InBUSINESS Editors Choice Awards 2015 Brochure

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Shannon Heritage Restoring Ireland’s Heritage

CLdN The Perfect Logistics Partner

Newstalk Business for Breakfast

KPMG Looking Forward

Zurich Life Building on Success

Keelings Farm Fresh From Farm to Fork

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Eversheds Taking a Fresh Approach

CityJet Flying High

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Dublin Port All Part of the Masterplan

BOI Payment Acceptance The Smarter Alternative

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GloHealth In Good Health

AIB PRIVATE BANKING Partners in Finance

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Dublin Business School Success Happens Here

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Bord Gáis Energy An Energetic Year

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Origin Capital Introducing Origin Capital

Volkswagen Group A Superb Choice

Shannon Group Plc Welcome to Shannon

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DHL Express Great is in the Detail

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BMW Small Fleet, Big Needs

open eir Connnecting the Nation

LloydsPharmacy Ireland Customer Loyalty At Lloyds

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PayPal Making an Impact

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eir A Special Bond

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IEDR Getting SMEs Online

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Enterprise Ireland Putting Irish Business on the Map

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Patt McCann, Dalata The Hotelier Who Means Business

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Carolan Lennon, Open eir Leading By Example

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Glanbia From Ireland to the World

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BEST IN TOURISM Shannon Heritage

FLEET CAR OF THE YEAR ŠKODA Superb

EXPORTER OF THE YEAR CLdN

BEST BRAND Shannon Group

BEST LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY Zurich Life

BEST IN SPONSORSHIP DHL Express for Rugby World Cup 2015

BUSINESS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR Eversheds

EXECUTIVE CAR OF THE YEAR BMW 7 Series

BEST IN LOGISTICS Dublin Port

BEST ICT SERVICE PROVIDER open eir

BEST PRIVATE HEALTH INSURER GloHealth BEST IN PRIVATE BANKING AIB Private Banking BEST BUSINESS SCHOOL Dublin Business School BEST IN ENERGY Bord Gáis Energy BEST NEWCOMER Origin Capital BEST BUSINESS SHOW Newstalk’s Business Breakfast ACCOUNTANCY FIRM OF THE YEAR KPMG FOOD PRODUCER OF THE YEAR Keelings Farm Fresh BEST BUSINESS AIRLINE CityJet

BEST IN RETAIL EXCELLENCE LloydsPharmacy Ireland BEST IN E-COMMERCE PayPal SPECIAL MERIT AWARDS eir – partnership with Special Olympics BEST SUPPORT TO SMES IEDR BEST SEMI-STATE AGENCY Enterprise Ireland BUSINESSMAN OF THE YEAR Pat McCann, Dalata Group BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR Carolan Lennon, open eir COMPANY OF THE YEAR Glanbia

BEST MARKETING INITIATIVE BoI Payment Acceptance

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1916-2016

Walk through Ireland’s Story.

Experience it.

An Post’s GPO Witness History is a brand

new visitor exhibition and experience in the historical and iconic GPO building on O’Connell Street, Dublin.

This engaging, interactive visitor attraction brings history to life through technology, video and sound with authentic artefacts many previously unseen.

Brand New Immersive Exhibition & Visitor Attraction

Opening March 2016

To book or for further information call: +353 (0)1 816 9538 or e: info@gpowitnesshistory.ie

www.gpowitnesshistory.ie

Image courtesy of the National Library of Ireland

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SHANNON HERITAGE BEST IN TOURISM

RESTORING IRELAND’S HERITAGE In a climate of recession, Shannon Heritage has flourished in restoring Irish tourist locations steeped in historical value.

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here’s no doubt that the tourism trade is one of the most valuable of Ireland’s enterprises. That said, even this industry has been hit in recent years. Despite these challenges Shannon Heritage, a Shannon Group company, has spent the last 50 years generating the highest quality of tourist sites in the country.

Beginning with a single event, the Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle, the company has become one of Ireland’s most respected and accomplished tourism operators. Building on their early success, Shannon Heritage now manages an impressive portfolio which includes banquets located in Bunratty, Dunguaire and Knappogue, a newly refurbished visitors’ centre at King John’s Castle in Limerick and a management contract with Malahide Castle in Dublin.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, the first venture of Shannon Heritage, has always boasted a host of day and night time activities. Bunratty Castle have long dedicated themselves to hosting family friendly events and this year’s line-up included the Bluegrass Music Festival, Fossett’s Circus and the annual Harvest Day festival. Once again their attractions have continued to exceed public expectation and have sent tourists flocking to the local area.

The hard work and investment of this organisation has been the driving force behind boosting international and local tourism in numerous locations throughout Ireland. The booming tourism in the 13th century setting at King John’s Castle stands as a clear example. Embracing the local history of the area, Shannon Heritage’s recent refurbishment of this historic location has blended both the old and the new. By using modern technology throughout their exhibition they have supplied visitors with a fully interactive experience. This ability to become fully immersed in this historic site has made King John’s Castle a stand out feature in the local landscape.

An inarguable success, these undertakings have required strategic planning and precise execution by Shannon Heritage. Even under the intense pressure of recessionary times they have continued to thrive. The organisation recorded over 637,000 visitors in 2014

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and latest figures have shown that tourism under their administration has increased yet again in 2015.

With their overwhelming selection of entertainment, it’s easy to see why. These reports reveal that by the end of September 2015, business in Bunratty Castle, King John’s Castle and Malahide Castle has increased by 10 per cent in the past year, making them the key attractions for this overall leap in tourism.

However, this tourism enterprise is determined to explore opportunities for further growth. Fitting in with their plans for fresh development in 2016, earlier this year Shannon Heritage had the honour of being awarded the opportunity to manage the GPO Witness History Interpretive Exhibition Centre.

This a7 million attraction, which is estimated to tempt 300,000 visitors annually, is due to open next Easter. The opening will coincide with the centenary commemoration of the 1916 Easter Rising, which will be the the main focus of the new exhibition.

For Shannon Heritage, the past year has focused on revitalising areas of national historic importance and the coming days represent an opportunity to excel once again with the addition of another world class tourist site to their portfolio.

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CLdN EXPORTER OF THE YEAR

THE PERFECT LOGISTICS PARTNER In recent years, CLdN has carved out a position in Ireland as a key logistics partner to importers and exporters, offering a reliable, market leading and cost conscious service.

InBUSINESS caught up with Koen Vanhentenrijk, Commercial Route Manager for CLdN’s Dublin service, to find out more.

Q: Could you give us some background on CLdN? A: CLdN operates various short sea connections between the continent and the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Denmark and Portugal. All lines are operated with 24 company owned vessels which can accommodate the regular containers, tanks and trailers. Furthermore, we can assist with the shipment of mobile machinery and static cargo. Our vessels can accommodate 12 drivers of accompanied units and have the facility to plug in temperature controlled units on board. The main deck clearance height of 7m offers the flexibility to receive out of gauge units and to arrange shipments to the continent of specialised cargo which previously would have been laboriously and expensively transported via the UK. Our capacity for volume shipments of imported cars and vans is an added bonus, and one which is currently well recognised by the industry.

Q: What Irish routes do you serve?

A Our current sailing schedule of three weekly sailings from Dublin to Rotterdam and three weekly sailings from Dublin to Zeebrugge (and vice versa) ensures the rapid delivery of products and the quick turnaround of equipment which can only assist with the commercial success and profitability of our clients’ business. From Rotterdam and Zeebrugge, CLdN ro-ro offers easy and frequent connections to Gothenburg (SE), Esbjerg (DK) and Leixoes (PT).

Q: How has 2015 been for the company?

A: Like many other companies we have experienced tough times in the past, but thankfully 2015 has been a year where we have grown from strength to strength. We have invested by increasing the capacity not only on our Irish services but also on our Portugal service. Furthermore, we started a new service from Portugal to London and back (via Zeebrugge) in September 2015. This growth gives a strong indication that our product is understood by our clients as an interesting alternative to road transport.

Q: How has the freight transport, distribution and logistics sector been performing?

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A: Our experience is that when the economic recovery strengthens and grows, so too does our sector’s performance. On many of our services the sailings are continuously fully booked.

Q: What are the major challenges currently facing the sector?

A: As with all branches of the transport sector, short sea shipping is faced with the continuous challenge of limiting CO2 emissions. Since January 2015 our vessels sail on a low sulphur marine gas oil in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Also, by expanding our services, offering a quick equipment turnaround, the company continues to build on its road mile reducing services.

Q: Any news or expansion plans for 2016 that you can share with us?

A: We are very pleased to announce that CLdN has placed firm orders for two 8,000 lane meter ro-ro vessels, with a length of 235m, double the capacity of the majority of today’s larger short sea ro-ro vessels. We are also poised to place orders for further vessels of classes ranging between 4,700 and 8,000 lane meters. The new vessels will follow CLdN’s proven track record of combining high utilisation container and trailer decks with additional car decks to service their automotive clients.

Q: Your response to winning InBUSINESS Editor’s Choice Exporter of the Year?

A: Winning this award is a very pleasant surprise.

Recognition for the effort performed on a daily basis is always an honour and highly appreciated. On behalf of the team that is CLdN ro-ro we say many many thanks.

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04/12/2015 17:21

LOVE LIFE? SUPPORT IT WITH A ZURICH PENSION.

Choosing Zurich for your employee pension scheme means having an award winning investment team, expert member communication and administration behind you.

To talk to Zurich about your employee pension scheme, call 01 209 2389.

ZURICH. FOR THOSE WHO TRULY LOVE. Zurich Life Assurance plc is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Awarded Best Investment Performance 2014 as voted by members of the Irish Brokers Association.

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ZURICH LIFE

InBUSINESS spoke with Anthony Brennan, CEO, Zurich Life, to discover more about a positive 2015 for the company.

Q: Congratulations Anthony on Zurich Life being voted Best Life Assurance Company. Having also won last year, why do you feel Zurich Life has been recognised once more in 2015?

A: Thank you and I’m very proud to accept this recognition on behalf of all our employees in Zurich Life and would like to thank Chambers Ireland for selecting Zurich for the award. Chambers Ireland does great work supporting the small and medium sized businesses that provide employment and opportunities for so many people across the country.

At Zurich Life, we’ve a very good track record of providing market leading investment performance for our pension and investment customers. Our investment team is based in Blackrock, Co. Dublin and is responsible for approximately k18 billion funds under management. Just recently we celebrated the 25th anniversary of our core suite of managed funds and the consistency of our market leading investment performance over this time is something that our financial broker distributors and customers expect from Zurich. Zurich is committed to holding ourselves up to high standards of customer service which we do through investing in our people, our systems and processes so that we can respond to what our customers want, whether they contact us in person, online or through a mobile device.

Q: Has 2015 been a positive year for Zurich Life, and if so, why?

A: With consumer confidence returning, 2015 has been a good year for Ireland and at Zurich Life we’ve had a positive year in line with the improving overall economic picture. With unemployment continuing to fall and people feeling more secure about their financial situation, we have seen customers more comfortable to look ahead and plan for the future for themselves and their family. The Life market remains a tough and competitive market – we have seen an increase in new business and lower levels of lapses, again tied to the improving economic situation. But we still have work to do in convincing consumers of the value of putting protection in place, or thinking about their future.

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BEST LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY

BUILDING ON SUCCESS

Anthony Brennan, CEO, Zurich Life

Q: How proud are you to be the highest ranked insurer in the recent corporate reputations survey carried out

by The Reputations Agency? What does this mean for your customers?

A: This was really great recognition for Zurich to receive. The Reptrak Model is the gold standard for reputation measurement and represents the views of members of the general public – so it’s a fantastic result to achieve. A company’s reputation is key to building trust with customers. As an industry we need to ensure that when customers trust us with their hard earned money, that we manage it responsibly and deliver for them when they need us most; whether that’s at a time of serious illness, death or retirement. So the survey is a very good barometer of how well our employees are meeting our customers’ expectations.

Q: Does the outlook for the Life and Pensions market in Ireland continue to be positive?

A: While there are of course challenges ahead, I remain very positive on the outlook for the Life and Pensions Industry. Zurich is keen to do its part to continue to educate and encourage people to think long term and help customers plan for and protect themselves and their families in the future.

Zurich Life Assurance plc is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

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A world of expertise The Irish law firm with a fresh global vision With scale comes innovation. Thinking without boundaries, we offer you a unique approach that controls time, cost and risk.

With offices in 30 jurisdictions, we connect our clients to the world. Ireland’s only full service international law firm (and one with a new look), we combine local expertise with access to a worldwide resource.

