2009 Dublin Chamber of Commerce

Annual Report

100 Networking Events | 10,000 Guests

300 New Members

40% More Media Coverage

Bord Gáis Energy, the retail arm of Bord Gáis is a leading dual-fuel supplier serving over 900,000 gas and electricity
customers across Ireland. As Irelands fastest growing energy company we supply gas and electricity to business
and residential customers, with related activities including call centre management, billing and sales and marketing.

Becoming a Bord Gais Energy business electricity customer is an easy process, here are the steps involved:

Get a quote by filling in our online form (bordgaisenergy.ie) and tell us about your business and your
requirements. You can also contact our Electricity Sales Department by telephone at 1850 405 805 or email at
bgenergy@bordgais.ie.

We will then contact you to confirm the appropriate tariff for your business and at your request send you a
Customer agreement form and Direct Debit mandate for you to fill in and return to us. You may also download
the Customer agreement form and Direct Debit mandate.

On receipt of the Customer agreement form we will apply to register you as a Bord Gáis Energy customer and
send you information to help you understand your bill and answer some frequently asked questions.

You will be registered as a customer from the date of your next meter reading.

After the second meter reading you will receive your first bill from Bord Gáis Energy.

“
Bord Gáis Energy is delighted to be
associated with the Dublin Chamber.
Both organisations are committed to
meeting the needs of business of all sizes
and continuing to expand the number of

”
businesses they serve in 2010.
David Bunworth
Managing Director Bord Gáis Energy

David Bunworth, MD of Bord Gáis Energy,

addresses guests at the Dublin Chamber
Business Breakfast in November.
Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Annual Report 2009

Contents

President’s Address 2

Chief Executive’s Report 4

Council Listing 6

Infrastructure & Transport, Taskforce report 7

Competitive Economy, Taskforce report 8

Communications, Taskforce report 9

Governance, Taskforce report 10

Business Opportunities , Taskforce report 11

Membership, Taskforce Report 12

Our Sponsors 13

Accounts 14

Staff Listing 16

1
 Little did I think when I set upon my
presidential journey back in 2005 that
our economy was to suffer a stunning
reversal of fortune in my year as
President of the Chamber.

The return of emigration, serious unemployment, 3. We successfully campaigned for a yes vote for
deflation and asset declines was certainly not the second Lisbon referendum; and,
expected. The greatest pain of this adjustment has
been shouldered by those who have lost their jobs, 4. On foot of the recommendations outlined in
their business and sometimes their pensions and our 2010 Budget submission:
their home equity.
Excise duty on beer, cider, spirits and wine was
reduced;
This is the new business environment and
companies have sought to adapt swiftly by cutting
Public sector wages were reduced, and a new
costs, managing cash and restructuring their
pension scheme for all new public servants was
business. The good news is that, as businesses
introduced;
become leaner, fitter and smarter, our economy is
becoming more competitive and better prepared
Government reconfirmed its commitment to
for a positive future.
public transport projects (Metro North and the
Dart Underground); and
The Chamber has sought to help you and your
business by providing more opportunities to
The Government signalled the broadening
develop your business, and by firmly putting
of the tax base of local government beyond
the business agenda to Government. We called
business rates, while not increasing personal or
on Government to recognise the damage being
corporate tax rates.
done to business across the country and to bring
forward initiatives which would both protect
Overall, the Chamber was please to note the
jobs and stimulate confidence. We highlighted
balance of spending cuts and tax increases in
that the global financial markets would punish
Budget 2010, and the continuing message that
us if Government did not right size and reform
Government will balance its books by 2014.
our public sector and set out a clear pathway
towards fiscal responsibility. We also called on
At a national level, our Budget submission called
Government to be entrepreneurial and deliver the
for a Bord Snip for Local Government to identify
smart economy and the much needed transport
and cut waste and duplication. Government will
infrastructure our capital needs.
now report on the efficiencies of Local Authorities
by mid 2010.
Dublin Chamber successfully lobbied on your
behalf in 2009:
At a local level, we have run an aggressive
campaign directed at Dublin T.D.’s, Councillors
1. We sought and gained from Government
and local officials to cut commercial rates. This
departments a commitment to pay all their bills
campaign has been successful across the four local
to suppliers within 15 days of their invoicing;
authorities in Dublin to varying degrees - Dublin
City Council and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County
2. The proposal for a 24/7 bus gate at College
Council reduced their rate by 2%, Fingal County
Green was abandoned in favour of public
Council reduced their total rates income by 10.5%
transport priority access during morning and
and South Dublin County Council reduced their
evening peak times, Monday to Friday;
rate by 2.9%.

