Why Cork

No two businesses have identical priorities when scouting for locations. Inevitably, it's a delicate balancing act guided by the principles of practicality and profit. But, whatever criteria you apply, we believe you'll find Metropolitan Cork hard to beat. We've spoken to investors who have already chosen it as their location and this section of our guide provides a checklist of indigenous benefits that influenced their decisions.

Investors target Metropolitan Cork for the following reasons:

• Attractive Corporation Tax rates, currently 12.5%
• A new scheme of tax credits for Research and Development Activity
• A tax regime which encourages the establishment of Corporate Headquarters and Holding Companies
• Membership of EMU (Euro Zone) - the sole English-speaking member
• Extensive Business Support Systems
• Established Sectors of Excellence
• Excellent Infrastructure including an International Airport.
• Substantial Designated (tax efficient) Sites and a range of High Quality Property Solutions
• Outstanding Natural Deepwater Port with Extensive Waterfront Access
• Ireland’s second largest population base (257,000)
• A Major Growth Centre
• University City with 30,000 third level students
• Large Resource of Skilled People and Highly Qualified Graduates
• Exceptional Quality of Life

"While working in Geneva as Vice President for a Global Telecommunications / IT company, I was approached to establish a start-up company. My task was to find a location.

I wanted somewhere that offered a favourable environment for inward investment with a local culture that recognised the importance of entrepreneurial ventures. I also needed a favourable taxation regime, a readily available and educated workforce with skills in advanced software development and, of course, a good living environment.

Cork was the city of choice, because it combines all the business advantages of setting up a business in a major urban area with a quality of life that is difficult to obtain elsewhere."

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