To find out how we can serve your business, contact: Alan Murphy Managing Partner & Chairman, Eversheds International +353 1 6644 289 alanmurphy@eversheds.ie

eversheds.ie

Eversheds Irish and International Law Firm of the Year, and Alternative Dispute Resolution Team of the Year 2015

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EVERSHEDS

Eversheds has been recognised by the InBUSINESS Editor’s Choice Awards as a result of their continued and impressive excellence within the Irish legal landscape.

BUSINESS LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR

A FRESH APPROACH

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new focus in financial services, IP and data protection, versheds’ pedigree as a leading legal corporate and commercial and property. At the global provider to the business community in level, the firm undertook a rebrand that they believe Ireland goes back as far as 1967, when it reflects their strong reputation as innovators in their began its journey as a small local law firm sector, and as lawyers who use fresh approaches to in Dublin. The firm grew steadily through subsequent deliver the highest quality of client service. decades, developing a strong commercial client base Ireland has a strong and vibrant multinational and continually expanding during the 1970s, 1980s business community, with many corporations and 1990s. The noughties brought real change and from all over the world choosing to locate their advancement to the firm as it became part of the European headquarters here to take advantage of Eversheds global group in 2006, bringing the added Ireland’s location as a gateway to the rest of Europe international dimension to an already strong and and beyond. As a result, their lawyers are highly dynamic Irish law firm. experienced in managing Internationally, Eversheds clients on a multihas over 50 offices in 35 jurisdictional basis, having countries worldwide. Since “AT THE GLOBAL LEVEL, successfully done so over a joining the Eversheds group, THE FIRM UNDERTOOK A number of years with clients the firm has strengthened REBRAND THAT THEY in the technology, energy, its position as one of BELIEVE REFLECTS THEIR pharma and agri-food Ireland’s leading law firms.

STRONG REPUTATION AS sectors.

It has also established itself INNOVATORS IN THEIR SECTOR, The firm strongly believes as the only international AND AS LAWYERS WHO in the Eversheds ideal of a firm in Ireland capable of USE FRESH APPROACHES modern, progressive law offering seamless legal TO DELIVER THE HIGHEST firm and was delighted services to clients across QUALITY OF CLIENT SERVICE.” to be named Law Firm of multiple jurisdictions. The the Year at the 2015 Irish firm is in a strong growth Law Awards. In addition phase at the moment, to winning the overall having achieved 20 per accolade, Eversheds also emerged top in two other cent growth this year and expects to continue on categories, International Law Firm of the Year and that growth path by growing revenues by a further Alternative Dispute Resolution Team of the Year.

15 per cent year on year over the next phase of its development.

Led by Managing Partner Alan Murphy, who is also In Ireland, Eversheds work with some of the Chairman of Eversheds International, they work closely largest, most progressive multinational and large Irish with their colleagues around the globe to provide a corporates as well as many exciting and innovative seamless legal service to each client, often managed smaller companies and start-ups. Significant by one point of contact in their Dublin office. developments at Eversheds in Ireland during 2015 Eversheds believes this ability is a significantly selling include the acquisition of an additional 8,000 sq ft point, and will continue to exploit this advantage. of new office space in Dublin to accommodate the Ireland is emerging strongly from its recent economic growth in employment at the firm, with staff numbers difficulties, and is currently the fastest growing now eclipsing the pre-crash level. They also opened a economy in Europe. A number of business sectors are new office in Belfast, and will focus on growing this forging ahead strongly at the moment and Eversheds business in the year ahead, and have a significant is keen to capitalise on this success.

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31,000,000 tonnes of goods pass through the heart of Dublin City annually

www.dublinport.ie

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DUBLIN PORT BEST IN LOGISTICS

ALL PART OF THE MASTERPLAN 2015 will have been a record year for Dublin Port Company and with further growth expected in the years ahead, the company’s Masterplan looks well and truly on target.

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ublin Port Company’s trade figures have been slowly rising since 2009. However, reflecting the growth in the domestic economy, throughput figures for 2015 are set to surpass those of the pre-recession figures of 2007. In the third quarter, the throughput in Dublin Port was up by 5.8 per cent on 2014 figures to 24 million gross tonnes. Not only had imports increased by 6 per cent to 14.4 million gross tonnes but exports also rose by 5.5 per cent to reach 9.9 million gross tonnes. New cars and commercial vehicles increased by an impressive 20.7 per cent on 2014 singling the growth in the motor industry.

Speaking on the latest quarter’s trade figures, Eamonn O’Reilly, Chief Executive, Dublin Port Company, said: “It is clear now that 2015 will be a record year and that yet more growth will come in future years as Ireland’s economy recovers. The strong growth on the import side and, within this, the 8.2 per cent growth in petroleum imports from 2.7m to 2.9m tonnes and the 12,000 additional cars imported in the first nine months all come from the welcomed recovery in the domestic economy.”

In order to facilitate future growth in the throughput of the port, Dublin Port Company are about to embark on the largest single infrastructure development project in the port’s history, The Alexandra Basin Redevelopment (ABR) Project. The project will increase the port’s ability to handle large ships by deepening and lengthening 3kms of the port’s 7kms of berths. It will also deepen the port to provide an entrance channel with a depth of at least 10 metres. While Dublin Port Company is in a strong financial position, the project has recently received commitment from the European Investment Bank to provide a loan of s100 million to partially fund the s230m development. It is expected that work will commence on this project in 2016.

The ABR is the first major project to emerge from Dublin Port Company’s Masterplan 2012-2040.

However, smaller projects have already been completed with more underway to address the capacity issues at Dublin Port. In 2014, Minister Paschal Donohoe

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Aerial shot of Dublin Port

opened a new state-of-the-art car terminal which has the capacity to store 2,500 cars and be monitored by a state-of-the art security system manned on a 24-7 365 days a year basis. Earlier in 2015, the Alexandra Quay Container Terminal was opened, increasing the capacity of the port by 80,000 TEUs (20ft equivalent).

This brings the terminal’s capacity to 400,000 TEUs. The project also created new runways for rubber-tyred gantry cranes and deepened and strengthened the quay wall to allow bigger container ships to be loaded and discharged with modern high speed ship-to-shore gantry cranes. Plans are also underway to upgrade the port’s road network.

It was originally estimated that the port would handle 60 million tonnes in 2040, however, recent growth and projections mean it is more likely that we will hit this milestone closer to 2030. Dublin Port Company is committed to developing the port in a sustainable way in order to address the future capacity requirements. It looks forward to another busy year in 2016, not only for Dublin Port Company but the Irish economy as a whole as we continue to grow.

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Three reasons why Facebook Ireland prefer GloHealth Facebook Ireland keep their employees happy with great benefits including the latest thinking in health insurance from GloHealth.

Here are just some of the reasons why they prefer GloHealth as their health insurance provider: 1. Employees can tailor their plan to suit their own needs and lifestyle at no extra cost by choosing from our range of Personalised Packages.

2. Kids are free until 3 on a wide range of plans.

3. Employees can Scan & Send their day-to-day medical receipts and we’ll process their claim the next day.

Contact us for a quote on 01 960 7216 or email Corporate@GloHealth.ie GloHealth Financial Services Ltd trading as GloHealth is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. GloHealth health insurance policies are underwritten by Great Lakes Reinsurance (UK) SE. Great Lakes Reinsurance (UK) SE is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority in the UK and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules.

GLO-70049-15

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GLOHEALTH

As Ireland’s fastest growing health insurer over the last three years, GloHealth has carved out a reputation for providing comprehensive health insurance cover and innovative products to many of the top companies in Ireland.

BEST PRIVATE HEALTH INSURER

IN GOOD HEALTH

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good example of how private health insurer GloHealth is leading the way in innovation within its sector is the recent introduction of the GloDoc benefit. This unique service gives GloHealth customers unlimited access to a GP through online face to face consultations or over the phone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

GloDoc is just one example of how the company is using technology and innovation to deliver on its promise of providing the highest quality health insurance cover in the market. The GloDoc service is available at no extra cost on a wide range of GloHealth’s great value health insurance plans and it provides instant phone access to a qualified GP from your smartphone, tablet or desktop.

This focus on putting its customers’ needs first has ensured GloHealth has become the health insurer of choice and is now the provider of health insurance cover to employees in many of the top companies in Ireland. Tens of thousands of employees at big name firms such as Facebook, AirBnB, TripAdvisor, Groupon, Boston Scientific and Xilinx are among the 130,000 people who are now customers of GloHealth, Ireland’s fastest growing health insurer over the last three years.

The reason they have all moved is simple: GloHealth provides its corporate customers with comprehensive health cover that provides faster access to private treatment when needed. In addition, employees can take advantage of a host of innovative benefits designed to support and encourage them to live and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. The companies whose employees are covered by GloHealth are at the forefront of innovation in their own sectors, and so, they expect the same focus on quality and innovation from their health insurance provider.

GloHealth introduced its unique ‘Scan & Send’ claiming service to the market when it launched. This service allows employees to claim back their daily medical expenses as they go by simply submitting their receipts using their smartphone. It was a clear example of a service that set GloHealth apart from other health insurers in a market that had seen very few significant

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Jim Dowdall, GloHealth CEO

innovations in previous years. Other unique features available with GloHealth include the ability for its customers to tailor their cover to meet their own particular needs and lifestyle, including a range of valuable benefits such as free annual worldwide multitrip travel insurance GloHealth’s accolades are testament to how far the company has come in its short history. For each of the past two years, GloHealth has been selected as Country Champion in the European Business Awards as well as being recognised as the Best Private Health Insurer in Ireland. GloHealth continues to show how an Irish company, with the backing of its strategic partner Irish Life Assurance, can be very successful as a result of a determined focus on delivering great value and innovative products to its clients.

With new corporate customers joining GloHealth every week, the company is very confident that its market leading growth will continue as more businesses look to avail of health insurance cover and services that are now widely recognised as being the benchmark for value and innovation in health insurance in Ireland.

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03/12/2015 15:55

AIB PRIVATE BANKING BEST IN PRIVATE BANKING

PARTNERS IN FINANCE Patrick Farrell, Head of Private Banking with AIB, reflects on a positive year for the organisation.

From a company point of view, the more we Q: Congratulations firstly on receiving the Best in deliver for our customers, the more they’ll be Private Banking award. From your perspective, why do advocates for AIB and the more they’ll do business you think AIB Private Banking was chosen as winner? with us. We believe that what is good for them is A: Thank you very much, it means a lot to our team good for us too and it gives us great confidence for to receive this award. I’d like to think we have been the future.” chosen for this award because we have consistently delivered what our customers have asked of us. In Q: Has 2015 been a positive year for AIB Private 2013, when we decided to re-build the Private Bank, Banking, and why? we asked our customers (past and present) what A: “It has been a very positive year for AIB, for they wanted from their financial partner. Ultimately Private Banking and for the economy as a whole. they expect a bank to demonstrate the same level of For Private Banking, each expertise and commitment new customer that joins to them that they display in us is a testament to the their day-to-day professional “OUR CUSTOMERS ARE quality of service we deliver lives. They want a bank that TIME-POOR INDIVIDUALS – and more than 600 new generates trust by doing, SO OUR FOCUS HAS BEEN customers have joined us and not saying.

TO MAKE THEIR DAY-TO-DAY this year.

Our customers are timeBANKING EASY, SUPPORT Listening to our poor individuals so our focus THEIR BIG DECISIONS (LIKE customers continues to has been to make their A HOME PURCHASE), AND be a key focus. Our Net day-to-day banking easy, PROVIDE EXPERT, IMPARTIAL Promoter Scores, which support their big decisions ADVICE TO HELP THEM AND measure customer loyalty (like a home purchase), and THEIR FAMILIES PLAN FOR and advocacy, have shown provide expert, impartial THE FUTURE.” us that we continue to advice to help them and deliver. This satisfaction is their families plan for the evidenced by the number future. With that peace of of referrals we receive from mind, they can devote more our existing customers. We will continue to listen to of their time and energy to what they excel at, be that see where we can add value and improve. professional or personal endeavours.

We launched a new goal-based financial planning service this year, which has been very well received Q: What impact do you think this will have on the by our customers. This service helps us provide them company and its staff going forward? with a holistic view of their financial affairs, allowing A: I am delighted for my team, who are committed them and their families make informed, joined-up to delivering for our customers. This award recognises decisions to secure their future. each time they’ve gone the extra mile, whether that’s taking calls out-of-hours, facilitating meetings Q: What is it that sets AIB Private Banking apart at times and locations that suit our customers or from the crowd? delivering on requests within minutes, not days. This A: We are clear in our focus on where we can add award will no doubt continue to motivate them to value in our customers’ lives by making day-to-day focus on delivering the best banking experience on banking easy and providing wise counsel on a range the island of Ireland for our customers.

