InBusiness Summer 2026

MENTORS SERIES

MICHELLE LEAHY AT AVIVA LIFE & PENSIONS IRELAND ON WHY MAKING A DIFFERENCE IS THE BEST PART OF THE JOB

SUMMER

2026

CONNECTING IRISH BUSINESS

KEEPING IRELAND

RUNNING RS Ireland celebrates 80 years in business

TREAT YOURSELF

How WONDR Jellies is transforming a competitive consumer category

SETTING THE MARGARET CONSIDINE

ON GIVING CHAMBERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY A VOICE

MEASURE REPORT REDUCE €2.70

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772009 393018

Nocomed is helping to bring down emissions in the healthcare sector

Your next Big Step is Micro boost skills - boost business Future-proof your skills with Skills to Advance Micro-Qualifications - short, targeted courses, at little or no cost, in key areas like sustainability, digital business skills, market development, and more.

Stay ahead by contacting your local Education and Training Board or visit skillstoadvance.ie.

Supported by the SOLAS Skills to Advance initiative and the Government of Ireland.

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Editor: Denise Maguire Creative Director: Jane Matthews Editorial Assistant: Daniel Traynor (Chambers Ireland)

Contents

Designer: Lenny Rooney Photography: iStock Photo Infographics: www.flaticon.com Production Executive: Nicole Ennis Sales Director: Diarmaid Lennon Managing Director: Gerry Tynan Chairman: Diarmaid Lennon

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Published by: Ashville Media Group, Unit 55 Park West Road, Park West Industrial Park, D12 X9F9 Tel: +353 1 432 2200 Email: info@ashville.com Web: www.ashville.com On behalf of: Chambers Ireland, 11 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, D02 FY84 Tel: +353 1 400 4300 Email: info@chambers.ie Web: www.chambers.ie All articles © Ashville Media Group 2025.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the publisher. Opinion and comments expressed herein are not necessarily those of Ashville Media or Chambers Ireland.

ISSN 20093934

SETTING THE TONE

Chambers Ireland President Margaret Considine on giving every chamber in Ireland a voice

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Entrepreneur

EU Presidency

WONDR Jellies Founder Mark Birrane wants to take the guilt out of enjoying a bag of jellies

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69 Our Local Government InBUSINESS supplement continues to look at the important role played by local authorities in Irish enterprise

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COVER STORY:

In Association with

Peter Byrne and Emma Richmond chat about the opportunities the EU Presidency offers Irish businesses

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Contents Go to chambers.ie for the online edition

79 LIFESTYLE

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BOOKS The books you’ll be discussing this autumn

80 PODCASTS A roundup of the best podcasts to subscribe to today

30 Innovation & Tech Co-Founder Rosemary Durcan on how Nocomed is helping the healthcare sector reduce its carbon emissions

REGULARS

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4 Business News 10 Start-up Central 42 Chambers Catch Up

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SKILLS & TALENT RS Ireland’s Country Manager Gary Bradley chats about the next exciting chapter in the company’s history

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INBUSINESS NEWS

NEW JOBS AT TEKENABLE

COVER STORY

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“Chambers Ireland leads for every chamber and that’s a huge responsibility. To chair and steer that for a two-year period has been a privilege.”

Margaret Considine, President, Chambers Ireland

AI, data and cloud solutions firm TEKenable has launched a new partnership programme that will create at least 30 jobs over the next 12 months. The programme is expected to drive 20-30% of the company’s overall revenue growth within three years. The new roles will span project management, business analysis and software engineering and will bring the total number of employees from 200 to more than 230 by mid-2027. To lead the programme, the company has appointed Kieran Kenefick as Head of Partnerships. “Partnerships are becoming increasingly important as organisations look for more outcomefocused technology solutions. This programme is about building strategic relationships that allow us to deliver greater value for customers across cloud, AI, automation and enterprise applications.”

Kieran Kenefick, Head of Partnerships, TEKenable

American approval More than 95% of US multinationals have ASSAULT WORRIES a positive view of Ireland as an investment

New research from Gallagher location, according to a survey of American shows one in four executives Chamber of Commerce Ireland members. believe they are highly exposed to the risks of physical assault or robbery, while one in six report high exposure to kidnap-forransom risks.

Business

BITES

WRXFLO DRIVES US AND UK EXPANSION

Pictured (l to r): Jeremy Debono, Senior Associate, Elkstone; Ken Sheehan, CTO; Jennifer Kelly, COO; Tim Crowe, CEO, Wrxflo; Richard Watson, Managing Partner, Furthr VC

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Irish AI-powered software company WrxFlo has raised €3 million in funding.

The round was led by Elkstone, with participation from existing investors Furthr VC and Enterprise Ireland, as well as a number of angel investors.

The investment will accelerate WrxFlo’s expansion in the UK and US, drive continued development of its AI-powered SaaS platform and support the company’s ambition to grow from 60 to 200 employees by 2028. Founded in Limerick in 2019 by former Dell manufacturing leaders Tim Crowe (CEO), Ken Sheehan (CTO) and Jennifer Kelly (COO), WrxFlo replaces the disconnected systems, spreadsheets and manual processes that prevent manufacturers and logistics companies from operating at full potential. The company now supports manufacturing and logistics spanning five global markets, including Ireland, UK, Germany, China and the USA.

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INBUSINESS NEWS

ADDRESSING CHALLENGES POSED BY MIDDLE EASTERN CONFLICT Irish exporters must adopt new strategic approaches to market diversification, logistics and risk management if they are to navigate an increasingly uncertain global trading environment, delegates at an Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce (AICC) business briefing heard recently. The AICC brought together Irish exporters doing business in or with the Middle East and provided practical insights for businesses seeking to understand both the challenges and opportunities for Irish companies seeking to navigate international markets in the face of ongoing geopolitical upheaval. Speaking at the event, Ahmad Younis, CEO of the AICC, said: “The demand for Irish goods across the region remains strong, but Irish exporters are having to work harder than ever to get products into Middle Eastern markets. Some companies have paused activity or explored alternative markets, but many others have chosen to stay the course, supported by strong customer relationships and confidence in the region’s long-term economic fundamentals. The challenge now is ensuring Irish businesses have the market intelligence and support required to protect and grow their international business.”

Carbon neutrality A DataSolutions survey reveals that while TIME OFF 78% of tech companies have plans to A report from SD Worx shows achieve carbon neutrality, 65% have not that employees need an yet measured their carbon footprint. average of 10 consecutive days – including weekends – to properly recharge from work. This is below the European average of 13 days.

Pictured (l to r): Ahmad Younis, CEO, AICC; Anita Thomas, Country Manager Ireland, Emirates; Jim Healy, CEO, Nulumentek

Female Founders Last year funding into female-founded CYBERCRIME CONCERN start-ups surged 120% to reach a record

The Compliance Institute’s €230m, according to a TechIreland report latest survey shows that published to coincide with International concern among compliance Women’s Day. professionals about cybercrime has risen sharply over the last three years, with 51% now ranking it as the top risk in 2026.

Fibre broadband New data published by Comreg has AI COLLEAGUES revealed that fibre-to-the-premises

Research from Landmark Technologies technology in the Irish market is now on a shows a fifth of office workers expect to par with cable broadband subscribers for have AI colleagues in the next three years. the first time.

A quarter said they would feel nervous about working alongside AI co-workers that handle tasks independently, in case their job became redundant.

VIATEL ACQUIRES SCOTLAND’S FULLPROXY Viatel Technology Group has acquired Scottish cybersecurity consultancy FullProxy. The company says the move will expand its presence in the UK market and deepen its capabilities in cyber resilience.

Backed by investment from Macquarie Capital, the deal follows Viatel’s acquisition of Belfast-based Cybit Cyber last year and marks the next phase of growth for the group as an integrated technology partner with strengths across connectivity, digital services and security. Paul Rellis, CEO of Viatel Technology Group, said: “As clients adopt AI and manage increasingly complex digital estates, the need for deep cybersecurity expertise has become more urgent. FullProxy strengthens our position as an integrated technology partner with expertise across security, networking and digital services and enhances our ability to deliver solutions that are aligned to customer priorities.”

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INBUSINESS NEWS

EQUINIX TRIALS HYDROGEN POWER SOLUTION

TECH CORNER - DIGITAL DEFENCE

Cybersecurity is not a technology problem.

It’s a people problem Businesses can spend heavily on cybersecurity. Firewalls, endpoint protection, encrypted networks and all the right technical controls can be in place, but breaches still happen.

That’s because, in many cases, the real weakness is not the technology – it’s human behaviour. Most cyber incidents start with an employee clicking on the wrong link, reusing a password or sharing information with somebody they believe they can trust. It only takes one moment of distraction, one rushed decision or one convincing email for a problem to begin.

That’s why building a security culture matters. Good technology is essential, but on its own it’s not enough. It must start at the top. When leadership treats it as a real business risk, talks about it openly and takes it seriously, employees are far more likely to do the same.

It also means putting clear and practical steps in place. People need to know what good security looks like in day-to-day work, whether that’s using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, handling data properly or knowing how to report something suspicious quickly. Training is part of that, but it must be relevant. What makes a difference is regular awareness, real examples and guidance that people can

PICTURE THIS Pictured are Liam Cronin, Director of Innovation at UCD, Leontia Fannin, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer at PTSB and Patrick Farrell, Chief Retail Banking Officer at PTSB at the announcement of the Energy Futures Accelerator Programme.

Delivered by NovaUCD in collaboration with PTSB, the new programme aims to fast-track climate tech and renewable energy start-ups.

Picture by Andres Poveda Photography

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apply in the moment. Just as important is creating an environment where employees feel able to speak up. If people are worried about blame, they are more likely to stay quiet when they make a mistake or notice something unusual.

In a strong security culture, reporting concerns is seen as the right thing to do, not something to be embarrassed about.

The businesses that deal best with cyber risk are not always the ones with the biggest security budgets. Very often, they are the ones where people are alert, informed and clear on what to do when something does not feel right. If an employee received a suspicious email today, would they know how to respond?

If the answer is no, that’s where the real work needs to begin.

George Foley is a Dublin-based cybersecurity specialist who works with Irish SMEs to translate complex cyber risk into practical business decisions www.eset.com/ie/

Pictured (l-r): Paul Lennon, Head of Asset Development, ESB Generation Trading; Timmy Dooley, Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment; Ferhan Gunen, Regional Vice President of North Europe Operations, Equinix; Peter Lantry, Managing Director, Equinix Ireland Andrew Cunningham, CEO, GeoPura

Digital infrastructure company Equinix has trialled its first-ever deployment of a Hydrogen Power Unit for data centre critical back-up systems in Dublin. The trial marks a significant step in the exploration of hydrogen as a back-up power resource for large energy users (LEUs), which could potentially replace diesel and gas generators in future. No other data centre is currently operating hydrogen power at this scale in a critical live environment. It is also a first of its kind for Equinix’s 280+ data centre footprint worldwide. As part of a 12week pilot, two hydrogen-powered generators – developed by clean energy company GeoPura, one of which is owned by ESB – have been installed onsite at Equinix’s DB3 data centre in Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. Each housed in shipping container-sized units, the generators are currently being used to support cooling systems within Equinix’s DB3 facility and have helped Equinix to bring its power use effectiveness (PUE) in that data centre to below 1.3*. *Power usage effectiveness (PUE) measures how efficiently a data centre uses energy. The global industry average, according to the Uptime Intelligence Global Data Center Survey 2025, is 1.54 and the best possible score is 1.

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Credit where it’s due.

Having difficulty getting a new business loan or restructuring your existing debt with your bank?

Established by the Minister for Finance, Credit Review is here to help.

Talk to the credit experts today on 0818 211 789 or visit creditreview.ie

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SERVICE SPOTLIGHT

WHAT SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE? We provide fast, flexible funding solutions to Irish SMEs, property investors and brokers. Our core offering spans asset finance including motor finance, commercial real estate lending and our recently launched ‘buy-to-let’ mortgage product. We focus on delivering tailored lending solutions. Flexibility is key, so we structure facilities to suit individual circumstances, including options around repayment terms, interest-only periods and speed of drawdown. Ultimately, our goal is to make access to finance simpler, faster and more aligned with how businesses operate.

HOW ARE YOUR FUNDING SOLUTIONS CUSTOMISED FOR SPECIFIC INDUSTRIES? We take the time to understand how our clients' businesses work and the daily challenges they face.

In asset finance we work closely with sectors like construction, transport and manufacturing, where cashflow timing and asset usage are critical. In property finance, we tailor our approach depending on whether a customer is a landlord, investor or developer. Rather than applying a ‘one-size-fits-all’ model, we look at the business behind the application – its income profile, growth plans and funding needs – and structure accordingly.

HOW WOULD YOU SAY CAPITALFLOW DIFFERS FROM OTHER SPECIALIST LENDERS? The biggest difference is our approach. We combine a strong technology platform with a very personal, relationship-led model. While speed is important, clear communication, direct access to decision-makers and responsiveness remain central to how we work. We are focused on long-term partnerships rather than oneoff transactions, which helps us better understand our customers’ needs and support their growth over time.

YOU MENTION PARTNERSHIPS – HOW ARE THESE SUCCESSFULLY MAINTAINED? Partnerships are central to how we operate, particularly with our broker network. They are built over time through good communication, trust and consistency.

Brokers, dealers and customers all need to know they can rely on us to deliver on what we say and that we’re accessible throughout the process.

HOW ARE ALTERNATIVE LENDERS HELPING TO FILL FUNDING GAPS IN THE MARKET? Alternative lenders are well positioned to respond to Irish businesses that can find it difficult to access finance through traditional routes, offering faster decisionmaking and more flexible underwriting approaches.

Capitalflow is owned by digital neobank bunq so, unlike many alternative lenders, we have access to bank liquidity which strengthens our position as a specialist lender in the market.

WHAT INDUSTRY CHANGES HAVE YOU NOTICED SINCE LAUNCHING IN 2016?

Businesses now expect faster decisions, more transparency and a more seamless digital experience.

Non-bank lenders are playing an increasingly important role in the funding market. At the same time, technology has streamlined the lending process, making applications more efficient while maintaining a personal service.

ARE BUSINESSES FINDING IT DIFFICULT TO ACCESS FINANCE FROM TRADITIONAL LENDERS? Traditional lenders tend to operate within more rigid frameworks, which can make it more difficult to support certain types of transactions, particularly where timing or structure is more complex. That’s where alternative lenders can add real value, by providing additional flexibility and being able to move more quickly when required.

COLUM BRESLIN, CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER AT CAPITALFLOW, EXPLAINS TO DEREK NAGLE WHY MANY IRISH SMES ARE TURNING TO ALTERNATIVE LENDERS FOR FUNDING

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SERVICE SPOTLIGHT

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST OBSTACLES TO GROWTH FOR BUSINESSES? Access to timely finance remains a key factor, particularly where businesses need to take advantage of opportunities. Beyond that, cost pressures, economic uncertainty and regulatory requirements are all factors that businesses are managing on an ongoing basis. What we see consistently, though, is that businesses that can access the right funding at the right time are much better positioned to navigate those challenges and continue to grow.

