Finance Minister Michael McGrath visits Peninsula Ireland to discuss business growth and opportunity

Cork, Ireland. 22 May 2023 - Finance Minister Michael McGrath visited Peninsula Ireland’s Cork offices to discuss the growth and opportunities for businesses in the Munster area.

Cork is rapidly strengthening its reputation as an economic hub to rival the capital of Dublin. Popular amongst investors, the city is attracting global companies like Amazon, Novartis, Boston Scientific, Janssen, and Pfizer, with many skilled graduates living in the vicinity.

The minister recognises the challenges business owners face as the world moves into out of the Covid pandemic.

Michael McGrath says: “Cork is a great city, and it’s growing every day. The fact that so many businesses are choosing to bring their offices and factories here is evidence of that, and so employment and commerce is booming. But there is no denying that smaller businesses require additional support as we emerge from the pandemic. That’s why I’m championing the extension of the temporary business energy support scheme. It was great to speak to Peninsula Ireland today to further understand the concerns of businesses who turn to them for advice on their HR, health and safety and employment law.”

Moira Grassick, Chief Operations Officer at Peninsula Ireland says: “One of the more common issues that our clients are facing right now are how they remain operational and profitable during a cost-of-living crisis. The answer isn’t a clear cut one of course, but our advisors will support with all the HR options available to an employer, keeping their staff’s best interests at heart. The extension of the business energy support scheme will go a long way in appeasing those concerns whilst businesses steady themselves again after these tumultuous few years.”

“We’ve seen an increase of nearly 200 clients in Cork over the last year, which shows that businesses are expanding and seeing the need for support from Peninsula to help sustain that growth and success. And it’s not just other businesses who are growing – we are ourselves recruiting, with new HR roles representing a 60% expansion to our Cork workforce.”

“Peninsula chose to open our second office in Cork back in January 2020 because of the economic potential the city has, and as the city of choice for many industries. This is a really exciting time for the city. With business picking up again post-pandemic, the opportunities for growth are endless. The minister’s visit to the office today recognises both the growth of business here in Cork, as well as the growth of Peninsula across Ireland.”

“We’ve invested significantly into the business and are always looking for ways to innovate. Currently there is no apprenticeship programme in HR. This is an area we are keen to explore, providing career pathways and opportunities for young people in this ever growing and important field. This is the right time to really focus on our post-Covid plans, investing and expanding our services to build better businesses across the Cork region.”

--ENDS—

Notes to editor

Attached photo is cleared for release (L-R): Lorcan McLoughlin, Keith Lowther, Eddie Harty, Miriam Payne, Raj Singh CEO Peninsula Ireland, Moira Grassick COO Peninsula Ireland, Colin Murphy, Michael McGrath Finance Minister, Emily Sheppard

Contact Miriam Payne – Associate Director of PR and Comms T: 01 264 6389 | E: [email protected]