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AIB PRIVATE BANKING BEST IN PRIVATE BANKING

of financial needs under one roof.

We truly believe that a sustainable banking relationship is one focused on helping our customers succeed financially in the long term. With this as our guiding principle, everything we do puts our customers’ financial health first, often requiring us to challenge them to reassess financial decisions or priorities, and they really appreciate honest conversations. Our offering is based on the core, traditional relationship banking values of 20 years ago supported by an advanced digital and technological offering that empowers our customers to transact whenever and wherever they need to.

Our staff are highly motivated by this ethos, helping us recruit an incredibly customer focused team who are committed to delivering a world-class service.

Q: In terms of investments, what has been the main focus or philosophy of AIB’s private banking investment approach throughout the year?

A: Our approach is built around preserving wealth and really getting to know our customers so that we understand and appreciate their investment goals. We then build bespoke portfolios, with access to global solutions that are consistent with their Patrick Farrell, Head of Private Banking with AIB risk appetite and long term future goals. I don’t additional services in the think the “get rich quick “WE’RE CONFIDENT THAT OUR West of Ireland. It is an mantra” will ever be truly PRUDENT APPROACH, WHICH exciting development dead, despite investor DELIVERS INVESTMENT and we look forward to experience. There will ADVICE ACCORDING meeting these customers always be investors who TO A RISK-FOCUSED, over the coming months. look for a very aggressive INDEPENDENT AND We are always looking route to make money and TRANSPARENT PROCESS, for new ways to improve it’s human nature to look CAN STAND THE TEST OF TIME our service offering and for short cuts – but history AND ULTIMATELY DELIVER 2016 will be no different. tells us that this approach OUR CUSTOMERS’ TRUE It has been a fascinating doesn’t work for most INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES.” journey to date and as people. We’re confident ever, our customers will be that our prudent approach, at the heart of everything which delivers investment we do. advice according to a risk-focused, independent and transparent process, Q: A final word? can stand the test of time and ultimately deliver our A: Thank you again for this wonderful recognition, customers’ true investment objectives. it really does mean a lot to our team. I’d also like to thank our customers, who have made this Q: Can we expect any additions or upgrades to AIB’s recognition possible, and assure them we will private banking service in 2016? continue to look for ways to improve so that their A: You will hear much more about our Investment banking experience is world-class. We’d love to capability and goal-based planning services in hear from anyone who is looking for a financial the year ahead. We will continue to enhance the partner that makes banking easy, supports their big customers’ experience as we listen to them and add decisions and helps them and their families plan value where they need it most. for the future. I’d like to wish all our customers We have recently opened a Private Banking office and all your readers a very Happy Christmas and a within AIB Eyre Square, Galway to further support prosperous New Year. our customers there and to satisfy demand for

InBUSINESS | Editor’s Choice Awards 2015

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17

04/12/2015 17:22

Get the skills employers are looking for at DBS Make success happen for you at DBS, Ireland’s largest independent third level college.

Choose from a wide range of Part-time Professional Diploma, Degree and Postgraduate courses.

POSTGRADUATE LEVEL 9 -

Master of Arts (MA) in Addiction Studies Master of Arts (MA) in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (APPI recognised) Master of Arts (MA) in Psychotherapy Masters of Business Administration (MBA) Masters of Business Administration (MBA) (Cloud Computing Stream) Masters of Business Administration (MBA) (Finance Stream) Masters of Business Administration (MBA) (Human Resource Management Stream) Masters of Business Administration (MBA) (Information Systems Stream) Masters of Business Administration (MBA) (Marketing Stream) Masters of Business Administration (MBA) (Project Management Stream) Master of Science (MSc) in Applied Psychology Master of Science (MSc) in Information Systems with Computing Master of Science (MSc) in International Accounting and Finance Master of Science (MSc) in Management Practice Master of Science (MSc) in Marketing Master of Science (MSc) in Marketing (Digital Media Stream) Master of Science (MSc) in Information and Library Management (LAI accredited)

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APPLY ONLINE AT DBS.IE Dublin Business School 13/14 Aungier Street, Dublin 2 01 4177500 admissions@dbs.ie www.dbs.ie

Visit DBS.ie or call 01 4177500 237544_1C_DBS_AC_ECA.indd 1

03/12/2015 12:40

DUBLIN BUSINESS SCHOOL BEST BUSINESS SCHOOL

SUCCESS HAPPENS HERE DBS is celebrating 40 years in 2015, and has been once again named Best Business School

by InBUSINESS Editor’s Choice, explains Gerry Muldowney, CEO, Dublin Business School.

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ver 40 years ago what would become Dublin Business School was created by its founder Diarmuid Moroney who started to produce, from his garage, correspondence courses for accountancy students to assist them in their preparation for their professional examinations. The Irish Accountancy and Business College as it was then known went on to provide full and part time accountancy courses under the brand name Accountancy and Business College. It quickly established a reputation for the provision of accountancy training and education with many of its student achieving prizes at national and worldwide levels.

In 1989 the college entered into the higher education sector and commenced offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at degree and master levels. As Dublin Business School (DBS) the college has established and developed itself as a centre of excellence and is recognised as a provider of high quality third level education with a record of distinction in student academic and career achievement. DBS graduates have progressed to successful careers and many occupy senior positions in professional and commercial organisations both in Ireland and overseas.

As part of its growth and development, DBS has made a number of acquisitions including LSB College, European Business School and Portobello College.

In 2003, DBS itself was acquired by Kaplan Inc, the education division of the Graham Holdings Company (formally the Washington Post Company). Kaplan Inc with over 19,000 employees is a world leader in education, serving more than one million students per year on a global basis.

Today, Dublin Business School is now Ireland’s largest independent college with a student enrolment of approx. 9,000. It offers over 140 programmes to learners, many of which are accredited by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). In 2015, 21 of our students were awarded places and prizes in their professional accountancy examinations, including five first places in Ireland, five second places in Ireland and 13 placings in the top 10 in the world. As DBS has

InBUSINESS | Editor’s Choice Awards 2015

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Gerry Muldowney, CEO, Dublin Business School

grown and developed, it has designed and launched approximately 20 Masters programmes in a variety of disciplines, leading to MBA, MSc and MA awards.

DBS is becoming a truly global institution with over 1,500 European and international students registered on its programmes. In addition, thousands of international students have completed programmes in DBS since the first international student was admitted in 1989. Our international collaborations in Malaysia and China continue to grow with a combined enrolment of over 600 students on these programmes.

Students are recruited from over 50 different countries to a range of undergraduate, postgraduate and study abroad programmes. DBS is also actively involved in a number of Government initiatives aimed at addressing the national skills shortages in the areas of ICT and financial service collaboratives. DBS works very closely with industry in the development, design and delivery of all of its programmes. We take an industry-led approach in our programme design. In the last year we have seen a surge in interest in our short upskilling professional diploma programmes with a noticeable increase, which is another indication of confidence and growth in the economy.

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04/12/2015 17:20

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03/12/2015 16:22

BORD GAIS ENERGY BEST IN ENERGY

AN ENERGETIC YEAR Sean O’Loughlin, Business Category Controller at Bord Gáis Energy, discusses their successes in 2015, and how the brand has grown this year.

Q: Firstly, how is the Irish energy sector faring this year?

A: Over the last number of years, the energy market in Ireland has undergone a full deregulation process and since that, it is regarded as one of the most competitive marketplaces in the world. 2015 was no different with competition remaining high, particularly in the SME sector. Energy prices have softened and it’s been a good time for customers to consider fixing their energy prices.

Q: What have been your main successes for 2015?

A: We’ve listened to customer feedback and as a result have established a very effective sales infrastructure.

This, combined with competitively priced products, is really delivering for us. We’ve also been quite successful in winning some very large group customers. In terms of added benefits for customers, in 2015 Bord Gáis Energy launched an online resource called the BGE Business Hub where we offer our business customers information, advice, expert insights and how-to guides on a range of topics including HR, sales, marketing and technology to help contribute to their business’ success. Also in September 2015, we welcomed over 200 customers to our first ever business conference in the Aviva, with a theme on leadership. The feedback was very positive.

Q:How has the brand grown this year?

A: We understand that our customers have businesses to run and that energy is not always top of the agenda.

We also understand that we need to provide our SME customers with simple plans that suit their needs. Our SME electricity customer base has grown by about 40 per cent in the last 18 months. This process is on-going and we have more improvements to make in 2016 for new and existing customers.

Q: What attributes do you feel help Bord Gáis Energy to stand apart from the crowd?

A: We are working hard to be as helpful to our customers as possible. We try to recognise the individual needs of our customers and provide them with a tailored service in return. Combining this with our years of experience and expertise is something our customers appreciate

InBUSINESS | Editor’s Choice Awards 2015

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Sean O’Loughlin, Business Category Controller, Bord Gáis Energy

Q: Bord Gáis Energy has also been involved in a number of community based initiatives. Is giving back to the community a major part of your strategy?

A: Bord Gáis Energy has a long heritage of supporting the local communities’ that our customers work and live in, whether that’s through our books and reading campaigns, theatre or GAA sponsorships or supporting charity and voluntary organisations. We recently made a commitment to support the good work of Focus Ireland. We will be donating a400,000 per year for the next three years to a total of a1.2million to be used to help prevent family homelessness. We understand that we are not the experts and this is why we have partnered with Focus Ireland. We understand that this is a national problem and realise that becoming homeless can happen very quickly and at Bord Gáis Energy, we want to part of the solution.

Q: Finally, your reaction to winning the Editor’s Choice Award for Best in Energy?

A: It’s a huge honour for us and we are actually a little humbled. Like I said earlier, over last two years, the Bord Gáis Energy business team has put huge focus into delivering for our business customers and it great to see us making a real difference to the service we provide. We know this is an ongoing process of development, and we are far from finished, but this award means a lot to the team.

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03/12/2015 15:58

A new approach to commercial property finance

Origin Capital has been established to provide an alternative to traditional funding options in the Irish commercial property market, and we are actively providing senior debt funding for investment transactions in excess of â‚Ź3m.

We offer clients the opportunity to deal directly with the decision makers, who take a flexible approach to lending, grounded in commercial common sense.

If you are planning to purchase or refinance commercial property assets, talk to us today to find out how we can help.

W: origincapital.ie T: 01 662 9264 E: info@origincapital.ie

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03/12/2015 16:23

ORIGIN CAPITAL BEST NEWCOMER

INTRODUCING ORIGIN CAPITAL Origin Capital is a new entrant to the commercial real estate funding market, and has been named Best Newcomer at the InBUSINESS Editor’s Choice awards 2015.

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have strong market knowledge and a rigin Capital was established in April 2015 commitment to providing exceptional to meet the growing demand service. for the provision of commercial real estate (CRE) finance in the Irish market, and is Origin Capital aims to differentiate itself from competitors in three key actively providing senior debt funding for investment deals between a3m and a20m, lending up to 80 per areas: cent LTV. • Offering clients the opportunity Based in Dublin, the company is a joint venture to deal directly with the decision between LeBruin, a leading provider of corporate makers, rather than having to go finance and debt advisory solutions, and certain through several time-consuming investment funds managed by Tricadia Capital levels of approval with larger lenders. Ross Metcalfe, Management, LLC, a New York-based investment firm CEO of Origin Capital • Appraising potential deals solely with approximately $4bn in assets under management. on their Origin Capital was commercial merits, unlike established to provide a many other lenders who real alternative to existing “LOOKING FORWARD TO have a range of broader funders in the CRE 2016, OUR FOCUS NOW IS factors to consider (including investment market, as ON GROWING OUR LOAN often restrictive internal there are currently a limited BOOK EVEN FURTHER, AND policies). number of options available ON ATTRACTING ADDITIONAL • Reducing bureaucracy due to the withdrawal from FUNDING TO FACILITATE THIS.” as much as possible to the Irish market of a number deliver quicker results for of high profile foreign banks. clients, whilst still placing There is strong demand for importance on due process. funding in this sector, as asset management companies and banks continue to sell loan books at a significant pace, resulting in many According to CEO Ross Metcalfe, this approach is existing borrowers seeking financing options in order bearing fruit for the company. “In our first six months, to regain control of their investment properties. Origin we’ve credit approved a90m of lending for clients, and Capital is arguably unique in a market that is largely have seen several deals through to completion,” he says. dominated by mainstream “Looking forward to 2016, our financial institutions. focus now is on growing our The company specialises in loan book even further, and on funding transactions in the attracting additional funding to TYPICAL FUNDING PARAMETERS CRE investment and residential facilitate this. We also plan to Origin Capital funds transactions within the sectors. In terms increase our staff numbers to following business parameters: meet the significant demand • 5 year term of target markets, the focus is for our product offering.” on professional • Lending to companies only, no personal recourse lending property investors, who are • Commercial and residential investment sectors seeking attractive investment To find out more about Origin • 7-8 per cent margin Capital, please visit www. funding and refinancing • Opening LTV up to 80 per cent options, and want to work origincapital.ie, call 01 662 9264 closely with professionals who or email info@origincapital.ie.

