New series launched by it@cork in partnership with Cork Chamber

Launching a specialist seminar series on ‘IT for SMEs’ are Conor Healy CEO Cork Chamber, Garrett O’Rourke, Training Network Manager Cork Chamber Skillnet series sponsor , Gillian Bergin Chairperson ,Annette Coburn, it@cork Skillnet Network Manager series sponsor and it@cork Kevin O’ Regan, Radius Technologies, it@cork Board Member

New series to Optimise Technology for SMEs

No one could have anticipated the current technology demands on all companies especially SMEs . The post-covid era has catapulted many businesses into managing hybrid and remote work forces, and this in turn has fast-tracked digital transformation for many as well as increased the need for Cyber Security.

it@cork, which represents nearly 200 tech producing and tech enabled organisations in the South West region and Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, have joined forces to develop a specialist seminar series on technology for SMEs, the first of which will focus on ‘Technology for a Hybrid Work Environment’.

Speaking on the launch of the partnership Gillian Bergin, Chairperson of it@cork said “Managing teams has become more complex with the global move to remote and distributed working. For many companies, large and small, this presents new challenges and often more questions than answers. While the last two years have shown how technology can enable work and productivity, digitalisation also presents solutions for cutting through complexity. it@cork is delighted to be collaborating with Cork Chamber on this new initiative to support SMEs in the region in the adoption of technologies which will not only better facilitate hybrid working and foster inclusion, but also drive efficiencies, automate business processes and positively impact a company’s bottom line”.

In a recent survey of its members Cork Chamber found that 70% of respondents were offering hybrid working options to new hires, and 30% had hired for a fully remote role. Hiring and work patterns have changed and companies are adapting to the new environment.

Referencing the unforeseen changes to business operations in recent years, Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber commented “The last 2 years have seen huge change to how many businesses operate and manage their teams. In the face of adversity, companies stepped up to the mark and kept the wheels of our economy turning. Now, 2 years on, hybrid and remote working are here to stay. In 2022 we see that businesses are taking the time to plan for the longer term and implement lasting systems to support the new ways of working that have emerged and we are delighted to play a part in supporting businesses on that journey.”

Garrett O’Rourke, Training Network Manager at Cork Chamber Skillnet “As working environments continue to evolve, workforce development is an essential strategy to achieving business goals, and talent development can really help to transform business. Closing the digital skills gap and empowering businesses to grow is a key focus for Cork Chamber Skillnet and the IT for SME series is essential for the future-focused SME.”

Annette Coburn, it@cork Skillnet Network Manager “it@cork Skillnet supports and subsidises employers in addressing current and future skills needs in the region and is delighted to sponsor this new series.  It has been a very challenging two years for SMEs where they had to quickly shift and adapt to a remote workforce. This series will provide SMEs with invaluable knowledge on how to maximise the use of IT for their companies in this new hybrid world of work.“

The  first of the IT for SME seminars will run on March 15th focusing on Digital Transformation for Hybrid Workfroce. To get more information and book your spot check out the event page.