InBUSINESS Recognition Awards 2019

12th December 2019 The Westbury Dublin InBUSINESS Recognition Awards 2019_Brochure Cover.indd 1

25/10/2019 15:15

InBUSINESS Recognition Awards 2019_Brochure Inside Cover.indd 1

06/12/2019 15:02

3

LINCOLN EXECUTIVE SEARCH: Adding Value for True Partnership

AGENCY SUPPORT TO BUSINESS Skillnet Ireland

5

SKILLNET IRELAND: Leading the Way

LOCAL GOVERNMENT SUPPORT TO BUSINESS Local Enterprise Offices

7

LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICES: Making It Happen

BUSINESS BROADBAND Virgin Media Business

9

VIRGIN MEDIA BUSINESS: Online Opportunity

EXECUTIVE RECRUITMENT Lincoln Executive Search

LIFE PENSION AND INVESTMENT COMPANY Zurich Life Assurance PLC

11

ZURICH LIFE ASSURANCE PLC: Future Facing

BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR Julie Sinnamon, Enterprise Ireland

13

ENTERPRISE IRELAND: Innovate, Diversify and Increase Competitiveness

TOURISM Fáilte Ireland - Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands

15

FÁILTE IRELAND: Slow Tourism Wins the Race

LOCAL AUTHORITY OF THE YEAR Fingal County Council

17

PAYPAL: Growing and Thriving

SPECIAL MERIT AWARD Gas Networks Ireland CSR Program

21

FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL: For the People

FLEET CAR COMPANY OF THE YEAR Renault Ireland

23

GAS NETWORKS IRELAND: Powering a Sustainable Future

ACADEMIA COLLABORATION WITH INDUSTRY Trinity College Dublin

25

RENAULT IRELAND: Driving Forward

BUSINESS BANKING MEDIUM AND LARGE ENTERPRISES AIB Business Banking

27

TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN: Academia and Industry Working Together

BUSINESSMAN OF THE YEAR David Walsh, Netwatch

29

AIB BUSINESS BANKING: An Innovative Mind-set

31

NETWATCH: Change is a Constant

COMPANY OF THE YEAR PayPal

InBUSINESS USINESS | RECOGNITION AWARDS 2019

001_InBUSINESS Recognition Awards 2019_Contents_REV.indd 1

1

09/12/2019 16:14

Expect commitment At Lincoln, we are united behind a single purpose: a unified commitment to helping leaders and organisations, succeed by releasing the full power and potential of their people.

Our years of hard work and experience connects us to an unrivaled network of opportunities, resources, market-focused insight and intuition. This means we work as smart as we do hard, and always find the right candidate for the right position.

Visit lincoln.ie today.

ACCOUNTING | FINANCIAL SERVICES | LEGAL | MARKETING | IT | CONSTRUCTION | HR

Advert template.indd Awards.indd 1 1C_Lincoln_JM_Rec 1

RECRUITING EXCELLENCE

06/12/2019 25/11/2019 15:17 13:27

LINCOLN EXECUTIVE SEARCH

Shay Dalton, Managing Director of Lincoln Recruitment Specialists tells InBUSINESS how their offering goes beyond recruitment to add value to partnerships.

“T

his has been a record year for Lincoln in terms of new business growth and increasing market share,” says Managing Director Shay Dalton. “This sentiment is also reflected in the economy with companies planning for growth, creating new jobs and ensuring that they retain their talent in an employment market that is becoming exceptionally competitive.”

“At the heart of Ireland’s ongoing expansion is a thriving labour market, where employers continue to create new jobs at a heady pace, especially in servicesrelated sectors. Indeed, Ireland’s labour market is now essentially at full employment – meaning that, simply speaking, there is a job available for anybody seeking one,” he continues.

INNOVATIVE PROJECTS Lincoln’s offer extends far beyond traditional contingency recruitment, with complementary services including white papers, commentaries, market information, networking introductions, consulting, podcasts, content and a series of thought leadership events.

This year it was the first recruitment company to launch a podcast, and the 1% Podcast has climbed the Irish Business Podcast rankings throughout the year.

“We interview an eclectic range of guests across sport and business to extract the tools, tactics and routines to success and guests this year have included Minister Helen McEntee, CEO of the GPA Paul Flynn, boxer Andy Lee, historian Diarmaid Ferriter, and bestselling author James Kerr amongst many others. It also culminated in us being a finalist in the national digital and web Awards, the Spiders.”

“This year also provided us with the opportunity to collaborate with economist Alan Ahearne and

InBUSINESS | RECOGNITION AWARDS 2019

1C_Lincoln Recruitment_JM_Rec Awards19_REV4.indd 3

EXECUTIVE RECRUITMENT

Adding Value for True Partnership

Shay Dalton, Managing Director of Lincoln Recruitment Specialists

produce an in-depth Salary and Employment Insights Report which completed a detailed analysis of the economic perspective for the forthcoming year as well as gathering insights into industry salaries, recruitment figures, and employer and employee perceptions gained from over 1,400 business and professionals in Ireland.”

The company also continued their partnership with the Early Career Awards, recognising young professionals under the ages of 35, in multiple industry sectors.

STRATEGIC PLANNING “Business and employee confidence is strong across the majority of professional services sectors and most regions in Ireland,” states Mr Dalton. “Our experience is that Ireland is continuing to build its reputation abroad as a place to work or live, and we expect this trend to continue in 2020.

“However, this positive momentum has brought its own challenges, culminating in one of the most difficult recruitment markets of recent times, further clouded by Brexit-related uncertainty.

Recruitment remains high on the agenda for most organisations, but skills shortages in many areas have led to intense competition for skills, making strategic workforce planning essential for organisations this year.”

“To be given the responsibility of finding an organisation’s next key hire is huge but it’s work that we love,” Mr Dalton states. “It gives us exposure to dynamic and progressive organisations and an opportunity to career plan with some of Ireland’s top professionals. We would like to thank all the organisations that have entrusted Lincoln with mandates over the past 12 months.”

3

09/12/2019 16:39

Unlocking potential through innovation Upskill your team to drive business growth.

Find out how Skillnet Ireland supports business growth.

View our case studies: skillnetireland.ie/case-studies

Advert template.indd 1 248793_1C_Skillnet_JM_Rec Awards19.indd 1

06/12/2019 02/12/2019 15:18 11:30

SKILLNET IRELAND

Paul Healy, Chief Executive of Skillnet Ireland talks to InBUSINESS about the disruption that businesses are facing and how innovative workforce development solutions can help address both business needs and those of our workforce.

I

reland draws an immense competitive strength from its talented and agile workforce.

However, we are living through an era of unprecedented disruption and the competition is as relentless as it is fierce, and it is global in its nature.

