Cork’s growth story creates opportunities for ambitious businesses

Cork’s growing reputation as a hub for talent, innovation and international connectivity is driving expansion across the region, with Forvis Mazars increasing its own footprint to meet rising demand from businesses.

Cork is entering a new phase of growth, with investment in infrastructure, a strong talent pipeline and a culture of collaboration helping to cement the region’s reputation as one of Ireland’s most attractive locations for business.

That momentum is being reflected across the professional services sector, where Forvis Mazars has expanded significantly since establishing a stronger local presence in 2024.

The firm’s Cork office, led by audit and outsourcing partner Fiona Byrne, has grown from around 30 people to almost 50 and continues to add new capabilities as demand from clients increases.

“There’s a real excitement about the future of Cork,” Byrne said. “It’s a great time to be in Cork. You have the expertise, the collaboration and the opportunity to grow.”

The growth of the office mirrors wider confidence in the region, which Byrne believes is increasingly being recognised as a major business hub.

“Cork is definitely on the rise, and that’s very exciting,” she said.

Infrastructure investment, connectivity and a strong supply of skilled graduates are all contributing to that growth story.

“We have the talent coming out of UCC and MTU and the standard of graduates is very strong,” Byrne said. “We have room to grow, established ecosystems and excellent global connectivity through the airport and the ports. They are building for the future.”

Cork’s status as an international gateway is another important advantage, according to Byrne.

“There’s significant investment planned in rail and roads, and there’s also major investment going into Cork Airport,” she said. “Cork has always been a strong exporting region and the infrastructure developments taking place now are opening doors that weren’t there before.”

While the city’s prospects are bright, businesses are facing increasingly complex challenges, from regulation and reporting requirements to rising costs and changing customer expectations.

“It’s all about doing the simple things effectively and getting them right,” Byrne said. “Clients are dealing with cost pressures and increasing complexity around taxation, employment law and reporting requirements. The expectation from customers is that everything is delivered to a very high standard.”

That growing complexity is driving demand for advisers who can provide strategic guidance as well as compliance services.

“Clients expect a lot more than compliance now,” Byrne said. “They want real-time access, insights and strategic input. They want somebody who understands their business.”

Forvis Mazars’ own growth in Cork has been built around that philosophy. Following the merger of Byrne’s family practice, James Byrne & Company, with Forvis Mazars in 2024, the office has expanded its tax, advisory, audit and outsourcing capabilities, giving businesses access to a broad range of expertise from a local base. And, having expanded rapidly over the last two years, the branch has ambitions to grow even further, having found a real niche in the mid-market.

“The key thing for us is that we have local presence with enhanced capabilities,” Byrne said. “It’s about adding value and being a trusted adviser, somebody clients can pick up the phone and talk to.”

The Cork office’s ability to combine local knowledge with the resources of a national and international organisation has proved particularly valuable for growing businesses.

“We have all the core services in Cork, plus a huge wider team behind us,” Byrne said. “There’s always somebody who has solved that problem before. We have the capabilities in-house to solve most of our clients’ problems.”

Byrne’s own experience of running a family business has helped shape the firm’s approach to supporting owner-managed companies.

“Having run our own business, you understand the trials and tribulations of owner-managed businesses,” she said. “You understand the emotional side of it as well.”

That understanding has resonated with mid-market clients navigating expansion, acquisitions and succession planning.

“Being approachable and relatable is important,” Byrne said. “Business owners have often built something from scratch. Understanding that journey matters.”

She believes Cork’s business culture is one of the region’s greatest strengths.

“What makes Cork special is the collaboration,” she said. “It’s very community-oriented and there’s a real focus on solving problems.”

Looking ahead, Forvis Mazars plans to continue expanding its services in Cork and supporting companies as they scale.

“With every opportunity there are challenges to be managed,” Byrne said. “We’ll be there with clients as they manage those challenges. We go on that journey together.”

For Byrne, helping businesses achieve their ambitions is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job.

“My favourite part is seeing the enthusiasm in entrepreneurs’ eyes and the passion they have for what they’ve built,” she said. “Being there to support them in their growth journey is a privilege.”

Access the original article from the Business Post.