2
Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Annual Report 2009

Since 2000, the Chamber has campaigned for leadership

and good governance across the Dublin Region through the
creation of a directly elected Mayor. This office is now to be
created in 2010. Our role will be to help shape this important
leadership position so that it can deliver the vision for the
kind of city we aspire to achieve. My speech at the annual
dinner proposed that: Leadership is the engine of a business;
Leadership is the engine of the economy; and, Leadership
will be the engine behind the transformation of Dublin into
a competitive, functioning and attractive city region on the
global stage.

Within the Chamber we set out to strengthen our

foundations for more challenging times ahead. Our balance
sheet is strong. We adopted a new code of Governance.
We reviewed how we recruited and retained members
and are now strengthening this activity. We reviewed our
communication strategies and how we make the Voice of
Dublin business more relevant to all stakeholders. We also
made major progress in the implementation of our digital
strategy. I firmly believe that the changes which have been
agreed by Council, and which will become more apparent
over the coming year, will strengthen the Chamber in the
future.

I would like to say a big thank you to all the officers,

executive committee members, taskforce chairs and their
colleagues, and to Gina and the Chamber staff, who have
been a magnificent support to both me and the Council in
performing our duties over the past year. Clockwise from top left:

I would like to thank you for your excellent contributions over
the year, whether it was in responding to the online surveys
or attending the Chamber’s growing number of networking
events. It is because of you that the Dublin Chamber is the
premier networking organisation in the city and the powerful
voice of Dublin business. Thank you sincerely for your
continued participation and support.
Warmest Regards,
PJ Timmins
President
Denis O’Brien, Chairman of Digicel Group; Denis O’ Callaghan, General
Manager for Retail Banking East, AIB Bank; Gina Quin, Dublin Chamber Chief
Executive; PJ Timmins; and Minister for Finance, Brian Lenihan TD.
An Taoiseach, Brian Cowen TD; PJ Timmins, Dublin Chamber President; and
Robert Gallagher, Chief Executive, Ulster Bank Corporate Markets.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin TD, PJ Timmins and Minister of
State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Billy Kelleher
TD.
PJ Timmins and Michael Cheika, Coach of the Leinster Rugby Team

3
 Chief Executive’s Address
With a great team here at the Chamber and the
help of our sponsors throughout the year, we
have continued to improve our events, deliver
more business information and strengthen our
position as the ‘voice of Dublin’ business.
The business environment throughout 2009
has been extremely challenging for every size of
business in every sector of the economy. For its
part, Dublin Chamber has significantly ramped
up the volume of services we run for you -
our members – to help you respond to these
challenging times. With a great team here at the
Chamber and the help of our sponsors throughout
the year, we have continued to improve our events,
deliver more business information and strengthen
our position as the ‘voice of Dublin’ business.
Attendance at Chamber functions was at record
levels in 2009, with 10,000 attendees at the 100
Chamber events held, which included Business
After Hours, Breakfast Briefings, Speed Networking
Lunches, the Business Owners Network, the Lunch
and Dinner in Camera series, policy taskforce
meetings, ‘Network and Getwork’ and ‘Enterprise
Europe Network’ meetings, the Hong Kong Forum
and Ireland India Business Association events.
Members got to hear from a range of prominent
political and business speakers at our feature
events - Taoiseach Brian Cowen, Minister Brian
Lenihan, Denis O’Brien and John Pearson from
Virgin Radio. The Chamber also ran regular free
courses throughout the year on how to improve
your networking skills, so you could make the most
of the opportunities our events programme offered
for personal and business development.
A key addition to the Chamber’s offering this
year has been the development of online business
networking. Using LinkedIn, the Chamber
harnessed the powerful tool of digital technology
to help members develop their contacts and
businesses. Over 650 of you have joined our
LinkedIn Group and are constantly active on the
site. In addition to providing greater business
details, members are sharing expertise, insight and
access to their wider contact network enabling
you to have an edge over your competitors. The
Chamber also extended its communications and
4
marketing reach throughout the year using Twitter,
where we now have over 500 followers. In the
New Year, a new ‘member only’ online service
will be launched as part of our continuing online
strategy.
People do business with people they know and
trust, or are recommended by those they know
and trust. I would encourage each one of you to
take advantage of the range of networking events
and facilities the Chamber offers. Go to events
or go online; make contact with potential clients;
exchange your contact information with other
business people and get some valuable business for
your company.
Ireland’s recovery will be driven by its ability to sell
goods and services for export, so the Chamber’s
International and Export Services departments
have been busy during 2009 facilitating business
exchanges and helping to build international
networks. Members are increasingly using both
the ‘Network and Getwork’ and the ‘Enterprise
Europe Network’ programmes to develop business
relationships and knowledge across the island of
Ireland and internationally. The ‘meet the buyer’
events in ‘Network and Getwork’ have been
particular successful for businesses selling or buying
on an all Island basis.
Responding to the challenging environment in
which businesses are operating, the Chamber
has focused on communicating to Central and
Local Government the critical need to reduce
business costs and to address SME access to bank
lending. In addition to feeding into the work of
the Credit Supply Clearing Group and undertaking
a campaign at local and national level to get
commercial rates reduced, the Chamber continued
to lobby for improvements to the Dublin City
Region’s infrastructure stock and public transport
network. The opening of the Samuel Beckett
Bridge and the Luas Docklands line this year, and
Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Annual Report 2009