InBUSINESS | Editor’s Choice Awards 2015

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03/12/2015 15:57

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07/12/2015 12:06

NEWSTALK’S BUSINESS BREAKFAST BEST BUSINESS SHOW

BUSINESS FOR BREAKFAST Newstalk’s Business Breakfast slot has continued to expand and attract a broader listenership, explains Editor-in-Chief, Garrett Harte.

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eld every morning between 6.30am to 7am, Business Breakfast sees Newstalk’s Business Editor Vincent Wall join breakfast presenters Ivan Yates and Chris Donoghue for extended business reports on the latest company results, stock market movements, breaking news within the business world, alongside interviews, comment, debate and analysis with CEOs, leading executives and experts. Vincent, who also presents the business content across the Breakfast show until 10am, brings a depth and breadth of experience that has undoubtedly played a part in the growth of Business Breakfast – with extensive experience in financial journalism, he was previously the editor of Business and Finance magazine, Business News Editor for the Irish Independent and Business Correspondent for RTE. The show also successfully renewed its sponsorship arrangement with Grant Thornton, now in its second year.

Garrett Harte, Editor-in-Chief, Newstalk

“BREAKFAST LISTENERSHIP

to the 7am start of RTE. Newstalk Business Breakfast is live from 6.30am. There is a significant and growing cohort of people who are up from early morning, whether in the agri sector or the financial sector, and we set out to offer these listeners a strong and engaging start to the day.

Q: Has 2015 been a HAS GROWN SIGNIFICANTLY positive period for Business OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS Breakfast, and why?

WITH 25,000 NEW LISTENERS A: 2015 has been a very MOVING THE DIAL. NEWSTALK strong year. Vincent Wall BREAKFAST NOW COMMANDS A joined Newstalk as Business DAILY LISTENERSHIP OF 178,000.”

Editor and has added a new level of experience and analysis. The Newstalk listener is predominantly ABC1 in profile and business news is an important element in their daily discourse.

Q: Looking ahead to 2016 and beyond, what form The Newstalk Breakfast listenership has grown will your growth strategy take in expanding your significantly over the past 12 months with 25,000 listenership or content? new listeners moving the dial. Newstalk Breakfast now A: The success of Newstalk has been to offer an commands a daily listenership of 178,000. opinion led, engaging alternative to RTE. We have ambitious plans for regional growth and with key events of the general election in quarter one and the Q: How important is the show’s early slot, in terms of 2016 Euro Championships during the summer. being the first out there with the latest business news and interviews ahead of similar programmes such as Morning Ireland?

Q: Finally, your reaction to winning Best Business Show A: We took a view a number of years ago that we A: We are delighted Vincent Wall and the Breakfast needed to offer a live business radio offering prior team have been recognised for this prestigious award.

InBUSINESS | Editor’s Choice Awards 2015

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04/12/2015 17:23

At the heart of business in Ireland

The KPMG name and logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of KPMG International

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03/12/2015 16:24

KPMG

Shaun Murphy, Managing Partner, KPMG in Ireland, reflects on the importance of supporting a stronger domestic economy as we look ahead to 2016.

A

s 2015 draws to a close, we all celebrate the successes highlighted by these awards. Following a return to economic growth we can look forward to 2016 with some confidence. Employment continues to rise and government policies have helped to reinforce Ireland’s appeal as a location for business.

The economic impact of employment growth cannot be underestimated. As Chamber of Commerce members can attest, increased employment generates much needed demand in the economy and that increase in employment is driven in large measure by the domestic economy.

Fostering entrepreneurship and supporting a stronger domestic economy is critical to our economic future. Securing that future means resolving a host of issues including broadband connectivity for business and ensuring a housing and transport infrastructure that meets the needs of a changing workforce.

Notwithstanding the improvements in the economy, we need to promote a national policy debate about how to secure our economic future. Chambers of Commerce will play an important role in that policy debate.

We also need to do more to support female entrepreneurship and I’m delighted that KPMG is continuing its investment in Going for Growth. This initiative supports female owner-managed businesses and is based on mentoring by successful entrepreneurs.

At KPMG we are proud to celebrate the success of Irish business and we applaud the work of Chambers Ireland. Congratulations to all of the Shaun Murphy, Managing Partner, companies and individuals recognised KPMG at these awards.

ACCOUNTANCY FIRM OF THE YEAR

LOOKING FORWARD

my gift to the world Together, we can continue to create a future that is fair for everyone. And make a world without poverty our legacy.

For more information contact OXFAM Ireland Tel: (01) 672 7662 Email: friends@oxfamireland.org Oxfam Ireland is a member of Oxfam International, a world-wide development organisation that mobilises the power of people against poverty. Charitable co. limited by guarantee. Reg. No. 284292, CHY5988

www.oxfamireland.org/legacy

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03/12/2015 15:52

When only the freshes t will do ...

With over 6 0 years exp erien understand your need fo ce, we r quality serv and flexible ice delivery.

It’s our kno wledge that allows us to you the bes bring t local and s ourced prod both fresh a u ce, nd prepared .

Keelings Farm

your caterin

Fresh

g supply pa

Dublin +353 (0)1 8135600 Cork +353 (0)21 4968088 Wexford +353 (0)53 9147447 Belfast +44 2890324236 xxxxxx_1C_Keelings_ECA.indd 1

rtners

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www.keelings.com 03/12/2015 16:25

KEELINGS FARM FRESH

Provenance and authenticity is vital in today’s food sector and Keelings Farm Fresh’s key core strength is that they are not only suppliers but growers too – so they can offer locally produced food of the highest standard.

FOOD PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

FROM FARM TO FORK

K

eelings Farm Fresh are specialists in the supply of fresh, exotic and prepared fruit and vegetables, freshly squeezed juices, salads and fresh dairy to the food service industry. Not only are they suppliers but they are growers too. Growing is in Keelings’ nature so they can offer best in season, locally grown produce from their farms. Their expertise enables them to pick the best growers who share their passion for quality. For Keelings Farm Fresh, freshness is essential so they work hard to reduce the distance from farm to fork and their determination to keep road and air miles to a minimum is just another example of their fresh thinking.

Keelings Farm Fresh’s extensive fleet guarantees that delivery schedules are met from their facilities at Dublin, Cork, Wexford and Belfast. All produce is delivered in refrigerated vehicles by their professional team to ensure it reaches the customer in the best possible condition. Keelings Farm Fresh operate 24 hours a day to offer a flexible service that will always meet the customer’s needs. Their range of produce is also available from Pallas Foods and Crossgar Foodservice.

InBUSINESS spoke briefly to Colm Bury, Managing Director of Keelings Farm Fresh, about the year that’s been for the fresh food producer.

“It has been a very challenging year for the business,” he says. “However, it has also been a very rewarding one. The Keelings Farm Fresh business has continued to grow and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our very loyal customers for supporting us in 2015. We believe that people, product and customers are very important for success and we have continually invested in each element over the past year. The Keelings Farm Fresh team – including our growers, delivery drivers, telesales staff, dedicated produce pickers and account managers – are committed to providing the maximum care and attention that is required by our clients in this ever changing industry. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank all the team at Keelings Farm Fresh.

InBUSINESS | Editor’s Choice Awards 2015

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Colm Bury, Managing Director, Keelings Farm Fresh

As for Bury’s response to winning the InBUSINESS Editor’s Choice Food Producer of the Year award, he says: “Keelings Farm Fresh are hugely honoured with the win. We are delighted to be associated with this award, which recognises and rewards the high standards of excellence of both product offering and service in the food industry. Our goal at Keelings Farm Fresh is simple: to supply superior quality and locally sourced produce to our customers.”

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03/12/2015 15:57

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03/12/2015 16:38

CITYJET BEST BUSINESS AIRLINE

FLYING HIGH Pat Byrne, Executive Chairman, CityJet, spoke to us about the company’s recent successes and their plans for the future.

Q: Has 2015 been a positive year for CityJet? A: This year has been one of the most significant and exciting years for CityJet. After emerging from ownership from Air France/KLM Group in 2014, CityJet has set about establishing itself as a leading independent regional carrier in Europe. In 2015, we made major changes to our scheduled network, with the elimination of loss-making routes and significant growth in traffic volumes, whilst on our non-scheduled business we secured a major new wet lease with SAS who have contracted for eight new Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft, commencing in March 2016. In addition, we have also placed an order for 15 new Superjet 100 regional jets (pictured) to replace our existing fleet and support network growth so all pointing to a great future for CityJet. Q: In October CityJet started to fly from Cork City to London City Airport – has this performed as expected so far? What are the major benefits to the Cork region from this route?

A: We were absolutely delighted to see the first passengers go on board our inaugural flight from Cork to London City Airport on October 1st. We are very excited about the numbers opting for this route, which includes 18 flights weekly. Even better from our perspective is the mix of business and leisure passengers using CityJet and flying into the heart of London. Cork is the business and industrial capital of Munster and we believe the London City route will help deliver increased inward investment as well as opening up the city and the tourist delights of the South and South West to a greater London market of over 20 million people.

Q: Are there any plans to develop or introduce other routes as we head towards 2016?

A: CityJet is always looking at opportunities to grow and serve our increasing customer base and add destination choices. For summer 2016, we have already added flights from Cork to La Rochelle and Nantes in France.

Our new Superjet 100 aircraft, the first of which arrives in 2016, will offer us a greater range and flexibility to serve more distant destinations. Watch this space.

InBUSINESS | Editor’s Choice Awards 2015

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Q: In your view, what is it that sets CityJet apart from other airlines?

A: It may be a cliché but undoubtedly our pilots, crew and staff make all the difference. CityJet is big enough to provide great routes and services but small enough to allow customers the feel of a family airline that really cares. We also fly into London’s best located and most convenient airport at London City and Irish customers can access our London network hub to get to London or connect onwards with ease to Amsterdam, Antwerp, Florence, Nantes, Paris, Rotterdam, Toulon and Avignon. In addition we offer complimentary drinks and snacks; leather luxury seats and free 23 kg checked-in bag allowance.

Q: Your response to winning InBUSINESS Editor’s Choice Business Airline of the Year Award?

A: It is a wonderful honour to be named Business Airline of the Year by such a prestigious body as Chambers Ireland. It is always great to receive recognition but when it comes from those working at the heart of business and enterprise throughout Ireland, it is doubly rewarding.

Q: Any additional comments?

A: Many Chambers Ireland members have tackled challenges and undergone change in recent years as Ireland has emerged from some dark days. We at CityJet have embraced major changes in the past 12 months and look forward to embracing the challenge of serving our growing customer base of both business and leisure travellers. We hope those of you yet to enjoy CityJet will join us on that journey in 2016.

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03/12/2015 16:00

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03/12/2015 16:26

BOI PAYMENT ACCEPTANCE BEST MARKETING INITIATIVE

THE SMARTER ALTERNATIVE Brian Cleary, General Manager, BOI Payment Acceptance, looks back over a very successful 12 months.

F

or small and medium sized businesses in Ireland today the challenges are both vast and complex. BOI Payment Acceptance (BOIPA) entered the Irish card acquiring market exactly 12 months ago with a single minded goal to make card payments easy and affordable for any business, irrespective of size. In the short space of time since, they have managed to make an impressive mark whether in signing-up thousands of customers, expanding into the Northern Ireland and UK markets, or agreeing partnership terms with some of the largest trade bodies in the state including both the Vintners and Hotels Federations.

Q: How did the alliance come about with Bank of Ireland?

A: The Bank had a 10 year deal with another supplier which was really just a referral arrangement.

That contract came up for renewal last year and our parent company, EVO Payments International, impressed the Bank with their ambitions for European expansion and their plans for a new approach in the Irish market. They were also offering the opportunity for the BOI brand to front the business, something which appealed to both organisations.

