDA region, is created.

Maintaining the competitiveness of Dublin city and the GDArequires Government, state agencies, businesses and citizensto work together. For its part, Dublin Chamber continues toengage with all actors, and the excellent work carried out bythe members of the ‘Competitive Dublin’ committee and‘Tourism’ committee who gave so generously of their timeand effort throughout 2006 enables the Chamber tocontribute in a comprehensive and ‘value-added’ manner. Toeach committee member, your contributions have been

invaluable throughout 2006 and I thank you for all youreffort and dedication.

PJ Timmins

Chairperson

Dublin Chamber presented John O’Donoghue TD, Minister of Arts, Sport and

Tourism, with a key policy paper, entitled ‘Tourism ABC: Promoting Dublin as a

location for Arts, Business and Culture’.

(l-r) Gina Quin, Chamber Chief Executive; P.J. Timmins, Chair of the Chamber’s

‘Competitive Dublin’ Committee; Minister John O’Donoghue TD; Eugene McCague,

Chamber President; and Niall Geoghegan, CEO JurysDoyle Hotel.


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In 2006, the ‘Infrastructure’ committee focused onthe delivery of all projects outlined in Transport 21,on time and interlinked. During a transport briefingon the first anniversary of T21, we articulated tothe Chief Executives of the agencies present -Dublin Bus, Irish Rail, the National Roads Authorityand the Railway Procurement Agency – that slowphysical progress of projects and significant costoverruns must not occur. With the population ofthe GDA continuing to grow rapidly, and projectedto increase by 34.4% by 2021, we highlighted thatinfrastructure must be developed ahead of demand,and projects must be set at a scale that anticipatesthe possibility of growth being higher than forecast.

Accounting for roughly half of all national outputand two in every five jobs in the country, webelieve that it is important for the needs of theGDA to be prioritised. That was the message of ourNDP submission, in which we supported balanced

regional development but highlighted that as theonly city in Ireland with the critical mass necessaryto be recognised as a major European city, Dublinmust be given its due balance of investmentresources to help it fulfil its role as driver of regionaland national growth and employment. We alsopressed the Government to prepare other long-term multi-annual capital programmes, including anEnvironment 21, Health 21, Housing 21 andEducation 21, to indicate how Dublin’s populationincrease will be accommodated in the future.

Steady progress was made during the year on anumber of infrastructural projects, including:

Public consultation on three additional Luasextensions;

Selection of route for Metro North;

Commencement of an alignment study for theUnderground Rail Interconnector betweenConnolly and Heuston Station;

Increases in Dublin Bus fleet;

The appointment of the preferred bidders for theconstruction of the National Conference Centre;

The opening of the Port Tunnel on December 20th;and

Commencement of the upgrade of the M50.Each of these projects are a welcome addition to theinfrastructure jigsaw. Their timely completion shallcontribute greatly to improving Dublin’s transportdeficit and freeing up the city centre for shoppers,

workers and tourists.

During meetings with Minister Cullen, and throughour participation in the Public Transport PartnershipForum, we have continually reiterated the need forimmediate progress to be made on the formation ofthe DTA. We believe that the critical success factorfor the delivery of Transport 21 shall be theestablishment of the Dublin Transport Authority. Thecurrent myriad of State Agencies and organisationsresponsible for transport and transport planning mustwork in a co-ordinated manner.

We have continued to strengthen our links withDublin City Council and have articulated membersconcerns to them regarding traffic management inthe city and the need to ensure plans, such as theHGV plan, are effective and successful in theirobjectives.

I would like to thank every member for their tirelesswork and contribution throughout 2006 in relationto the transport and infrastructure policydevelopment of the Chamber.

Margaret SweeneyChairperson


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Committee Report: InfrastructureMargaret Sweeney, Chief Executive, An Post/Fortis Banking Venture

Discussing Transport 21 with

the four Chief Executives of the

agencies in charge of the plan’s

implementation.

(l-r) Dick Fearn, Iarnrod Eireann;

Joe Meagher, Dublin Bus;

Eugene McCague,

Chamber President;

Frank Allen, RPA; and

Fred Barry, NRA.




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Committee Report: CommunicationsImelda Reynolds, Managing Partner, Beauchamps Solicitors

Building upon the re-branding carried out in 2005, the‘Communications’ committee continued to strengthenrecognition, amongst members and the Dublin businesscommunity, of the brand identity of the Dublin Chamberof Commerce.

A key strategy was the integration of our media channelsto ensure consistency in our messages. Connectivitybetween our magazine Business Ireland, newsletter DublinBusiness, ezine Dublin Business Live and websitewww.dublinchamber.ie, created synergy for ourreadership. It helped to re-enforce our policy messagesand increased coverage of networking in the Chamber.

Dublin Chamber’s profile in print media rose considerablyover 2006. Since 2004, our coverage in both national andlocal print increased by 50%, highlighting the prominentvoice the Chamber has across the wide spectrum of issuesaffecting business and citizens in Dublin city and theGreater Dublin Area. To strengthen and ensure a

coherent and harmonised voice, all Chambercommunications were aligned around three key messages- competitiveness, knowledge and infrastructure.