WHEN IT COMES TO FINANCE, WHAT'S MORE IMPORTANT - SPEED OR FLEXIBILITY? Both are critical but if I had to choose, I’d say flexibility.

Speed is important – predominantly speed of decision making – because opportunities move quickly, so there’s often no time to waste. But without flexibility, finance doesn’t fully meet the customer’s needs. The best outcomes come from combining both – being able to move quickly while also structuring solutions that genuinely work for the customer.

WHAT'S AN EXAMPLE OF A BUSINESS THAT MAY NOT FIT TRADITIONAL BANKING MODELS? Many growing SMEs fall into this category – particularly those with non-standard income profiles, multiple revenue streams or changing business models.

Property investors are another example, especially those managing portfolios or structured through an SPV (Special Support Vehicle), where funding needs can be more complex. These are often strong, viable businesses, but they don’t always fit neatly into traditional lending criteria.

WHAT ARE BUSINESSES USING FINANCE FOR? We’re seeing strong demand from businesses looking to invest, grow and adapt. In many cases, finance is being used to expand operations, invest in equipment, acquire property or refinance existing facilities. There’s also ongoing demand from property investors, particularly in the buy-to-let space, where borrowers are reviewing their options and looking for more competitive or flexible solutions. Overall, the focus is very much on growth, efficiency and long-term planning.

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Businesses that can access the right funding at the right time are much better positioned to navigate those challenges and continue to grow"

WHAT IS BUSINESS SENTIMENT CURRENTLY LIKE IN IRELAND? Overall, I’d say sentiment is cautiously optimistic.

There are undoubtedly challenges in the market, but there is also a strong underlying resilience. Many businesses are continuing to invest and plan for growth, albeit in a measured and considered way.

We’re seeing that reflected in demand for finance, particularly where businesses are looking to position themselves for the next phase of growth.

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES FACING GROWING IRISH SMES? One of the biggest challenges is managing cost pressures while continuing to invest in growth. Access to the right type of funding is also critical – businesses need finance that is both accessible and flexible enough to support their plans. Those that can strike the right balance between managing risk and continuing to invest are the ones best positioned to succeed.

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START-UPS

NEUROBELL EXPANDS INTO US

NEWS, VIEWS AND PROFILES ON THE LATEST START-UPS IN IRELAND

€40m

The amount of additional funding under the Dept of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment’s Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund which will open for applications this year

Cork-based medtech firm NeuroBell has secured $5.5 million (€4.8 million) to bring a pocket-sized brain monitor that uses AI to detect seizures in newborn babies to hospitals across the US. “Luna” will help doctors and nurses identify seizures in babies using AI and electroencephalography (EEG) which records electrical activity in the brain. NeuroBell, which was set up by Dr Mark O’Sullivan, Dr Alison O’Shea and Colm Murphy after almost a decade of research at UCC, said around two-thirds of seizures in newborn babies have no visible symptoms, making them difficult to detect. The new funding will support the launch of Luna in the US while plans are also in place to launch the device across Europe.

HOW IT ALL STARTED

Emer Sexton FOUNDER, NEURONOURISH Company Location:

Cavan Digital Hub, Co Cavan and NovaUCD, Dublin.

Product or Service:

NeuroNourish is a cognitive health clinic and AI-enabled technology platform helping people protect, restore and optimise their brain health through personalised prevention.

Number of Staff: 15 How have you funded the business to date?

Support from InterTradeIreland’s AI in Healthcare Programme at Dundalk Institute of Technology and the AI Ecosystem Accelerator Programme delivered by NovaUCD and CeADAR.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given?

That protecting brain health is about helping people maintain independence, purpose and quality of life.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned starting out?

Science alone doesn’t change lives. Lasting change happens when people are supported to build small, sustainable habits that compound over time.

Your biggest make-or-break moment?

Realising that one-to-one consultations alone could never meet the scale of the dementia challenge. That insight led us to build an AI-enabled platform that supports clinicians while making personalised brain health accessible to many more people.

Is there anything you would change in hindsight?

I’d have started building strategic partnerships sooner. Collaboration has accelerated our progress far more than trying to build everything alone.

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CARBON-AWARE TRAVEL Tao Climate, an Irish ClimateTech company, has launched Tao Carbon AI, a new carbon-aware AI platform for the aviation and travel sector. Set up by Gary J Byrnes, the platform enables users to calculate the carbon footprint of a journey, understand its environmental impact and purchase verified CO2 removal through a straightforward user experience. It also estimates the footprint of the AI calculation itself, with Tao Climate covering that digital footprint through verified CO2 removal at no extra cost when a customer purchases flight CO2 removal. The new platform is easy to use – users can simply type or speak routes such as “Dublin to New York” and receive an instant carbon footprint assessment.

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START-UPS

Michael McMahon, CEO, Enoda

Healthtech start-up Enoda has launched a novel platform to deliver real-world mobility data to global pharmaceutical, medtech and clinical research partners. The data will help them to gain unprecedented insight into how their therapies impact patient mobility in everyday life.

Professor Brian Caulfield, UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science and a Co-Founder of Enoda, said: “Through Enoda, we have established a secure Electronic Data Capture platform that allows pharmaceutical and clinical research partners to integrate validated digital mobility outcomes directly into their workflows, ensuring absolute confidence in data integrity and patient monitoring.”

New mood-based Irish whiskey Founded by whiskey lover, Laura O’Connor, Ember is a new Irish whiskey brand that leads on mood and flavour, rather than on history or vintage. The range includes three eight-year-old Irish whiskey blends – Bright, Still and Deep – and the idea is that people choose what to drink based on how they feel.

“Not everyone reaches for a drink because of how it is distilled or what type of cask it was finished in. As a category, whiskey has become overly complex. Connoisseurs might opt for a 40-year-old single malt, but a fun and affordable beautifully blended whiskey can be equally as enjoyable. I didn’t want to make a whiskey for people who have to get whiskey – I wanted to make a whiskey that gets people.”

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NE TO WATCH: AURALINK

Mobility data from Enoda

Developed by UCD students Scott Nagle and Suyun Zheng, Auralink is a new AIpowered assistive technology platform that uses smart glasses to enhance safety and independence for people with visual impairments.

By combining smartphone software with smart glasses, the aim of the platform is to provide real-time environmental sensing, object recognition and navigation support through audio feedback. It’s being developed to assist users 24/7 in daily activities at home, as well as navigating public transport and unfamiliar environments. The pair are seeking funding to accelerate product development, user testing, pilot deployments and engagement with visually impaired communities in Ireland and internationally. “We’re also seeking mentors, industry connections and introductions to accessibility organisations, healthcare providers, transport operators and potential commercial partners. Such support would help us to refine our product, validate real-world impact and build a sustainable pathway to market to improve independence, safety and quality of life of people with visual impairments,” said Nagle.

Auralink was recently named the winner of the €3k NovaUCD One to Watch Prize, an intensive four-week accelerator programme for emerging student entrepreneurs at UCD.

Laura O’Connor, Founder, Ember

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ENTREPRENEURS

TREAT

One of three Homegrown at Maxol winners, WONDR Jellies aim to bring more fun, joy and energy but less guilt to those who like to indulge with sweets, writes DEREK NAGLE

Pictured (l to r): Brian Donaldson, CEO, Maxol; Mark Birrane, Co-Founder, WONDR Jellies

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ENTREPRENEURS

M

ark Birrane is the Founder and CEO of WONDR Jellies. A former League of Ireland soccer player and self-confessed jellies fanatic, he found his cravings for a sweet treat that was also healthy were not being b eing catered for. A football scholarship student at SETU (Southeast Technological University) Carlow, he decided to go about investigating the possibility of producing jellies that were low in sugar but high in protein whilst also being gluten free. “There was a lot of trial and error and probably a lot more error than trial!” he laughs.

“It was an important learning curve as it really forced me to delve into the science around how to formulate a food product, the stability of it and its shelf life. I had a V1 prototype but then started working with food technologists on how to formulate the product to scale production so that it was ‘shelf stable’ and could be commercialised,” he says.

During Birrane’s college days, he observed students choosing coffee and a protein bar as their drink and snack of choice. He also noticed students who may not have wanted as much caffeine snacking on packets of jellies. There was a protein option in bars but when it came to sweets, the only options available were high in sugar. His thesis was that if there was a better option in sweets, then consumers would purchase them as well.

Birrane explains the next steps of his creative journey: “I worked on the formulation with a food technologist which was really challenging as we wanted a product that looked and tasted like jellies, with the texture of jellies, that was also high in protein but low in sugar. We didn’t have a benchmark company to go ‘Right, let’s see what they did’. Some of the early days in the lab were disastrous but at the same time another step forward to where we are now, which is a final product that works and that people love.”

Belief has been at the cornerstone of what Birrane hopes to achieve with WONDR Jellies. He’s confident that his products have the potential to transform his consumer category in the same way other food and drinks brands have done in other categories. He has done so with patience and perseverance, combined with a dash of passion. “One commonality amongst food and drink producers is that it’s a real passion project,” he InBUSINESS | SUMMER 2026

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Unless you believe that what you are doing is important, it's very difficult to sustain as the work is constant - I'm answering emails seven days a week”

says. “Our products are something I wanted for myself, so I just fell into the business side, I guess. It turns out I love it and I have a real passion for the business side of things now. Unless you believe that what you are doing is important or valuable to people, it’s very difficult to sustain as the work is constant – I’m answering emails seven days a week at 10pm and again at 6am.”

Birrane is wholesome in his praise for the support WONDR Jellies has received from Maxol since being chosen as one of its three ‘Homegrown at Maxol’ winners. “It’s been incredible for us,” he says. “Getting a product to store is such a difficult thing to do as a brand when you’re competing with these huge multi-billion-euro companies. Homegrown at Maxol has been transformative in allowing us to compete with those brands. I couldn’t overplay how important and valuable it’s been for us. There’s also been several marketing and media supports and TV appearances that we wouldn’t have been able to tap into as a start-up without the support of Maxol. Without programmes like this it would be almost impossible for food and drink companies like us and other start-ups to be able to make a dent in the space. We’re super grateful to the entire team at Maxol,” he says.

WONDR is currently available in Fizzy Cola, Fizzy Cherry and citrus flavoured sour snakes. The company conducts a huge number of internal taste tests and has plans for different formats and flavour combinations.

Birrane stresses WONDR’s small but growing team are obsessive about the quality of flavours. “We’re all jellies fanatics so we're in a good space in terms of determining what flavours consumers are going to like,” he says.

Internationally, WONDR has broken into Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland and Romania. The company has also done business in the UK with plans to expand there over the next year or so, as well as expansion further afield in the coming months. The company is looking to sell across multiple continents as it sets its sights on becoming a global brand that transforms an industry. “We have a small but high performing team with incredible experience who have worked with some of the biggest companies globally in the food and drinks space. We’re eager to bring people in who will grow quickly with the company,” he says.

Birrane is mindful that his company needs to move production along at the same pace, which can be challenging to a start-up. He is, however, more than pleased with sales in territories where WONDR is available and feels it’s a sign that people want what he terms ‘Better for You’ options.

If there’s one thing that Birrane particularly wants to stress, it’s that he wants the WONDR brand to be as inclusive as possible. “If you look at diabetics and people who have given up sugar, the numbers run into hundreds of thousands. If you like sweets but can’t eat sugar, there’s very few products which speak to that customer. We’re not trying to make anyone feel bad about consuming sugar, we’re about fun and joy and making sweets as a brand more inclusive.

We want to make the category broader and appeal to everyone,” he says.

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LEAP IRISH LAW AWARDS 2026

The FUTURE of IRISH LAW I

The LEAP Irish Law Awards recognised the firms and individuals shaping the future of Irish law

reland's legal elite gathered in style in June at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin, for the 14th annual LEAP Irish Law Awards. With over 650 attendees and 34 award categories, the event recognised the professionals, firms and rising stars who continue to shape the future of Irish law.

Proudly serving as headline sponsor, LEAP reaffirmed its commitment to excellence and innovation in the legal sector.

While MC Anton Savage kept the audience entertained throughout the evening. The event featured special appearances by Rosemarie Loftus, President of the Law Society of Ireland and Richard Hammond, Solicitor and Partner at Hammond Good LLP and Chair of the judging panel. Both praised the remarkable quality of this year's entries.

One of the evening’s highest honours, Law Firm of the Year, sponsored by LEAP, was awarded to Sweeney McGann LLP, Co. Limerick, representing the Munster region. The firm took home two awards, reflecting their outstanding client service and strategic growth.

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Throughout the evening, winners were recognised across a diverse range of practice areas including Family Law, Employment Law, Corporate Law and more. The awards also paid tribute to educational institutions and rising legal talent, with categories such as Law Student of the Year and Law School of the Year. The 2026 LEAP Irish Law Awards were made possible through the generous support of a dedicated community of sponsors including Calcutta Run, Dublin Simon Community, The Hope Foundation, Appleby Jewellers, Arachas, Clio, Davy, IILEX, Irish Legal News, Dye & Durham, HRM4Less, MSL Motor Group and media partners the Business Post & Truehawk.

The 2026 LEAP Irish Law Awards highlighted not only individual excellence but also the collective spirit, innovation and integrity that define Ireland's legal community. Closing the night was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by LEAP, to His Honour Judge Gerard Griffin. The room rose in a standing ovation to honour his extraordinary career, bringing a memorable evening celebrating dedication and excellence in the legal profession to a perfect close.

