We're delighted to bring you another jam-packed issue of Dublin Chamber Weekly, kindly sponsored by PwC.

Inside this week's edition, you will find details of the Chamber’s latest policy and lobbying work. There's also information on unmissable upcoming events.

All that plus your regular helping of member news and much, much more. Enjoy the issue!

In recent weeks Dublin Chamber has been lobbying both Government and opposition on the key challenges facing businesses in the capital. We have been assured by Government that there will be no cliff-edge to business supports as economic and business life returns to normality, but we will continue to ensure that the voice of Dublin business is heard at Government level.

The Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment has issued a new call for applications to the Online Retail Scheme in response to the Covid-19 crisis and the urgent need for retail businesses to step up their online capability. The goal is to help Irish-owned retailers enhance their digital capability and develop a more competitive online offer that will enable an increase in their customer base and build a more resilient business in the domestic and global marketplace, both online and offline.

Dublin City Council is considering new speed limits to come into force at the end of 2021, with the aim of reducing road deaths and noise pollution, and making the city a more attractive place to walk and cycle. Under the plans, the 30km/h speed limit would become the default across the city, with some exceptions on major arteries. You can see the latest version of the plan and accompanying report here. What impact would this have on your business? Tell us by responding to our quick survey here or by emailing policy@dublinchamber.ie.

Dublin City Council has announced today that they have decided to waive all street furniture fees until the end of 2022 in an effort to help businesses struggling to recover post Covid-19. They have also launched a new helpful brochure for businesses entitled 'Street Furniture Guidline' which includes details on business use of public spaces, you can read that here.

For details on how to apply for funding under the Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme click here. 

Dublin Chamber is working closely with the Office of City Recovery to feed into the short, medium and long-term plans to help the city centre recover post Covid-19. The focus is currently on the short term plans to get the city ready for the anticipated Outdoor Summer. Please get in touch if you have any feedback on the plan. 

Having worked hard to build a successful company and create a legacy, selling a business can be a high-stakes, emotional event. How can businesses ensure a well-structured exit process?

Despite economic headwinds, corporate and private equity investors have unprecedented access to capital for potential deals. As valuations increase, sellers are expected to be more rigorous and unwanted surprises in a deal are more costly. Sellers need to give confidence to buyers to move transactions toward a successful conclusion. Proactive preparation has become mandatory. Processes have accelerated and become more data-driven. Quality of earnings analysis and sell-side due diligence are becoming commonplace.

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has been taking steps to progress the recently launched National Remote Work Strategy, most recently through a public consultation on the Right to Request Remote Working. Dublin Chamber has been working to outline the concerns that members have conveyed to us on this subject through focus groups, surveys, and conversations to all the relevant policymakers and political leaders.

In our submission made in response to the Right to Request consultation, key points in relation to financial cost, health and safety, operational requirements, tax and FDI implications, female labour participation impacts, and city vibrancy are detailed, you can read our submission here.

Dublin City Council has brought forward a number of pedestrianisation initiatives and consultations to improve public realm and outdoor space within the city centre in preparation for our Outdoor Summer.

The Chamber backed the business-led calls to significantly enhance the pedestrianisation on Merrion Row. In particular, we commended the use of trial runs and pilot programmes and how improving public realm and pedestrian access brings us closer to achieving the 15 Minute City, you can read our submission here. There was a significant positive response to the consultation with over 93% of respondents in favour, the proposed trial will take place from 6am on Saturday May 15^th until 11pm on Sunday May 16^th.

There is also a consultation live on increasing pedestrian space on Capel St, the deadline is the 14^th of May and you can submit your views here.

We have a number of great virtual events, workshops and training sessions lined up over the coming weeks that you won't want to miss. Here's a snapshot of some of the highlights.

14th May: Monthly Speed Networking. Book here. 

17th May: Monday Wellness with Eric Donovan. Book here. 

18th May: Sustainable Dublin 2050 - Sustainable Mobility. Book here.

31st May: An Audience with TD Mary Lou McDonald. Book here.

15th June: Leaders Series - Culture Change why it’s now or never. Book here.

24th June: Maximise your Dublin Chamber Membership. Book here. 

For a full listing of all our upcoming events please head over to our website here.

*Some of our events are only open to specific member categories.

Fingal County Council is currently preparing its new Development Plan for 2023-2029 and the first consultation period on the issues paper has just closed. Our submission focused on outlining the benefits of the 15 Minute City, advancing our vision for a compact, sustainable Dublin with the infrastructure and amenities to support Fingal’s growing population. Reduced congestion and pollution, enhanced public spaces, thriving local economies and efficient public transport would enhance not only the lives of its residents and local economy, but the city’s attractiveness as a place to do business. Read the full submission here.

The Department for Environment, Climate Action, and Communications is holding a Public Consultation on the Proposed Publication of the Circular Economy Strategy and Dublin Chamber will be making a submission to represent the views and concerns of its members.

Minister for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Robert Troy TD this week announced that next steps to address the need for a simplified restructuring process for viable small companies that is timely and cost effective are underway as permission has been granted to draft a new bill to amend the Companies Act 2014 to provide for a new dedicated rescue process for small and micro companies.

More details on the General Scheme for Small and Micro Business Administrative Rescue Process can be found here.