The production of a ‘template for media communications’by the committee in 2006 further assists in consolidatingthe method and style of Chamber communication whenengaging with the media. This harmonisation shallcontinue to deliver the Chamber’s policy messageseffectively into the future.

From a member’s perspective, the committee has been

involved in the creation of a new management

information system, which shall be launched in 2007. Aconsiderable degree of internal preparation work has beencarried out to ensure that the new system facilitates animproved interaction between the Chamber and allmembers. The existing website shall be restructured toenable simplicity of interaction between the Chamber andmembers, especially in relation to financial transactions.The addition of a new web front end will allow memberto access their accounts, book places at events and renewtheir membership online. This investment shall increasethe effectiveness of Chamber interaction with membersand increase efficiency through online electronicpayments.

Driven by the Chambers vision, ‘Imagine Dublin 2020: Ourvision for the future of the city’, the communicationscommittee has worked tirelessly throughout 2006 toensure Dublin Chamber’s voice is heard clearly.Continuously improving the communication of our keypolicy issues and initiatives will allow us to do more to

enhance the business environment and quality of life forall in Dublin. I would like to express a special thanks toeach one of the committee members for theircommitment and dedication to driving the media agendaof the Chamber over the past twelve months.

Imelda Reynolds

Chairperson

The Chamber’s quarterly publication is distributed to all

members and looks at a wide range of issues that matter to

business.



The focus of the Business Development Committeehas been to continue to examine the business andcommercial elements of current and futureservices. On an overall basis, it was agreed thatDublin Chamber should engage in activities whichhelp create the financial resources to improve ourservices to members and to continue to raise theprofile of Dublin Chamber. The Committee feltthat those Chambers with commercial resourceshave raised their profile considerably. Since 2002the Dublin Chamber has seen great improvementsand changes that have resulted in an increase intotal income of 17% and an increase of 9% incommercial revenue. Membership subscriptionincome has increased by 26% with an increase of19% in new member recruitment.

3 objectives were set for the year.

1. The Committee should review the existing sources

of revenue which can be generated other thanfrom members subscriptions in order to alleviatethe reliance on member subscriptions.

2. The Committee should review the commercialservices offered by Chambers Ireland and UKChambers to see whether we should engage insuch services.

3. The Committee should convert a number ofbusiness category members into the corporatecategory.

The committee focused on the following majorareas:

Sponsorship

New Business

Cross-border Initiatives

Initiatives with other agencies/organisations

Training

International

Membership Upgrades

Successful business plans have been completed insome areas. The area of sponsorship has beenanalysed and a concise plan has been drawn upin terms of targeting and planning to maximisereturn. A cost - benefit analysis was completed inthe area of training and a decision was made toconcentrate resources into training collaborationsand Dublin Chamber information briefingsessions. Other major areas for considerationunder the remit of this Committee are ongoingand working groups have been assigned toanalyse the potential of these concepts. TheBusiness Development Committee wishes tothank the following sponsors who have kindlysupported the Dublin Chamber over the last year- Ulster Bank, AOL Technologies Ireland, Bank ofIreland Business Banking, COLT Telecom, ArthurCox, Grafton Recruitment, BlueprintAppointments, BT, AIB, O'Callaghan Hotels,TypeTech, DTZ Sherry FitzGerald, A & L

Goodbody, Invest NI, Department of ForeignAffairs, ACC Bank, The Irish Times, The IrishMuseum of Modern Art, PwC, Temple Bar Hotel,Microsoft and Lisney.

I wish to extend my sincere thanks to all thoseinvolved in the Business Development Committeefor their contribution and support in 2006.

David Carson

Chairperson


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Committee Report: Business DevelopmentDavid Carson, Partner, Deloitte




13

Committee Report: InternationalPat Maher, Executive Director, Enterprise Ireland

The Dublin Chamber of Commerce has a vibrant andexciting international programme providing members withunique opportunities to expand and develop theirbusiness. Working with International Chambers ofCommerce, embassies and other business organisationsworldwide, we offer members valuable opportunities toaccess a global network, of which the Chamber is anintegral part. 2006 proved to be a year packed full ofinternational activities through, inward & outwardmissions, the InterTradeIreland Network & GetworkProgramme and the Ireland Hong Kong Business Forum.

Highlights of 2006 included a high-level council &member delegation visit to Belfast in May, this was thefirst Chamber delegation to visit Belfast and participantshad a very in depth briefing on opportunities for southerncompanies in the North. This visit to Belfast was followedlater in the year by a joint council meeting of both theDublin and Northern Ireland Chamber’s. Our Hong KongBusiness Mission in November, involved a programme of

information and networking events. These missionsoffered participants an effective and efficient way ofidentifying new international business opportunities andacquiring knowledge and connections critical to success.