InBUSINESS | SUMMER 2025

21/08/2026 09:51

LEAP IRISH LAW AWARDS 2026

IRISH LAW AWARDS 2026 ADR Firm of the Year Sponsored by HRM4Less Graham Kenny Solicitors, Co. Dublin Banking & Finance Legal Team / Lawyer of the Year Fexco, Co. Kerry Civil Litigation Law Firm/ Lawyer of the Year: Dublin & Overall Winner: Lavelle Partners LLP, Co. Dublin Connacht/Ulster: McGinley Solicitors LLP, Co. Donegal Leinster: Coghlan Kelly LLP, Co. Wexford Munster: Sweeney McGann LLP, Co. Limerick Corporate / Commercial Law Team / Lawyer of the Year Sponsored By Arachas MHP Sellors LLP, Co. Clare Criminal Law Firm / Lawyer of the Year Michael Hennessy Solicitors, Co. Dublin Diversity and Inclusion Firm of the Year Jacob Law LLP, Co. Waterford Employment Law Firm / Team / Lawyer of the Year Award Sponsored By Business Post Leinster Inc Dublin & Overall Winner: Anne O'Connell Solicitors, Co. Dublin Connacht/Ulster: Alastair Purdy LLP, Co. Galway Munster: Aoife McCarthy, Douglas Law Solicitors LLP, Co. Cork Excellence & Innovation in Client Services Sponsored By Clio Dublin & Overall Winner: Chief State Solicitor's Office - Public Procurement Law Section, Co. Dublin Connacht/Ulster: Lacey Solicitors, Co. Antrim Leinster: Coghlan Kelly LLP, Co. Wexford Munster: Katherina White Solicitors, Co. Cork Engine Room' Excellence Award Gillian Lynch, William Fry Excellence in Communications Sponsored by Irish Legal News Laura Croke, Croke Medical Law, Co. Cork Expert Witness of the Year James Northridge, UrAbility, Co. Cork Family Law Firm / Team / Lawyer of the Year Award Dublin & Overall Winner: Niamh Walsh, Gore & Grimes Solicitors LLP, Co. Dublin Connacht/Ulster: Geraghty & Co. Solicitors, Co. Galway Leinster: Clarke Jeffers LLP, Co. Carlow Munster: Teresa O'Sullivan, Douglas Law LLP, Co. Cork

InBUSINESS | SUMMER 2026 InBUSINESS 2025

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In-House (Non-Civil Service / Public Sector) Legal Team / Lawyer of the Year Ernst & Young General Counsel Office, Co. Dublin Law Book of the Year Irish Legal Capacity and Assisted Decision-Making

by Aine Hynes S.C, Co. Dublin Law Correspondent of the Year Connor Beaton, Irish Legal News Ltd, Co. Dublin Law Firm Innovation Award Sponsored by Dye & Durham O'Donoghue and Associates, Co. Cork Law School of the Year DCU School of Law and Government, Co. Dublin Law Student of the Year Colman Monaghan, University of Galway, Co. Galway Róisín Cunningham, University of Galway, Co. Kildare Lawyer of The Year Sponsored by MSL Motor Group Dublin & Overall Winner: Keith Walsh S.C, Keith Walsh Solicitors LLP, Co. Dublin Connacht/Ulster: Natasha McDermott, McDermott Solicitors, Co. Donegal Leinster: Paul Brady, Paul Brady & Co. Solicitors LLP, Co. Meath Munster: Ronan Hynes, Sellors LLP, Co. Limerick Legal Educator of the Year Dr. Suzanne Egan, Associate Professor, UCD Sutherland School of Law, Co. Dublin Legal Executive of the Year Sponsored by iilex Mary Hughes, Michael Staines and Co. Solicitors, Co. Dublin Mental Health and Capacity Law Firm / Team / Lawyer of the Year Joan Doran, Joan Doran Solicitor, Co. Dublin Personal Injury / Medical Negligence Law Firm / Lawyer of the Year Sponsored by Davy Dublin & Overall Winner: PBN Litigation, Co. Dublin Connacht/Ulster: Damien Tansey Solicitors LLP, Co. Sligo Leinster: Connellan & Noone Solicitors LLP, Co. Longford Munster: MM Halley & Son, Co. Waterford Pro Bono PubliCo. / Community Law Firm / Lawyer / Barrister / Barrister Group of the Year Sponsored by Appleby Jewellers Mercy Law Resource Centre, Co. Dublin

Winners

Probate Law Firm / Team / Lawyer of the Year Connacht/Ulster: Geraghty & Co. Solicitors, Co. Galway Dublin: Lavelle Partners LLP, Co. Dublin Leinster: Coonan Cawley LLP Solicitors, Co. Kildare Munster & Overall Winner: HOMS Assist, Co. Limerick Property Law Firm / Team / Lawyer of the Year Connacht/Ulster: William Wilson, Lacey Solicitors, Co. Antrim Dublin & Overall Winner: O'Connor LLP, Co. Dublin Leinster: Clarke Jeffers LLP, Co. Carlow Munster: Kieran Mulcahy Solicitors, Co. Limerick Public Sector / Civil Service In-House Legal Team / Lawyer of the Year EirGrid PLC, Co. Dublin Service Provider to the Legal Profession Dye & Durham Ireland, Co. Dublin Sole Practitioner of the Year Connacht/Ulster & Overall Winner: Niall Fox, Niall Fox Solicitors, Co. Cavan Dublin: Aaron Duff, Signal Legal Foundry, Co. Dublin Leinster: Breda Cullivan & Co. Solicitors, Co. Kildare Munster: Majella Walsh Solicitors, Co. Cork Sole Principal of the Year Connacht/Ulster: Deirdre Gallagher, Boner Gallagher and Co. Solicitors, Co. Donegal Leinster Inc Dublin & Overall Winner: Andrea Clarke, Coyne Solicitors, Co. Dublin Munster: Kevin O'Donoghue, O' Donoghue And Associates, Co. Cork Special Merit Gareth Noble, Solicitor, KOD Lyons Solicitors The Global Excellence Award for the Leading International Law Firm in Ireland 2026 Addleshaw Goddard Lifetime Achievement Award Sponsored by LEAP Gerard Griffin Regional Law Firm of the Year Connacht/Ulster: Alastair Purdy LLP, Co. Galway Dublin: OSM Partners LLP, Co. Dublin Leinster & Overall Winner: Clarke Jeffers LLP, Co. Carlow Munster: Sweeney McGann LLP, Co. Limerick

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21/08/2026 09:51

COVER STORY

Chambers Ireland President MARGARET CONSIDINE on giving every chamber in Ireland a voice

SETTING the A

t the beginning of 2025, InBUSINESS sat down for a chat with newly-elected Chambers Ireland President Margaret Considine. Nominated for the role by South Dublin Chamber, the EQuita Founder set out her stall, outlining what she hoped to achieve in the role – strengthening the voice of Ireland Inc at a European level, ensuring the views of Irish business were heard at a Government level and leading a board that would accurately represent chambers right across the country. Almost two years in, does she feel she has achieved those ambitions?

“Yes, I am proud of my impact in my term. Looking at the ambition I set out, I represented Ireland at the European Parliament of Enterprises, had high level access to Government and led the Board with strong governance balanced with curiosity. This is a Board of brilliant minds, made up of Chamber CEO’s and business leaders, chamber members from across the country, nominated to have their voice heard and contribute at the national level. One of my other ambitions as President was to ensure that Chambers Ireland was more present at chamber events across the county – I managed to visit almost every chamber.”

With so many official trips and events in the calendar, it’s been a hectic couple of years. “It has, but I think the work I did in the previous 18 years in the chamber movement stood to me. In many ways the role was different to what I had expected and it was certainly more rewarding.

On a national level, Chambers Ireland leads for every chamber and that’s a huge responsibility. To chair and steer that for a two-year period has been a privilege.”

One of my other ambitions as President was to ensure that Chambers Ireland was more present at chamber events across the country”

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TONE STRIKING A BALANCE Alongside her role as Chambers Ireland President, Margaret has continued as CEO at EQuita Consulting Ltd. The business was set up over 25 years ago and provides Consultancy, Training and Mediation services. Although business is good, her focus understandably shifted to her role as President in the past two years.

“I suppose what I put into Chambers Ireland had to come out of the business in some ways. Probably around 30% of my time went from the business into the role – it’s impossible to do both things well. I was only ever going to take on the role at Chambers Ireland if I could do it the right way, which was to give it my all.

We certainly haven’t fallen backwards, but perhaps I could have devoted more time to the work we’re doing with AI agents or on social media strategies. But it’s a balance – you must step back in order to serve somewhere else.”

At EQuita, one major client is onboarded every month, along with three smaller clients. Margaret attributes that ongoing success to agility, service, customisation and personalisation and an ethos that’s based on trust and return on investment. “Our business has grown from word of mouth.

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20/08/2026 09:32

COVER STORY

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COVER STORY

Companies refer us because every piece of work we do is custom built to the client. This year, we’re celebrating 25 years in business. I see that as a huge success – as an Irish SME, serving global clients, we have survived and thrived through two recessions.

Some of our clients are working with us consistently for the 25 years of our existence – that speaks volumes.”

Like every other SME, EQuita must content with world instability and rising costs. Cash flow challenges, access to relevant funding, ICT and infrastructure challenges, recruitment and upskilling – they all contribute to a complex and uncertain business landscape.“The challenges facing small Irish businesses in particular are off the scale.

The only way I can manage is by keeping six months of cash flow in reserve – not eating into that is often a struggle. I need to have six months of salaries, six months of costs to cover website, marketing, social media, rent, rates, leases – essentially the total cost of the business.” Rising costs are placing undue stress and anxiety on small businesses. “I think that stress is going to have serious long-term consequences for people’s health. It’s something that Chambers Ireland often speaks about, but there doesn’t seem to be any light at the end of the tunnel.”

LESSONS LEARNED Without a governing body like Chambers Ireland, businesses cannot effectively make their voices heard. “That’s something I’ve come to realise over the past two years. Being able to access government departments, being able to lobby – it’s made possible through the work of Chambers Ireland. As an organisation, Chambers Ireland has built a solid reputation. It’s highly thought of, at Government level and on a European level. Collectively, Chambers Ireland speaks with a bigger bellow than any individual chamber can.”

What advice would she give an SME in today’s tough business environment? “Honestly, I would

recommend every firm become a member of a chamber. Being connected to other businesses is so important. it’s not just about networking – it’s about being part of something that takes them away from their desk for maybe just an hour a week so they can meet other business leaders, share ideas or pool resources.” On their own, individual businesses are unable to shout their concerns loud enough. “It’s just too difficult on your own. But if you think of six or eight businesses coming together and joining a chamber, they can make a difference.”

A good accountant is also a must. “Make sure you have enough money to fund your business in the short term. Don’t try to do everything on your own and if someone offers you advice and help, take it. Believe in yourself and back up that belief with strong action, commitment, a good plan and a spare bit of cash somewhere.”

For the next two years, Margaret will hold the role of Chambers Ireland Past President in order to protect the governance of her decisions. While she will still be present at board meetings, she will no longer be chairing them. “That will free up some time so I’m hoping to fill it with a few more creative endeavours. My focus is also very much on EQuita and continuing to grow the business. I feel very privileged to have spent the last two years as President of Chambers Ireland – and I intend to continue that relationship well into the future.”

My focus is also very much on EQuita and continuing to grow the business. I feel very privileged to have spent the last two years as President of Chambers Ireland – and I intend to continue that relationship well into the future”

WISE WORDS LONGEVITY

This year, we’re celebrating 25 years in business. I see that as a huge success – we might be a small company but we’ve survived two recessions and not just survived, but thrived.

ADVICE

Make sure you have enough money to fund your business in the short term. Don’t try to do everything on your own and if someone offers you advice and help, take it. Believe in yourself and back up that belief with strong action, commitment, a good plan and a spare bit of cash somewhere.

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SETTING THE TONE

Looking at the ambition I set out, I represented Ireland at the European Parliament of Enterprises, had high level access at Government level and led with strong governance – balanced with curiosity and a board of brilliant minds from across the country.

InBUSINESS | SUMMER 2026

20/08/2026 09:33

LEGAL

Martina Winters, Director of Sales & Marketingat Dye & Durham Ireland, on what the future of legal technology really looks like

W

inning Legal Provider of the Year at the Irish Law Awards was a proud moment for everyone at Dye & Durham Ireland. What stood out for me at this year’s awards was the sheer pace of innovation happening across the legal profession.

Traditionally, law has not been viewed as a sector at the forefront of technological change, but that is rapidly changing. Firms of every size are looking at how technology and increasingly, AI, can help them work smarter, improve efficiency and ultimately deliver a better service to clients.

The answer, however, is not simply to digitise existing processes or introduce AI because it is the latest development.

Technology needs to solve real problems and remove friction from the way firms work.

For decades, practice management software has been at the heart of how law firms manage matters, accounts, documents and client relationships.

Now, firms want systems that are more connected and give their people the information they need, when they need it.

At Keyhouse, part of Dye & Durham, our Irish legal technology offering brings together Keyhouse practice management with legal search services from Brady & Co, Rochford Brady and Hibernian Legal. Our integrated searches platform is one example of this approach: searches can be ordered directly from within the matter, results returned to the electronic case file and associated outlays posted directly to the ledger, ready for billing.

Individually, these efficiencies may seem small. Across hundreds of matters and thousands of searches, however, they can make a significant difference.

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Beyond the SOFTWARE Winning Legal Provider of the Year recognises what our teams have achieved with our clients.

But it also challenges us to keep raising the bar”

The future of legal technology will be about removing friction – and giving professionals more time to focus on what really matters AI will undoubtedly accelerate that change. It has enormous potential to automate routine tasks, surface information and help professionals work more efficiently. But there is an important distinction between automating work and replacing the value of the professional relationship.

The Irish legal market has always been built on relationships. Clients do not just buy legal advice; they buy trust. They value the solicitor who knows their business, understands their challenges and has been there when it mattered. Reputation, trust and personal relationships count – and I don’t believe there will ever be an AI equivalent.

That places a responsibility on technology providers. Successful legal technology is not just about software; it is about implementation, support, understanding how firms operate and working alongside clients as their needs evolve.

Winning Legal Provider of the Year recognises what our teams have achieved with our clients. But it also challenges us to keep raising the bar.

The question is no longer simply “What can technology do?” It is, “What can we enable legal professionals to do better?”

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20/08/2026 09:58

EU PRESIDENCY

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InBUSINESS | SUMMER 2026

20/08/2026 10:00

EU PRESIDENCY

SEIZE DAY THE

Peter Byrne and Emma Richmond chat about the opportunities the EU Presidency offers Irish businesses and the country as a whole

F

rom July to December 2026, Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union – a leadership role that places the country at the heart of EU decision-making. This will be the eighth time Ireland has held the rotating Presidency – a responsibility that highlights our commitment to partnership and progress in Europe, says Peter Byrne, CEO at South Dublin Chamber and the Irish Employers Representative to the EU EESC. “It’s an opportunity to shine a light on the country.

Some other countries have been very good at using that spotlight while others haven’t. I think it comes down to how hungry you are for that exposure and from conversations with officials, ministers and MEPs, Ireland is very open to it.”

The EU Presidency offers great opportunities for tourism, for investment, for partnerships and for collaboration. “I also believe that we have a political nous that is missing in a lot of other countries. We’re very agile. If someone were to say to me, I’m down in Connemara, what on earth does the EU Presidency mean to me, I would say, think of the amount of publicity that will be shined on that area of the country.

It’s a massive opportunity – so many businesses stand to gain from it.”

It’s also a chance to promote Ireland’s views around key talking points, one of which is the Single Market.

Another is the multi-annual financial framework.

“That’s a really difficult one and it’s about the whole budget for the EU. Ireland has a great opportunity to have a major input into that.” The third major topic on the agenda is the European Competitiveness Fund. As the name suggests, it’s about empowering businesses. “Although it was published to much fanfare two years ago, very little action has been

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taken on the Draghi report, which was created in response to the report’s recommendations. If the Irish Government was to finish the Presidency with just one win from a business point of view, it would be that they made the Draghi report a reality. I think the Irish Government will have to look at international trade agreements and our position in relation to same. We tend to want to cherry pick and that’s not appropriate. We should be working from an EU context, not just a sectoral interest perspective.”