the opening of the Aviva Stadium, the National Convention

Centre and Terminal Two at Dublin Airport early in 2010,
are extremely welcome developments. They are important
pieces in the completion of Dublin’s infrastructure puzzle.
Going forward, we will continue to influence Government
policy on your behalf to ensure it is focused on investing in
vital infrastructure that allows you to grow your business,
particularly in areas that will drive the transformation of
Dublin into a smart, knowledge economy.

As a final note, I would like to sincerely thank each one of

you for your invaluable involvement and support over the
past twelve months. As a membership-based organisation
we rely on your time and effort to help us successfully
connect businesses and influence decision makers. I look
forward to your continued engagement in 2010. And to all
members of Council, Executive and our sponsors, thank you;
your active participation and continued support helped to
make 2009 another successful year for Dublin Chamber.

On behalf of myself and the Chamber staff, thank you!

Gina Quin
Chief Executive

Clockwise from top left:

PJ Timmins, Dublin Chamber President, Dominic Deeney,

Chief Executive of Chartered Land, and Gina Quin.
Ireland’s recovery will be driven
Mark Cunningham, Director of Business Banking at Bank of Ireland,
by its ability to sell goods and
PJ Timmins, Dublin Chamber President, John Pearson, co-founder of
Virgin Radio, and Gina Quin. services for export, so the
PJ Timmins, Dublin Chamber President, Martin Murphy, Managing Chamber’s International and
Director of Hewlett-Packard Ireland Ltd, Gina Quin, and Alan Duffy,
Head of Corporate Banking Ireland at HSBC Bank. Export Services departments
Gina Quin, Paddy Collins, Vodafone, PJ Timmins, Dublin Chamber
President, and Lucy Gaffney, Chairperson of Communicorp.
have been busy during 2009

Chief Executive’s Address

5
 Council Listing 2009

Council Member Title Organisation Attendance

PJ Timmins President Chief Executive, Clery & Co. 9 of 9

Peter Brennan Vice President and Chair, Infrastructure & Transport Taskforce Managing Director, EPS Consulting 9 of 9
Imelda Reynolds Deputy Vice President and Chair, Governance Taskforce Partner, Beauchamps Solicitors 8 of 9
Niall Feely Treasurer Business Markets Director, Eircom plc 7 of 9
Margaret Sweeney Immediate Past President CEO, Postbank 6 of 9
Dermot Breen Chair, Communications Taskforce Director - Corporate Affairs, Tesco Ireland 6 of 9
Declan Lawler Chair, Competitive Economy Taskforce General Manager Human Resources ROI, AIB Group 7 of 9
Pat Maher Chair, Business Opportunities Taskforce Executive Director, Enterprise Ireland 5 of 9
John McGrane Chair, Membership Taskforce Director - Business Banking, Ulster Bank Ireland Ltd 9 of 9

