A new survey has found that highly-skilled tech professionals from all over the world are moving to Cork for a better quality of life, career opportunities, shorter commutes and lower living costs.
The Cork Tech Talent Relocation Survey, released today [Wednesday, December 13] was carried out by National Recruitment and HR Services Group Collins McNicholas in conjunction with Cork Chamber, IDA Ireland and Cork City Council.
The report included responses from workers of 27 different nationalities with two-thirds having relocated to Cork during the last two years. Respondents relocated from countries such as China, the US, South Africa, France, Egypt and the
Netherlands.
Fast becoming an international high-tech hub, Cork is attracting a large number of foreign and indigenous tech start-ups – 84 percent of respondents to the survey currently work in the city’s buoyant IT sector.
More than 85 percent of those surveyed said they were satisfied or very satisfied with their relocation. And 80 percent say they now have a better balance between their work and home lives.
Some 85 percent now have a commute to work of less than 40 minutes and 78 percent said they did not consider it difficult to find a job in Cork.
Interestingly, while 27 percent of those who moved back were originally from Ireland, some 73 percent relocated from outside of Ireland.
When asked about the factors, which influenced their move to Cork, 73 percent cited a better quality of life, while 72 percent referenced a reduced cost of living. The other main reasons given were: lower property prices, less traffic, career opportunities, beautiful scenery and a safer environment.
Among the survey’s other key findings were:
- 64 percent have experienced an increase in salary since moving to Cork.
- 67 percent of respondents have since bought property in Cork or are considering it.
- Cork attracts highly-skilled professionals with 89 percent holding a third-level qualification.
- 42 percent of those hold Post Grads with another four percent having PhDs or doctorates.
- Almost a quarter said their disposable income had increased by 20 percent or more since moving to Cork with 48 percent saying the increase had been between zero and 20 percent.
- Since relocating to Cork, 35 percent or respondents said they’d attained a more senior role.
Rory Walsh, Collins McNicholas, Cork Regional Manager, said: “The Cork region is experiencing a surge in the number of international professionals, who are moving to the region for the work-life balance that both the culture and
economic environment can facilitate.
“Many expanding global organisations and indigenous companies are offering competitive salaries and interesting projects, while the region also provides an unrivalled local charm and thriving social scene.”
Seamus Coghlan, Cork City Council, Head of Economic Development, said: “Cork is seeing an unprecedented level of city centre development, driven by the private sector.
“The draft National Planning Framework (NPF) has acknowledged the role of cities as drivers of economic development. Cork, as the second largest city in Ireland, is well placed to take advantage of this, leveraging existing strengths and economic successes especially in FDI in the Life Sciences, ICT and internationally traded services sectors.”
Ray O’Connor, IDA Regional Manager South West, said: “Over the last seven years, Cork has seen consistent growth in the numbers gaining employment across international companies – an increase of 11,500 people since
2009.
“A University City with over 30,000 full- and part-time students across several colleges; strong established industry clusters; an expanding international airport on its doorstep; a cosmopolitan city with a rich mix of different nationalities; a rich heritage and history; and a great quality of life – these are some of the factors that have attracted both international companies and people with skills and talent to the area.”
Conor Healy, CEO, Cork Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is the most exciting time in recent Cork history in terms of growth, opportunities and potential. Cork currently has the highest level of job creation in the country.
“There are significant opportunities where people can build a career and move across various companies within strong clusters such as ICT, life sciences, energy, marine, agri-food, tourism and financial services.”
To view the full survey findings, click here.
Collins McNicholas
SIAC House, Ballycurreen Cross, Airport Road, Cork
021 480 9118
collinsmcnicholas.ie
cork@collinsmcnicholas.ie