In Ireland, we can be very tough on our politicians and perhaps, says Peter, unduly harsh at times. “The fact is, our politicians have great

This will be the eighth time Ireland has held the rotating Presidency – a responsibility that highlights our commitment to partnership and progress in Europe”

Pictured (l to r): Maroš Šefčovič, European Union Vice President; Peter Byrne, Chief Executive, South Dublin Chamber

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20/08/2026 10:00

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16/07/2026 10:34

EU PRESIDENCY

ability and now, we have a chance to highlight that ability. As a country we’re well-positioned; we sit at a crossroads between the US and the EU, we have commercial links with US multinationals, plus we’re part of the EU. That allows us an ease of dialogue between the regions.” Ireland also has a unique political expertise and understanding of Britain, a region that’s struggling to engage the single market.

So what does all this mean for Irish businesses?

How can they benefit from Ireland’s EU Council Presidency? “For the next few months, Ireland will be front and centre in the EU. I think initially, it will be the larger Irish companies that will gain the advantage but smaller businesses also have a great opportunities to show what they can do. For any small company operating in Ireland, my advice would be to use this as a networking opportunity.

Find out what event is going on and what might be applicable to you and go to it. In many cases, you can secure an invite by contacting the organisers.

Advertise yourself and get talking to the thousands of Europeans that are going to be in the country.”

Everybody who’s involved in the EU shares a common agenda – that the more we connect with each other, the stronger the EU is. “If I was an Irish business, I wouldn’t hesitate to chat to anyone I meet from the EU, explain to them how my business works and ask them to shine a light on my company.”

“A ONCE-IN-A-GENERATION OPPORTUNITY FOR IRISH BUSINESS” Earlier this year, Irish law firm Whitney Moore held an event looking at the opportunities the EU Presidency offers Irish businesses. “It was prompted by enquiries we were getting from our clients in the hospitality and events space. They had questions around the additional staff they’d need to hire to service the demand created by the EU Presidency. I think we were surprised by the numbers that attended on the day, across a broad range of industries. It was a really positive discussion and I think the numbers reflect the broad impact that the EU Presidency will have on Irish businesses,” said Emma Richmond, Managing Partner at Whitney Moore.

The law firm’s international clients are using the EU Presidency as an opportunity to bring global executives to Ireland. “It’s a great reason to get them here and maybe for these companies to hold their own internal events, effectively piggybacking on the Presidency.” Other firms are seeking more practical information – where to look for tenders for catering services, how to win business in the logistics, lighting or AV space. “One of our hospitality clients has had numerous bookings for Irish dancing and pint pulling. The entertainment InBUSINESS | SUMMER 2026

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I think we were surprised by the numbers that attended on the day, across a broad range of industries.

It was a really positive discussion and I think the numbers reflect the broad impact that the EU Presidency will have on Irish businesses

CARPE DIEM Emma Richmond gives her top tips on getting the most out of the EU Presidency » Watch for the official Presidency calendar when it’s published and think about what activity you can build around it » Engage early with your trade and professional bodies about their plans » If your sector has a natural home in the Presidency themes of competitiveness, security or values-led business, make the case for why you should be in the room

Our advice to clients is to seize those opportunities and if you need our help in reviewing contracts or hiring additional people, we’re here to support you”

side of the EU Presidency, once the conferences have finished for the day, is so important.”

Clients looking to take on additional staff are advised to do so sooner rather than later. “It’s also possible that clients may need to look at work permits. With Government departments being stretched and perhaps seconded to the Presidency, there could be delays around work permits so the message is to be as prepared as possible.”

Although the Presidency kicked off on the 1st of July, there’s still time for businesses to take advantage of the opportunity it presents. “It’s never too late. One of the speakers at our event described the EU Presidency as St. Patrick’s Day on steroids.

It’s a chance to showcase Ireland to Europe and actually, beyond Europe. Our advice to clients is to seize those opportunities and if you need our help in reviewing contracts or hiring additional people, we’re here to support you.”

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20/08/2026 10:01

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20/08/2026 11:01

CHAMBER AWARDS

A night of triumph The eir business Chambers Ireland Awards were a celebration of excellence, achievement and impact across a range of sectors

H

eld in June at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, the 2026 eir business Chambers Ireland Awards brought together leading businesses, innovators, Chamber representatives and guests from across Ireland’s business landscape to celebrate the achievements of standout organisations and individuals driving innovation, growth and success.

The night was a celebration of excellence, achievement and impact across a wide range of sectors. The excitement reached its peak as the final selections were revealed following a record-breaking year for entries and a highly competitive independent adjudication process.

During the event, Smurfit Westrock took home the sought-after Gold award for Company of the Year (sponsored by eir business), as well as Gold in the Manufacturing Company of the Year category.

David Fox of Sodexo was crowned the Gold winner for Businessperson of the Year while the future generation of commerce was celebrated in the Young Business Person of the Year / Under 35 Award with Keilidh Cashell of KASH Beauty claiming Gold, alongside her company's additional Gold win for Brand of the Year.

Other major accolades included Manna Air Delivery who walked away with Gold for the Digital Transformation & Technology Award and Carbery Group Limited who secured the top spot as the Green / Sustainable Company of the Year. In the public sector, An Post was honoured with Gold for Best Customer Experience.

Alongside the silver and bronze recipients, these winners demonstrated excellence across four strategic pillars – Strategy & Leadership, Culture & ESG, Market Engagement and Technology & Innovation. Each has set a

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Margaret Considine, President, Chambers Ireland

The Chamber Awards are always such a special occasion where we can come together as a network, champion the achievements of one another and be inspired by the innovation and ideas on display"

new benchmark for driving national progress amidst a period of rapid digital and sustainable transformation.

The eir business Chambers Ireland Awards are a true celebration of excellence across the Irish enterprise landscape. The event was made possible thanks to the support of the event's official sponsors – Allianz, PwC, Western Development Commission, Zurich and headline sponsor, eir business.

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20/08/2026 10:03

CHAMBER AWARDS

2026 Winners Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Award (DEI) Sponsored by Business Post Gold - HEINEKEN Ireland Silver - Bord Gáis Energy Bronze - Codex

Digital & Creative Agency Excellence Award Gold - Wolfpack Digital Silver - Feenix Group Bronze - CDG

Best Consultancy Firm of the Year Gold - Carr Communications Ltd Silver - Amden Group Bronze - CDG

Exporter / International Growth Award Gold - TestReach Silver - Whyze Health Ltd.

Exporter / International Growth Award - TestReach

Facilities Management Company of the Year Gold - Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists

Retailer of the Year Gold - Carrolls Irish Gifts Silver - EUROSPAR Bronze - E-Kiosk Ireland

AI & Data Innovation / Analytics Award Sponsored by Zurich Gold - Marsh Silver - DigiCert Ireland Bronze - BNY

Digital Transformation & Technology Award Sponsored by eir business

Fintech Company of the Year - Revolut

Gold - Manna Air Delivery Silver - EnergyCloud Bronze - TELUS Digital

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InBUSINESS | SUMMER 2026

20/08/2026 10:03

CHAMBER AWARDS

Company of the Year - Smurfit Westrock

Green / Sustainable Company of the Year

Young Business Person of the Year / Under 35 Award

Sponsored by Allianz

Sponsored by Western Development Commission

Gold - Carbery Group Limited Silver - ABP Ireland Bronze - Kingspan Group

Pensions & Life Assurance Company of the Year Gold - Zurich Life Assurance Silver - SYS Financial

Inhouse Marketing and Communications Team of the Year Best Consultancy Firm of the Year - Carr Communications Ltd

Gold - Keilidh Cashell, KASH Beauty Silver - Aoife Kelly, Celtonn Bronze - Conor O'Keeffe, Altar Nutrition

Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism Business of the Year Gold - Connacht Hospitality Group Silver - Luxury Irish Tours Bronze - Croke Park

Gold - Údarás na Gaeltachta Silver - Compass Ireland Bronze - LHK Group

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CHAMBER AWARDS

CHAMBER FEATURE

2026 Winners

Digital Transformation & Technology Award - Manna Air Delivery

Best New Business Award (less than 2 years) - Aerska

Digital & Creative Agency Excellence Award - Wolfpack Digital

Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism Business of the Year Connacht Hospitality Group

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20/08/2026 10:04

CHAMBER AWARDS

CHAMBER XXXXXX

Online / E-Commerce Business of the Year Gold - Hostelworld Silver - fabÜ Bronze - Jacob Law LLP

Recruitment Company of the Year Gold - Excel Recruitment

Best Customer Experience – Public Sector Gold - An Post

Best Customer Experience – Private Sector Gold - Calor Silver - Geraldine Jones Ltd Trading as Skin Formulas Bronze - Phorest

Best Place to Work Inhouse Marketing and Communications Team of the Year Údarás na Gaeltachta

Fintech Company of the Year Gold - Revolut Silver - TransferMate Bronze - CleverCards

Best New Business Award (less than 2 years)

Recycling & Waste Management Company of the Year Gold - Panda Silver - Walsh Waste & Recycling Bronze - McBreen Environmental

Deal of the Year

Gold - Aerska Silver - HomeBot Ireland Bronze - Altar Nutrition

Gold - Dawn Meats Silver - FuturEnergy Ireland Bronze - ArraTipp

Cybersecurity Firm of the Year

CFO of the Year

Gold - Smarttech247

Community Impact / CSR Initiative of the Year Sponsored by Zurich Gold - Irish Life Silver - WeCan Bronze - Zimmer Biomet

Gold - Orla Mittons, CFO EMEA & APAC, Cantor Fitzgerald Ireland Limited

Sponsored by Allianz Gold - N.A.A. Ltd Silver - Capcon Engineering Bronze - Jacobs Engineering Ireland

Manufacturing Company of the Year Gold - Smurfit Westrock Silver - Allfresh Wholesale Bronze - West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc

Brand of the Year Gold - KASH Beauty Silver - fabÜ Bronze - Geraldine Jones Ltd Trading as Skin Formulas

Businessperson of the Year

Team of the Year

Sponsored by PwC Gold - David Fox, Sodexo Ireland

Sponsored by CIPD

Company of the Year

Gold - Derrycourt Cleaning Specialists Silver - Panda Bronze - BWG Foods

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Sponsored by eir business Gold - Smurfit Westrock InBUSINESS | SEASON 20XX 29

20/08/2026 10:04

INNOVATION & TECH

REPORT REDUCE Nocomed is helping organisations in the healthcare and life sciences sectors measure and reduce their carbon emissions. Co-Founder ROSEMARY DURCAN explains how it works

I

t’s estimated that the global healthcare sector accounts for more than 4% of carbon emissions, a figure that exceeds even the aviation industry. Over 70% of that footprint is generated outside hospital walls through purchased goods, manufacturing and logistics. One Dublin sustainability software company has set out to give healthcare providers a clear, auditable view of their emissions and the means to use that data for long-term emission reduction planning.

Nocomed was set up in 2024 by Rosemary Durcan and Dónal Adams. It was founded in Dogpatch Labs’ Founders Talent Accelerator programme with the aim of developing a platform for organisations in the life sciences and healthcare industries to help them manage their sustainability data. “We built Nocomed so healthcare and life sciences organisations can clearly see where emissions sit in their supply chains and take practical steps to reduce them, not just produce reports.

So whether they want to report their data, put a strategy in place to reduce their carbon emissions, use their data for green procurement purposes or reach out to their suppliers to identify their scope 3 emissions – we wanted to create a

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platform that would allow the user to do all that and more,” says Rosemary.

Suppliers have traditionally relied on fragmented spreadsheets or costly one-off expensive project approaches, often without owning their underlying data. Nocomed has positioned itself as a practical alternative – a system that stays in-house, builds institutional knowledge over time and reduces the friction of repeat reporting cycles. The software works by automating data collection through bill uploads, CSV integrations, equipment label scanning and manual inputs. It’s not about generating a report and disappearing, says Co-Founder and CTO Dónal Adams, an ex-Apple engineer.

“We don’t just generate a report and that's it. Our customers use Nocomed as an ongoing system. When tenders, audits or reporting deadlines come around, they’re building on what already exists rather than starting from scratch.”

Rosemary set up the company with 25 years of experience in life sciences and healthcare, having held senior management roles and served on industry boards, such as Health Tech Ireland. With that experience, she says that suppliers that embed emissions management into organisational workflows and use this data to inform strategic, long-term emission reduction planning will be best positioned as climate requirements become a standard part of tenders and longterm contracts. “Unlike other carbon accounting tools or one-off reports, our platform is designed to sit inside everyday business operations of healthcare organisations and suppliers. It’s very simple to use. From the outset, one of our philosophies was to build with customers. That way we understand where they're coming from, what works for them and what customisation they need on the platform.” Users can upload their data in four different ways which also takes into consideration the diversity of the sector.” For organisations using more traditional methods, an Excel template can be uploaded. “We’ve also included a manual option as some companies prefer to have control of the data. Essentially what we’ve done is facilitated the visualisation of their data so they can make good business decisions.”

To date, a number of medtech distributors have expressed interest in the Nocomed platform. “We have a cohort of companies that want to know what their carbon footprint is and put a plan in place to reduce it – that satisfies their customer needs. Not reporting your carbon footprint is often a barrier to trade, so that can be an impetus in itself. There are other companies that are further ahead in their journey, who really want to get deep into their data. They want to simulate out their cost benefits and their carbon reductions and economic benefits over the next five or 10 years.”

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INNOVATION & TECH

Earlier this year, Nocomed raised €650,000 in seed funding from Irish medtech angel investors Barry Comerford and Edmund Wilson, with support from Enterprise Ireland. The funding will help the company scale its sustainability software, expand the team and move into other regions. “Our first target is Ireland and the UK but we’re also getting interest from the Nordics and Canada. I think the world is only now waking up to the fact that it's

not just about decreasing your carbon emissions; it's about making your business more sustainable which in turn, helps companies become more profitable. We often come out of meetings thinking, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could help that healthcare or life sciences company get to grips with their emissions data and help them reduce it? If we can make that difference, regardless of how small it is, I think myself, Dónal and the team will be very happy.”

We built Nocomed so healthcare and life sciences organisations can clearly see where emissions sit in their supply chains and take practical steps to reduce them, not just produce reports"

Dónal Adams and Rosemary Durcan

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IRISH INVESTOR AWARDS

CELEBRATING H

EXCELLENCE Over 450 investors, industry leaders and recognisable figures gathered to commemorate outstanding deals and achievements in the Irish financial community

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eld in May in the Round Room at The Mansion House, the 2026 Irish Investor Awards in association with Forvis Mazars recognised the leaders shaping the future of Irish investment. Keynote speeches were delivered by An Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris and Tom O’Brien, Managing Partner at Forvis Mazars, who commended the remarkable accomplishments of the finalists especially amongst such a tense geopolitical climate.