As we look to the future, we need to build upon the strengths of our workforce, our key source of new ideas, of innovation, of productivity, and competitive advantage. This is the fundamental mission of Skillnet Ireland.

Skillnet Ireland is a business support agency working in partnership with 70 industry bodies, (including several Chambers), we work with over 16,000 businesses, and support over 55,000 workers throughout the country every year. The Skillnet Ireland model has been recognised internationally as a best practice approach by the OECD, the EU and the ILO. As a national agency working with the major enterprise groups in Ireland, we have the capacity to assess the full labour market landscape, to identify new areas of potential and to facilitate industry-led responses.

Advances in technology, market shifts, changing demographic and varied competitive forces are constantly driving new skilling requirements for industry. In order to meet those demands, we work to develop even more innovative new workforce development solutions.

The technological disruption is also transforming the workplace and fundamentally changing how we work.

We are also seeing the very nature of employment itself being redefined, with the rise of the gig economy,

Paul Healy, Chief Executive of Skillnet Ireland

artificial intelligence, portfolio careers, virtual and remote working, and of course, extended working lives. Yet despite this disruption, the evidence base is telling us that the net outlook for jobs is positive, provided we are serious about taking the necessary steps to prepare.

Skillnet Ireland’s approach gives industry a leading role in shaping workforce development solutions for their own business and sectors or regions. We create value for our stakeholders across three strategic focus areas: workforce planning, workforce development and workforce innovation.

2019 was a milestone year for Skillnet Ireland as we celebrated

InBUSINESS | RECOGNITION AWARDS 2019

1C_Skillnet_JM_Rec Awards19_REV2.indd 5

AGENCY SUPPORT TO BUSINESS

Leading the Way

our 20th anniversary. In those twenty years we have built a strong foundation and connections with industry, Government and educational institutes. This has put us in an ideal position to respond quickly and effectively to the challenge’s businesses face across the economy.

As we look to the future, we all must build upon the strengths of our people and workforce. Working with our industry partners, Skillnet Ireland will continue to bring leadership to developing the skills needed to power Ireland’s economy and to facilitate the direct connection between national policy and enterprise-led action on the ground.

5

06/12/2019 15:05

STARTING OR GROWING YOUR OWN BUSINESS IN 2020?

Your Local Enterprise Office can provide you with information, expert advice and practical supports.

Grow Start Pre-Start Talk to us and together, we can Make It Happen for your business.

LocalEnterprise.ie In partnership with

Advert template.inddLEO_REC 1 248842_1C_Fingal Awards 19.indd 1

In partnership with

06/12/2019 08/11/2019 15:19 15:03

LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICES

The staff of Local Enterprise Offices go above and beyond the call of duty to help ‘make it happen’ for entrepreneurs and small business owners, Chair of the Network Oisín Geoghegan tells InBUSINESS.

T

his year has marked five years since the establishment of Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities and Chair of the Network Oisín Geoghegan says it has been the busiest and most successful yet.

Since the Local Enterprise Offices were set up five years ago, a great deal has been achieved in helping small businesses to start and grow. Since 2014, Local Enterprise Offices have supported the creation of over 18,000 new jobs in small Irish companies in towns and communities all over the country.

Alongside this, LEOs have trained nearly 145,000 entrepreneurs and senior managers, helping them to up-skill and further develop their businesses. Local Enterprise Offices are funded by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation through Enterprise Ireland.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT SUPPORT TO BUSINESS

Making it Happen

“We have also made a very significant contribution financially, providing €81.5 million in direct financial assistance to small businesses and startups since 2014,” Mr Geoghegan points out.

Initiatives such as the new Productivity Challenge (to enable Irish SMEs to become more productive and competitive), the popular Trading Online Voucher scheme, and a new startup campaign (Start) have seen great engagement across the country.

“In addition, sixteen projects led by LEOs across the country were approved for funding through a new €2.5 million LEO Competitive Fund designed to stimulate innovation in Irish small businesses,” notes Mr Geoghegan.

“At local level, in every county, city, town and village, the LEOs have been actively stimulating enterprise, working to help anyone with a small business or an idea for a new enterprise.

“Winning the ‘Best Local Government Support to Business’ award means a great deal to all staff in the 31 Local Enterprise Offices, especially as 2019 is an important milestone year for LEOs,” Mr Geoghegan says. “Each Local Enterprise Office is an extremely busy place. At the heart of every LEO, there is a small, dedicated hardworking team, led by a Head of Enterprise. The staff of LEOs continually go above and beyond the call of duty to help ‘make it happen’ for owner/managers of small business and aspiring entrepreneurs. They are focused on serving the needs of these entrepreneurs and helping them to plan, start and grow their businesses, whatever challenges they face. This award recognises their efforts, supports and achievements and this recognition is hugely important.”

Local Enterprise Week—one of the biggest initiatives of the year for small businesses—will take place from March 2nd to March 6th 2020, under the theme of ‘Making It Happen’.

For more information visit localenterprise.ie

Oisin Geoghegan, Chair of the Network of Local Enterprise Offices.

InBUSINESS | RECOGNITION AWARDS 2019

1C_Local Enterprise Office_JM_Rec Awards19_REV3.indd 7

AT LOCAL LEVEL, IN EVERY COUNTY, CITY, TOWN AND VILLAGE, THE LEOS HAVE BEEN ACTIVELY STIMULATING ENTERPRISE, WORKING TO HELP ANYONE WITH A SMALL BUSINESS OR AN IDEA FOR A NEW ENTERPRISE. 7

06/12/2019 15:06

AWARD WINNINGLY BRILLIANT

1800 940 980 businesssales@virginmedia.ie virginmedia.ie/business /VMBusinessIreland /VMBusinessIE /company/virgin-media-business-ireland

VM_B2B_23690_Business Plus Feb 19.indd A4.indd 11 Advert template.indd 1 248564_1C_Virgin_JM_Rec Awards

15/01/2019 17:11 06/12/2019 05/11/2019 15:19 08:49

VIRGIN MEDIA BUSINESS BUSINESS BROADBAND

Online Opportunity Aidan D’Arcy, Director of Business at Virgin Media Business, speaks to InBUSINESS about futureproofing Ireland’s network infrastructure to allow business to take advantage of digital opportunities.

Q: How has 2019 been for your business?

A: This past year, Virgin Media Business unveiled a series of innovative partnerships and product to help businesses perform better with technology solutions that take them Beyond Fast. We joined forces with managed IT and cloud service provider INNOVATE and Cisco to offer a managed Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) solution, an entirely new way to manage and operate network and connectivity infrastructure.