Q: Can you describe the challenges you have had to overcome in the past 12 months?

A: Probably trying to dispel the perception that card payments are costly and complex. There is a lot of negativity about merchant services in some quarters because of complex billing structures, hidden fees, poor service and so on. So trying to relay the message that we really are offering something different has been an interesting challenge and one we have been happy to accept. And the fact that over a third of our customers are new to cards is a sure sign we are winning that battle.

Q: What attributes differentiate BOIPA from the competition?

A: Great value, a simple and transparent approach

InBUSINESS | Editor’s Choice Awards 2015

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to pricing, and finally a higher level of customer service from start to finish through our own team of field engineers and our Irish based customer support team.

Q: What are your expectations looking into 2016?

A: We are only getting started.

In particular SME businesses in the Irish market have been poorly Brian Cleary, General Manager, BOI Payment Acceptance served and are now clearly responding to what we are offering. In partnership with Bank of Ireland we want to drive far greater migration of businesses from cash to cards payment acceptance. This year will see the volume of debit card payments exceed ATM cash withdrawals for the first time. The market for electronic payments is going to grow exponentially over the coming years and so too will our share of it.

Q: Your response to being chosen as the winner of the best marketing initiative award?

A: It’s a great honour and bookends a really fantastic year for us. We are delighted to be recognised with this award. We are very proud of the business that we have developed in Ireland which is testament to the hard work and commitment of our people.

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03/12/2015 16:00

TRAVEL IN STYLE. TRAVEL IN SPACE.

The new ŠKODA Superb.

From €289 per month including three years servicing.

Imagine a car that blurs the line between beauty and functionality. Where style and spaciousness are in perfect harmony. Where there’s room for everything, except compromise. We imagined such a car and we call it the new ŠKODA Superb. Longer, wider, taller, lighter and packed with the latest technologies, the new Superb represents 120 years of forward thinking.

Available from €26,795, the Superb is one of the most eagerly awaited cars of 2015.

Call into your local ŠKODA dealer and see the all-new Superb for yourself. skoda.ie

Clever inside The most popular Superb model, the Ambition, is available with a host of standard features such as: Bi-Xenon Headlights with LED day time lights

Smartphone compatible with latest Infotainment Systems

Largest interior in its class

Terms and conditions apply. RRP prices displayed exclude dealer delivery and related fees. Typical Finance Example: Superb OTRP €27,395. Deposit / Part Exchange €8,390.95. 36 monthly payments of €289 (Including service plan of €13.99 per month). Optional Final Payment €10,718. Total cost of credit €1,764.31. Total hire purchase price €29,159.31. Minimum deposit is 10%. Subject to lending criteria. This offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. ŠKODA Finance is a trading style of Volkswagen Bank GmbH Branch Ireland, authorised by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority in Germany and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. Images used for illustrative purposes only. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy however errors may occur and specifications may change without prior notice.

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03/12/2015 16:26

VOLKSWAGEN GROUP FLEET CAR OF THE YEAR

A SUPERB CHOICE Skoda’s new Superb lives up to its name, winning the Fleet Car of the Year award.

T

he new Skoda Superb is a milestone for the brand. At this year’s Geneva Motor Show, the third generation of the model celebrated its public unveiling. The brand’s new flagship is the best Skoda of all time and features emotive design, the most room of any vehicle in its segment, and innovative MQB technology from the Volkswagen Group.

“The new Superb heralds the dawn of a new era for Skoda,” said Skoda CEO Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland.

“Over recent years, Skoda has established itself as an international volume manufacturer. Our new flagship is now the highlight of Skoda’s most comprehensive model campaign ever, and shows where Skoda stands today.” He continues, “The car’s outstanding design and engineering qualities, and the unbeatable space make our flagship the new benchmark in the automotive midclass. The new Skoda Superb is a clear demonstration of our growth and points to the future of the brand.”

Commenting on the new model, John Donegan, Brand Director, Skoda Ireland said: “The Superb has been a huge contributing factor to the Skoda brand’s best ever sales result in 2014 with 1,150 Superb vehicles delivered to customers. The new Superb is exceptional in every way. For the first few months I expect demand across Europe to outstrip supply. Our job in Ireland is to fight for our share of production in order to ensure we have enough Superb vehicles to meet the demands of our customer.”

With its new, expressive design the new Skoda demonstrates the emotional power of the brand. The new Superb brings the exciting design of the ‘Skoda VisionC’ show car into series production. This elegant yet dynamic appearance is supported by the use of the modular transverse matrix (MQB) from the Volkswagen Group. The new Skoda Superb also sets standards in terms of room and comfort. The latest generation of the model offers the best head and legroom in the rear and the largest luggage space in its segment. The new Superb has reached a new dimension in terms of technology. For the first time in a Skoda, the vehicle features Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), including drive profile selection. Alongside this there is a brand new air conditioning system, including the new three-

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zone climate control. An electronic sliding and raising panoramic roof is also available, along with auxiliary heating, heated seats, wirelessly heated windscreen and the electronic boot that can also be opened with a virtual pedal. Thanks to the new parking assistant, the park distance control and the new rear camera, getting in and out of parking spaces has never been easier.

And one other feature just in case: the two umbrellas tucked away in the front door panels. Connectivity has never been better – the new infotainment system automatically connects to many smartphones. Thanks to high-speed Internet connection, the Superb is the first Skoda hotspot on wheels. With the Skoda Media Command app, you can operate the infotainment system from the rear from a tablet device.

The new Skoda Superb boasts record values in fuel economy. Thanks to new engines (five petrol and three TDI common rail diesel), weight reduced by up to 75 kg, and better aerodynamics, the new model consumes up to 30 per cent less fuel, emitting less CO2 than previously. Despite the reduced consumption, the new engines actually provide up to 20 per cent more power on the road, while 4x4 technologies are also available in the new model– all adding up to a superb combination.

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All together better Four strategic businesses focused on delivering economic benefits for the west of Ireland and the wider national economy.

For more information please visit shannongroup.ie

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03/12/2015 16:27

SHANNON GROUP PLC BEST BRAND

WELCOME TO SHANNON Continued expansion and investment, rising passenger numbers and a continually improved experience across their entire portfolio – it’s not hard to see why Shannon Group has been named Best Brand at the InBUSINESS Editor’s Choice Awards.

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ooking back over the past 12 months, Shannon Group CEO Neil Pakey said: “The Shannon Group was founded in September 2014 and in our first year we have enjoyed a positive period of growth across our businesses at a time of real transformation.” There’s no doubt that 2015 has represented an overwhelmingly positive period of growth for Shannon Group plc, across their broad and impressive portfolio which includes Shannon Airport, commercial properties and their tourism arm, Shannon Heritage.

For Shannon Airport, the numbers are quite impressive in a year in which it is celebrating the 70th anniversary of transatlantic aviation – 35 destinations in 11 countries, and a 21 per cent growth in passenger numbers, from 1.39m in 2014 to a projected 1.7 million by year end, an increase that will deliver greater economic benefit to the region in terms of visitor spend. This year there has been continued investment in enhancing the passenger experience, as well as the rebranding of the Shannon Duty Free Shop, which has already generated a 22 per cent increase in sales. This growth and improvement hasn’t gone unnoticed – the Airport was recognised by a podium finish at the World Routes Marketing Awards held in Durban, South Africa, as well as first place in the European Regions Airline Association Airport of the Year awards for the second year in a row. Add to this an additional 123,000 seats (via Aer Lingus and Delta airlines) available from Shannon on a range of routes in 2016, and the exciting prospect of the International Aviation Services Centre (IASC) as a hub for business support, enterprise and investment, and Shannon Airport is on a strong footing as we head towards the new year.

SHANNON HERITAGE Also among Shannon Group’s portfolio is Shannon Heritage, winner of our Best in Tourism award and a brand which has continued to strengthen its position in the market. Beginning with a single event, the Medieval

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Banquet held at Bunratty Castle, Shannon Heritage has grown to become one of the most accomplished and respected tourism operators in the country. Capitalising on their early success, the organisation has expanded its portfolio to include banquets in Bunratty, Dunguaire and Knappogue, as well as a newly refurbished visitors centre at King John’s Castle in Limerick City, and their continued management contract with Malahide Castle in Dublin. Looking ahead, a a7 million Easter Rising commemorative visitor attraction will be unveiled at the GPO in Easter 2016, while a new admission area and shop is planned for Bunratty, alongside new and innovative ideas to elevate the entire Bunratty experience.

SHANNON COMMERCIAL While Shannon Airport is experiencing continued growth, alongside further expansion for Shannon Heritage, Shannon Commercial Properties’ stock is also on the rise, having been recently crowned as the best Free Zone in Western Europe, and having won a Specialism Award for Aviation, at the fDi Magazine Global Free Zones of the year awards. The free zone has been used in China as the model for their very successful special economic zones, and Shannon is home to the world’s first industrial free zone, managed

by Shannon Commercial Properties. Shannon Free Zone is set to be transformed over the next decade as work begins on revitalising one of Ireland’s oldest and largest business parks outside of Dublin. Included in the plans for the a21 million plus redevelopment is the construction of a 40,000 sq ft Grade A office block, a new 30,000 sq ft advance technology manufacturing unit, an upgrade and development of the existing Boart warehousing unit adjoining the airport, as well as a a1.5m upgrade at Shannon Airport House and nearby Universal House.

Considering what has been achieved over the past 12 months, there’s no doubt that 2016 will represent a period of continued investment, growth and excellence for Shannon Group across their impressive portfolio.

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07/12/2015 11:19

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03/12/2015 16:27

DHL BEST IN SPONSORSHIP

DHL – GREAT IS IN THE DETAIL Bernard McCarthy, Managing Director of DHL Express in Ireland, reflects on DHL’s important behind-the-scenes role for Rugby World Cup 2015, a sponsorship that secured the InBUSINESS Editor’s Choice Best in Sponsorship award.

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s Official Logistics Partner of Rugby World Cup 2015, at DHL we worked hard to deliver tournament and team equipment from around the world. It was a massive behind-the-scenes effort to deliver this year’s biggest international sporting event. After the huge success of Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand, it was only natural that DHL would line up again to help deliver the sport’s global showpiece to millions of enthralled fans across the planet.

As the world’s leading logistics provider, DHL has a wide range of rugby partnerships from grassroots level to the professional game in some of the world’s most rugby-crazed nations. At a local level here in Ireland, we have a long-standing partnership with the IRFU as their official logistics provider and for Rugby World Cup 2015, we engaged even further with the IRFU to deliver Rugby World Cup 2015 to local clubs and schools around Ireland. This local grassroots initiative saw over 600 local rugby clubs and schools receive a special DHL and IRFU pack containing various Rugby World Cup 2015 supporter items.

At DHL we provided a comprehensive range of logistics services before, during and after the six-week tournament, including handling the teams’ equipment, stadium infrastructure and fit out, volunteer uniforms and international ticket distribution, to name but a few. Our main job was to transport the equipment for each of the 20 teams participating in RWC 2015.

Each international rugby team travels, on average, with approximately four tonnes of equipment. Material such as scrum machines, tackle bags, ice baths and balls were picked up from their country of origin and brought into the UK. Once the team equipment was in the UK, it was then moved across the 89 team base locations, often overnight. We supported the teams by following them and ensuring that their equipment was made readily available to them, as they move from one location to the other. The cargo is critical. Without it, they can’t train or prep for a game.

From the global Rugby World Cup sponsorship to the local IRFU sponsorship and grassroots initiative, each of

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these marketing initiatives are aimed at ensuring that when someone thinks of rugby, they also think of the DHL brand in association. PSG Sponsorship conducted pre-and post-tournament research to gauge awareness and impact of the brands associated with Rugby World Cup 2015. When it came to official RWC partners, DHL scored highly in unprompted awareness after the tournament with Irish sports fans. The simple and old-fashioned DHL signs went down a treat and picked up plenty of TV time. They were certainly useful for one Irish rugby fan, Ian Browne, who lost his tickets.

The couple who found the tickets, John and Rachel from Ireland, quick-wittedly used the DHL banners to write the fan’s name and walk around the fanzone at the stadium until the tickets were reunited with their rightful owner. It paid off for them when DHL were able to offer the couple two tickets to the quarter-final match as a reward for their honestly.

Overall 2015 was one of our most demanding years to date with such intense pressure to deliver the logistical needs of the Rugby World Cup 2015, but it was a challenge that we knew we would rise to, as the most international company in the world.