Now in its third year, the event has grown to become a key fixture of the investment calendar. This year’s winners included Waterland Private Equity, who took home the Irish Private Equity House of the Year award, along with the Environmental, Social, and Governance Deal of the Year award. SME Equity was awarded the Deal of the Year (Sub €5m) award, while Corporate Law Firm of the

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IRISH INVESTOR AWARDS

THE WINNERS Corporate Finance Advisory Firm of the Year

Due Diligence Team of the Year

Sponsored by DunPort Capital IBI Corporate Finance powered by DC Advisory

KPMG Ireland

Corporate Law Firm of the Year

Sponsored by Development Capital Waterland Private Equity Acquisition of Hometherm by NetZero Group

McCann FitzGerald LLP

Deal of the Year (€5m - €10m)

Environmental, Social, and Governance Deal of the Year

Sponsored by Business Post Renatus Capital Partners Investment in Strata Financial

International PE Investment in Irish Company Deal of the Year

Deal of the Year (Sub €5m)

Exponent - Investment in Chanelle Pharma

SME Equity Limited - Investment in WorkCompass, acquired by Invincible Software Holdings

Deal of the Year (> €10m) BGF - Investment in CWC Group

Debt Funding Deal of the Year < €10m

Portfolio Deal of the Year Goodbody Capital Partners - Sale of Johnson Hana

Rising Star Under 30 Maria Traynor, KPMG Ireland

Claret Capital Partners - Investment in Neurent Medical

Irish Private Equity House of the Year

Debt Funding Deal of the Year > €10m

Irish VC House of the Year

Bank of Ireland Corporate Banking, Tikehau Capital & Clearwater Debt provided as financing package for Towerbrook investment in GMC Utilities Group (Ireland)

Lifetime Achievement

Year went to McCann FitzGerald LLP. Forvis Mazars presented the Lifetime Achievement award posthumously, to John Purdy, former founder of Ergo and a respected figure within the Irish financial industry. Under his leadership, Ergo grew from an idea into a €200m tech business and also spun out one of Ireland’s tech unicorns, Fenergo.

The Irish Investor Awards in association with Forvis Mazars were sponsored by Dunport Capital, Development Capital, The Business Post, Whelehans Wines and headline sponsor and hosts, Forvis Mazars. With increased engagement and an ever-expanding pool of high-quality submissions, the Awards continue to represent the pinnacle of excellence within the private equity and venture capital space in Ireland.

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Waterland Private Equity

Atlantic Bridge

Sponsored by Forvis Mazars John Purdy, in memoriam

IRISH INVESTOR AWARDS 2027 The 2027 Irish Investor Awards will take place on Friday the 14th of May in the Mansion House.

For more information, go to www.irishinvestorawards.ie

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SKILLS & TALENT

People have a great affinity with the Rialto site but moving to the new site will bring a fresh outlook to everyone’s view of the business

Keeping Ireland

RUNNING As it prepares to celebrate its eightieth anniversary, RS Ireland’s Country Manager GARY BRADLEY tells Derek Nagle about the next exciting chapter in the company’s history

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SKILLS & TALENT

C

Gary Bradley, Country Manager, RS Ireland

urrently based in Dublin’s Rialto, RS Ireland offers a huge range of product and service solutions to more than 4,500 customers across Ireland. These are specifically in the maintenance, repair and operations sectors as well as across a vast range of industrial sectors. In operation since April 1947, it was then acquired in the 1980’s by what is now known as RS Group, a UK company who set up a similar business a decade earlier. With the advent of TV and radio at that time, both companies supplied parts to TV and radio repair shops.

Fast forward to the present day where the business is now predominantly focused on the industrial market. “Today we supply over 875,000 products from 2,500 brands and go to market with an online digital offer through our website,” says Gary Bradley, RS Ireland’s Country Manager. “Our proposition to our customers is that we stock those products in our warehouse here in Dublin as well as our central stores in the UK. We provide a same day delivery service for our Dublin customers and next-day delivery service for customers outside Dublin. RS Group is a global organisation with a similar set up as us in many countries. In markets where we don’t have a presence, we’re represented by local distributors. MRO stands for maintenance, repair and operations – we’re keeping Ireland running as such!” he says.

RS Ireland’s customer base is extremely wide and all facets of industry in Ireland are served by the company. These include data centres, the food and beverage sectors, third level institutions and government bodies – the list is exhaustive.

It supplies the world’s leading OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) brands including Siemens, ABB, DeWalt, Schneider Electric and 3M. Aside from its product offering, the company also offers services such as RS ScanStock® and maintenance solutions. It also provides calibration and early surveys.

Bradley believes that RS Ireland doesn’t have specific competition because of its vast product line, but that there are niche product categories that the company would have competitors in.

“There’s no one competitor that would supply 800,000 products that customers can order off a digital catalogue from just one supplier and have it delivered the same day or the next day,” he says.

With such a massive number of products available to customers, it’s perhaps no surprise that next year the company will be moving to a new multi-million-euro distribution centre in Dublin 12 to benefit from increased space. Indeed, the new premises, located in the Apex Hub in Ballymount, will measure practically double the size of its current Rialto offering. “That means we’ll be able to deliver more products but also on our ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) goals,” says Bradley.

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RS Ireland’s new building will have Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification and a BER rating of A3. “The new site will give us a significant uplift in terms of sustainability. All packaging used for customer deliveries is recyclable. The sizing can range from a small paper mail bag to a large box. In the past our paper mail bags weren’t recyclable, but they are 100% recyclable now. Automated packaging technology optimises carton sizes to minimise packaging material use. We also plan to harvest rainwater at the new site,” he says. RS Ireland uses predominantly electric cars and has plans to make its vans electric. Other environmental features of its new premises include rooftop solar panels, air-source heat pumps, EV charging infrastructure and energy-efficient LED lighting with motion and daylight sensors. The move is particularly timely as RS Ireland will celebrate its eightieth anniversary in 2027.

Bradley believes the new premises will result in increased roles across customer services and sales teams, as well as warehouse roles where the ‘pick and pack’ operation will be. He also believes the trade counter team will increase in number.

Globally, RS Group supports initiatives such as SolarAid, which provides communities across Sub-Saharan Africa with access to clean, safe solar lighting where electricity is unavailable. This helps improve quality of life while reducing carbon emissions compared with traditional fuel sources.

Hoping to reach 150,000 people by 2030, the project is part of RS Group’s 2030 ESG action plan.

Customer service is of the utmost importance to RS Ireland. Bradley is keen to iterate that it doesn’t matter who the customer is or how much they spend – everyone is treated with the same level of respect. “As a supplier we value our customers.

They show loyalty to us by coming back again and again. Repeat business from our customers is down to several factors. These include our knowledge of our customers and knowing what they want and how they operate. Stocking a product in Dublin is great, but getting it to them is even better. We value that service proposition.

Things go wrong but it’s all about how you deal with it. We have a fantastic team and that ethos has been brought down through the business. I started with RS Ireland 30 years ago and the ethos is not just that the customer is always right but to manage the expectations of the customer,” he says.

Bradley is excited for the future of RS Ireland.

“Moving to the new premises will be a revolution and an evolution for the company considering we’ll be moving from a building that’s almost 60 years old. The customer experience will be vastly improved. People have a great affinity with the Rialto site, but moving to the new site will bring a new outlook to everyone’s view of the business.

I can only see us growing while solidifying our position in the market as one of the best service providers in the country.”

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FINANCIAL MODELLING

Next-Gen

Miagen Founder and CEO TEDDY MURPHY on why the company is poised for growth

SOLUTIONS WHERE DID THE IDEA FOR MIAGEN COME FROM? My background is as a management accountant, so I used to spend quite a bit of time building models for companies on Excel. That experience encouraged me to set up Miagen in 2003. As a company, we’ve moved from Excel and OLAP-based technologies to cloud technologies and now, AI technologies.

Over the last 22 years, I’ve watched the market evolve and as a company, we’ve evolved with it. At Miagen, we develop financial modelling technology solutions. Our business is focused on innovation and the people within the business. Last year, we got our Great Place to Work certification, which I’m really proud of.

HOW DID YOU FIND THE PROCESS OF SETTING UP YOUR OWN BUSINESS? You almost need to become an expert in everything, whether it’s legal, insurance, marketing etc. Building a customer base is tough, especially in Ireland. I think people working in finance are conservative by nature, so asking those people to take a risk on a company they haven’t dealt with before is very difficult. In the beginning, I got the top 1000 companies in Ireland listing and rang every one of them constantly until I eventually secured meetings. I remember saying to my now wife, if I don’t get a deal by Christmas, I’m going to get a job.

I ended up getting a deal on Christmas Eve. The following March, I secured two deals. Well-known companies began to approach me and that helped secure further deals. It was slow going though; I spent a lot of time trying to get those first few jobs. At the start it was just me. After about two years, I began taking on staff and today, we have 17 staff members.

Over the last 22 years, I’ve watched the market evolve and as a company, we’ve evolved with it. At Miagen, we develop financial modelling technology solutions”

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YOU MENTIONED YOU HAVE ADAPTED YOUR OFFERING AS THE INDUSTRY HAS EVOLVED. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SOLUTIONS YOU HAVE DEVELOPED? We use Workday as a platform and we have built our own solutions on top of it. All our solutions are for financial managers across various industries. A number of years ago, we built a solution for the aircraft leasing industry called LeaseGen, which was very successful. Globally, I think we have one in five leased aircraft in the world. Obviously though, it’s a small industry – there are only so many aircraft leasing companies in the world. So we’re always looking for new ideas. Last year, we started building GreenGen, a platform that collects ESG-related data and gives companies insights into their carbon footprints. Recently, we launched SportsGen, which helps football clubs comply with financial sustainability rules. We’ve got great hopes for that one; football clubs have so many compliance requirements. Our platform helps them with that.

IT SOUNDS LIKE THERE’S A LOT OF POTENTIAL TO CROSS INTO OTHER INDUSTRIES Absolutely. If you’re working in an industry that requires a lot of debt to operate and financial planners that need complex modelling, that’s the stuff we’re good at. We work across various industries and there are some we would like to expand into. I’d love to do something in healthcare but it’s a difficult sector. It’s an area we could offer a lot of efficiencies in.

ARE YOUR PLATFORMS EASY TO USE? Very much so. That was a key consideration for us from the start. They’re fast, they’re cloud-based and they’re dynamic.

If everyone is connected to the same information, decisions can be made quickly and efficiently. Members of the team who are working in different fields with their own separate KPI’s can connect to the platform – it means the whole business can operate at optimum level. Our ability to speak everyone’s language within an organisation is what differentiates Miagen.

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FINANCIAL MODELLING

ARE YOUR CLIENTS CONFIDENT WHEN IT COMES TO USING AI? Everyone is using AI in terms of marketing, messaging, communicating, research and development. A lot of clients are keen to use AI but they don’t trust it with their data, understandably enough. So we’re working to change that.

At Miagen, we’re using it to advance R&D and to investigate what we can model next. At the moment, we’re building out our servers with AI that will help make us more secure.

ARE YOU EXCITED BY AI? Absolutely, hugely excited. I also see the concern around the impact on unemployment, which I think could be huge. But I also think that when the industrial age came in 100 years ago, everybody believed they would be unemployed as a result of machines. Now, people believe they will be unemployed because of AI but in reality, I think a lot of people’s jobs are actually roles that they shouldn’t be doing. That kind of mundane, industrial-style work could be carried out by AI, freeing up people to do more creative work. I’d love to see that happen.

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A lot of clients are keen to use AI but they don’t trust it with their data, understandably enough. So we’re working to change that” WHAT ARE YOUR AMBITIONS FOR MIAGEN? We have a lot of ideas around workflow automation. Overall my goal is to grow the business, grow the team and have a CEO in place. We’re in a position where we’re poised for growth – we have a structure in place to develop better technologies and to utilise AI to improve those technologies. We’ve always been limited by being forced to work with large legacy technology companies. I think that’s going to change now, which will create opportunities for a business like us to compete with larger companies.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A BUSINESS THAT’S JUST STARTING OUT? I would say, don’t give up. If they stick at it, it will work out one way or the other. I think perseverance is an opportunity. I used to get very beaten up by bad news from clients, if a deal fell through for example, but you realise that good news and bad news happen every day. You just learn to deal with the good and the bad together.

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MENTORS

MENTOR: MICHELLE LEAHY

Leading by EXAMPLE MICHELLE LEAHY at Aviva Life & Pensions Ireland on staying curious, developing as a leader and why making a difference is the best part of the job

THE BEST

decisions are rarely made by just one person. So says Michelle Leahy, who recently took up the role of Head of Insurance Operations at Aviva Life & Pensions Ireland. With responsibility for a 105-strong team, her approach is around empowerment, trust and consistency.

“I want people to feel like they can contribute, challenge ideas and bring different perspectives to the table. People need to know what’s expected of them, but they also need to feel comfortable speaking up when something isn’t working or could be improved.”

At Aviva, Michelle and her team are responsible for ensuring they deliver fair, efficient and high quality outcomes for customers. Her role is about overseeing the customer journey across the Group and Individual Protection business – from underwriting and policy administration to claims.

It’s also about balancing customer experience, operational excellence and strong governance.

“Whether someone is taking out a policy or making a claim following a challenging period in their life, our job is to make the process as straightforward and supportive as possible.” Making a difference to

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Michelle Leahy, Head of Insurance Operations, Aviva Life & Pensions Ireland

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MENTORS

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MENTORS

your chances of building a more comfortable future.”

Although women are still less likely to seek financial advice, that trend is changing, albeit slowly. “I think historically, financial decision-making, pension design and even leadership within the financial services sector have not always reflected the reality of women’s careers and life experiences.

That’s changing though and there’s growing recognition of the need for more inclusive financial products, better financial education and stronger representation across the industry.”

Initiatives at Aviva, including the “Women Tackling Finance” hub, are working to further advance that change. “We really want to encourage more open conversations about money, pensions and long-term financial planning, while providing practical information that empowers women to make informed financial decisions.

Ultimately, it’s not simply about women catching up – it’s also about the industry evolving to better meet the needs of everyone and ensuring that financial confidence and access to information are available to all.”

MATHEMATICS IS AT THE CORE OF EVERYTHING

a person’s life during a challenging period is what makes the role so rewarding. “It’s not just about the technical expertise associated with insurance and assessing and managing risk.

That’s the part that appeals to my analytical side. The other side is about having a positive impact on someone’s life. Few industries combine commercial decision-making with such a direct impact on customers and families.”

PENSIONS AND FUTURE PROOFING

People still hold misconceptions around pensions and whether they can be left until later in life, Michelle says. In reality, time is one of the most valuable assets when it comes to retirement planning. “There’s also a common assumption that the State pension alone will provide the lifestyle people expect in retirement. For most people, that’s unlikely to be the case.” Pensions are also sometimes viewed as complex and inflexible. “They might seem daunting, but there’s far more flexibility, transparency and professional advice available today than many realise.” For anyone not sure where to start, Michelle would recommend seeking help from a financial broker. “They can help you understand your options, answer your questions and put a plan in place that’s right for you.

The earlier you start planning for retirement, the better

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The earlier you start planning for retirement, the better your chances of building a more comfortable future”

A love of maths in secondary school led Michelle to her current career. “I was lucky to have a secondary school teacher who was genuinely engaging and encouraging. He pushed me to pursue maths at a higher level and helped me understand the range of careers it could lead to. He often said that mathematics is at the core of everything and looking back over my career, I can see exactly what he meant.” Michelle went on to study Financial and Actuarial Mathematics and began her career as a trainee actuary with Mercer, working on pension schemes. From there, she moved into life insurance and employee benefits, spending over a decade with Generali before joining Utmost Pan Europe, where she ultimately led the Corporate Solutions business, managing a portfolio of multinational clients across Europe.