Our new internet security product is driving increased innovation in cloud-based cybersecurity solutions through our antiDistributed Denial of Service (DDoS) support that proactively details DDoS attacks, alerts customers when an attack is under way and enables the means to mitigate attacks. Whether you’re just starting out, or are already a thriving small business, we’ve got tailored connectivity solutions to help your business stay one step ahead in the digital marketplace.

Q: How would you describe the overall landscape in your sector at present?

A: While Ireland’s private sector has invested €2.75bn over the past 5 years in network infrastructure, we cannot remain complacent.

There are over 280,000 businesses operating in Ireland, the majority of are SMEs and our sector needs to continue to contributing to the

business ecosystem to ensure it viability, growth and competitiveness. There are wonderful opportunities for Irish businesses at the moment in a strong economy and the growing trend of the online market place. With online spending in Ireland set to grow to over €20bn in the coming years, Irish businesses have never had a better opportunity to speak to new customers.

It’s not just about better broadband; it’s about future-proofing the country’s network infrastructure with the best and most modern technology. Virgin Media business wants to break down the barriers to building broadband.

Q: What are the major challenges?

A: At work, at home or on the move, the citizens of Ireland expect an internet connection that is fast and reliable. Encouraging investments in high-capacity networks is increasingly important for all sectors but in particular for education, healthcare or transport. All main socio-economic drivers will need access to extremely high—gigabit—connectivity at every corner across Ireland. These objectives can only be achieved with massive investments, mainly from private sources but also some from the public purse. Digital technology plays a role to help deliver jobs, prosperity, quality of life and leads to businesses creating innovative products and services to promote smart, sustainable growth. The big question now though is: are the local authorities on board or will they simply railroad through onerous costs on private companies?

Q: What does this award recognition mean to you?

Aidan D’Arcy, Director of Business at Virgin Media Business

InBUSINESS | RECOGNITION AWARDS 2019

1C_Virgin Media_JM_Rec Awards19_REV3.indd 9

A: Virgin Media Business has made a companywide commitment to build connections that really matter. We’re honoured to have our top performing service recognised by the Chambers Ireland. As digital transformation takes hold, Virgin Media business is not only providing the advanced technology solutions to help customers get ahead in the connected economy but is transforming our own operations to optimise the relationship between people, processes and technology.

9

09/12/2019 11:46

BE FUTURE READY WITH PENSIONS POWERED BY ZURICH.

With company pensions powered

by Zurich, you know you’re getting awardwinning investment performance and innovative investment strategies like Personalised GuidePath.

FOR MORE ON HOW TO GET FUTURE READY WITH ZURICH COMPANY PENSIONS, VISIT ZURICH.IE.

Source: Awarded Investment Excellence, Brokers Ireland Financial Excellence Awards, 2018.

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

4430_Future Ready Ad1 (CLP)Awards19.indd InBusiness PA 4335 1019.indd 1 Advert template.indd 248765_1C_Zurich_JM_Rec 1

22/10/2019 15:20 16:22 06/12/2019 30/10/2019 14:03

ZURICH LIFE ASSURANCE PLC

We need to do more to encourage workers to save for the future, Joe Creegan, Head of Corporate Life & Pensions at Zurich Life, tells InBUSINESS.

Q: How has 2019 been for your business?

A: This has been a positive year for Zurich’s life assurance business in Ireland in terms of new business growth and our market share. The continuing growth in the number of people in employment has contributed positively as more companies and their employees look to provide for their future in the form of pension provision and protect their families and businesses financially in the event of death or disability.

The combination of a strong economy and Zurich’s strong reputation for outperformance in investment markets has seen a huge increase in companies and individuals choosing Zurich to manage their pension fund and other assets.

In addition we continue to lead the way in terms of innovation with our company pension solution, providing streamlined administration, improved employee engagement and communication.

Q: What are the major challenges facing the sector?

Joe Creegan, Head of Corporate Life & Pensions at Zurich Life

with relevant and informative communications at the appropriate time in their working life. At Zurich, we pride ourselves on providing market leading member communication to scheme members each year as well as online access to the appropriate tools to plan for an adequate retirement income.

LIFE PENSION AND INVESTMENT COMPANY

Future Facing

Q: What are the major industry trends?

A: During October the Government approved a large part of the design of a new Automatic Retirement Savings Plan, with the objective of encouraging the significant number of employees who do not currently have supplementary pension coverage to make provision for their retirement. The timeline for implementing this automatic enrolment system is 2022, with an initial contribution from both employer and employee of 1.5% rising to a maximum of 6% each at the beginning of year 10. Further work is being undertaken to examine the design of the State financial incentive to this new Plan.

A: The challenges facing Zurich are very much aligned to the challenges faced by other stakeholders in our industry, for example Pension Scheme Trustees and employers who are committed to facilitating employees provide for their own retirement. In particular we have two big challenges. Firstly the number of workers in the private sector with private pensions, in addition to the state pension is only 35% and we need to do more to encourage workers to save for the future. The second challenge, having started retirement savings, is to ensure that we are all saving enough to achieve an adequate income in retirement and the earlier we start making contributions the better chance we have of achieving this outcome. This can only be achieved through increased awareness and providing pension scheme members

Q: Can you share any 2020 plans with us?

A: We have a clear objective for 2020 and beyond to bring more clarity to company pensions for both employers and employees. Our focus on online technology will enable us to further build on our new company pension dashboard, making it easier for employees to have a clear oversight of their pension scheme. Our company pension solution will keep things simple for all stakeholders and make Zurich a provider of choice with the introduction of the Automatic Retirement Savings Plan in 2022. Our innovative investment solutions and employee engagement tools are designed to bring pension schemes to life and help employees look forward to a great retirement.

THE COMBINATION OF A STRONG ECONOMY AND ZURICH’S STRONG REPUTATION FOR OUTPERFORMANCE IN INVESTMENT MARKETS HAS SEEN A HUGE INCREASE IN COMPANIES AND INDIVIDUALS CHOOSING ZURICH TO MANAGE THEIR PENSION FUND AND OTHER ASSETS. IN ADDITION WE CONTINUE TO LEAD THE WAY IN TERMS OF INNOVATION WITH OUR COMPANY PENSION SOLUTION, PROVIDING STREAMLINED ADMINISTRATION, IMPROVED EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATION. InBUSINESS | RECOGNITION AWARDS 2019

1C_Zurich_JM_Rec Awards19_REV4.indd 11

11

06/12/2019 15:08

Mullan Lighting took the step into France That lightbulb moment; for Mullan Lighting, it was realising the untapped potential of the Eurozone. With the help of Enterprise Ireland, Mullan undertook detailed market research and identified France as a key market. They also received the support necessary to bring a group of French customers to Ireland to see their bespoke lighting up close.

As Brexit approaches, the need for Irish companies to internationalise has never been greater. Enterprise Ireland has a comprehensive five-step plan and extensive supports to help businesses of every size and stage to enter new markets.

