Taking Care Of Business with Ronan Berry

Reviewing 2024 and looking ahead to 2025 with Helen Gee of G's Gourmet Foods, Chris Ball Corporate Finance Partner at RBK and Margaret Considine President Chambers Ireland.

Liam Holton, CEO of Future Ticketing, shares how this Offaly-based company is revolutionising the ticketing industry with API-first software and ambitious plans for international expansion in 2025. Caitríona Mordan Manager of atim cluster introduces the DreamBig initiative and discusses how advanced manufacturing companies in the Midlands are inspiring students and developing talent to future-proof the industry. With Mikey Ryan Kirby Group, Sarah Adams Abbott Diagnostics, Gary Kelly Grant Engineering and TY student JP Carney. Eamon Callaghan, founder of Vision85, reveals his plans to reimagine business hubs in Portlaoise, including the soon-to-open Hub R32, designed to energize collaboration and innovation.

In this episode of Taking Care of Business on Midlands 103: Trevor Enright, Managing Director of Enplast Extrusions, reveals how his Granard-based company became Ireland’s first to recycle election posters into construction materials, showcasing the circular economy in action. Jasmine Elkershi from AllPro Recruitment shares expert tips for planning a Christmas workplace party that’s both inclusive and professional, ensuring festive fun without the HR headaches. Des Travers, CEO of DPD Ireland, celebrates their milestone of delivering 10 million parcels by electric vehicles, proving sustainability and logistics can go hand in hand. Anthony Gorman, founder of Anthony’s Wooden Crafts, tells his incredible story of transforming a school project into a thriving business, now supplying handcrafted festive products to Dunnes Stores and Lidl nationwide.

Fergal Moran, Director of Business Development at CJ Sheeran, Ireland’s largest supplier of timber packaging and pallets, shares how their innovative, sustainable practices are setting new industry standards. Ray Byrne of The Wineport Lodge and Kieran Conroy from Tullamore Phoenix discuss the challenges impacting the hospitality sector that a new government must solve to keep the trade alive. Mick O’Dowd, Head of Agri-Business at Kepak Group, reveals insights into their €8 million investment in Kilbeggan, enhancing market access, sustainability, and the local economy. James Bourke, President of Mullingar Chamber, talks about Winterfest Mullingar and how initiatives like these boost regional retail and tourism.

Celebrate the incredible success of Joe Gorman and Dolores Gorman, whose organic exotic mushrooms earned them the ‘New & Innovative Award’ at the National Organic Awards 2024. David Broderick from the Small Firms Association unpacks their election manifesto "For a Nation of Small Businesses." What does Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s controversial healthcare role under a Trump administration mean for Ireland’s thriving pharmaceutical industry? We explore the potential challenges and opportunities with industry expert John Whelan. CEO Athlone Chamber of Commerce Tommy Hogan outlines their demands and expectations as election canvassing continues apace.

How an Offaly-based family business is transforming Irish wool into eco-friendly bedding products, supporting local farmers and leading the shift from synthetic to sustainable with Kevin Dooley of Dooley’s Wool. Expresso English is providing practical, fast-tracked language courses to open doors for meaningful employment and social integration for migrant and refugee communities and they have partnered with a not-for-profit in Westmeath on a trial project. Can transforming our approach to housing and the work permits and visa system ensure we can attract enough top talent to join the workforce to meet the needs of a growing economy already at full employment? With Colin Donnery CEO FRS Co-op and Gary O’Keefe of Crewit Resourcing

From Corporate Success to Filmmaking: Noel McIntyre, founder of Motion Picture Media, outlines his remarkable journey from managing a multimillion-euro business to winning awards in Hollywood. Spotlight on Gender Equality in Leadership: Ronan will delve into the current landscape for female CEOs in Ireland’s top companies, discussing the barriers to female representation in leadership and the ongoing journey to close the gender pay gap with Margaret Considine - President Chambers Ireland and CEO EQuita Consulting Ltd. Empowering Leaders with CIPD: Audrey Doyle, Senior Manager in EY People Consulting and CIPD Committee Member, joined Ronan ahead a CIPD Midlands event, “Empowering Leaders to Create a High-Performance Culture.” Featuring Kevin Brady, founder of Performance Unlocked Kevin Brady, the event will explore what it takes to cultivate strong, engaged teams and boost employee retention. The closing date for the €4,000 Power Up grant is just days away - John Clendennen President Vintners' Federation of Ireland (VFI) will rally eligible businesses to apply for the funding.

Thomas Fox's business, SoloFox uses his unique technology and expertise to optimise solar panel efficiency systems for maximum performance. Paul Molloy’s Boora Bainne goes from strength to strength, becoming a beacon of sustainability and the circular economy. DETE calls all businesses in the retail and hospitality sectors to register NOW for the €4,000 Power Up grant. John McCann looks at the key points and eligibility criteria

Interested in exploring the space economy? Padraig Doolan, Enterprise Ireland’s National Delegate to the European Space Agency - ESA, will highlight how Irish businesses can engage with ESA initiatives and funding opportunities. Is your business struggling to secure funding from traditional banks? Gary Grimes from Simpli Finance discusses alternative, flexible finance options for Irish SMEs. From peer-to-peer lending to merchant cash advances, Gary will share insights on how businesses can access diverse finance solutions tailored to their needs and avoid the limitations of conventional banking. Employers can learn about the financial and other supports available to recruit and retain newly arrived individuals from Ukrainian and other communities. This special event on 24th October is presented by the Department of Social Protection and Laois Community Integration Forum. Why has a midlands farmer completed the longest Malin to Mizen cycle?