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MENTORS

Some of the most valuable opportunities in my own career came from taking on unfamiliar challenges”

people protect their futures and achieve financial security.”

Leading by example is how Michelle approaches her role and it’s a lesson she’s learned from various figures throughout her career. “I’ve been fortunate to work with several people who gave me real opportunities to not just develop, but to stand out. People like Annette Mossman, then CEO of Generali Netherlands, who was my mentor through Generali’s female mentoring programme. What impressed me most wasn’t just her business leadership, but the genuine interest she took in people at every level of the organisation. Despite an extremely demanding role, she made everyone feel valued.”

More recently, Henry O’Sullivan, CEO of Utmost PanEurope, demonstrated to Michelle how difficult business decisions can be handled with honesty, empathy and integrity.

“Watching him lead through a period of significant change reinforced my belief that strong leadership is ultimately about people. Both have had a lasting influence on how I approach leadership today.”

Michelle is currently completing the Institute of Directors’ Chartered Director qualification and recently undertook a programme focused on AI in financial planning. “If you’re leading people and making strategic decisions, you have a responsibility to keep learning. Continuous education is essential, regardless of where you are in your career. Financial services are evolving rapidly, particularly with advances in technology and AI, so staying current is critical.” In her new role, her ambitions are to help build Aviva Life & Pensions Ireland’s protection operation into a best-in-class business for customers, brokers and colleagues. A key part of that is, she says, exploring how technology and AI can enhance customer experience and improve operational efficiency, while ensuring fairness, transparency and strong governance remain at the centre of every decision. “In the longer term, I’d like to continue developing as a leader and use the experience

I’ve gained over the past 25 years to contribute at board and non-executive level.”

For a young person looking to advance in the insurance industry, her advice would be to stay curious, ask questions and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. “Some of the most valuable opportunities in my own career came from taking on unfamiliar challenges.” While technical expertise is important, so are communication skills, relationship building and understanding people.

“The most successful careers are built on both. I’d also highlight the growing importance of empathy. As technology and AI automate more routine tasks, human judgement, emotional intelligence and understanding customer needs will become even more valuable.”

WISE WORDS “As technology and AI automate more routine tasks, human judgement, emotional intelligence and understanding customer needs will become even more valuable” “Financial services are evolving rapidly, particularly with advances in technology and AI, so staying current is critical” “Ultimately, it’s not simply about women catching up – it’s also about the industry evolving to ensure that financial confidence and access to information are available to all” “The earlier you start planning for retirement, the better your chances of building a more comfortable future”

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A ROUND-UP OF ALL THE NEWS AND EVENTS FROM THE CHAMBER NETWORK NATIONWIDE

Remembering Tony Lambert Fingal Chamber has paid tribute to its former Chief Executive and founder, Tony Lambert, whose vision and leadership helped shape both the organisation and the wider business community across Fingal.

Tony was instrumental in establishing Fingal Chamber in 1994, serving as its first President before leading the organisation as Chief Executive for 17 years. A passionate advocate for Fingal, Tony championed investment, infrastructure, connectivity and the strategic importance of Dublin Airport, helping to position the region as one of Ireland’s key economic centres.

Tony served for 12 years on the board of Chambers Ireland and chaired the Chamber Executive Forum for six years, supporting Chamber leaders nationwide through his experience, collaboration and commitment to the network.

Fingal Chamber Chief Executive Anthony Cooney said Tony’s contribution to business in Fingal “cannot be overstated”, adding

CHAMBER COMMENT

that much of the Chamber’s strength today is built on the foundations he established through his leadership, energy and determination. Fingal Chamber extends its sincere condolences to Tony’s wife Maureen, his sons Jon, Dave and Andrew, his extended family, friends and former colleagues. As Fingal continues to develop as Ireland’s fastest-growing region, Tony Lambert’s legacy endures through the Chamber he helped build and the strong business community he worked tirelessly to support.

Pictured (l to r): Denis Leamy, CEO Cork ETB; Naoimh Frawley, Director of People, Operations & Governance Cork Chamber; Keith Murphy, Director of Further Education and Training at Cork ETB

Building pathways “Stepping into this role, I am motivated by the opportunity to work alongside member businesses that are driving real impact across our economy and supporting NI Chamber to elevate Northern Ireland’s business voice at a national and international level.”

Working Connections, a new pilot initiative developed by Cork Chamber in partnership with Cork Education and Training Board (Cork ETB), was set up to address barriers to employment for young people and specifically, the networks, connections and informal relationships that determine who gets access to work experience and who doesn’t. The programme targets Youthreach participants, young people aged 16 to 20 who are outside mainstream education, many of whom hold QQI Level 3 or 4 qualifications and have completed preparatory training through Cork ETB. Working Connections draws on Cork Chamber’s existing employer relationships to bridge that gap, securing structured, supported placements aligned to each participant’s interests and career goals. Six young people participated in a pilot project earlier this year and all six have secured placements.

Neasa Quigley, President, NI Chamber

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Workplace resource for employers Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber has launched the “Understanding Neurodivergence in the Workplace – Employer Support Pack”, designed to help employers better understand and support neurodivergent employees.

Developed with the needs of micro, small and medium-sized businesses in mind, the pack includes practical workplace guidance, manager supports, workplace adjustment tools and communication aids. The initiative was developed in partnership with Waterford Local Enterprise Office, Buíon Phort Láirge and David Walsh Office Supplies and is believed to be one of the first employer-focused neurodiversity support resources of its kind developed for SMEs in Ireland.

Pictured (l to r): Madhavi DeSilva, McDonald’s; Alice D’Alton, European Regulatory Affairs; Yvonne Baumann, Baumann Jewellers; Damien Drummy, McDonald’s

Fireside Chat in Kilkenny Chamber President Claire McInerney Brown hosted her first event in her new term of office by inviting the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence, Helen McEntee TD to meet members of Kilkenny Chamber. The event took place at the Newpark Hotel and the Minister spoke on all three of her briefs.

The event took the form of a ‘Fireside Chat’ which was presented by John Purcell, a former President of Kilkenny Chamber and now CEO of KCLR96fm and Chairman of the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland and RadioCentre Ireland.

Pictured: Helen Downes, CEO, Shannon Chamber (centre) with (from left): Niamh Breslin, Sustainability Manager, IDA Ireland; Tom O’Carroll, Director Manufacturing, Ireland, Zimmer Ireland; Dermot Graham, Quality Assurance Coordinator, Magellan Aviation Group; Jackie O’Dowd, Regional Manager Mid-West, IDA Ireland; Barry Lowe, Technical Leadership Consultant Photo by Eamon Ward

Embracing sustainability in the mid-west

Multinational companies in Shannon and the wider mid-west region are embedding sustainability into their core business strategy, with significant investment being directed towards energy efficiency. This was the clear message from a recent sustainability-focused event hosted by Shannon Chamber in partnership with IDA Ireland and held in Zimmer Biomet’s facility in Shannon, Co Clare. The event was attended by multinational companies from across the region who heard how IDA sustainability supports are helping businesses accelerate their transition to net zero while enhancing competitiveness and operational efficiency.

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Pictured (l to r): CEO John Hurley; Minister Helen McEntee TD; Claire McInerney Brown, President, Kilkenny Chamber Photo by Vicky Comerford

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CHAMBER NEWS

Pictured (l to r): Andrea Ruth, Meath LEO; Nicola Mitchell, Meath LEO; Pamela Stone, CEO, Respa; Paula McCaul, CEO, County Meath Chamber; Michelle Bennett, GM, Boliden Tara Mines; Elaine Keogh, Solstice Media; Aoife Fegan, Meath LEO; Trish McDonnell, County Meath Chamber

Meath women leading the way

County Meath Chamber recently held its Meath Women in Biz & Tech Network summer celebration. The “Leading the Way – The Women Leading Meath’s Industrial Future” event was held at the Station House Hotel, Kilmessan, in collaboration with Meath LEO. Two truly inspirational guest speakers – Michelle Bennett, GM of Boliden Tara Mines and Pamela Stone, CEO of Respa – shared powerful insights at a sellout event on what it really means to lead a major company in Ireland today.

Helping new businesses start strong

Michael Adam, Global bridge multi media; Ber Power & Gillian Sheehan, Employability Service; Jenny Beresford, D&WW Chamber

Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber, in partnership with Waterford Local Enterprise Office, recently hosted a “Start Here: Business Orientation Morning” at Dungarvan Golf Club for start-up and early-stage businesses. The event provided participants with an introduction to the range of supports available locally, including grants, training programmes, mentoring opportunities and business development services.

They also learned how Chamber membership can help businesses build networks, raise their profile and access valuable information and opportunities.

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Claire McInerney Brown, President, Kilkenny Chamber

Newstalk comes to Kilkenny As part of Newstalk Radio’s broadcasts around the country, Bobby Kerr brought his Business Programme to Kilkenny in June. The live broadcast came from the terrace at the Kilkenny Rivercourt Hotel in the shadow of Kilkenny Castle and President Claire McInerney Brown reviewed the news stories of the week, with Chamber member Eimear Ní Bhraonáin of Eimear.ie.

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CHAMBER NEWS

RISE Midwest

County Tipperary Chamber was proud to collaborate with fellow Chamber Skillnet Networks and Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) to deliver RISE Midwest, an event held at the TUS Coonagh Campus. Bringing together women in leadership, research and enterprise, the event highlighted the growing strength of the mid-west as a hub for innovation and the critical role of collaboration in unlocking that potential.

Speakers and panellists provided insights into navigating Ireland’s funding landscape, highlighting both the opportunities available and the importance of demystifying application processes. There was a clear emphasis on making funding pathways more accessible and visible to women at all stages of their innovation journey.

Look to Wexford County Wexford Chamber has launched a new campaign positioning the county as a leading destination for living, working, investing and doing business. The “Look to Wexford” campaign highlights the county’s strong and diverse enterprise ecosystem, showcasing the multinational companies, family businesses and ambitious local enterprises that call Wexford home. At the heart of the campaign is a series of videos and podcasts that tell the stories of people building careers in Wexford, those who have returned to the county and business leaders driving the next generation of innovation and sustainability. The campaign also places a strong emphasis on Wexford’s role in Ireland’s growing green energy sector.

Meath Chamber holds first Business Showcase

Pictured (l to r): Colm Blake, Head of Insurance Marketing, Zurich Insurance; Paula Roche, CEO, County Wexford Chamber; Ed Murphy, President; Suzanne Nance, Executive Director, Wexford Festival Opera; former rugby player Gordon D’Arcy

County Meath Chamber has welcomed a strong response to the first Meath Business Showcase, which took place at the CityNorth Hotel and brought together exhibitors, speakers, sponsors and local stakeholders from across the county to celebrate all things business! Up to 250 businesses attended, including a 60-strong exhibitor line-up. The new event gave SME’s a platform to connect, promote their services, explore opportunities and strengthen local networks. The Chamber expressed sincere thanks to event sponsor Meath County Council, associate sponsor EirGrid and RESPA, sponsor of the Meath Chamber Sustainable Business Forum. The Meath Business Showcase will return on Thursday June 24th 2027.

NI Chamber appoints Neasa Quigley as President NI Chamber has appointed Neasa Quigley, Joint Head of Corporate at Carson McDowell, as its new President. She succeeds Kailash Chada, Group CEO of Phoenix Energy. With more than 25 years’ experience as a corporate lawyer in Belfast and Dublin, Neasa brings significant expertise to the position. She joined Carson McDowell as a Partner in 2010 and served as Senior Partner from 2019 to 2026, overseeing a period of growth during which the legal firm’s turnover increased by more than 60%.

“Stepping into this role, I am motivated by the opportunity to work alongside member businesses that are driving real impact across our economy and supporting NI Chamber to elevate Northern Ireland’s business voice at a national and international level,” said Neasa.

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CHAMBER NEWS

Waterford Chamber President’s Summer Gala

Digitise Drogheda launches Drogheda & District Chamber, in partnership with Louth Local Enterprise Office (LEO) and the Drogheda Digital Hub, have launched the Digitise Drogheda – After Hours workshop series, a new initiative designed to support local businesses on their digital journey. The launch was marked by a special visit from Minister Niamh Smyth, Minister of State with responsibility for Trade Promotion, AI and Digital Transformation, who travelled to Drogheda to formally launch the programme.

The official launch event took place at the Drogheda Digital Hub, where attendees heard opening remarks from Fionnuala Rogers, Manager of the Drogheda Digital Hub, followed by an address from Mayor Declan Power and keynote remarks from Minister Smyth. A panel discussion followed, featuring Minister Smyth, Nikki Campbell, Head of Enterprise at Louth LEO and Robert Murray, Board Member of Drogheda & District Chamber, and was facilitated by Miriam Simon, President of Drogheda & District Chamber.

The Digitise Drogheda workshop series was developed in response to a digital transformation roundtable held at the end of 2025, led by Drogheda & District Chamber, which identified a clear need among local businesses for practical, accessible and locally delivered digital supports.

A highlight on the Chamber calendar, this year’s flagship President’s Summer Gala event, sponsored by AIB Bank, was held on 26th June at the Majestic Hotel in Tramore, Co. Waterford.

Following a drinks reception and an address

by Chamber President Éadaoin Carrick, a selection of Waterford’s newest innovators, participating in the Chamber’s newly launched The Innovators Entrepreneurship Academy, delivered elevator pitches to showcase their business. The Innovators Entrepreneurship Academy is the South East’s newest innovation programme, connecting ambitious entrepreneurs with elite mentors, expert workshops, investors and growth opportunities across the region.

Pictured (l to r): Elena Brante, Calodagh McComisky, Monica Jackman, Sinead O’Neill, Rebecca Skedd, Sharon Ginnetty, Evelyn Fitzmaurice, Linda Barry and Petra Curtis

Dublin Chamber welcomes first step to fast-track critical infrastructure Dublin Chamber has welcomed the Government's decision to designate the first tranche of projects under the Critical Infrastructure Act, describing it as an important milestone in accelerating the delivery of the infrastructure Ireland urgently needs.

Dublin Chamber has consistently called for reforms to speed up the delivery of strategic infrastructure and welcomed the legislation when it was enacted earlier this month.

Following the passage of the Act, Dublin Chamber wrote to Minister Jack Chambers calling on Government to use the new designation powers ambitiously

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and prioritise nationally significant projects including the Eastern and Midlands Water Supply Project, DART+ and the planned LUAS extensions. Dublin Chamber welcomes the announcement that Metrolink, The Eastern and Midlands Water Supply Project and the Greater Dublin Drainage Project have been designated as Critical Infrastructure.

Stephen Browne, Head of Public Affairs at Dublin Chamber, said: "The announcement is a significant step forward and demonstrates that Government is moving quickly to implement one of the most important

reforms to Ireland's infrastructure delivery system in decades.