Take the step into new markets with Enterprise Ireland.

Visit globalambition.ie/steps to learn more.

#GlobalAmbition

Advert template.indd 1IRL_JM_Rec Awards19.indd 1 248853_1C_Enterprise

06/12/2019 20/11/2019 15:21 10:51

JULIE SINNAMON - ENTERPRISE IRELAND

Julie Sinnamon, CEO, Enterprise Ireland, predicts a challenging year ahead, and advises innovation is essential to remain competitive.

Q: How has 2019 been for Enterprise Ireland?

A: In June this year we announced that our clients recorded export sales of €23.8bn in 2018, representing a 6 percent increase on the previous year. We are on track to increase exports to the target of €26bn per annum by 2020.

Employment and exports in companies supported by Enterprise Ireland are at the highest they have been in the 20-year history of the agency, with 66% of 2018 employment gains recorded in companies outside of Dublin.

Now well over the halfway mark into our four-year strategy to Build Scale and Expand Reach 2017-2020, we are also on course to exceed the ambitious target of creating 60,000 new jobs by the end of 2020.

Q: What are the major challenges for you at the moment?

A: With ongoing international trade tensions and resulting tariffs we would anticipate that 2020 will be a challenging period for Irish exporters. Together with the climate/ sustainability agenda the need for our clients to continually innovative to remain competitive cannot be underestimated.

The ongoing ambiguity regarding the outcome of the Brexit negotiations remains a key concern for exporters. While 85% of our clients have taken Brexit actions we will continue to support companies to innovate, diversify and increase competitiveness so that Irish businesses are equipped to mitigate against the fallout from Brexit.

Julie Sinnamon, CEO, Enterprise Ireland

that period has reduced from 43% to 33% as trading with the rest of the world has grown at a faster rate.

These record export results show the resilience of Irish exporters to progressively grow their global footprint in uncertain times, a key focus of our diversification strategy.

Q: How have Enterprise Ireland’s efforts to encourage female entrepreneurship worked?

A: In 2011 female led high potential startup businesses represented only 7% of our supported start-ups. Further to the implementation of a strategy to increase this figure through tailored supports and initiatives over a fifth of the 132 startups supported by Enterprise Ireland in 2018 were female-led.

We will shortly launch a new Female Entrepreneurship strategy which will be broadening our engagement to further address the key challenges impacting on the growth of female-led business opportunities.

Q: How has Brexit affected trade over the last year?

Q: What does this award recognition mean to you?

A: Against the backdrop of Brexit uncertainty

A: I am delighted to receive this award. It

exports to the UK increased by 4% in 2018 and the UK remains our largest trading partner. Despite UK exports increasing by 50% over the last 10 years however the portion of Irish exports going to the UK in

is a reflection of the success that Enterprise Ireland has achieved with our clients and a testament to the activities undertaken by my colleagues across the organisation, on whose behalf I accept this award.

InBUSINESS | RECOGNITION AWARDS 2019

1C_Enterprise Ireland_JM_Rec Awards19.indd 13

BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR

Innovate, Diversify and Increase Competitiveness

13

06/12/2019 15:08

Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands

yours to uncover

www.irelandshiddenheartlands.discoverireland.ie Stand Up Paddle Boarding at Killaloe, Co Clare

Advert template.indd 1 248841_1C_Failte Ireland_JM_Rec Awards19_V4.indd 1

06/12/2019 22/11/2019 15:22 12:15

FÁILTE IRELAND - IRELAND’S HIDDEN HEARTLANDS TOURISM

Slow Tourism Wins the Race Paddy Mathews, Head of Operations Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Fáilte Ireland, tells InBUSINESS about how engagement with local business has been crucial to the success of the brand.

“C

oming after a record year in 2018, 2019 has been a little more challenging for Irish tourism with challenges that are coming with Brexit and resulting uncertainty,” admits Paddy Mathews, Head of Operations Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. “Fáilte Ireland has worked tirelessly with businesses to get them prepared for Brexit and the message continues to be ‘prepare and diversify.’ While there may be a level of uncertainty within the industry at the moment, Fáilte Ireland is working hard to develop and support the tourism sector,” he states.

As a brand, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands speaks to the burgeoning trends of ‘slow tourism’, and green tourism. Mr Mathews describes the ethos of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands as being, “about finding your own rhythm in nature and getting off the beaten track. Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands is all about slow tourism and discovering Ireland’s unknown gems and embracing nature.”

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT On Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands being recognised with the award for Best Tourism Project, he is keen to give credit to everyone who contributed, stating, “This recognition is really a reflection of all the hard work that has been done to establish Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands as a regional experience and tourist destination.

It’s important to say that while we at Fáilte Ireland are extremely pleased to accept the award, we would not be in a position to do so without the hard work of the many local businesses and stakeholders.”

He points out that working with local authorities and engaging with local businesses to provide training opportunities and commercial development has been a crucial factor in the success of the initiative. One example is the Website Improvement Programme launched in June, which is designed to improve the websites and digital skills of visitor attractions and activity providers in the region—44 businesses are currently taking part in the programme.

CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT “As we are still in the development stage, we continue to build up our number of visitor attractions across the region,” he says. “From the outset we have engaged with the

FÁILTE IRELAND HAS WORKED TIRELESSLY WITH BUSINESSES TO GET THEM PREPARED FOR BREXIT AND THE MESSAGE CONTINUES TO BE ‘PREPARE AND DIVERSIFY.’ WHILE THERE MAY BE A LEVEL OF UNCERTAINTY WITHIN THE INDUSTRY AT THE MOMENT, FÁILTE IRELAND IS WORKING HARD TO DEVELOP AND SUPPORT THE TOURISM SECTOR.

InBUSINESS | RECOGNITION AWARDS 2019

1C_Failte Ireland_JM_Rec Awards19_REV8.indd 15

Paddy Mathews, Head of Operations Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, Fáilte Ireland

relevant stakeholders to develop an inventory of all the attractions in the region. This year we announced some major investments, including a €3.9m investment in the National Famine Museum in Strokestown Park and a €640,000 investment in Knights & Conquests at Granard, Co. Longford.”

Looking towards the year ahead, the publication and implementation of the Shannon Tourism Masterplan (being led by Waterways Ireland) and the Beara Breifne Way Activation Plan, the establishment of a number of commerciallyfocussed, cross-county tourism networks across the entire region, and a new high-profile festival for Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, are just some of the key areas Fáilte Ireland will be looking at.