Bernard McCarthy, MD, DHL Express Ireland

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04/12/2015 18:24

BMW BMWBusiness 2 Series Partnership Gran Tourer

www.bmw.ie farrells.ie

The Ultimate Driving Machine

THE NEW BMW 7 SERIES. DRIVING LUXURY. The new BMW 7 Series incorporates exquisitely crafted design, enhanced levels of comfort and an extensive range of pioneering technology, which have all led to it being hailed as the most innovative car in its class.

With CO2 emissions on the BMW 730d model from just 124g/km and fuel economy of up to 60.1mpg (combined), this model offers attainable luxury for your fleet.

Contact your local BMW Business Partnership Retailer to discover more or alternatively, visit www.bmw.ie/7series for more information.

Official fuel economy figures for the new BMW 7 Series Saloon range: Urban 24.8-51.4mpg (11.4-5.5l/100km).

Extra Urban 45.6-67.3mpg (6.2-4.2l/100km). Combined 34.9-60.1mpg (8.1-4.7l/100km). CO2 emissions 189-124g/km.

Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions.

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03/12/2015 16:28

BMW 7 SERIES EXECUTIVE CAR OF THE YEAR

SMALL FLEET, BIG NEEDS BMW’s Business Partnership brings a host of benefits to your organisation.

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ith a sheer presence that’s come to define the essence of driving, BMW embodies leadership, dynamism and cutting-edge performance – factors that are integral to modern business. Driving a BMW vehicle for business ensures that you represent your company with a sense of style, confidence and determination.

If you manage a fleet of between 1 and 50 company cars, then BMW Business Partnership has been specifically designed to meet your needs. This corporate programme is open to all business users in the SME sector including business operators who choose to take a car allowance from their employees.

BMW Business Partnership brings you compelling Contract Hire and PCP rates across the entire BMW range, as well as special offers. Thanks to the combination of low running costs and strong residual values, BMW continues to make a compelling proposition in the fleet market. No other manufacturer can offer fleet decision makers such an appealing combination of class-leading cars and services as BMW Group. These strong financial offerings combined with economical driving pleasure are complemented by the industry knowledge and expertise of a dedicated Business Partnership Manager in each participating BMW centre. The Business Partnership Manager will provide you with comprehensive vehicle support and will ensure a smooth journey from the initial quotation to vehicle handover and future relationship management from all aspects of the industry.

To explore the benefits BMW Business Partnership could offer you and your company, simply arrange a meeting with one of our Business Partnership Managers at a participating BMW centre. They will be happy to coordinate a meeting at your work place or the BMW centre to assess you company’s needs and preferred finance option.

The new BMW 7 Series is the latest offering for Business Partnership customers and is the true flagship of the BMW range. You can drive in luxury today in a BMW 730d from a1,248.07 (excl. VAT)

InBUSINESS | Editor’s Choice Awards 2015

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per month on Contract Hire (Terms and Conditions apply*). Offering comfort, style and cutting-edge technology in equal measure, this inspiring vehicle is equally luxurious for drivers and those that prefer to be driven. Thanks to unique BMW EfficientDynamics technology, the new BMW 7 Series boasts an array of innovations but weighs far less than its predecessor.

As a result, performance is even more dynamic, and fuel consumption is greatly reduced.

Drivers can also enjoy the ultimate in interior style and comfort. The BMW iDrive operating system can be accessed via a touchscreen for easy, intuitive control of audio, infotainment and comfort functions, allowing each journey to be personalised to the individual’s exact requirements.

Of all its ground-breaking innovations, perhaps most impressive is the fact that this is the first production car in the world that can be manoeuvred in and out of parking spaces without the driver being inside.

For further information please contact your local participating BMW Business Partnership centre or log on to www. bmw.ie/7Series and discover more.

7 Series Saloon 730d XDrive M Sport *Terms & Conditions. Plus initial rental of a1,248.07 Offer available to business users only.

Figures exclude VAT. Based on a 48 month Contract Hire agreement for a BMW 730d Saloon Auto with a monthly rental of a1,248.07 plus VAT, annual mileage of 15,000 km’s and an excess mileage charge of 11.00 cents per km plus VAT. BMW Service Pack included. Vehicle condition charges may apply at the end of your agreement. Subject to status and in the RoI only. Individuals must be 18 or over. A guarantee may be required. The amount of VAT you can reclaim depends on your business VAT status. Rentals may change if VAT rate changes during agreement. Hire provided by BMW FINANCIAL SERVICES IRELAND LIMITED, 2 SWIFT SQUARE, SANTRY, DUBLIN D09 R802. BMW FINANCIAL SERVICES (IRELAND) LIMITED IS REGULATED BY THE CENTRAL BANK OF IRELAND. Offers valid at the time of upload and liable to change.

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03/12/2015 16:02

6,000 2,000 attendees across

10 awards ceremonies per year

Ashville Events Advert.indd 1

companies enter across

32 counties

Sponsorship opportunities available contact Tracey Carney, Event Director E: tracey.carney@ashvillemediagroup.com • T: 01 432 2206

03/12/2015 16:15

open eir BEST ICT SERVICE PROVIDER

CONNNECTING THE NATION open eir’s National Broadband story has earned the company the title of Best ICT Service Provider at the 2015 InBUSINESS Editor’s Choice awards.

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igh speed broadband offers Irish communities huge benefits; enhancing how they live, work, and play. However, even with our rollout of high speed broadband to 1.9m premises, around 80 per cent of Irish homes and business, some rural areas are difficult for eir, or other private operators, to serve as they are not commercially viable. The National Broadband Plan (NBP) is an initiative by Government to ensure every rural home and business in Ireland can access high speed broadband of at least 30Mb/s. In November 2014, Minister Alex White published an online map (www. broadband.gov.ie) which shows areas where the State intends to intervene, in the form of an end-to-end strategy that will include a major fibre build to rural areas. This map is a work in progress and an updated version will be published by the end of 2015.

eir’s SOLUTION eir has conducted significant analysis of its network and believes that end-to-end Fibre to the Home (FTTH) technology can be delivered to the majority of premises within the NBP footprint, future-proofed for many years to come. FTTH involves laying high speed fibre cable all the way from an eir exchange directly into a home or business. This direct connection means that connected homes and businesses will be able to avail of speeds up to 1,000Mb/s. eir’s extensive pole network runs mainly along country roads. Deploying fibre along this network allows eir to avoid large civil construction costs and make FTTH technology ideally suited to low density rural houses. eir recently deployed its National Broadband Solution in Belcarra, situated 10km outside Castlebar, Co Mayo.

Approximately 150 premises are now eligible, with more than 80 live including two national schools, one cattle mart and a community centre. The network is open access, so there are a number of telecom operators offering the service, providing residents of Belcarra with a choice. For businesses in the area, the positive effects have already been felt. For example, farmers are using the service to stream live, online feeds from cameras that are situated in sheds throughout their land, ensuring

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Munterconnaught committee members accepting their FTTH prize from eir’s CEO Richard Moat

their livelihood is protected. A number of entrepreneurs are not only operating online companies from their own homes, but are growing their businesses. Families are keeping in touch with children and siblings abroad, getting the chance to welcome their grandchildren into the world no matter where they are.

The intention was always to conduct more than one trial and with that in mind open eir – the wholesale division of the eir Group – decided that rather than choosing the next trial site themselves, they would give rural communities in the National Broadband intervention footprint an opportunity to pitch why their community should be the next trial site. The open eir fibre competition was launched in June 2015, and 36 Irish communities submitted creative and thought provoking submissions, outlining why their community should be chosen for a prize valued at a250,000.

On Thursday November 26th Richard Moat, CEO of eir Group, announced the winner as Munterconnaught, Co Cavan, a community that believes high speed broadband is the key to their future.

Munterconnaught’s entry included a survey conducted by local residents which stated that 91 per cent of the community would use high speed broadband if available, and 63 per cent would work from home occasionally. Munterconnaught Community Committee lead, Peadar Gill, delighted in the news of the local win. “It’s the communications equivalent of the M3 motorway – a technological advance that will improve the lives of everyone in the parish.”

For further information visit www.fibrerollout.ie

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03/12/2015 16:02

You’ll value our services Where else would you find prescription prices reduced by up to 33%?

Where else would you find more than 20 health services on offer, including FREE Express Prescription Service, Blood Pressure Testing and even Asthma Clinics? Where else but LloydsPharmacy, pay us a visit today, and pay less!

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29/10/2015 03/12/2015 11:23 16:29

LLOYDSPHARMACY IRELAND BEST IN RETAIL EXCELLENCE

CUSTOMER LOYALTY AT LLOYDS 2015 was the year when LloydsPharmacy significantly expanded its operations in Ireland but during which they never lost sight of their customer.

InBUSINESS spoke to LloydsPharmacy Ireland MD Goretti Brady.

Q: How has 2015 been for LloydsPharmacy in Ireland and what is your outlook for 2016?

A: 2015 has been a somewhat challenging year but one which also had lots of positives. We have grown our national presence and now have 94 stores right across Ireland. As recently as November we opened four new stores in Cork and Tipperary.

In 2015, our sales have increased year-on-year, with retail particularly strong. This is driven by the positive consumer sentiment which is growing momentum across the economy. For 2016, we expect sales to continue to grow as Irish consumers enjoy greater disposable income and the recovery continues.

Q: Could you tell us a bit about your expansion plans announced earlier in the year?

A: In May 2015, we announced a significant expansion plan for LloydsPharmacy in Ireland over the next three years. This plan will see us increase both our store numbers and headcount across Ireland. With 94 existing LloydsPharmacy stores as we head towards the end of 2015, we expect to grow that number further in the period ahead. Our expansion will be a mix of new stores in new locations and acquisitions of existing pharmacies. Our expansion will mean that we will also be recruiting and adding to our employee numbers. It’s an exciting period for the company.

Q: Could you explain the significance of the company’s investment of over a2 million in a new patient services programme?

A: In July we announced a further investment of a2 million in this programme. At LloydsPharmacy we offer a significant number of primary care services – most free of charge – to our customers and patients. These services include blood pressure checks, body mass index checks and express prescription services.

Q: What emphasis do you place on customer care at LloydsPharmacy?

A: It’s the number one priority for us and at the centre of everything we do. Helping our patients be and feel better is the key tenet of what we offer our customers.

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This makes it essential that our customers and patients can rely on us for expert advice, service excellence, quality services and one-to-one attention.

We are always striving to build on our services and respond to changing customer needs and lifestyle changes. Our a2 million investment in patient services is part of that responsive approach to our customers.

Goretti Brady, MD, LloydsPharmacy Ireland

Q: What would you say sets Lloyds apart within such a competitive industry?

A: Two things stand out, in particular.

•O ur excellent colleagues, who are highly trained and skilled experts in many areas of specialist care. Having in-store experts sets us apart from the competition.

• Also the range of additional services which we offer to our patients. The Government has placed a strong emphasis on delivering primary care services at primary care levels and through our in-pharmacy services we are giving our patients the opportunity to access a wide-range of healthcare services locally in their communities.

Q: Your response to winning the InBUSINESS Editor’s Choice Best in Retail Excellence Award?

A: LloydsPharmcy is absolutely delighted to win this award. It’s an honour to even be nominated but to win is that bit more special. It’s a great endorsement for all of us in the company that our focus on patient care and customer service excellence is absolutely the right strategy. So thank you to InBUSINESS for this recognition.

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07/12/2015 12:04

Grow your business online through PayPal.

paypaljobsireland.com 1800 944 570

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03/12/2015 16:30

PAYPAL BEST IN E-COMMERCE

MAKING AN IMPACT This year’s Best in E-Commerce, PayPal, has plenty of positives to take from what proved to be a successful 2015.

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015 has been a great year for PayPal. In July, we set out on our journey as an independent online payments company listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange. That journey has been both exciting and successful. With mobile and online commerce set to continue to grow at pace, there’s excellent opportunities ahead for us.

There were many highlights locally for us in Ireland this year. PayPal was delighted to be named in the top ten best large workplaces in the 2015 Great Places to Work Ireland awards. We were also thrilled to win our first Chambers Ireland award for Corporate Social Responsibility. We are continuing to grow our workforce all the time in Ireland. We are hiring in both Dublin and Dundalk and all open positions are advertised on www.paypaljobsireland.com.

Making a positive impact in our economy and communities is a key priority for us. PayPal was proud to sponsor a number of events that help put Ireland on the map globally, including the ITLG Summit in Fingal and National Digital Week in Cork.

In the past 12 months we have supported 30 charities with a total of g130,000 in direct grants.

PayPal’s generous teammates have also volunteered with many charities including Dundalk Dog Rescue, Age Action Ireland and Saint Ultan’s Childcare.