Ireland has recognised the infrastructure needed to support housing, economic growth and competitiveness but delivery has been too slow. The Critical Infrastructure Act has the potential to change that by ensuring nationally important projects receive greater priority across the planning and consenting system. Passing the legislation was only the first step.

The real measure of success will be whether it results in infrastructure being delivered more quickly. That momentum must now continue."

InBUSINESS | SUMMER 2026

20/08/2026 17:00

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20/08/2026 08/08/2024 10:59 14:46

CHAMBER FEATURE

Backing Ambition AIB reflects on SheVentures: The Courage Edition

A

s Patron Partner of SheVentures: The Courage Edition, AIB was proud to support one of Ireland’s most energising gatherings of entrepreneurs, innovators, investors and business leaders.

Hosted by AwakenHub on Lusty Beg Island from 7–9 June, SheVentures 2026 brought together a dynamic community of founders and supporters with a shared ambition: to build and scale successful businesses, create meaningful economic impact and strengthen Ireland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Across three days, attendees took part in a programme of talks from highcalibre speakers, and benefited from practical insights, candid conversations and valuable networking. What set the event apart was the strong sense of community and collaboration running through every discussion.

Shaping our economy For AIB, supporting initiatives such as SheVentures reflects our long-standing commitment to businesses at every stage of their journey. Entrepreneurs are central to Ireland’s success, creating jobs, driving innovation, strengthening local communities and shaping the future of the economy.

Women-led enterprises are an important part of that story. Across Ireland and beyond, women founders are building ambitious, scalable businesses that solve real-world challenges and create new opportunities. Ensuring they have access to networks, expertise, investment and support is both a business priority and an economic imperative.

That message was evident throughout an impressive speaker programme that encouraged attendees to think differently about leadership, resilience and growth.

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‘When’ not ‘if’ Dominnique Karetsos told attendees that success is often not a question of “if ” but “when” struck a chord with founders navigating the realities of building a business. Nuala Moore’s extraordinary experiences as an extreme swimmer offered compelling lessons on preparation, courage and performing under pressure, while Elizabeth Heron CEO & founder Orange Door encouraged founders to balance ambition with focus and disciplined execution.

While John Hill, Vice President of Story, Whop and Martin Spiller, Oxford Brookes Business School, broadened the conversation further, encouraging participants to embrace innovation and remain open to new possibilities, partnerships and ways of thinking.

Purpose-driven leadership A standout moment came from Sir Tim Smit, co-founder of the Eden Project reflected on innovation, perseverance and entrepreneurial leadership resonated strongly. His account of transforming an abandoned clay pit into one of the world’s most recognised environmental and educational attractions was a masterclass in

vision, determination and purpose-driven leadership. It reinforced a simple truth: transformative ideas often begin with people willing to see opportunity where others see obstacles.

Courage and community While each speaker brought a distinct perspective, common themes emerged – Courage, Resilience, Vision and Community. These themes were echoed not only from the stage, but in conversations throughout the venue as founders shared experiences, lessons learned and practical advice.

One of the most refreshing aspects of SheVentures was its recognition that supporting women entrepreneurs is not a conversation for women alone. The event celebrated female-led enterprise while highlighting the importance of allies, advocates and champions in helping founders succeed.

A particularly engaging session featured the much-discussed “MANel”, a panel of influential male leaders who spoke candidly about their role in supporting women entrepreneurs and creating opportunities for growth. The discussion reinforced an important message: when InBUSINESS | SUMMER 2026

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women-led businesses thrive, the benefits are felt across the wider economy through innovation, employment and growth.

This spirit of partnership sits at the heart of AwakenHub’s mission. Under the leadership of Clare McGee and her team, AwakenHub has built a vibrant community that connects women founders with the resources, expertise and relationships they need to scale and realise their ambitions.

“What struck me most about SheVentures26 was the combination of ambition and generosity."

Elaine Downey, Head of SME, Retail Banking at AIB.

SheVentures Success “SheVentures: The Courage Edition demonstrated the extraordinary strength, resilience and ambition within our community of founders, and this year, they made two clear calls,” said Clare McGee, CEO of AwakenHub, reflecting on the success of SheVentures.

“The first was ‘show me the money’ around strengthening the capital and support ecosystem for women founders, and the other was greater access to customers, investors, international markets and strategic networks.”

“SheVentures brought together founders, investors, corporate partners and advocates who, crucially, are willing to support one another’s success. In doing so, and with the support of our partners in AIB, we were able to create an environment where innovation can flourish, and opportunities

Ambition and generosity

will continue to be unlocked for everyone long after the event.”

The setting of Lusty Beg Island added significantly to the experience. Removed from the pace and distractions of everyday business life, attendees had space to step back, think strategically and engage in deeper conversations. Relationships were strengthened, new collaborations emerged, and valuable connections were forged.

“What struck me most about SheVentures26 was the combination of ambition and generosity,” said Elaine Downey, Head of SME, Retail Banking at AIB. “The founders were focused on building successful businesses yet equally committed to helping one another succeed. Spending time on Lusty Beg Island allowed for deeper conversations and stronger connections and reinforced how important communities such as AwakenHub are in supporting entrepreneurs to realise their potential.

AIB is proud to support initiatives that help founders build confidence, expand their networks and unlock new opportunities.”

The conversations and connections established during SheVentures26 will continue long after attendees have left Lusty Beg Island. For AIB, supporting the event was about more than sponsorship; it was about investing in a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and helping ambitious founders access the opportunities they need to grow.

Showing what’s possible Ireland’s future prosperity depends on the success of its entrepreneurs. Events such as SheVentures26 show what is possible when founders, investors, business leaders and ecosystem partners come together with a shared commitment to innovation, collaboration and growth.

The future is being built by ambitious entrepreneurs willing to challenge convention, embrace opportunity and pursue bold ideas. SheVentures26 was a celebration of that ambition and a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when talent is supported, connections are nurtured, and communities work together.

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CHAMBER CEO Q&A

Forward momentum Limerick Chamber’s new CEO, Donnacha Hurley, on why credibility is so important How is the new role going so far?

It’s been a steep but energising learning curve. Having served as Chamber President previously, I did have some insight into the organisation, but there is a significant difference between governance and running the day-to-day operation.

The breadth of the role is something you don’t fully appreciate until you’re in it.

There is a range of engagements, from lobbying on particular issues with public representatives through to meetings with present and potential members, to ensure we deliver them a great service, and then often hosting one of our regular events in the evening. I came from years working in hospitality, where pace is normal, but this is a different kind of pace entirely, based on the variety of engagements.

Is there any aspect of the role that has surprised you?

The goodwill. I’ve been genuinely struck by how much positive regard there is for the Chamber to represent our members’ interests across a range of issues, along with making sure we curate events and training that meet the needs of a broad range of members, from the micro operations right through to the multinationals.

How is business in Limerick?

Great question as we have come off the back of three major concerts at Thomond Park and all the energy, vibrancy and positivity that they bring, along with an All-Ireland minor title. From a commercial point of view, Limerick is a great place to live and work. In the last few weeks, for example, Cook Medical marked 30 years in the city, hot on the heels of Analog marking 50 years. We have so much going for us. Limerick is punching above its weight as a regional business hub, especially in pharma, medtech and tech. The fundamentals are solid and all

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I’ve been genuinely struck by how much positive regard there is for the Chamber to represent our members’ interests across a range of issues" the ingredients are there, but we are not immune to the broader challenges, and there is genuine anxiety about housing costs and infrastructure holding back the next wave of growth.

What are the main challenges facing businesses?

Limerick Chamber's June 2026 Business Sentiment Survey gives that message hard numbers: • 51% of businesses faced operating cost increases of more than 10% over the past year • 70% identify housing availability and affordability as the single greatest barrier to competitiveness • Nearly one-third have delayed planned investment • Yet two-thirds still intend to invest, and 40% plan to grow their workforce.

Read those figures together and a clear picture emerges. This is not a region losing faith. It is a region full of confidence that keeps running into the same walls. Our members want to expand, hire and build.

They are being held back not by a lack of opportunity, but by a lack of delivery.

How does the Chamber respond to the needs of its members?

We try to be useful at every level. For individual members, it’s about access – to networks, to knowledge and to opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise find. At policy level, it’s about making sure the real pressures our members face are heard by the people making decisions. At city level, it’s about accountability – holding everyone, including ourselves, to deliver on what’s been promised.

What are your ambitions as CEO? I want Limerick Chamber to be regarded as the most credible regional business voice in Ireland. Not the loudest, the most credible. That means being rigorous with evidence, honest about what isn’t working and relentless about following up. If businesses trust us to represent them well, everything else follows. Limerick has the momentum right now. My ambition is to make sure the Chamber delivers on its promise, ensuring that we deliver a great solution for our member organisations to connect, engage and grow.

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20/08/2026 10:18

CHAMBER FEATURE

Reducing burdens on business

Delivering progress Competitiveness and regulatory reform set the agenda ahead of Ireland’s EU Presidency, writes Daniel Traynor

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s Ireland assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the message, and that of Chambers Ireland’s members and partners across the European Chamber network, is clear – competitiveness must sit at the heart of the EU's agenda.

With productivity growth sluggish, global competition intensifying and regulation growing ever more complex, we are urging policymakers to focus on practical measures that help firms invest, grow and create jobs.

Turning plans into results Led by Eurochambres President Vladimír Dlouhý, a Eurochambres delegation, including Chambers Ireland, met with Taoiseach Micheál Martin as part of early engagement on Ireland's Presidency priorities. The meeting provided an opportunity to raise the concerns and priorities of Chambers of Commerce across Europe and highlight business input on the competitiveness agenda.

Following the meeting with the Taoiseach, the delegation participated in an event hosted by Dublin Chamber, where attendees heard from Eurochambres representatives and Chambers Ireland CEO Ian Talbot.

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can turn practical policy outcomes for businesses across Europe. The programme concluded with a Chambers Ireland dinner, providing a further forum for Irish and European business representatives to consider how the Presidency can advance a stronger, more business-focused agenda.

A key opportunity for Ireland Chambers Ireland’s priorities for the Presidency are that it should focus on delivering practical outcomes that strengthen Europe's attractiveness and deliver meaningful legislative progress. That means: 1. Reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens and advancing better regulation 2. Removing barriers within the Single Market and helping businesses scale across borders 3. Progressing trade agreements and strengthening Europe's global competitiveness 4. Improving access to finance for businesses through deeper capital markets 5. Tackling skills shortages and supporting workforce mobility 6. Ensuring affordable, secure and sustainable energy 7. Delivering a stable long-term EU budget that supports innovation, investment and regional development.

A concern of Chamber members is the cumulative weight of regulation, particularly for SMEs operating across multiple EU markets. Individually wellintentioned rules can combine to create significant compliance burdens, which is why we advocate for stronger use of the SME Test to ensure new legislation considers its impact on smaller firms.

Public procurement is also ripe for reform – more consistent procedures would open up public contracts to more SMEs. On the regulatory side, we welcome the Commission's work to identify overlapping legislation. We call on the Presidency to work towards realising President von der Leyen’s initiative to reduce reporting requirements by at least 25% and by 35% for SMEs.

Trade and resilience Amid geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruption, it is imperative that the EU advances trade agreements with likeminded partners and ratifies existing deals more quickly. These agreements would help de-risk supply chains and support more resilient business models.

Balancing sustainability and growth Sustainability and growth should not be treated as competing objectives. Practical measures that accelerate investment in renewables, strengthen energy security, reduce long-term costs and support innovation will be essential if the EU is to remain competitive while meeting its climate ambitions.

Tackling the extraordinary energy costs facing businesses must come first, alongside a fresh commitment to safer, cheaper, and greener power; achieved by modernising the network and building out renewables domestically. Ultimately, a successful term will be measured by tangible progress on the key legislative files towards achieving that objecctive, not least the Grids Package, being brought towards conclusion.

Daniel Traynor is Relationship Executive at Chambers Ireland

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20/08/2026 10:20

CHAMBER FEATURE

From Wealth to Capacity

Pictured (l to r): Margaret Considine, President, Chambers Ireland; Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland

For Chambers Ireland, Budget 2027 represents a critical opportunity to move from ambition to delivery, writes Ronan Ward

C

hambers Ireland’s Pre-Budget Submission 2027 sets out a clear message for Government – Ireland’s economic strength must now be translated into the capacity to deliver.

While headline indicators remain positive, with high employment, strong investment and robust fiscal performance, businesses are operating in an increasingly constrained environment. This is the feedback Chambers Ireland has been receiving from across the Chamber Network over the past year.

Rising costs, housing shortages, infrastructure deficits, skills pressures and delivery bottlenecks are placing significant strain on enterprise and weakening Ireland’s long-term competitiveness.

At the heart of the submission is the view that Budget 2027 must move beyond the question of whether the State has sufficient resources. Instead,

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At the heart of the submission is the view that Budget 2027 must move beyond the question of whether the State has sufficient resources"

the focus must be on how those resources are used to unlock growth, reduce constraints and improve the conditions in which businesses can invest, recruit and expand. We argue that the central challenge facing the economy is national capacity rather than simply wealth creation. Ireland has built a strong economic base, but that strength will only be sustained if the State can deliver the housing, infrastructure, skills and services required to support a growing population and a dynamic enterprise sector.

The submission frames Budget 2027 as a delivery test. It recognises that Ireland’s fiscal position creates opportunities, but also that resources alone will not resolve structural challenges. Investment commitments must be matched by implementation, coordination and accountability. Businesses across the country are seeing the gap between ambition and delivery in practical ways: delayed infrastructure, constrained housing supply, shortages of key skills, grid and utility pressures, and uncertainty around planning timelines.

These issues affect day-to-day operations, but they also shape long-term decisions on investment, expansion and employment.

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Housing is one of the clearest examples of this challenge. The shortage and high cost of housing have become a major barrier for employers, particularly where workers are unable to live within reasonable distance of available jobs. This has direct consequences for recruitment, retention and regional development. When housing supply is limited, businesses face greater difficulty attracting staff, employees face longer commutes or higher living costs, and regions struggle to realise their full economic potential. Housing must therefore be understood not only as a social issue, but as a core economic competitiveness issue. Addressing it requires faster delivery, improved planning, greater coordination between national and local government, and stronger alignment between housing, transport, water, energy and community infrastructure.

Ireland’s wider infrastructure gaps are a growing risk to future growth. Constraints in transport, energy, water and enabling infrastructure are delaying development, increasing costs and limiting the potential of towns, cities and regions. We emphasise that investment must be directed towards projects that remove bottlenecks and support balanced regional development.

A central argument we make is that delivery systems need to be strengthened. Ireland has often been able to identify the right strategic priorities, but implementation has not always kept pace with need.

We have therefore called for clearer accountability, better sequencing of investment, improved public sector capacity and faster implementation of agreed projects. Without this, fiscal resources will not translate into the projects, services and outcomes needed to support enterprise and communities. The issue is not simply the amount of money allocated, but whether the State has the systems, skills and processes required to convert that money into visible results.