15

09/12/2019 11:49

what’s on your

You’re not alone when it ComeS to CopinG www.turn2me.org

Forums, Group Support, 1to1 Counselling, iphone enabled

Advert template.indd 1

06/12/2019 15:23

PAYPAL COMPANY OF THE YEAR

Growing and Thriving PayPal is innovating to stay competitive in a transformative period for financial services, Annette Hickey, VP for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Customer Services, PayPal, tells InBUSINESS.

P

ayPal has been at the forefront of fintech since its inception and continues to innovate and stay ahead of competitors. Globally the company’s technology is empowering more than 300 million customers and businesses, with that number growing all the time—adding 9.8 million new active accounts in the last quarter. The value of payments processed by PayPal in that period was also up by 25%.

“For us here, it’s so fantastic to be at the forefront of this digital payments revolution,” says Annette Hickey, VP for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Customer Services, PayPal. “We’ve had a very good year in PayPal, particularly around product launches.

“Customer expectations are shifting all the time with people wanting to be able to move their money at the touch of a button and shop on the move and send money to friends and family. Demand for mobile commerce and digital payments grows and we’re helping to cater for this. People want more efficiency and greater security around the services and this is something that PayPal is synonymous with across the globe.”

New launches include Money Pools, a new service in the app which allows groups of friends to pool money together or save for a common goal— ideal for chipping in on gifts or save for a holiday for instance.

Another exciting innovation is Xoom, which which enables International money transfers to more than 130 markets.

Innovation is key to survival in such

a competitive industry. “The sector is so fast-paced, it’s highly competitive and it’s always changing,” says Annette. “It’s the most transformative period in the history of money and financial services ever.

While many of our competitors are finding it difficult to stay relevant in such a rapidly evolving landscape, we at PayPal are thriving because we make it easier for people to manage and move their money.

“We’re also helping businesses to overcome challenges of the increasingly global and mobile marketplace by giving them the tools that they need to engage customers and grow sales throughout the world

AN INCLUSIVE EMPLOYER The company has been in Ireland since it opened its doors in Dublin in 2003 and has since become one of Ireland’s leading employers, with 2,500 staff between its sites in Dublin and Dundalk.

“It’s great to be able to contribute

PayPal, Dundalk

IT’S GREAT TO BE ABLE TO CONTRIBUTE TO BOTH THE DUBLIN AND THE DUNDALK ECONOMIES BY CREATING EMPLOYMENT AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE AMAZING MULTILINGUAL INTERNATIONAL TALENT THAT WE HAVE HERE ACROSS OUR CENTRES, AND BUILDING THEIR CAREERS.

InBUSINESS | RECOGNITION AWARDS 2019

DPS_PayPal_JM_Rec Awards19_REV4.indd 17

by having our button on the website.”

It seems that sticking to a key goal is at the heart of the company’s success—although the services evolve, around this: “We pride ourselves on continually innovating within the sector and finding ways to make the movement and management of money more secure and accessible, and faster and affordable for all,” Annette states.

17

09/12/2019 11:50

PAYPAL COMPANY OF THE YEAR Que vel molorehent. Qui ut rerum es et idit, quam re, et voloraectio. Hicae Annette Hickey, VP for Europe, the Middle East and Africa

to both the Dublin and the Dundalk economies by creating employment and career opportunities for the amazing multilingual international talent that we have here across our centres, and building their careers,” says Annette.

Aligning with the issues that employees care about is crucial to talent acquisition and staff retention in a very competitive marketplace, and PayPal has been a leader in this sphere. “We’re very proactive in our approach to diversity and inclusion,” states Annette, adding, “I personally am the executive sponsor for PayPal Pride here in Ireland. That celebrates PayPal’s commitment to and support of the LGBT teammates and networks.

“We also have networks like Unity, our network for women, and also this year saw the introduction of a new network called Amplify, which supports our black employees who are very active here, on the sites in Dublin and Dundalk.”

18

DPS_PayPal_JM_Rec Awards19_REV4.indd 18

DEMAND FOR MOBILE COMMERCE AND DIGITAL PAYMENTS GROWS AND WE’RE HELPING TO CATER FOR THIS. PEOPLE WANT MORE EFFICIENCY AND GREATER SECURITY AROUND THE SERVICES AND THIS IS SOMETHING THAT PAYPAL IS SYNONYMOUS WITH ACROSS THE GLOBE. She continues, “In addition to this we run really successful wellness programmes. Mind Yourself, which is a programme launched in Dundalk, has now been rolled out globally across PayPal. We have wellness rooms and gyms in both of our Irish sites.”

She points to the wellness facilities on site, the company’s emphasis on work life balance, and their giving funds, which allows teammates choose where to donate to charity, as just some of the features that appeal to potential hires, and to retain talent.

“The CSR initiatives that we have really help our talent—their values are in line with our values.”

On being recognised as Company of the Year, Annette says, “Every achievement is fantastic and we take pride in each and every one of them, from daily wins to big milestones and this award is fantastic because it’s a testament to the efforts of the entire team, the 2,500 people here in Ireland have contributed towards us achieving this and supporting our customers.

“This award with InBUSINESS is a lovely way to finish 2019. Being recognised as Company of the Year is incredibly special and we celebrate this one together, because without the hard work of the team-mates we wouldn’t be here.”

InBUSINESS | RECOGNITION AWARDS 2019

09/12/2019 11:52

45 MAGAZINE TITLES ▲ 10 EVENTS ▲ 3.6 MILLION REACH

DID YOU KNOW

Ashville Media Group is Ireland’s largest publishing and events company.

You’ve almost certainly read our magazines or attended our events.

Our mission is to connect your brand with the largest audience in Ireland.

(01) 432 2200 ▲ info@ashvillemediagroup.com

Advert 1 Ashville Iceburg Advert.indd Ashvilletemplate.indd LAM 2016 Ad.indd 11

06/12/2019 10/03/2016 12:10 26/01/2016 15:23 09:04

When it comes to supporting business in Fingal we even take care of the little details.

Advert template.indd 1 248984_1C_Fingal_JM_Rec Awards 19.indd 1

06/12/2019 27/11/2019 15:24 11:34

FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL

new commercial development underway across the County and we have continued to develop Fingal as a tourism destination with the addition of new attractions like Malahide Casino which will open to the public this month.

LOCAL AUTHORITY OF THE YEAR

PART OF OUR VISION FOR FINGAL IS TO MAKE IT A GOOD PLACE TO DO BUSINESS IN, SO IT IS PARTICULARLY PLEASING TO BE RECOGNISED FOR OUR EFFORTS IN THIS AREA.

Q: What are the major challenges for you at the moment?

A: Continuing to increase housing supply and deliver the necessary infrastructure are both priorities and challenges. Climate Change is another major challenge and we are trying to lead by example by starting to switch our fleet over to electric vehicles as well as replacing all public street lighting in the county with LED bulbs.

AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council

Q: What does this award recognition mean to you?

For the People As the closest government agency to the citizen, local authorities are in a position to make a real difference, AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, tells InBUSINESS.

Q: How has 2019 been for you?

A: It’s been a good, progressive year. We have invested significantly in infrastructure over the last few years and this has led to increased housing and economic activity. The final preferred route of MetroLink, which is vital for Swords and Dublin Airport, has been decided and is now proceeding to planning permission.

We also published our Climate Action Plan and recently adopted a budget of €269m for 2020 as well as committing to a three-year Capital Programme covering a total of 236 projects worth €691m.

Q: What were the key wins for Fingal County Council this year?

A: We are the key driver of housing supply in the region and are on course to meet our targets for 2019. There is also significant InBUSINESS | RECOGNITION AWARDS 2019

1C_Fingal CoCo_JM_Rec Awards19_REV2.indd 21

A: We always strive to be the best and therefore we are pleased to win this award. Part of our vision for Fingal is to make it a good place to do business in, so it is particularly pleasing to be recognised for our efforts in this area.

Q: How would you describe the overall landscape in your sector at present?

A: There is a growing recognition amongst all stakeholders of the importance of local authorities and our ability to get things done.

We are the closest government agency to the citizen and therefore best placed to deliver services directly to them. I can see more powers being devolved to the local government sector in the years ahead.

Q: Any news or plans for 2020 that you can share with us?

A: I am particularly excited by the Fingal Coastal Way which will be a walking and cycling route running along our 88km of coastline from Sutton to Balbriggan. The first section from Baldoyle to Portmarnock will open in 2020. Other sections, such as Malahide to Donabate, are awaiting planning permission while others, like Donabate to Balbriggan, are currently being planned. When it is finished it going to be a major resource for our citizens and a top attraction for our visitors.

21

06/12/2019 15:11

Progress

Moving Ireland towards a cleaner energy future.

Naturally, everyone wants clean, affordable and efficient energy.

Thanks to natural gas, our network already connects Irish homes, businesses and industries with exactly this.

And now, with the introduction of renewable gas into our network, we’re moving Ireland towards an even cleaner energy future.

Discover how natural gas and renewable gas are changing your energy future at gasnetworks.ie/progress #ProgressNaturally

Advert template.indd 1 248901_1C_Gas Networks_JM_Rec Awards.indd 1

06/12/2019 18/11/2019 15:25 15:20

GAS NETWORKS IRELAND

Ian O’Flynn, Head of Commercial at Gas Networks Ireland, tells InBUSINESS why sustainability and CSR are so important to the company.

Q: How has 2019 been for your business?

A: Gas Networks Ireland achieved many ‘firsts’ in 2019, including bringing renewable gas on the network and opening the first publicly accessible Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refuelling station, and trialling Ireland’s first carbon neutral bus journey.

Most notably, we published our first sustainability report, Sustainability in Action, which highlights our progress in implementing the principles of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals across the business. The report outlines how as guardians of Ireland’s natural gas infrastructure we aim to deliver our services in a sustainable manner that contributes to the protection of the environment while supporting the social and economic development of the communities we operate in, as well as the wider economy.

We also published Vision 2050, our statement on the leading role that the gas network will play in decarbonising Ireland’s economy and society over the coming decades.

Ian O’Flynn, Head of Commercial at Gas Networks Ireland when sustainability and CSR are increasingly important to both business and society.

Q: What are the qualities or initiatives that made your company stand out from the competition?

SPECIAL MERIT AWARD - CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY PROGRAM

Powering a Sustainable Future

A: We are proud to be one of only 35 companies Q: What are the major challenges?

A: A major challenge for us is to raise the understanding of the importance of gas and the state-owned €2.6bn gas network to Ireland. For example, did you know that gas is the power behind electricity over half the time? In fact there were days in the very hot summer of 2018, when the wind didn’t blow and gas powered over 90% of Ireland’s electricity.

Q: What does this award recognition mean to you?

A: We are delighted to win the Special Merit in CSR award. Many of our community programmes have been running for well over a decade, so you could say that CSR is in our DNA. It means a great deal for us to be recognised especially at a time

in Ireland to hold the Business Working Responsibly Mark for responsible and sustainable business practices. Gas Networks Ireland has a sustainability strategy covering social, environmental and economic pillars.

Under the social pillar we run a number of successful community programmes—our 6th class STEM programme Energize reached 5,200 students nationwide last year. We also support literacy and youth employability programmes.

We have comprehensive network safety and employee wellbeing programmes in place, and ever conscious of our duty to the environment we strive to have a positive impact. Our biodiversity enhancement programme has both won and been shortlisted for a number of awards. We work closely with our staff, stakeholders and communities to ensure that sustainability is at the heart of everything we do.

WE PUBLISHED OUR FIRST SUSTAINABILITY REPORT, SUSTAINABILITY IN ACTION, WHICH HIGHLIGHTS OUR PROGRESS IN IMPLEMENTING THE PRINCIPLES OF THE UNITED NATIONS’ SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS ACROSS THE BUSINESS. InBUSINESS | RECOGNITION AWARDS 2019

1C_Gas Networks Ireland_JM_Rec Awards19_REV6.indd 23

23

06/12/2019 15:12

Renault Carbon Rewards

Rewarding you for choosing a cleaner car.

Renault ZOE

€3,500

Savings Guaranteed!

Model shown: ZOE Dynamique Z.E. 40 R110 – RRP €27,990 (after VRT relief and max SEAI grant of €5,000). Finance example: ZOE Expression Z.E 40. RR €25,590. Deposit €5,336. Term 48 monthly payments of €435. APR 2.01%. Total cost of credit €776 inc fees of €150. Offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. Subject to lending criteria. Terms and conditions apply. See Renault.ie [Warning: You will not own these goods until the inal payment is made]. Renault Bank is a trading name of RCI Banque Branch Ireland and is authorised and regulated by the French banking authority and supervised by the Central Bank for conduct of business purposes.

Visit your local dealer today or renault.ie 43096 Zoe A4 press ad_297x210mm.indd Advert template.indd 1 248903_1C_Renault_JM_Rec Awards.indd 11

26/11/2019 07:18 06/12/2019 27/11/2019 15:26 11:26

RENAULT IRELAND

Lynne Boucher, Sales & Network Business Manager at Renault Ireland tells InBUSINESS how a strong product range and dealer network have been key drivers of their success.

Q: How has 2019 been for your business?

A: This has been another successful year at the end of our 5 year plan, which shows Renault as the only manufacturer in the Top 5 in growth versus the market. We have seen some strong results for the Renault Group this year, securing over 9.2% market share. We are continuing to see strong results across our core models, with hopefully more to come in 2020.