Tony Boyle President North Dublin Chamber of Commerce 9 of 9

Grainne Byrne Managing Director gbc Public Relations Ltd 9 of 9
Eibhlin Byrne Lord Mayor of Dublin (up to June 09) 4 of 4
Greg Clarke Managing Director Digicom Ltd 9 of 9
Emer Costello Lord Mayor of Dublin (since June 09) 2 of 4
Patrick Coveney CEO Greencore 5 of 9
Theresa Daly Senior Director of Channel Operations EMEA Microsoft 6 of 8
Michelle Daly President 2009 JCI 6 of 9
Sharon Daly Partner Matheson Ormsby Prentice 5 of 9
Alec Drew Managing Partner Baseline 7 of 9
Desmond Fahey Chief Executive Dublin Business Innovation Centre 6 of 9
Niall Geoghegan Director Pembroke Hospitality 4 of 9
Jack Golden Human Resources Director CRH plc 7 of 9
Derry Gray Partner BDO Simpson Xavier 8 of 9
Jacqueline Hall Managing Director Political Communications Limited 8 of 9
Anne Heraty Chief Executive CPL Resources plc 6 of 8
Mike Jones Group Business Development Director BAM Contractors 8 of 8
Liam Kavanagh Deputy Managing Director The Irish Times Ltd 8 of 9
Ronan King Chairman The Amethyst Group 7 of 9
Tom McAleese Strategic Advisor Covestone Asset Management 7 of 9
Colm McDonnell Partner, Enterprise Risk Services Deloitte & Touche 5 of 8
Regina Moran CEO Fujitsu 6 of 8
Denise Moroney Chief Executive Brand Dynamics 6 of 9
Declan Murphy CEO The Ecology Foundation 3 of 8
Martin Murphy Managing Director Hewlett-Packard Ireland Ltd 4 of 9
Brian Norton President Dublin Institute Of Technology 8 of 9
Joyce O’Connor Chairperson Digital Hub Development Agency 5 of 9
David O’Halloran Director & Head of Business Development Willis 7 of 9
Tiarnan O’Mahoney Chief Executive Collins Steward ISTC plc 7 of 9
David Pierce Director of Sales - Corporate Ulster Bank Ireland Ltd 7 of 9
Michael Somers Chief Executive National Treasury Management Agency 1 of 9
Peter Stapleton Managing Director Lisney 6 of 9
John Tierney City Manager Dublin City Council 7 of 9