The International Programme also encompassed a numberof Dublin based events, which focused on providinginterested members with relevant information on chosenmarkets worldwide. These ranged from seminars andconferences to business luncheons and breakfast briefingsessions. In 2006 we held events highlightingopportunities in the Hong Kong, Guangzhou, San Jose,

Atlanta, Malaysia, Malta and Yorkshire. One of the majorhighlights of the year was a lunch event in honour of thevisiting Prime Minister of Australia, John Howard.

The Network & Getwork Programme continued with hugeinterest from members; in 2006 suppliers & serviceproviders were given the opportunity to meet with buyersfrom Belfast City Council, Dublin City Council, Accenture,FG Wilson, Regional Supplies Service and the HealthService Executive.

The ‘International’ committee would like to thank oursponsors in 2006: Ulster Bank, Irish Independent News &Media, and InterTradeIreland as well as the procurementdepartments from Dublin City Council, Accenture andthe Health Service Executive. I would personally like tothank the members of the committee who volunteeredtheir time and energy during 2006.

Pat Maher

Chairperson

Clive Brownlee (left), Chair Ireland Hong Kong Business Forum,

at the 2006 Chinese New Year Lunch.

Mark Sweeney, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI)

President, Eugene McCague, Dublin Chamber President, Mike Maloney, COO of BT,

and Frank Hewitt, CEO NICCI, met with President Mary McAleese after the historic

signing between the Dublin Chamber and NICCI of a Memorandum of

Understanding.



2006 2005¤ ¤

Income

Subscriptions 1,141,832 1,060,944Export documentation 256,168 217,961Secretarial services, projects and sponsorship 2,158 3,581Membership services (net of direct costs) 413,253 333,877

1,813,411 1,616,363

Expenditure

Staff costs (net of allocation to membership services) 993,049 900,384Promotion and international representation 113,943 100,896Financial and administration expenses 182,771 201,400Establishment costs 106,054 105,709Depreciation 110,088 104,994Relocation Costs - 57,067

1,505,905 1,470,450

Net surplus 307,506 145,913Interest income 475 1,470Interest expense (13,517) (2,188)

Net surplus on ordinary activities before taxation 294,464 145,195Corporation tax on interest income (95) (462)

Net surplus on ordinary activities after taxation 294,369 144,733

Accumulated surplus

Surplus in the year 294,369 144,733

At beginning of year 282,542 137,809

At end of year 576,911 282,542

The surplus on a historical cost basis would be greater for the year to 31 October 2006 by ¤37,514 (2005

¤37,514) due solely to the charge for depreciation on the revalued amount included in land and

buildings. The company has no recognised gains or losses other that the result for the year as set out

above.

On behalf of Council

Eugene McCague, President

Ronan King, Vice-President


14

Accounts

Consolidated Income and Expenditure Account

Year Ended 31 October 2006



2006 2005¤ ¤

Current assets

Debtors 426,018 530,083Bank and cash - carnet deposits 324,003 267,901

- other 684,416 340,0881,434,437 1,138,072

Current liabilities

Creditors 814,680 828,290

Net current assets 619,757 309,782

Fixed assets 2,785,773 2,796,997

3,405,530 3,106,779Represented by:

Capital reserve 1,875,742 1,875,742Accumulated surplus 576,911 282,542

2,452,653 2,158,284Subscriptions received in advance 580,213 547,163Long term liabilities 372,664 401,332

3,405,530 3,106,779

Company Balance Sheet As at 31 October 2006

2006 2005¤ ¤

Current assets

Debtors 426,018 530,083

Bank and cash - carnet deposits 324,003 267,901- other 684,416 340,088

1,434,437 1,138,072Current liabilities

Creditors 814,680 828,290

Net current assets 619,757 309,782

Fixed assets 2,785,773 2,796,997

3,405,530 3,106,779Represented by:

Capital reserve 1,875,742 1,875,742Accumulated surplus 576,911 282,542

2,452,653 2,158,284Subscriptions received in advance 580,213 547,163Long term liabilities 372,664 401,332

3,405,530 3,106,779

Consolidated Balance Sheet As at 31 October 2006


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Staff Listing

Gina Quin, Chief Executive

Deirdre PowerPA To Chief Executive

Ruth SpainReceptionist/ Administration

Richard BrownExport Services Manager

Maire WalshInternational ServicesExecutive

Sorcha FlynnInternational Trade Manager

Lisa HughesInternational Trade Assistant

Michelle DoodyFinance Manager

Joanne BrophyFinance Assistant

Aebhric McGibneyDirector of Policy &Communications

Patrick KingPolicy & CommunicationsExecutive

Catherine McCabePolicy & CommunicationsOfficer

Kay GibbonsCredit Controller

Jean HoeyDirector of BusinessDevelopment

Annie FitzGibbonMembership DevelopmentManager

Aideen RyanMembership DevelopmentExecutive

Ciara Duncun

Events Manager

Daniella McCahillEvents and Training Executive

Bernadette CartonHousekeeper

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Dublin Chamber of Commerce

7 Clare Street, Dublin 2, IrelandT +353 (0)1 644 7200

F +353 (0)1 676 6043

W www.dublinchamber.ie

E [email protected]

connecting influencing

dublin chamber of commerce annual report 2006

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