Network Cork launches free webinar series to support businesses during Covid-19 crisis

Network Ireland Cork has launched a series of free live webinars to support businesses in light of the current Covid-19 public health situation. Commencing tonight, 18 March from 8 pm – 9 pm, the first webinar will cover elements of employment law and remote working with panellists Karen O’Reilly, a flexible work specialist and founder of EmployFlex, and Gráinne O’Donovan, partner at Douglas Law Solicitors. Registration at https://networkcorkwebinar.eventbrite.ie is free and open to both Network members and non-members.

Speaking on the branch’s first webinar, Network Ireland Cork’s president, Marguerite O’Sullivan said: “Many businesses are now faced with uncertainty. We want our Network to be a place of support during this difficult period and therefore have made changes to our upcoming schedule, replacing our in-person events with online versions. Now more than ever businesses need our support, so we have rallied together to push out complimentary webinars — for both members and non-members — that are specifically designed to help during these unprecedented times.

“Our Network Ireland Cork members, Gráinne O’Donovan and Karen O’Reilly are experts in their fields and they will be on-hand this Wednesday evening to discuss employment law for employees and employers along with what businesses need to know about remote working. Questions can be submitted in advance at www.slido.com or the Slido app by using the event code #networkcork. We hope this webinar, and the ones to follow, will be of some assistance for business owners and their staff during this difficult period.”

Facilitator for the initial webinar is Louise Bunyan from SmartFox, a digital marketing and training agency.

On this year’s Network Ireland Cork’s Businesswoman of the Year Awards, Marguerite O’Sullivan added: “Entries have been extended to 27 March, and in times such as these it is important to celebrate the excellence, professionalism, vision and leadership of women in business, professions and the arts across Cork. We are asking Network Ireland Cork members to consider entering or nominate a colleague, and showcase the innovative work they are doing.”

There are eight awards categories — Small SME (10 employees or less); Large SME (greater than 10 employees); Solo Businesswoman; Emerging New Business; Rising Star Employee; Shining Star Employee; Arts; and STEM. Nominations can be made at www.networkireland.ie/award-application, and the winner in each category, to be announced in May, will go forward for the Network Ireland National Business Awards.

Network Ireland Cork is a not-for-profit organisation for women in business, professions and the arts and is the largest branch of Network Ireland in the country. For more information see www.networkireland.ie/cork.