6
Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Annual Report 2009
Infrastructure & Transport: Taskforce Report
Careful and accountable management of the
delivery of the major Transport 21 projects remains
a key concern for the Dublin business community.
So throughout 2009, the Chamber continued
to engage with the transport agencies and held
quarterly meeting with the Minister for Transport.
Significant developments can be reported as
follows:
• The College Green Bus Corridor, the Samuel
Beckett bridge and the extension of the Luas
Red Line to the Docklands have enhanced the
city’s infrastructure;
• A new Secretary General and management
team have taken to the helm of the Department
of Transport and the National Transport
Authority respectively;
• The M50 upgrade, Terminal 2 at the airport,
Lansdowne Road and the National Convention
Centre will be completed in 2010;
• All the inter-urban roads connecting the Dublin
City Region with the rest of the country will be
fully open in 2010; and
• Planning for Metro North is well advanced and
a Railway Application Order for Irish Rail’s DART
Underground project is expected to be ready
early 2010.
Despite current economic and budgetary difficulties,
Government policy must continue to focus on
investing in vital infrastructure that lays down
the platform for future growth – so we wrote to
Minister Dempsey calling for the Eastern Bypass
to be moved along through the planning pipeline
so that it is ready for delivery once the economic
situation improves; and, responding to Indecon’s
‘Dublin Port Study’, we called on the Department of
Transport and relevant local authorities to actively
support future port development to ensure greater
capacity and competition.
Given the central role Dublin Airport plays in the
continued development of the economic, business
and tourism life of the Dublin City Region and
the wider economy, we made a submission to the
Commissioner for Aviation Regulation regarding
airport charges. Outlining our support for the
DAA’s investment programme, we highlighted
that improving the operational efficiency and
terminal capacity at Dublin Airport is an important
step in reclaiming Ireland’s competitive position
internationally. We also supported the construction
of a second runway as this will enhance the
attractiveness of Dublin as a major European hub.
To help realise our goal of transforming the Dublin
City Region into an attractive competitive European
city that is well governed and offers a high quality
of life to all, we made submissions in relation to the
‘Regional Planning Guidelines for Greater Dublin
Area 2010-2022’ and the ‘Dublin City Development
Plan 2011-2017’. Furthermore, a subgroup of the
taskforce produced two reports which reviewed the
Irish planning system and made recommendations
to Minister Gormley to make fundamental changes
to the system in order to achieve greater clarity and
consistency in the planning application process;
to allow for better and timelier decisions; and,
to clearly indicate most likely outcomes for both
applicants and third party appellants. We sent the
clear message that any review of Ireland’s planning
system needs to focus on increasing forward
planning.
I would like to pay special thanks to each member
of the taskforce for their valuable contributions
and participation throughout 2009. To Mike Jones,
BAM Contractors, and members of the planning
subgroup, I would like to thank you most sincerely
for you significant assistance. I would also like to
thank the Department of Transport, the transport
agencies and City Council officials who have been
most generous with their time in working with us
throughout the year. And finally, I would like to
recognise the sponsorship given to us by the T21
Project Office; your support is greatly appreciated by
the Chamber and our members.
Peter Brennan
Chairman
7
 Competitive Economy: Taskforce Report
Competitiveness took on a whole new
meaning this year for every Chamber member
company.
This taskforce sought to improve not only Dublin’s
competitive position internationally, but to reduce
barriers to business and promote a profitable
environment for enterprise.
Throughout 2009, the Chamber sought the views
of its members and found three core issues which
member companies wanted addressed were -
• Reducing Costs;
• Managing Cash-flow; and
• Stimulating Confidence.
It was under these headings that the taskforce’s
work was prioritised for 2009.
Reducing costs become standard practice in the
private sector and was the most important issue for
Chamber members. Despite this, many costs under
Government control remained stubbornly high. The
Competitive Economy Taskforce worked to address
these.
Advocacy campaigns focused on reducing costs
ranged from energy costs to local commercial rates.
As a result of our rates campaign, the Chamber
was able to shift the political dialogue from ‘a
rates freeze’ to ‘a reduction in rates’, resulting in
a reduction across all four Dublin local authorities.
In addition, the Chamber achieved a long-term
success with the Commission on Taxation including
annual property tax and domestic water charges
amongst its proposals.
Colm McCarthy’s review of spending was a
necessary first step in achieving more efficient
central Government. However, the Chamber felt
that his group had missed the opportunity to
review the efficiency and effectiveness of the €5
billion spent on local government across Ireland.
Following on from our Pre-Budget Submission,
the Minister for Finance announced that such an
efficiency review would be undertaken in 2010.
8
Managing cash-flow became even tougher for
some members during this year. In particular, the
Chamber successfully campaigned the Government
to introduce new rules to expedite due payments
of creditors within 15 days. The Chamber has also
been championing the Credit Supply Clearing
Group and NAMA to quickly inject liquidity back
into the banking institutions, so that credit can
start flowing out to the businesses.
The need for Government to stimulate confidence
in consumers and businesses was strongly reflected
in the Chamber’s Pre-Budget 2010 Submission. The
Chamber welcomed the announcement in Budget
2010 that its recommendation to reduce the
incentives for cross-border shopping and to save
jobs through a reduction in excise duty on alcohol
towards UK levels. In addition, guarantees were
made not only in the Budget but by all parties to
protect Ireland’s current corporate tax rate.
We urge that this reform continues and results in a
strong voice for Dublin – particularly in the creation
of a directly elected Mayor for Dublin that we’ve
championed for since 2000.
I wish to thank each of you who took time to
point us in the right direction. In particular, I
wish to thank the taskforce members for their
contribution to improving the strength and
impact of the Chamber’s voice - Martin Murphy,
HP Ireland; Regina Moran, Fujitsu Ireland; Greg
Clarke, Digicom; Colm McDonnell, Deloitte; Tom
McAleese, Covestone Asset Management; Niall
Geoghegan, Pembroke Hospitality; and other
volunteers through out the year.
The Chamber’s business voice has been heard –
our leaders recognise the growing importance of
Dublin business. The battle must go on.
Declan Lawler
Chairperson
Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Annual Report 2009

