Taking Care Of Business with Ronan Berry

Taking Care of Business with Ronan Berry June 3rd 2025

This week, Dermot Smyth takes us through DTS’s journey from humble beginnings in Offaly to becoming a global name in sterilisation validation. Safety expert Breda Colgan lays out what rising workplace injury fines and a growing number of HSA inspectors mean for your business. And at MojoFest 2025, Helena Brunkman of Clipsk explains how her app is making pro-level video editing accessible to everyone—with help from Midlands 103’s Zoe Ryan.

Scopey is leveling up—founder Jenna Farrell reveals how the anti-scope creep tool is breaking into AI-powered construction tech. If you’ve ever dreamed of life behind the wheel, Brendan Buggy and Joe Wynne are leading Ireland’s new push to recruit and train bus drivers. Plus, Offaly’s John McNally talks climate action on the ground, one initiative (and tweet) at a time. And finally, Tapitag’s Mark Gibbons explains how their smart networking tech could make business cards a thing of the past—just in time for the 2025 National Enterprise Awards.

What does it take for a business to thrive in a shaky economy? Jamie O’Hanlon of AVID Partners joins Ronan to talk mergers, succession planning, and key advice for SMEs. Martina Fitzgerald of Scale Ireland shares findings from their latest survey on what start-ups need most heading into 2025—especially in the regions. With Accelerate Green 2025 on the horizon, BnM’s Benedicta Durcan explains how the Midlands are helping lead Ireland’s climate innovation. And fresh from their Irish Construction Excellence Award win, Peter Lyons and Joe Breslin look back on the Esker Arts Centre, and how architecture can serve community.

From the professional rugby pitch to performance supplements — Jack Carty shares how his new venture, Cognitive Blends, is helping men optimise health, balance hormones, and thrive on and off the field. Scaling a business doesn’t happen by accident — Eoghan O’Mahony shares the must-haves for growth ahead of his one-day masterclass for SME leaders. Turning research into real-world solutions — Enterprise Ireland’s new funding stream could be the launchpad your idea needs. Discover how from Emma Callinan Senior Principal Scientific Officer - Spinouts & Research Commercialisation. As Laois continues to position itself as a hub for industry and innovation, Angela McEvoy from Laois County Council explains how strategic land development is attracting high-value employers to the county.

After taking the heartbreaking decision to close his shop in Moate, Shane Maher embarks on a bold new chapter — hear how a beloved local butcher is reinventing his business in Tullamore. From a lightbulb moment to a national business plan — we meet the twin brothers from Portlaoise CBS whose clever new startup Mooving.ie is making waves just in time for the Student Enterprise National Final With stress and burnout on the rise, how can businesses turn wellbeing into a competitive advantage? IBECs Patrick Haslett details new research into workplace wellbeing and how companies can create healthier, happier workplaces. From cutting carbon to creating communities — Colin Donnery explains why sustainability is now central to everything FRS Co-Op does.

Kieran Walsh on how Simpli Baked went from local lunchboxes to supermarket shelves across Europe with their tasty new Wraphouse range. From your pocket to the world – MojoFest founder Glen Mulcahy is back to talk smartphones, AI, and why mobile storytelling is rewriting the rules of journalism. Trust us – they’re the best! Paul Heavin from heavins.ie joins us fresh from winning Ireland’s Most Trusted Website to share how this family-run Athlone store is nailing the online game.

Stressed out? Tullamore’s Reveal Beauty & Wellness has just the thing – Brain Tap, a wellness tech for modern life. With €2.2 million in innovation projects secured and a brand-new strategy just launched, the Advanced Technologies in Manufacturing cluster is putting the midlands and beyond on the global industry map. Still unlocking the Midlands after 43 years! Jack Nolan looks back on decades of keys, callouts and keeping the region safe – with a little help from the next generation. Easter never looked (or tasted) so good! Georgia Quealy from Bon Chocolatiers talks hand-painted eggs, viral pistachio creations, and why Athlone is Ireland’s new chocolate capital.

Can employers dismiss staff struggling with addiction? We unpack aWRC ruling that’s reshaping how businesses approach alcoholism and misconduct in the workplace with Ciarán O’Mahony, O’Mahony Safety Solutions. From self-funded startup to €6m turnover – Shane Tobin CEO of TrueWealth.ie shares the highs, the hurdles, and how business owners can extract wealth the smart way.” Liberation Day, trade tariffs, and a VUCA world – futurist Damien Heary of FutaVista Consultancy helps Irish exporters make sense of global uncertainty and prepare for what’s next. Fergal Moran of CJ Sheeran on how their new partnership with The Pallet LOOP is transforming waste into value – a game-changing circular economy model for Ireland’s construction industry.

Cuty Gupta explains how Local Enterprise Office supports like Digital for Business and the Grow Digital Voucher are helping midlands SMEs automate, innovate, and stay competitive in 2025. Donagh O’Leary of Medicines for Ireland warns that a new EU wastewater directive could cause serious medicine shortages in Ireland – and explains why generic drug makers are challenging it in the European courts. Breda Colgan from Salutem Advisory & Training shares practical insights on improving workplace safety and compliance, starting with a recent case that highlights key lessons for employers. David Walsh-Kemmis, the man behind Ballykilcavan Brewery near Stradbally, joins us from Meitheal 2025 to talk tourism, storytelling, and how local producers are showcasing Ireland to the world.

