Mallow Chamber of Commerce is embracing a new era of business development, with its President highlighting the need for local enterprises to adapt to changing consumer habits and emerging digital tools.
Speaking in an interview with The Anglo-Celt, Chamber President Joyce A. Good Hammond said the organisation is focused on helping businesses in Mallow stay competitive by balancing traditional retail approaches with modern platforms such as social media, TikTok and artificial intelligence.
Now settled in Mallow since 2007, the Cavan native said her priority is to strengthen the town’s business base and encourage consumers to “live, work and do business in Mallow”, rather than turning to larger urban centres.
She said collaboration among local traders is key, adding that the Chamber, which represents around 70 members, is actively working to support upskilling through practical workshops on areas such as digital marketing, store layout and online sales development.
“Their online business is another business,” she told The Anglo-Celt, noting that many local traders are now operating significant portions of their business online, with some reporting up to a fifth of trade coming through digital channels.
Good Hammond also emphasised the importance of “moving with the times” as business increasingly shifts into a social media-driven environment compared to a decade ago, with demand growing for hands-on training in platforms such as Canva, TikTok and AI tools.
Her comments come as Mallow Chamber continues to expand its support programmes for members, including collaborations with the Local Enterprise Office aimed at improving in-store presentation and customer experience.
Joyce A. Good Hammond, who is also a practising solicitor and former President of the Southern Law Association, said her approach is rooted in listening to local businesses and responding to their needs.
“There is a lot of work involved, but I am enjoying meeting people and helping businesses,” she said.
The Chamber President added that her goal is to ensure Mallow remains a strong and sustainable centre for enterprise, community and commerce in North Cork.