Communications: Taskforce Report

The Dublin Chamber tagline is connecting and

influencing. Through its communications, the
Chamber seeks to market the opportunity offered
through membership to connect with other
businesses and strengthen the voice of Dublin
business to effect change.
There has been a sea change in the business The Chamber will be making further improvements
environment over the past year. Government to its online communication channels for members
intervention in support of the economy has been in 2010. These improvements will be paralleled
essential. The Chamber’s aim is to ensure that by a review of the Chambers regular series of
members’ concerns are not only heard - but acted publications - Dublin Business Newsletters, quarterly
upon. To do this, the Chamber has campaigned on Business Ireland magazines, and the Annual
the key business issues and put strong pressure on Membership Directory.
Government to act. The intensity of our campaign
efforts was reflected in an increase of overall By constantly improving communications with
media coverage by the Chamber in 2009 to over a members and better leveraging members combined
thousand media clips and impressions. strengthen, the Chamber will ever-increase its ability
to improve the way in which Dublin serves those
The effectiveness of the Dublin Chamber lobby was who live and work here.
reviewed in 2009 by a taskforce of member experts.
The Influencing & Communications Taskforce made I would like to thank the members of the
a number of recommendations that will be reflected Influencing & Communications Taskforce for
in Chamber communications in 2010. their support and contributions in developing the
Chamber’s Influencing Strategy.
The Dublin Chamber has conducted a select
number of focused campaigns this year, leading to Dermot Breen
a number of successes that are detailed elsewhere Chairperson
in this Annual Report. From cutting the cost of local
commercial rates to cutting VAT and excise, the
Chamber has championed successfully for the needs
of businesses. The Chamber’s victories also included
measures to speed up payments to businesses from
Government departments, a ‘Bord Snip’ style review
of local government spending, and mitigating
the impact of the bus corridor on College Green.
The Chamber will continue to use its influence to
deliver results for Dublin businesses, working with
Government, local TDs and Councillors, senior civil
servants and the media.