PayPal currently employs almost 2,500 talented people in Ireland and plays a key role in helping to grow our economy and champion diversity in business. It is also a major supporter of Irish businesses and start-ups, helping them to grow online and on mobile, opening them up to a whole world of sales opportunities.

PayPal’s Vice President for Global Operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Louise Phelan, is an industry partner on the Action Plan for Jobs Implementation Group and the National Competitiveness Authority. She ensures that the voice of industry is heard by Government bodies setting the agenda for economic growth. She is also a mentor on the Going for Growth programme which encourages female entrepreneurship and she engages with women in business groups right around the country

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to push the ‘equality in business’ agenda.

2015 was a big year for Ireland too! It was the year that proved how diverse and inclusive a society we are. PayPal was delighted to support the Yes for Business campaign in the run up to the Marriage Equality Referendum and to take part in the Dublin Pride Parade. Diversity and inclusion are core principles for PayPal and that is evident in the fact that both genders are represented at our leadership table in Ireland.

PayPal is partnering with businesses across Ireland to help them capitalise on the growing market of mobile and online commerce. New research by PayPal estimates that mobile shopping will have grown by 65 per cent in Ireland this year to h1.4 billion. The total online spend – including mobile – is estimated to grow by 23 per cent to g4.3 billion.

That’s a huge market for local businesses to tap into.

If you want a slice of that action, call PayPal on 1800 944 570 to find out how we can help you grow your business online and on mobile.

Louise Phelan, PayPal

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07/12/2015 12:04

eir SPECIAL MERIT AWARD

A SPECIAL BOND 2015 has been a year to remember for both eir and Special Olympics Ireland, as they celebrate 30 years of partnership.

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015 has been a momentous year of A BUSY YEAR celebration for eir and Special Olympics Special Olympics National Collection Day takes place Ireland as they celebrate 30 years of working every April, but this year it took on an extra special together. This is the longest corporate role both to raise funds for Special Olympics Ireland responsibility partnership of its type in Ireland and and to build public awareness of eir’s 30 years of both organisations worked to ensure this would support. eir created on street theatre on both Grafton be a year to remember, with eir raising more than Street in Dublin and Patrick Street in Cork with Special a270,000 for their key charity partner since January.

Collection Day stages entertaining the public with sports stars, celebrities in attendance and performances Matt English, CEO Special Olympics Ireland from well-known brands, said: “2015 has been a including Delorentos. spectacular year for our relationship, the longevity “There is a great sense of this partnership of occasion in our eir head is something both office, 1 HSQ, when the “2015 HAS BEEN A organisations are immensely athletes visit us on National SPECTACULAR YEAR proud of. It is a relationship Collection Day and go FOR OUR RELATIONSHIP, that has grown, developed, floor to floor around THE LONGEVITY OF THIS strengthened and changed the building with their PARTNERSHIP IS SOMETHING with time and eir has been collection buckets, and BOTH ORGANISATIONS ARE unwavering in their support. many of our colleagues IMMENSELY PROUD OF.” eir’s support over the last 30 volunteer on the day to years has enabled hundreds shake buckets throughout of athletes to compete the country,” says Philip in the Special Olympics McGauran, eir volunteer. globally – so from all of us “Over a600,000 was at Special Olympics Ireland, raised on Collection Day those athletes and their families – a big thank 2015 throughout the country for Special you to eir.”

Olympics Ireland and we were delighted “Our aim was to plan a year of activity to have played our part to raise these that would engage our colleagues funds throughout Ireland.” from all across the business,” says The eir Great Limerick Run campaign Michelle Toner, Head of Corporate began in January and culminated Social Responsibility, eir: “We set in Limerick in May. Almost 300 ourselves a range of targets to mark our employees signed up to join Team anniversary year with a focus on sport, eir and compete at the 2015 Great as Special Olympics Ireland is a sporting Limerick Run. Team eir brought home organisation. We created original fundraising the ‘Fittest Company Challenge’ title and campaigns and volunteering opportunities to raised more than a66,000 for Special Olympics engage people from across our business and alongside Ireland in the process. The highlight of this year for all of this we aimed to raise an additional a100,000 Special Olympics Ireland was their participation in for our charity partner. I’m delighted to say that within the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games six months eir had raised more than a155,000!” in July in Los Angeles, California, involving 7,000

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04/12/2015 18:20

eir

Ireland and eir. The event raised a118,000 for the charity, with the funds going directly towards the development of sports, training and competition programmes for over 9,000 athletes all over Ireland.

Carolan Lennon, Wholesale Managing Director open eir, spoke about her pride in this fruitful relationship. “We are immensely proud of our 30 year relationship with Special Olympics Ireland.

This organisation is one of Ireland’s great success stories,” she says. That fact is best demonstrated by the engagement statistics; in Ireland 30 per cent of people with a learning disability participate in sport.

Compare that to three per cent participation across the rest of Europe and two per cent worldwide. It is a privilege for our company to have played a part in that success over the course of three decades. 2015 has been a year of celebration for both organisations.

Our employees, customers and business partners supported our fundraising work right from the beginning, enabling us to raise more than a270,000 for our charity partner, which is an incredible achievement. We would like to say thank you to everyone who supported us this year.”

Rugby legend Alan Quinlan supports eir and Special Olympics Ireland at the National Collection Day in April.

FINISHING WITH A FLOURISH eir rounded off the year recently by hosting their last major fundraiser, the Special Olympics Ireland Ball, proudly supported by eir. The event was attended by industry leaders, sports stars and of course Special Olympics Ireland athletes. Sporting legends including Ian Madigan, Henry Shefflin, Alan Brogan, Alan Quinlan and Keith Wood attended the event which celebrated what has been a momentous year for Special Olympics

Richard Moat, CEO, eir, Carolan Lennon, Wholesale Managing Director, open eir, Emma Brett, Special Olympics Ireland athlete and Matt English, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland.

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SPECIAL MERIT AWARD

athletes with intellectual disabilities and featuring competitions in aquatics, gymnastics, track and field, basketball, football and many other summer sports.

This was a hugely successful endeavour and resulted in 82 medals for Team Ireland. eir ran a competition to find a team of ambassadors to represent their company and support Team Ireland by volunteering at the Games. The lucky six eir volunteers were chosen because they best demonstrated their commitment to volunteering and creative fundraising. The eir six raised more than h10,000 through a range of initiatives including a ‘Stars in your eyes’ singing competition, a ‘flip the shamrock’ St. Patrick’s day fundraiser, bake sales, race nights and much more.

The six hail from counties across Ireland and became ambassadors for their company by taking part in regional and national media interviews talking about their volunteering experience.

“It was a great experience for me to be one of the Irish volunteers working at the Special Olympics World Games in LA and the opportunity to support and cheer on the Irish athletes. Indeed Team Ireland’s presence was very much in evidence throughout the Games with many complimentary comments from both the organisers and the US public. In our eyes all the athletes are winners but for them it is about winning. Their joy and thrill in winning is what made it so special for us,” added Philip McGauran.

Some members of Team eir at the Great Limerick Run.

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04/12/2015 18:21

Tell the world you’re Irish.

Tom O’Rahilly, Museum Director.

LeprechaunMuseum .ie

Register your business as .ie Ireland’s official web address.

Tell the world your business is Irish, and tell Irish people your business is local.

• Guaranteed Irish - Proves true connection to Ireland • Safety - One of the world’s safest web addresses

visit www.iedr.ie

xxxxxx_1C_Le Domain_ECA.indd 1 01696-IEDR-TellWorldIrish-Ad-Proof#01.indd 1

03/12/2015 16:30 16/01/2015 13:07

IEDR BEST SUPPORT TO SMES

GETTING SMES ONLINE IEDR, the company responsible for the management and administration of Ireland’s official internet address, .ie, is working to ensure Irish SMEs fulfil their potential online.

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reland’s digital economy continues to grow year on year. In 2014, the value of our digital economy was valued at a8 billion, or 5 per cent of national GDP1. This level of economic activity supports 100,000 jobs, directly and indirectly2. By 2020, the value of the digital economy is expected to more than double to 10 per cent of GDP and a21 billion3.

Consumer spending online currently accounts for the largest proportion of Ireland’s digital economy. In 2014, Irish consumers spent almost a6 billion online4.

However, while Irish consumers have wholeheartedly embraced online shopping, many Irish SMEs have not kept pace with this consumer revolution by moving to sell their goods and services online, in addition to traditional methods. The numbers above highlight the opportunities which exist for Irish SMEs to grow their market share, strengthen their turnover and profitability and increase their workforces.

For businesses, increased digitisation can drive sales, reduce trading costs and open new paths to markets in terms of engaging directly with consumers and customers. With 98 per cent of all enterprises in Ireland either SMEs or micro-enterprises, their importance to a vibrant and robust economy cannot be overstated. That is why it is vital that all Irish companies have a digital strategy which is the right fit for their business’s needs and objectives.

An increased awareness amongst all Irish businesses about why having an online presence and/or ability to sell online is also crucial. Even today, based on our research, tens of thousands of Irish businesses (1 in 4) do not even have a basic website. This may be attributed to the business owner’s perception of the cost, the level of difficulty or being time poor.

However, tragically, this may often be because many are simply not aware of how an online presence can add to the success of their businesses.

To highlight these issues, the IEDR, the company responsible for the management and administration of Ireland’s official Internet address, .ie, launched the OPTIMISE Fund in 2011. OPTIMISE is an e-Commerce Website Development Fund for Irish SMEs to develop

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IEDR CEO David Curtin pictured with Minister Alex White and winners of the 2014 OPTIMISE Fund

or upgrade their web presence and the e-commerce functionality of their websites. Since its inception, 75 companies have been assisted by the fund in practical, tangible ways such as adding shopping carts, online catalogues, facilitating online bookings, implementing social media campaigns and much more. The main goal of the OPTIMISE Fund is to help Irish SMEs to grow their business using online methods.

It should be noted that Ireland has a terrific brand in the .ie domain name and it is imperative that Irish businesses use it to fulfil their potential online. .ie is Ireland’s internet address - it is the only domain name reserved for anyone with a connection to Ireland and helps to connect Irish businesses to local and global markets online. The identity of all .ie web address owners is verified at the point of registration, to make sure we all know who is behind a .ie website. A .ie web address tells the global community you are Irish and tells the Irish community that you are local.

1. UPC The Second UPC Report on Ireland’s Digital Future, 2014.

2. National Digital Strategy, 2013, Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

3. UPC The Second UPC Report on Ireland’s Digital Future, 2014.

4. Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

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03/12/2015 16:31

ENTERPRISE IRELAND BEST SEMI-STATE BODY

PUTTING IRISH BUSINESS ON THE MAP Enterprise Ireland has been working tirelessly to provide advice and key supports to Ireland’s indigenous sector, explains Julie Sinnamon, CEO, Enterprise Ireland.

Q: How has 2015 been for Enterprise Ireland and its clients?

A: 2015 has been a busy and successful year for Enterprise Ireland and for the Irish companies with whom we work. Our impact is measured by their success in achieving export sales that lead to job creation in Ireland. While all the figures are not yet in for 2015, it looks like we are on target to achieve the export gains and employment creation targets that were set out in our strategy. That’s coming off the back of a very successful year in 2014, our best year ever in terms of exports gained (a18.6bn) and in net job creation – over 8,500. In towns and villages across Ireland, the impact of this strong job creation is felt in such a real way; 8,500 more people that were able to earn an income, real people whose lives have been enhanced because of a comeback in Ireland’s indigenous sector. I am constantly amazed by the strength of the businesses with which we work, the professionalism with which business is conducted, the level of sophistication in products and services, and the talent of the business leaders, whose confidence is obvious and growing with their success.

Q: Enterprise Ireland has recently been ranked third in the world for seed investment by PitchBook – it must be a source of pride to have your hard work recognised on the global stage?

A: A key focus for Enterprise Ireland is providing seed capital to start-up companies and we are delighted to have been ranked third by PitchBook among top venture capital investors worldwide. This reiterates the important role that seed funding, and Enterprise Ireland, plays in providing essential finance to early stage companies as they begin their path to growth.

And of course, seed funding is just one of the areas that Enterprise Ireland is involved in when supporting companies. In 2014, we made 337 direct equity investments in Enterprise Ireland client companies, spanning early-stage, high potential start-up and established businesses across a range of sectors.

Q: Looking ahead, are there reasons for optimism?

A: Our focus for 2016 is on continuing to drive scale in companies of all sizes, from start-ups right through

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to large internationally traded companies.

