Businesses Have a Critical Role to Play in Shaping Sustainable and Thriving Communities
Friday 13th November 2026, Today in Cork, Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) convened leaders from a wide range of businesses, local government and civic society to explore the theme: Business as a Catalyst for Sustainable Placemaking. The event, kindly hosted by Heineken, emphasised how businesses can contribute to creating communities that are not only economically successful, but also resilient, inclusive and sustainable for future generations.
The event showcased that sustainable placemaking is more than urban design, new infrastructure or regeneration and more about placing the needs of the people living, working and visiting at the centre. Practical examples including the successful Victorian Quarter were shared, demonstrating how businesses, community organisations, local authorities and other stakeholders have partnered to drive positive change in that locality.
Tomas Sercovich, CEO, BITCI said: “We have seen a growing interest by our members to engage more deeply with local communities. Afterall, businesses have a unique ability to influence how places grow and evolve through investment, partnerships and hiring local residents. By working alongside stakeholders across society, businesses can help can strengthen local economies, improve quality of life and social cohesion and support more sustainable patterns of development.”
Aoibheann O’Sullivan, Corporate Affairs Director, Heineken added “We are delighted to host this event because Heineken has been involved in a number of sustainable placemaking initiatives including the Victorian Quarter and local heritage trails. We have seen that by collaborating with local key stakeholders from the outset, it raises the ambition of the project, guarantees a more strategic approach is adopted and in turn secures improved economic, social and environmental outcomes for that locality.”
An impressive line-up of speakers included Stephen O’Malley, CEO of Civic, who is recognised for his work advocating for a more systems approach and person centric style to be adopted. While the panellists included Brian Geaney, Assistant Chief Executive, Cork City Council; Linda O’Sullivan, Head of Social Inclusion, Business in the Community Ireland; Dave Murphy, President, Engineers Ireland and Katherine Fitzpatrick, Director, Victorian Quarter.
The panel emphasised that as towns and cities across Ireland face growing challenges linked to climate action, social inclusion and urban development, cross sectoral collaboration is vital in shaping places where people and enterprise can flourish together.
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