Dublin Chamber wants to thanks members for

their strong response to requests for feedback.
This allows the Chamber to be more effective in
its lobbying campaigns. We have had over 1,300
survey responses in 2009. The Chamber has also
extended its use of social media tools to help
members connect to one another. In March of
2009, the Chamber established its own group on
LinkedIn, a business-oriented social networking site,
which has grown to 700 members and is LinkedIn’s
largest business group in Dublin.
9
 Governance: Taskforce Report
The Governance Taskforce was charged with
updating and improving the current operations of
the Dublin Chamber.
As part of its examination, the taskforce reviewed
the governance of other chambers (both in
Ireland and internationally), structures of other
membership organisations, and best practice
guidelines for Governance.
Following numerous considered consultations
with Council - the membership’s directly elected
representatives - over the last quarter of 2009,
the final Code of Governance was adopted by
the Council of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce
at its meeting on 19 January 2010. The Code of
Governance, which is available to members of the
Chamber, is intended to act as a Code of Business
Conduct for the Chamber’s Council and Staff. It
sets out recommended operation guidelines for the
Council and Council Sub-Committees, to support
the effective running of the Chamber.
The Code supplements the Memorandum and
Articles of Association of the Chamber and
constitutes by-laws for carrying on the Chamber’s
business. They are designed to ensure flexibility
and may be amended in future by the Council of
the Chamber to reflect changing organisational
requirements. They will be reviewed at least
annually by the Council and a record of changes
and deviations will be made annually in the Annual
Report of the Dublin Chamber.
The development of
the Code of Governance
will provide essential
guidance to the operation
of the Chamber
10
The Code of Governance outlines the:
• Roles and Responsibilities of Council;
• Role and Responsibility of Council members;
• Operating Guidelines for the Council;
• Roles and Responsibilities of Honorary Officers,
the Chief Executive Officer and the Company
Secretary;
• Terms of Reference of Council Sub-
Committees, to include the Role of Chairs,
procedures at Council Sub-Committees, the
Executive Committee, the Audit Committee
and the Remuneration Committee;
• External Representation; and
• The Code outlines the procedure for the
election of the Deputy Vice President.
The development of the Code of Governance will
provide essential guidance to the operation of the
Chamber and strongly reflects the input of Council
and members of the Chamber.
The Governance taskforce comprised of Derry
Gray, BDO Simpson Xavier; Jacqueline Hall, Political
Communications; Liam Kavanagh, Irish Times;
Gina Quin, Dublin Chamber; Margaret Sweeney,
Postbank; and with administrative support from
Sandra Farrell, Dublin Chamber. Particular thanks
go to them for all the hard work put into making
this a meaningful and effective document, which
will assist the Chamber in achieving its objective
to continue to be the premier networking
organisation in the Dublin region and the voice of
Dublin business.
Imelda Reynolds
Chairperson
Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Annual Report 2009
Business Opportunities: Taskforce Report
The International and Special Projects
Department offers members invaluable and
unique opportunity to access a global network
The International and Special Projects Department
offers members invaluable and unique opportunity
to access a global network and to expand and
develop their business by collaborating with
International Chambers of Commerce (ICC), World
Chambers Federation (WCF), agencies, embassies
and other business organisations worldwide and
locally.
In 2009, we held meetings and hosted events with
incoming delegations and consular representatives
from Spain, Canada, Zambia, Slovakia, Romania,
Croatia, Albania, and China to name but a few.
Such meetings and events offer an ideal forum for
the exchange of ideas and contacts which aim to
develop long term business relationships.
As partners in the Ireland Hong Kong Business
Forum and the Ireland India Business Association,
we organised a number of strategic events. Such
associations offer members key opportunities
to expand their business into high potential and
emerging markets.
The International programme also encompasses
events which focus on providing members
with relevant information on specific markets
worldwide. These events are designed to engage
business, policy makers and decision makers
focused on business opportunities.
A key event of 2009 was the Embassy Networking
Evening hosted by the Department of Foreign
Affairs in conjunction with the Dublin Chamber.
Welcomed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs,
Micheál Martin TD, Irish business leaders were
offered a unique networking opportunity to meet
high level Embassy officials based in Ireland.
Each year we look at how we can expand and
improve the services of the Chamber. In 2009,
our Taskforce focused on providing business
opportunities and intelligence to members through
the expansion and refinement of the programmes
the Chamber offers. Key programmes include
the Enterprise Europe Network and Network &
Getwork Programme.
The Dublin Chamber runs the Enterprise Europe
Network in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and
other leading Chambers in Ireland. Established
by the European Commission, the network aims
to address the business needs of SMEs. There are
over 600 local centres in more than 40 countries
in the EU Member States and beyond. Our
centre covers the Eastern region of the country
and offers support and advice to businesses and
helps them maximise the business opportunities
in the countries operating the Network. Services
include business partnering, assistance with
internationalisation, information on funding
opportunities, advice and information on EU
Legislation and market information/feedback to the
Commission.
Business information seminars have included topics
such as employment law, intellectual property, EU
funding programmes, public procurement and an
open day, promoting trade across Europe.
The Network and Getwork Programme in
collaboration with InterTradeIreland, Northern
Ireland Chamber of Commerce and leading
chambers around the country aims to facilitate
cross border trade development across the whole
island of Ireland. The programme provides a unique
opportunity for businesses to pitch to major buyers
in the North and South of Ireland.
The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) and Network
and Getwork Programme offers companies a
chance to quickly find new business partnerships,
discover innovative new solutions and engage in
trade.
Finally, on behalf of myself and the wider Chamber
membership I would like to thank the members of
the Taskforce for their time and expertise. I would
also like to thank the International Department
Team for their commitment during a very busy
year.
www.een-ireland.ie
Pat Maher www.networkandgetwork.com
Chairperson www.iiba.ie
11
 Membership: Taskforce Report
Retaining and growing membership is fundamental
to Dublin Chamber’s effectiveness and development.
Chamber is first and foremost a membership
organisation, wholly concerned with delivering for
its members, not least in a climate where so many
businesses face unprecedented challenges themselves.
In 2009, the Membership Taskforce convened
to determine membership strategy consistent
with Dublin Chamber’s overall vision. The group
focussed on increasing member engagement,
adding value to the proposition and growth of the
customer base .
In order to remain the top business representative
body in the region, the Taskforce recommended
internal process changes and heightened Council
engagement with the membership. The Taskforce
also proposed clearer callout of the tangible
benefits of membership and the enabling of sub-
groupings to develop affinity networks.
Engagement is fundamental to the success of any
member-based organisation; engaged members
are quantifiably more likely to renew their
membership and refer new members. After an
extensive benchmarking and consultation process,
a retention strategy was devised by the Taskforce.
This detailed strategy incorporates a dedicated
customer care focus to really drive engagement on
both the networking and advocacy levels.
Dublin Chamber
members proves that
embracing new ways of
developing relationships
and doing business will
be core to our future
engagement strategies.
12
Among the important innovations in 2009,
the new Business Owners Network created a
focussed and mutually beneficial platform for
B2B opportunities. This and similar new tailored
structures will become an intrinsic element of the
events programme going forward. The utilisation of
our upcoming member engagement CRM platform
will facilitate greater tracking of member activity
levels and subsequent engagement pathways. The
highly successful utilisation of digital media by
Dublin Chamber members proves that embracing
new ways of developing relationships and doing
business will be core to our future engagement
strategies.
Following conclusion of the work of the
Membership Taskforce, the executive team is
currently implementing its comprehensive action
recommendations for the benefit of all members.
Dublin Chamber of Commerce would like to
thank the Taskforce members – Derry Gray of BDO
Simpson, Ron Immink of Bookbuzz, Sean Weafer of
Sean Weafer Consulting, Kieran Murphy of Zurich,
Greg Clarke of Digicom and Alec Drew of Baseline.
A big thank you to the following sponsor
companies for supporting our engagement
programme in 2009!
John McGrane, Ulster Bank
Chairperson
Join our LinkedIn group to strengthen
your business connections in the region and
beyond
Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Annual Report 2009