The ambition is to build a larger cohort of Irish-owned multinational companies.

The indigenous business sector is inventing, creating and exporting Julie Sinnamon, more than CEO Enterprise Ireland ever before, with help from Enterprise Ireland. We are developing strong positions in advanced manufacturing, technologies, life sciences, green engineering and our food companies are experiencing unprecedented levels of growth. This is the new economy we are building together. But the next few years are critical – for Government, for Enterprise Ireland, for Irish businesses and for families all across Ireland. At Enterprise Ireland we are acutely aware of the responsibilities placed upon us and of the need for us to get it right. All of the key economic indicators are positive, and pointing in the direction of continued growth for Irish enterprise.

Q: Finally, your reaction to winning the InBUSINESS Editor’s Choice award?

A: It is always nice to be recognised for doing good work, and this award for Best Semi-State Company by the Chambers Ireland InBUSINESS Editor’s Choice Awards is welcomed. We are incredibly proud of the companies with whom we work, so we see this as their award too. Our reward is found in the privilege of working with interesting and talented Irish business leaders, whose inventions, products and services enhance the lives of people they do not know, and will never meet, whose businesses create and sustain employment and prosperity in Ireland.

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04/12/2015 18:15

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03/12/2015 15:12

PAT MCCANN | DALATA GROUP BUSINESSMAN OF THE YEAR

THE HOTELIER WHO MEANS BUSINESS Dalata Hotel Group has gone on an expansion spree over the past year, which now sees it as the largest hotel operator in the country. With Pat McCann at the helm, the group shows no sign of slowing down, as we found out when we caught up with the Businessman of the Year.

Q. How has 2015 been for the Dalata Hotel Group?

A. In many ways it’s been a fantastic year for us because it moved us into a new sphere. I was looking at some of the numbers on valuations on where the company was in 2009 when it was valued at around d2 million. In February 2014 it was valued at around d40m. Today that’s increased to over d900m. So we moved quite dramatically into a very different structure, into a very different business. It’s been a great year for us as we’ve put in some very strong foundations. That doesn’t say that we don’t have a lot of work to do because we do in order to maximise all the hotels and assets we’ve bought.

Q. What can we expect from the hotel sector in 2016? Are we seeing a recovery exclusively concentrated around Dublin?

A. I’d say that we’re looking at pretty decent growth again in 2016, probably not as strong as 2015 but certainly strong growth in terms of what we measure is a room’s business. That’s about our RevPAR on our rooms which we estimate will grow somewhere between 7-8 per cent in 2016.

In the first half of 2015 we saw around 17 per cent growth in RevPARs outside Dublin which is very significant. And that’s coming about in the urban areas like Galway, Limerick, Cork and Wexford.

Essentially right across the country we saw good RevPAR growth. We’re coming from a pretty low basis in many cases but it is significant that there’s a shift, and that means the Irish consumer is beginning to spend because most hotels outside Dublin tend to be Irish driven. It’s certainly a long way from the very dark days of 2009-2010 when hotels were really struggling but in saying that there’s challenges ahead. A lot of hotels need reinvestment, both in terms of the product and in terms of their people.

Q. Tell us about Dalata’s expansion plans for 2016.

A. There’s a number of things. In the first instance, between debt and equity, we raised about d560m

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and we’ve spent all that. Then this September we raised another d160m in equity and we put some debt on that of about a90m so it leaves us with around a250m in cash to spend in the next year. There are some good hotels coming up for sale in the first quarter of 2016 that aren’t currently on the market. We will be strong bidders on those.

The other ways we’ll be spending the money is developing some of the hotels we’ve bought, putting in additional rooms in the likes of the Pat McCann, CEO, Dalata Hotel Group Clayton in Ballsbridge, the Clayton at Dublin Airport, the Clayton in Belfast and the Maldron in Galway. That will be quite rewarding for us. We’re also looking at some new buildings in Dublin. It’s our ambition to add around 1,000 rooms in the capital because if it’s not done soon it will start to affect business.

Q. Your response to winning this year’s InBUSINESS Editor’s Choice Businessman of the Year?

A. I’m delighted, I’ve said up to this point that I wouldn’t win an argument so getting an award is fantastic! Sometimes when you get an award like this you feel kind of guilty because you know that it’s not all you, it’s the team of people behind you, but I’m delighted. It’s a great honour for me.

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04/12/2015 17:21

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23/11/2011 15:05:50 03/12/2015 16:18

CAROLAN LENNON | OPEN EIR

Heading Ireland’s largest supplier of wholesale broadband, which serves more than 40 national and international service providers, and overseeing continued investment in residential and commercial fibre broadband across the country as part of eir’s a2.5 billion strategy, it’s been a busy year for Carolan Lennon, Wholesale Managing Director, open eir.

Q: Has 2015 been a positive period for open eir?

Is there anything in particular you are proud of from the past year?

A: It’s been a really good year for eir and for open eir as an important part of the business. We operate the largest fibre network in Ireland (1.33 million premises) and we have committed to extending this to 1.9 million homes and businesses over the coming years.

We also offer Ireland’s fastest broadband, with speeds of up to 1,000Mb/s, with customers being connected all around the country on a daily basis. We are spending close to €2.5 billion on investment over ten years to enhance our network; we’ve spent €1bn in the past three years and have committed to another €1.5bn over the next 5-7 years in what is the largest investment programme of any provider in the country – all designed to provide even faster broadband for consumers and businesses countrywide.

I am especially proud this year that our fibre to the home (FTTH) technology has transformed the lives of those living in our first trial location, Belcarra in Co Mayo. Then, only last week, we announced the winner of our FibrePower your community competition which is Munterconnaught in Co Cavan, which will be the next trial town. Being on the ground in those communities really brings home to me the real, tangible benefits our technology brings in transforming the lives of those who live and work there – enabling them to live there, connect to those who matter most to them, in whatever way they want, be that for business or pleasure.

BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR

LEADING BY EXAMPLE Q: What advice would you give to young and ambitious people who are looking to make it to the boardroom level?

A: In terms of advice there are a few things I would say. First of all I’m a big believer in authentic leadership.

In my experience it’s what people expect and want in a leader. Being yourself and being true to your values is absolutely key. I would encourage people to put their hands up for roles/projects outside their own area and comfort zone. For me that is where my biggest opportunities have come from. I would also suggest that people play an active role in their company’s CSR strategy. Not only do you get out far more than you put in, you get exposure to senior leaders within the organisation early in your career and you get to build a network across the organisation. Finally, in terms of work/life balance, don’t strive to get it every day, as you will fail. Accept some days are all about work, but make sure when the opportunity is there to make it all about family, you take it. Look for a balance overall.

Q: Finally, your reaction to winning InBUSINESS Editor’s Choice Businesswoman of the Year?

A: I’m delighted and honoured to have won this award. It’s always fantastic when your work in Irish business is recognised. InBUSINESS magazine is a very important business publication, which makes the award even more important.

Q: Has eir’s rebranding process been a challenging one, and how have you found the response from customers and other stakeholders?

A: We are really pleased with the reaction to the rebrand from customers and our wider stakeholders so far. eir is a new, modern and dynamic brand, reflective of our ambition to provide the high quality infrastructure that people across the country want and need and also that Ireland needs and deserves.

Carolan Lennon, Wholesale Managing Director open eir

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04/12/2015 17:23

DELIVERING BETTER NUTRITION

FOR EVERY STEP OF LIFE’S JOURNEY

www.glanbia.com

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03/12/2015 16:32

GLANBIA COMPANY OF THE YEAR

FROM IRELAND TO THE WORLD Siobhan Talbot, Group Managing Director, Glanbia explains how the company has made further strides in developing their business in the US, and how 2015 has been a positive year for the organisation as a whole.

T

his year has represented a good year to date for Glanbia – reported revenues are up 9 per cent when compared to the same time last year, for example, driven

by Glanbia Performance Nutrition (GPN). The outlook for the remainder of 2015 is positive and, in their Interim Management Statement of November 4th, Glanbia reiterated their guidance of 9 per cent to 11 per cent growth in adjusted earnings per share (constant currency) for the full year, with a reported result of approximately 25 per cent growth if exchange rates remain at current levels. “As a global nutrition company, whose purpose is ‘delivering better nutrition for every step of life’s journey’, we are focused on the development of a branded and ingredient portfolio to serve the growing consumer demand for nutritional products in formats suitable for healthy and active lifestyles. This product diversity has helped insulate the wider business from the volatility of global dairy markets this year,” explains Siobhan Talbot, Glanbia’s Managing Director.

In their Global Ingredients business, Glanbia recently announced that they are in advanced discussions with their US joint venture partner at South West Cheese, seeking to expand cheese and whey production at their facility in New Mexico by 25 per cent. This project is expected to take over two years to complete, with an expected investment of $140 million. Production at South West Cheese began on a greenfield site in 2004 and has expanded to the point where Glanbia currently process over 220 truckloads of milk per day, making it one of the largest single site manufacturers of premium quality cheese and whey protein in the world. “This expansion positions us very well as we seek to capture further domestic and international cheese and whey market share,” Siobhan adds.

Significant inroads have also been made by Glanbia’s Performance Nutrition division – the company recently announced the acquisition of thinkThin, a leading range of protein enriched bars targeted at lifestyle consumers, headquartered in California. As a premium lifestyle nutrition product

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Siobhan Talbot, Group Managing Director, Glanbia

with very strong brand equity, thinkThin represents an excellent strategic addition to Glanbia’s portfolio of market leading performance nutrition brands. The transaction is firmly aligned with their overall growth ambitions and positions the company well in the fast growing nutrition bar category, which is currently valued at $2.8 billion in US retail. GPN also announced the launch of the Trusource brand in a US mass retailer this year, an important step in the evolution of their GPN strategy. Trusource is aimed at lifestyle consumers and comes in a range of formats which broadens the reach of GPN’s portfolio in the US. Having experienced such a successful year to date in terms of expansion and developing their brands, Siobhan is grateful for recognition of their hard work and endeavour by the InBUSINESS Editor’s Choice Awards.

“We’re very pleased to have been selected as Company of the Year for 2015,” she says. “We are focused on building a truly global nutrition business with sustained growth and ambitious strategic objectives to meet. This award is testament to the hard work and commitment of our team.

It is the talent of our people and their focus on executing our strategy that will deliver on our promise of global momentum, so we are delighted to see that recognised by InBUSINESS.”

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04/12/2015 17:25

THE CHILDREN FIRST LAW SEMINAR CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS HOUSE, DUBLIN 2

18TH

FEB 2016 9am-1pm

The ‘Children First’ Law Seminar will see an expert panel of speakers focus on the specifics of the proposed Bill, with an emphasis on the requirements for organisations that provide services to children.

SPEAKERS:  DR. NIALL MULDOON, OMBUDSMAN FOR CHILDREN Keynote Speaker  CLARE DALY, SOLICITOR, RONAN DALY JERMYN SOLICITORS What is the new law? Who needs to be concerned?

How do my clients comply with the law?

LITIGATION FUNDING & INSURANCE SEMINAR CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS HOUSE, DUBLIN 2

2ND

MAR 2016 9am-1pm

The Litigation Funding & Insurance Seminar 2016 will provide delegates with an in-depth assessment of the risks, rewards and requirements in litigation funding, and how receivers and liquidators can take cases that otherwise wouldn’t be possible due to lack of funds.

SPEAKERS:  SUSAN DUNN, HEAD OF LITIGATION FUNDING, HARBOUR LITIGATION FUNDING LTD What is a litigation funder?  SHARON DALY, PARTNER, HEAD OF LITIGATION AND INSURANCE, MATHESON Developments of the law of champerty

 NUALA EVELYN JACKSON SENIOR COUNSEL The historical backdrop to the legislation and the implications for schools

 PAUL JACOBS, PARTNER, HEAD OF FORENSIC AND INVESTIGATION SERVICES, GRANT THORNTON Practical insight from an accounting practitioner’s perspective into litigation funding

 GARETH NOBLE, PARTNER, KOD LYONS Abolition of the defence of reasonable chastisement

 MARTIN HAYDEN, SENIOR COUNSEL Requirements in relation to securing finance from a Senior Counsel perspective

UPCOMING CONFERENCES: • Intellectual Property - 3rd March • Legal Costs - 7th April • Corporate Social Responsibility - 12th April •

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Chris Lavery Tel: (01) 432 2273 or Email: chris.lavery@irishconferences.ie Irish Conferences 2016 Advert.indd 1

03/12/2015 16:17

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07/12/2015 11:26

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03/12/2015 14:52