Q: How would you describe the overall landscape in your sector at present?

A: While there is a level of uncertainty around Brexit, overall we are very positive for next year.

We have seen a strong shift towards electric vehicles, particularly on fleet.

The Kangoo ZE was the best selling electric van in the market this year, and has been added to major fleets such as An Post. We have been seeing a lot of enquiries also for our ZOE Commercial and Master ZE.

on electric vehicles (EVs), but we will continue with our programmes and drive on electric vehicles for next year.

Q: What does this award recognition mean to you?

A: It’s great to receive recognition for the work done over the last few years.

We are very proud of the product range that we have and together with our Dealer Network we have worked hard to drive the fleet performance over the last few years.

Q: What are the qualities that make Renault stand out from the competition?

A: Along with our strong product range, our 5 year/200,000km

FLEET CAR COMPANY OF THE YEAR

Driving Forward manufacturers warranty on Renault cars and vans also continues to be important to customers. And our flexible finance options through Renault’s own bank, RCI, means that we can tailor the offer for different customers. The strength and professionalism of our Dealer Network has also been a key win for us in 2019.

Q: Any news or plans for 2020 that you can share with us?

A: We are optimistic about the market and it’s exciting to be renewing 50% of our range going into next year; 2020 will also see the launch of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, which are new to the Renault range, so we’re very much looking forward to 2020.

Q: What are the major challenges facing the motor industry at the moment?

A: The main challenge is the continuous uncertainty surrounding Brexit. Used imports remain a challenge for the motor industry in Ireland, but the recent charges introduced on NOx emissions, should reduce the level of older imports, which will hopefully have a positive effect on the new car market in Ireland next year.

The removal of the SEAI Grant on commercial electric vehicles will impact the momentum we have seen InBUSINESS | RECOGNITION AWARDS 2019

1C_Renault_JM_Rec Awards19_REV3.indd 25

Lynne Boucher, Sales & Network Business Manager at Renault Ireland

25

06/12/2019 15:13

Advert template.inddAwards.indd 1 1C_Trinity_JM_Rec 1

06/12/2019 25/11/2019 15:27 13:32

TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN

Trinity College Dublin

Trinity delivers excellent research and translates this to industry through targeted relationships, Dr. Chris Keely, Senior Business Development Manager at TCD’s Office of Corporate Partnership and Knowledge Exchange tells InBUSINESS.

E

stablished in 1592, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, was modelled on the English universities of Oxford and Cambridge. It is Ireland’s oldest and most prestigious university and highly respected internationally.

“Trinity’s position as one of the world’s leading universities is defined by our research, scholarship, and capacity to address issues of global, societal and economic importance,” says Dr. Chris Keely, Senior Business Development Manager at TCD’s Office of Corporate Partnership and Knowledge Exchange.

The college’s Office of Corporate Partnership and Knowledge Exchange (OCPKE) supports both industry engagement and the commercialisation of Trinity research. The office reaches out to the business community in order to develop partnerships which enable

industry to benefit from quality teaching, research and infrastructure within Trinity.

“At the heart of Trinity College Dublin is a culture of academic freedom, diversity of scholarship, the pursuit of truth and the highest level of academic standards,” he continues. “Trinity College Dublin is Ireland’s No.1 University (QS World University Ranking 2019).

Our strength lies in the breadth and excellence of our expertise; from individual scholars and thoughtleaders, to large multidisciplinary teams, institutes and research centres each delivering research of national and global importance.”

Trinity has been heavily involved in the new innovation district area in the Grand Canal Docks, with one campus already located there. “Many mechanisms are already in place help industry engage successfully with our university—collaborative research

OUR VISION IS TO ENGAGE IN RESEARCH WITH THE QUALITY, INTENSITY, DEPTH, DIVERSITY, AND OPENNESS THAT LEADS TO FUNDAMENTAL BREAKTHROUGHS AND NEW UNDERSTANDINGS. THROUGH OUR RESEARCH AND INNOVATION STRATEGY, TRINITY SEEKS TO HARNESS AND MAXIMISE THE SOCIETAL AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS FROM ALL NEWLY GENERATED IDEAS AND TECHNOLOGIES. InBUSINESS | RECOGNITION AWARDS 2019

1C_Trinity College Dublin_JM_Rec Awards19_REV3.indd 27

agreements, licensing of intellectual property, investment in start-ups, staff exchange and student internship programmes can all provide real value to multinational and small-tomedium enterprises,” says Dr Keely.

“Our vision is to engage in research with the quality, intensity, depth, diversity, and openness that leads to fundamental breakthroughs and new understandings. Through our Research and Innovation Strategy, Trinity seeks to harness and maximise the societal and economic benefits from all newly generated ideas and technologies. Working with industry and other research organisations is key in fulfilling this ambition.”

Enterprise is a key partner, and Trinity College Dublin’s Office of Corporate Partnership & Knowledge Exchange is committed to supporting industry, having built up strong relationships with industry stakeholders and agencies. “We’ve found that a lot of our success to date has been based on having a good track record in developing basic research—Trinity is really about delivering excellent research and translating this to industry through targeted relationships,” states Dr Keely.

“We look forward to working in partnership with companies, adding real value to their business and future growth potential. We welcome all enquires and endeavour to help strengthen and drive our economy, offering the best of our graduates, ideas and talents,” he notes.

ACADEMIA COLLABORATION WITH INDUSTRY

Academia and Industry Working Together

27

06/12/2019 15:14

DO YOU NEED BREXIT SUPPORT? “AIB’s foreign exchange department helped to protect us from sterling instability.”

ROBERT ROWLETTE Archway Products

CALL OUR DEDICATED BREXIT

SUPPORT LINE TODAY ON

0818 300 081

LINES ARE OPEN 8AM TO 9PM MON-FRI

OR VISIT AIB.IE/BREXIT WE BACK BRAVE

The customer received a gratuity. Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Advert template.indd 1 Awards19.indd 1 248813_1C_AIB_JM_Rec

06/12/2019 08/11/2019 15:27 10:10

AIB BUSINESS BANKING

Hilary Gormley, Head of Business Banking (Corporate, Institutional and Business Banking) at AIB, tells InBUSINESS how innovation is at the core of everything they do.

B

“

eing recognised by the In Business Awards as ‘Best Business Bank’ speaks to our purpose which is to back our customers to achieve their dreams and ambitions,” says Hilary Gormley, Head of Business Banking (Corporate, Institutional and Business Banking) at AIB. “No matter the scale, sector or geographic location our team are committed to delivering an outstanding experience to all business customers.”

Innovation and continuous improvement are among the standout qualities which AIB displayed. Ms Gormley notes that, working with a wide range of different businesses, from entrepreneurs and start-ups to established SMEs and corporate businesses across the country, it is important to invest time in understanding each business from a sector perspective in order to respond with the appropriate support.