Gary O’Keefe shares Crewit Resourcing’s expansion into Denmark, the future of global recruitment, and how they’re helping solve Ireland’s labour shortages in sectors like agriculture, construction and transport. David Savage from BDO explains what Trump’s new tariffs mean for Irish businesses and how to mitigate risks as a potential EU–US trade war looms. Geraldine Dolan reflects on resilience, community support, and rising costs in hospitality after a fire temporarily closed the much-loved Poppy Fields Café. Eoghan Preston gives us a flavour of The Make & Mark in Portlaoise, its vibrant entertainment lineup, and the fast-growing hospitality brand behind it – RHK Bars.

Economic & Tourism Growth in the Midlands. Mary Hensey & Sarah Morgan discuss the upcoming Together We Thrive event in Offaly, focusing on sustainability, regenerative tourism, and economic development in the Midlands. Ciarán Gorman of Mullingar’s Bevcraft Group shares insights on Bevcraft’s rapid expansion, the impact of US tariffs on steel and aluminium, and how Enterprise Ireland is supporting Irish companies in the face of a trade war. Laois butcher Mark Williams is preparing for his third appearance at the World Butchers’ Event in Paris—he discusses Team Ireland’s chances and the art of butchery. Dr. Niall Burke discusses how Bitcoin mining can help absorb Ireland’s renewable energy surplus, stabilise the grid, and support the energy transition ahead of his Bitcoin Education Talk at TUS Athlone.

Ronan Berry discusses the EU pay transparency directive, closing the gender pay gap, the kickstart programme that's helping skilled tradespeople and micro-business owners transition and thrive - and for Seachtain na Gaeilge - he takes a look at some of the most over-used "corporate speak" phrases!

Mullingar’s viral chocolate sensation! Denise Buckley of Sugar Plum Sweetery shares how their Dubai Chocolate Bar skyrocketed to nationwide fame. Celebrating local enterprise success! Eoin Tully of Aserve and Robert Collentine of Hybrid Engineering on scaling their businesses and competing in the LEO Westmeath County Enterprise Awards. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is paramount to competitive advantage - in advance of International Women’s Day 2025 Jasmine Elkershi of AllPro Recruitment will discuss supporting working women and the ROI of diversity.

Revolutionising plastic recycling - Novelplast CEO Neil Skeffington on how his company is tackling packaging waste and leading the charge in sustainable manufacturing. To date Novelplast has prevented over 25,000 tonnes of plastic entering landfill. Portlaoise Plaza wins big! Colm Mulrooney shares how Supermac’s at Junction 17 took home the Outlet of the Year award. Are Ireland’s agri-food suppliers being treated fairly? Melanie Hall from the Agri-Food Regulator wants to hear from agri-food suppliers about their trading experiences with retail and wholesale buyers of their products via a confidential survey.

From startup to the silver screen! Leah Fletcher of deDANÚ shares how her Irish wellness brand landed a starring role in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy. Midlands food and drink goes national! Bernie Everard previews the Midlands Food and Drink Networks debut at CATEX 2025 and profiles the local producers making waves in Ireland’s food scene. Cost of living hits Irish SMEs hardest—how can fintech help? Niall Mac an tSionnaigh, SumUp’s CEO for Ireland, unpacks key survey insights and digital solutions for small businesses. And, why is Chris Ball of RBK finding himself in very cold water in February?

Athlone Chamber welcomes formation of a new government—what’s next for the Midlands? CEO Tommy Hogan shares priorities for housing, infrastructure, and business growth. Honor Deevy of Local Enterprise Office Laois gives an overview of National Enterprise Week and breaks down key supports for businesses. It has been a record year nationally with 7,100 new jobs created in 2024 by LEO clients. Sustainability is serious business! Caroline Hofman of The CUBE on how SMEs can future-proof operations and access green grants at the upcoming Business Sustainability Roadshow. Huge celebrations as a Laois restaurant is awarded a first Michellin Star. Is it time to take tourism seriously in the Mullingar region?

Bord na Móna’s latest Gender Pay Gap Report reveals a leadership shift—Sharon Doyle, Head of HR & Corporate Affairs, discusses their commitment to diversity, female leadership, and workplace inclusion. With cycling to work more popular than ever, Eoin Coughlan of Outdoorsy.ie explains how the Cycle to Work scheme is making commuting greener, healthier, and more affordable. How will Waterways Ireland’s new Craft Centre of Excellence in Tullamore preserve heritage craftsmanship and boost regional development? Patrick Harkin joins us to discuss this major investment. Tariffs, trade wars and immediate effects on markets and currencies - should Irish SMEs fear Trump's tariffs? John Finn of The Treasury Hub offers an expert view!

What’s next for Ireland’s start-ups? Scale Ireland CEO Martina Fitzgerald joins us to discuss their Athlone summit and the State of Start-ups Survey 2025. How can drug and alcohol testing improve workplace safety? Ciarán O’Mahony shares insights on proactive safety measures and lessons from recent storms. Mullingar’s Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment, talks about his priorities after reappointment. Plus, Local Enterprise Offices are now supporting a record number of jobs—what does this mean for businesses?

What does TikTok’s ban mean for small businesses, influencers, and Europe’s content creators? How are employers' attitudes toward flexible work and emerging trends like "soft quitting" reshaping Ireland's workplace culture? Explore the 2025 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ programme, celebrating Ireland’s most innovative business leaders and their global impact. Discover how Nostra became a leader in cloud innovation and one of Ireland’s fastest-scaling tech companies, with Rosenallis’ Kevin O’Loughlin sharing insights on scaling success through acquisitions.