Mullingar’s Robotics & Drives has been acquired by Automated Industrial Robotics. RDS is one of the largest robotics solutions providers in Ireland today with customers across various sectors, including CPG, food and beverage, medical devices, personal care, pharmaceutical, and industrial cloud solutions and Managing Director Ken McNevin dropped in to talk about their exciting future plans. John Clendennen, President of the Vintners Federation of Ireland, discusses why the representative group was involved in a national protest on rising costs and to demand urgent government support for the sector. Is your business ready for NIS2? New EU cybersecurity rules bring significant challenges for Irish companies - Mark Grenham from Avova Technologies discusses key points. Why have over 2,500 secondary school students passed through the Tullamore Court Hotel over the last two days?

Highlighting Dimply’s mission to personalise financial journeys using AI and machine learning, and how it’s reshaping financial services and customer engagement - with CEO Jackie (Jac) Dunne from Offaly. Exploring how Slick+ is revolutionising social learning and employee engagement through innovative knowledge-sharing platforms for hybrid workplaces with CEO Paul Conneally from Ballinasloe. Jim Deignan CEO of Payzone Ireland on recent expansion, eParking solutions, and the company’s role in transforming digital payment and customer experience in the region.

To analyse Budget 2025 Ronan is joined by Enda O'Toole Partner at Milne O'Dwyer, Margaret Considine CEO EQuita Group and President Chambers Ireland, Kieran Conroy of Tullamore Phoenix, John Clendennen President Vintners Federation of Ireland and Philip Kelly of DNG Kelly Duncan.

Is the hybrid working dream set to end as some multinationals mandate employees return to the office full-time? Jasmine Elkershi of AllPro Recruitment has a finger on the pulse on this one! How a new €10m polymer technologies facility opened at TUS Athlone represents a transformative investment in Ireland’s polymer and MedTech industries - with Declan Devine and Kenny O’Brien. Ronan catches up with midlands businesses exhibiting at the National Ploughing Championships 2024 including Fore Distillery, Castle Paints and Tapitag

Live on-site in Ratheniska, Ronan was joined by Colin Donnery CEO FRS Co-op; Caroline Hofman MD of The Cube Low Carbon Centre and Jack Pilkington CEO Agri Data Analytics to discuss all matters farming and agribusiness including Irish agri innovation and global potential, attracting and retaining talent into the sector; sustainability and CSRD; spending (or splurging) the National Training Fund and more. Also features Leo Clancy CEO Enterprise Ireland and Ronan Scully of Self Help Africa too.

CEO Eamonn Crowley on PTSB’s transformation and growth strategy, digital innovation, and the bank's social and community impact under his leadership. Shirley Kiernan discusses the rapid growth of the Midlands Career Expo, highlighting its expansion, sustainability focus, and unique opportunities for job-seekers and businesses alike. David Leydon shares insights from IFAC’s 2024 Food & Agribusiness Report, focusing on sustainability, global expansion, and the challenges Irish agribusinesses face in navigating rising costs and workforce shortages.

An Garda Síochána warns of staggering amounts stolen in investment fraud so far this year - with Graham Kavanagh CPO. From the classroom to workplace: should we ban smartphones for better productivity? Margaret Cox of ICE Group and Karl Hegarty of PhoneAwayBox Separate to Concentrate will discuss. Mullingar firm Better Plants, a leading provider of organic liquid seaweeds and seaweed-based animal supplements is expanding into the European market. Founder Ollie Greene reveals all. CEO Tommy Hogan on Athlone Chamber of Commerce’s pre-budget 2024 submission and their upcoming business awards.

Eamon Callaghan, the driving force behind Vision 85 in Portlaoise, is on a mission to boost local businesses and create jobs in the Midlands, but limited office space is hindering his plans—and he's not pleased! Newly appointed Managing Director of Bluebird Care Suzanne Ryan discusses leadership, vision, strategy and market trends at the leading national provider of home care services in Ireland. Jack Murray, CEO of MediaHQ, about the groundbreaking Global CommTech Report and the future of PR and PR technology.

New Frontiers by Enterprise Ireland is an equity-free, nationwide startup accelerator that equips first-time founders in Ireland. Nick Allen has a call out for the latest round and alumnus Jack Pilkington of Agri Data Analytics will talk about the crucial role it played in starting his business. The latest news and developments at Portlaoise Enterprise Centre with Manager Patricia Freyne. Herdwatch is a farm management app that simplifies paperwork and compliance for farmers and it’s scaling rapidly and has entered the US market. Co-founder Fabien Peyaud tells the story so far!

ACORNS marks 10 years with its latest call for female entrepreneurs. Lead ACORN Alison Ritchie MD of Portarlington's Polar Ice Ltd will discuss the programme devised by Paula Fitzsimons and backed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine that has supported over 400 business owners to date. Bon Chocolatiers has been nominated for the prestigious Great Taste award and co-founder Daniel Linehan was in the studio to chat about the businesses launched during the pandemic. Laois' Ballykilcavan Brewery located adjacent to Electric Picnic is precluded from selling local beer at the festival. How can we ensure town centres benefit from shows and events and the future of Irish pubs as over 100 are currently being converted to housing units nationally With VFI President John Clendennen.

Future tech entrepreneur; new President at Mullingar Chamber; significant changes in traditional telecoms and a public house celebrates 250 years! Offaly student wins top prize in University of Galway’s Start100 competition for his app FocusZen Introducing Mullingar Chambers new President James Bourke as he starts his term in office. The current state of play in the telecom market on a global scale and its effects on the Irish ecosystem with Shena Brien CEO IP Telecom. Morrisey's in Abbeyleix, one of Ireland’s oldest pubs, celebrates a major milestone with ambitious plans to mark the occasion!