“Needs can vary greatly depending on the scale, sector, growth stage and strategy of the business and we’ve tailored our approach accordingly,” she states. “This involves putting skilled business teams in place and ensuring customers get the right type of support based on their relevant needs at the time.”

INNOVATION AGENDA “Innovation is at the core of everything we do,” Ms Gormley says. “We are continually refining and investing in our products and services to ensure they are of the highest standards.

We are currently investing heavily in delivering ‘best in class’ experience for our business customers with a substantial new and exciting upgrade

Hilary Gormley, Head of Business Banking (Corporate, Institutional and Business Banking) at AIB

to our Internet Business Banking (IBB) services currently underway.”

Innovation takes many forms, from use of technology to ways of working with customers. “We think about innovation in its widest sense – technology and digital capability,

WE THINK ABOUT INNOVATION IN ITS WIDEST SENSE – TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL CAPABILITY, BUT ALSO AROUND HAVING AN INNOVATIVE MIND-SET AND HELPING CUSTOMERS TO SOLVE PROBLEMS. WE THINK ABOUT HOW BEST WE CAN LEVERAGE OUR CAPABILITIES TO SUPPORT OUR CUSTOMERS, FOR EXAMPLE PROVIDING SECTOR ANALYSIS AND INSIGHT THAT ARE A HUGE VALUE ADD FOR OUR CUSTOMERS. InBUSINESS | RECOGNITION AWARDS 2019

1C_AIB_JM_Rec Awards19_REV3.indd 29

but also around having an innovative mind-set and helping customers to solve problems. We think about how best we can leverage our capabilities to support our customers, for example providing sector analysis and insight that are a huge value add for our customers,” she notes.

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE The bank was also the first sponsor of a co-working space in Ireland, with Portershed in Galway, the project in question, having led to the creation of over 660 jobs and delivered €7.2m of economic value to the community since its foundation.

“We understand the importance and benefits of diversity in underpinning the success of entrepreneurs,” says Ms Gormley. “In 2018, over 250 business owners completed the first AIB Women in Enterprise programme, assisting them in scaling and growing their businesses. We provided a fund of €100m to Women in Enterprise which was fully utilised within the year by female entrepreneurs.”

Looking to the year ahead, she affirms, “Brexit will remain a key area of focus for us all as we move into 2020 and as businesses adapt to the changing economic landscape.” Along with this, Ms Gormley sees sustainability as being top of the agenda for both the bank itself internally, as well as for its customers: “Sustainability will dominate the political and consumer agenda over the next year too which will no doubt impact many of our SME customers. How they adapt to and respond to this area will be key to their ongoing success.”

BUSINESS BANKING - MEDIUM AND LARGE ENTERPRISES

An Innovative Mind-set

29

09/12/2019 11:48

Their tailored managed service solutions help us deliver accountable production processes, security of our assets and the health & safety of our Team. Our customers expect quality produce always, and Netwatch helps us deliver on that promise.

Yvonne, Clarkes fresh fruit

Secure your business now 0818 365 025 netwatchsystem.com creating a fearless environment Advert template.indd 1 248983_1C_Netwatch_REC Awards 19.indd 1

06/12/2019 04/12/2019 15:28 11:04

DAVID WALSH - NETWATCH

Netwatch CEO David Walsh reveals how he has succeeded in driving change in a conservative industry.

H

aving founded Netwatch 17 years ago, David Walsh announced in August that he will step down as CEO at the end of 2019. It’s a study in ‘leaving on a high’ as the last few years have seen the company go from strength to strength through a combination of strong organic growth and acquisitions. Netwatch has grown its ‘contracted recurring revenue’ dramatically over the past three years jumping from €16m in FY’17 to just over of €50m in FY’19, while EBITDA has seen triple digit growth in the 24 months with +100% growth in EBITDA in the period between December 2017 and December 2019.

Over the past 24 months Netwatch has introduced a successful reseller model across

David Walsh, Netwatch CEO

InBUSINESS | RECOGNITION AWARDS 2019

1C_Netwatch_JM_Rec Awards19_REV3.indd 31

BUSINESSMAN OF THE YEAR

Change is a Constant

the USA whereby security integrators resell the Netwatch System to their end-users, delivering a multiplier effect. Mr Walsh says, “The Netwatch Management team are confident of delivering €100m contracted recurring revenue by 2022 and much of the new growth will come from the US market where their value proposition is well received and accepted.”

After a year of immense change, whereby four companies were integrated under the Netwatch Group banner, Walsh points to the shift towards the reseller model in the US market as a key win: “The Netwatch system has received positive feedback from the US security dealer market.

This is something new for them to offer their customers, and while there may be similar solutions in the market, Netwatch is leading the way.”

“The Global Security industry is a very conservative industry,” Mr Walsh points out, “But like every industry is going through a phase of rapid change.” For this reason, Netwatch’s approach, working with the dealer network and providing intensive training, has been key to their success. “This is to protect our brand,” he says, “And also to set our partners up for success.”

Looking to the future of the organisation, he sees innovation and culture as being at the heart of future success, and reveals a motto that has been behind his vision for the company: “My philosophy around innovation is driven by the belief that there are only two types of organisations in the world, those that are drivers of change and those that are victims of change. Organisations that are victims of change don’t survive, they have a mere stay of execution.”

Having continually driven change and grown Netwatch successfully from 3 employees to 200 employees, the challenge now is to retain the company’s unique culture within four companies and the 550 employees of Netwatch Group. “We need to integrate and drive these values across different markets, different countries and different cultures, to enable the same level of outstanding customer service that has brought us to where we are today,” he emphasises.

“The large-scale growth opportunities will take us to the US, but the Irish market is key to our continued success,” Mr Walsh adds.

“We have a loyal customer base, an established team and it makes me very proud to see the Irish market grow year on year for Netwatch.”

31

06/12/2019 15:16

e

g r a l & m u i ed m , l l a m s n i Available ations ital public ne dig i l n o ’s a Issuu. i d n e o M w e e l i l v i v o Ash ailable t a v a w o n e r villemedi a m/ash

uu.co www.iss

Advert 1 Ashvilletemplate.indd ISSUU Advert.indd 1

06/12/2019 15:29 11:04

InBUSINESS Recognition Awards 2019_Brochure Inside Cover.indd 1

06/12/2019 15:02

Coming Soon

digitalmedia.ie #DMA2020 @digitalmedia_ie Advert template.indd 1 1C_DMA_JM_Rec Awards19.indd 1

@digitalmedia_ie

@DigitalMediaAwards

@DigitalMediaAwardsIreland 06/12/2019 05/12/2019 15:30 14:01