Dublin Chamber would like to thank the following

companies for valued support throughout 2009.

13
 Accounts 2009

Consolidated Income and Expenditure Account

As at 31st October 2009

Notes 2009 2008

€ €

Income
Subscriptions 1,330,052 1,334,718
Export documentation 264,269 285,657
Membership services (net of direct costs) 2 399,529 349,491

1,993,850 1,969,866
Expenditure
Staff costs (net of allocation to membership services) 3 1,146,620 1,104,426
Promotion and public relations 118,147 245,207
Financial and administration expenses 176,726 201,701
Establishment costs 140,943 134,812
Depreciation 124,561 115,040

1,706,997 1,801,186

Net surplus 286,853 168,680

Interest income 20,386 34,784

Net surplus on ordinary activities before taxation 4 307,239 203,464

Corporation tax on interest income 5 (5,700 (8,270)

Net surplus on ordinary activities after taxation 301,539 195,194

Accumulated surplus
Surplus in the year 301,539 195,194
At beginning of year 1,098,500 903,306

At end of year 1,400,039 1,098,500

The surplus on a historical cost basis would be greater for the year to 31 October 2009 by
€37,514 (2008 €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

PJ Timmins President
Peter Brennan Vice-President

14
Dublin Chamber of Commerce
Annual Report 2009

Consolidated Balance Sheet

As at 31st October 2009

Notes 2009 2008

€ €

Current assets
Debtors 438,663 737,737
Bank and cash – carnet deposits 250,166 311,647
– other 1,231,747 993,511
1,920,576 2,042,895
Current liabilities
Creditors (693,989) (919,125)

Net current assets 1,226,587 1,123,770

Fixed assets 7 2,672,258 2,742,153

3,898,845 3,865,923

Represented by:
Capital reserve 8 1,875,742 1,875,742

Accumulated surplus 1,400,039 1,098,500

3,275,781 2,974,242

Income received in advance 623,064 891,681

3,898,845 3,865,923

On behalf of Council

PJ Timmins President
Peter Brennan Vice-President

15
 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Staff Listing

Gina Quin Sandra Farrell Ruth Edwards Michelle Berry Joanne Doran Kay Gibbons
Chief Executive PA to Chief Executive Receptionist/Administration Finance Manager Finance Assistant Credit Controller

Aebhric McGibney Patrick King Catherine McCabe Linda McNulty Sam Bowman Marion Jammet
Director of Policy and Policy and Communications Policy and Communications International and Special Project Facilitator - Network Enterprise Europe Network
Communications Manager Executive Projects Manager & Getwork Programme Executive

Jean Hoey Aideen Ryan Donal Milton Ciara Duncan Marie Walsh
Director of Business Membership Development Membership Development Events Manager Events Executive
Development Manager

Richard Brown Ruth Spain

Export Services Manager Export Services Executive

16
Designed and delivered by Baseline

Dublin Chamber of Commerce

7 Clare Street, Dublin 2
Tel (+353-1) 6447200
Fax (+353-1) 6765433
Email info@dublinchamber.ie
www.dublinchamber.ie

Our Customer Care team is

there to help you get the most
from your membership
call Aideen Ryan on 644 7240.