For businesses, particularly domestic SMEs, the rising cost of doing business remains an immediate concern. Energy costs, labour costs, insurance, regulatory obligations and broader operating pressures are affecting margins and limiting the capacity of firms to invest. Many SMEs are expected to adapt to new regulations, invest in digitalisation, reduce emissions, improve productivity and compete for talent, all while managing higher input costs and uncertain demand.

Competitiveness cannot be sustained if firms are absorbing escalating costs while also facing delays in the infrastructure, housing and skills systems on which they depend. Budget 2027 should therefore provide practical support for businesses that are central to employment, regional vitality and indigenous growth.

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remains a major strength, a resilient economy also depends on strong domestic businesses that can scale, innovate and invest. Local firms are deeply embedded in communities, support employment across regions and contribute to the vitality of town centres and local economies. Chambers Ireland’s submission calls for measures that improve the operating environment for these firms, reduce unnecessary administrative burdens, support productivity improvements and make it easier for businesses to plan for the future.

Skills and workforce development form another major strand of the submission. Chambers Ireland identifies the National Training Fund as an important resource that should be used more effectively to respond to labour market needs. With businesses facing skills shortages and adapting to digitalisation, artificial intelligence and the transition to a low-carbon economy, the submission calls for more practical, demand-led investment in training and lifelong learning. Training supports should be accessible to SMEs, responsive to employer needs and focused on helping workers and businesses adapt to technological and economic change.

We urge caution in how windfall corporation tax receipts are used. While these revenues provide significant fiscal space, we should not rely on them to fund permanent spending commitments. Instead, temporary revenues should be directed towards longterm investments that strengthen resilience, improve delivery capacity and address structural deficits. The underlying message is that short-term fiscal strength should be used to build long-term national capacity.

Overall, Chambers Ireland’s Pre-Budget Submission 2027 presents Budget 2027 as a critical opportunity to move from ambition to delivery.

Ireland has the resources and economic base needed to sustain growth, but success will depend on whether the State can convert fiscal strength into tangible outcomes. By reducing cost pressures, accelerating housing and infrastructure delivery, supporting indigenous enterprise, investing strategically in skills, and strengthening public delivery capacity, Budget 2027 can help lay the foundations for a more competitive, resilient and regionally balanced economy.

Overall, Chambers Ireland’s Pre-Budget Submission 2027 presents Budget 2027 as a critical opportunity to move from ambition to delivery"

Ronan Ward is Policy and Communications Associate at Chambers Ireland QR Code Caption: “Pre Budget Submission” https://chambers.ie/wp-content/ uploads/2026/06/PBS-2027-Design_ Final_26.06.26.pdf Or Google Chambers Ireland Pre Budget Submission 2027

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CHAMBER FEATURE

Innovation from Brazil Brazilian innovators showcase emerging technologies at Dublin Tech Summit 2026

T

he third Brazilian startup mission was among the highlights of this year’s Dublin Tech Summit, one of Europe's leading technology and innovation events, reinforcing Brazil’s growing presence in the global innovation landscape.

The initiative aimed at accelerating international expansion of Brazilian technology companies while strengthening connections with Ireland's thriving ecosystem of entrepreneurs, investors and research institutions.

The mission was enhanced through a structured preparatory programme of activities to maximise outcomes for participating companies. To provide participants with an insight into Ireland’s innovation ecosystem, three pre-mission webinars were held, featuring leading figures from Ireland’s venture capital, enterprise development and innovation sectors, offering practical guidance on market entry, fundraising and business growth. The programme also included one-to-one advisory sessions, focused on refining investor pitches and developing strategies for expansion into European markets. In Ireland, the programme continued with a series of mentoring sessions at Dogpatch Labs, one of Ireland’s leading startup and innovation hubs.

The Brazilian delegation was composed of three high-growth companies representing some of the most dynamic areas of innovation today – technology, sustainability and life sciences: Brain4Care, Scienco Biotech and Future Cow. Together, they represent some of Brazil's most promising advances in MedTech, Biotech and FoodTech, Brazilian economic sectors that are increasingly gaining international recognition.

Beyond participating in the Summit, the delegation engaged in a series of strategic meetings with Irish industry leaders, investors and innovation hubs, creating

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opportunities for collaboration between two nations that share strong ambitions in technology, life sciences and sustainable development.

Brain4Care: Revolutionising Brain Health Monitoring Brain4Care is tackling one of healthcare's greatest challenges: the early detection of intracranial hypertension and neurological deterioration.

Neurological disorders currently impose an estimated global economic burden of trillions of dollars annually, yet the brain remains one of the least monitored organs in routine healthcare. Traditional intracranial pressure monitoring methods require invasive surgical procedures, restricting their use primarily to intensive care environments and limiting access to preventive neurological monitoring.

Brain4Care has developed a non-invasive wearable sensor that monitors intracranial dynamics in real time. Easily worn around the patient's head, the device detects microscopic cranial deformations generated by each heartbeat and transmits the data

Brain4Care

to an AI-powered cloud platform. This enables clinicians to monitor brain health continuously and intervene before severe neurological damage occurs.

This breakthrough technology has attracted international recognition and received FDA approval. In 2025, Brain4Care was named a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer, placing it among the world's most promising emerging technology companies. The recognition underscores the company's potential to transform neurological care and improve outcomes for millions of patients worldwide.

Currently scaling its recurring-revenue business model, Brain4Care is actively seeking strategic partners and investors to support its international expansion.

Scienco Biotech: Bringing Speed and Precision to Food Quality Testing Scienco Biotech is addressing a growing demand for traceability, quality assurance and value-added production in the dairy and meat industries.

Its flagship innovation, MilkTest A2, enables producers to identify A2 milk within minutes using only a few drops of milk, eliminating the need for complex and costly laboratory-based genetic testing that can take days or weeks to deliver results.

As consumer demand grows for premium functional foods, A2 milk has emerged as an important market segment, believed to be healthier and easier on the digestive system. Scienco Biotech's solution enables farmers, cooperatives and dairy processors to verify milk quality rapidly and efficiently, supporting large-scale production and certification.

The company already exports to Portugal, Colombia, New Zealand and South Korea, demonstrating the global relevance of its technology. Its customer base includes dairy producers, cooperatives, processors, laboratories and organisations specialising InBUSINESS | SUMMER 2026

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Future Cow

Scienco Biotech

in animal genetics and food quality.

Scienco Biotech has also expanded into meat contamination diagnostics, with its solution being used by major Brazilian companies, including JBS, the world’s largest meat processor.

Ireland represents a particularly attractive market for the company. As one of the world's leading dairy exporters, it has built a strong international reputation for quality, sustainability and innovation.

Partnerships between Irish dairy producers and Scienco Biotech could support certified A2 milk production, strengthen export competitiveness and enhance consumer confidence in premium Irish dairy products worldwide.

Future Cow: Reimagining Dairy Production Through Precision Fermentation Future Cow is developing a sustainable alternative to conventional dairy products by producing milk proteins without cows.

The Brazilian FoodTech company uses precision fermentation to create animal-free dairy proteins that are molecularly identical to those found in cow's milk. The process involves programming microorganisms such as yeast, fungi or bacteria to produce milk proteins inside fermentation tanks similar to those used in brewing. The company can create a wide range of InBUSINESS | SUMMER 2026

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Over the past decade, Brazil has become one of Latin America's leading centres for entrepreneurship, producing innovative companies across healthcare, biotechnology, agritech, clean technology and advanced manufacturing"

dairy products, including milk, cheese, yoghurt and nutritional ingredients, while dramatically reducing the environmental footprint associated with traditional livestock farming.

With the global population projected to approach 10 billion by 2050, demand for protein is expected to rise sharply. Future Cow believes precision fermentation can help meet future nutritional needs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption and land use.

Currently in its scale-up phase, Future Cow is working with international partners across the food, biotechnology and alternative protein sectors to validate its technology and accelerate commercial deployment. In Europe, its focus is on developing production partnerships with dairy and food manufacturers, engaging investors and expanding within the continent's growing biotechnology ecosystem.

Brazil's Innovation Ecosystem Gains Global Momentum Brazil has experienced its largest wave of investment in science, technology and innovation in modern history. The country's presence at Dublin Tech Summit reflected the growing international ambition and maturity of its innovation ecosystem.

Over the past decade, Brazil has become

one of Latin America's leading centres for entrepreneurship, producing innovative companies across healthcare, biotechnology, agritech, clean technology and advanced manufacturing. Strong research capabilities, a large domestic market and an expanding pool of entrepreneurial talent have created an environment for globally competitive businesses.

Brazilian startups are expanding beyond their domestic market, targeting Europe, North America and other international innovation hubs. Participation in global technology events, engagement with investors and collaboration with research institutions are becoming central to their growth strategies.

Brain4Care, Scienco Biotech and Future Cow represent this new generation of Brazilian innovators. Their technologies address global challenges ranging from healthcare accessibility and sustainable food production to scientific advancement and environmental resilience.

For Ireland, this presents an opportunity to engage with a rapidly evolving innovation ecosystem developing technologies with significant commercial potential. Brazil's next generation of technology companies is positioned not only to compete globally, but also to contribute to solving some of the world's most pressing technological and sustainability challenges.

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CHAMBER FEATURE

Washington Wake-Up Call Ian Talbot and Vladimír Dlouhý on what Irish business can learn from America’s new approach to trade

A

t the end of June, we joined a Eurochambres delegation to Washington DC. The visit came at a pivotal moment for European businesses as the transatlantic trading relationship continues to undergo profound change. Eurochambres represents more than 20 million companies across Europe, the vast majority of them small and mediumsized enterprises that depend on stable international trading conditions to grow and compete.

Our delegation met senior officials from the US Department of Commerce, the Office of the United States Trade Representative, the State Department, members of Congress, leading think tanks and business organisations, including the US Chamber of Commerce.

The discussions were frank, detailed and remarkably open. While significant differences remain between European and American perspectives on trade and competitiveness, there was no shortage of willingness to engage constructively.

For Irish businesses, the visit offered an important insight into how American policymakers increasingly view Europe and the wider global economy.

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A Different American Mindset The discussions were frank, detailed and remarkably open.

While significant differences remain between European and American perspectives on trade and competitiveness, there was no shortage of willingness to engage constructively"

Perhaps the most striking lesson was that many of the assumptions Europeans hold about the United States no longer apply.

There is a tendency in Europe to focus on the rhetoric and headline-grabbing statements that dominate political coverage. However, behind the political theatre sits a much broader consensus in Washington that the United States must rebuild domestic industrial capacity, reduce dependence on overseas supply chains and place greater emphasis on manufacturing and strategic production. That view extends far beyond any single administration.

Even among policymakers and analysts who disagree with aspects of current US trade policy, there is widespread concern about the resilience of global supply chains, the rise of China and the perceived weaknesses of international trade institutions. Many believe that traditional free-trade approaches have not delivered sufficient benefits to large parts of American society.

For Europe, this means that expectations of a rapid return to the pre-2016 consensus on global trade are InBUSINESS | SUMMER 2026

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likely misplaced. Future administrations may adopt a different tone, but the direction of travel appears unlikely to change significantly. Protection of domestic economic interests is now deeply embedded in the American political landscape. Interestingly we also heard in many of our engagements that America is just not interested in European arguments about running a deficit in Services as they don’t find the statistics to stand up to scrutiny.

Europe Must Listen Carefully While European businesses may disagree with many American conclusions, it would be a mistake to dismiss all of their criticisms.

Repeatedly during our meetings, concerns were expressed about Europe's regulatory environment.

American businesses struggle to understand the complexity of some EU regulations and frequently regard them as burdensome, costly and difficult to implement. Measures relating to sustainability reporting, due diligence obligations and carbon-related regulation were often cited as examples.

The truth is that many European business organisations have voiced similar concerns. Across Ireland and Europe, chambers of commerce have consistently called for better regulation, reduced administrative burdens and a stronger focus on competitiveness. Europe's ambition on sustainability remains important, but policies must be designed in a way that allows businesses to remain competitive while delivering on environmental objectives.

This message has particular relevance in Ireland.

As a small open economy, our prosperity depends on investment, innovation and international competitiveness. Regulatory requirements that are difficult to navigate can disproportionately affect SMEs, which often lack the resources available to larger multinational firms to address the regulations.

The Competitiveness Challenge Another theme that emerged consistently throughout the visit was competitiveness. American policymakers increasingly view economic strength through the lens of technological leadership and industrial policy.

They see innovation, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and energy security as central to longterm competitiveness.

For many participants in our discussions, the key question was not whether America is facing challenges, but whether Europe is moving quickly enough to respond to global competition.

This should resonate strongly in Ireland. Europe remains home to world-class companies, research institutions and highly skilled workers. Yet many InBUSINESS| SEASON | SUMMER 2026 InBUSINESS 20XX

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The most important lesson from Washington was not about tariffs or trade negotiations. It was about mindset. The United States is moving with purpose in pursuit of a clearer economic strategy focused on competitiveness, resilience and technological leadership"

business leaders increasingly worry that investment decisions are being slowed by fragmented markets, complex regulation and lengthy decision-making processes.

The reports of former Italian Prime Ministers Mario Draghi and Enrico Letta have already highlighted the need for Europe to deepen its Single Market, strengthen capital markets and improve its ability to commercialise innovation. The arguments we heard in Washington reinforced the urgency of those recommendations. Europe’s future competitiveness will depend not simply on identifying the right policies, but on implementing them quickly.

What It Means for Ireland For Ireland, maintaining strong links with both Europe and the United States remains critical. The United States continues to be one of Ireland’s most important economic partners, while membership of the European Union provides access to the world's largest integrated market. Our success has long depended on our ability to bridge these relationships effectively.

The challenge now is to avoid being caught between competing economic visions. Europe cannot afford to become more inward-looking, nor can it ignore legitimate concerns about competitiveness. Equally, it must continue to defend the value of open markets, rules-based trade and international cooperation.

Irish businesses have a particular interest in ensuring that transatlantic relations remain stable and predictable. Uncertainty regarding tariffs, regulations or market access inevitably creates challenges for companies planning investment, hiring and expansion.

A Clear Takeaway The most important lesson from Washington was not about tariffs or trade negotiations. It was about mindset. The United States is moving with purpose in pursuit of a clearer economic strategy focused on competitiveness, resilience and technological leadership. Whether one agrees with every aspect of that approach is almost beside the point.

For Europe, and for Ireland, the message is simple: we cannot assume that past successes will guarantee future prosperity. If we want to remain globally competitive, we must accelerate decision-making, complete the Single Market, reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens and create an environment in which businesses can innovate and grow.

The transatlantic partnership remains enormously important. But as our discussions in Washington made clear, Europe will be a stronger partner when it is also a stronger competitor. That begins with getting our own house in order.

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CHAMBER FEATURE

Reshaping Retirement Niall Fitzgerald on why auto-enrolment is the quiet revolution reshaping Ireland’s retirement landscape

A defining feature is the State top up.

For every €3 an employee contributes, the State will contribute €1. For those in AE, this mechanism replaces traditional marginal rate tax relief and is intended to be easy to understand and clearly visible on members’ statements"

I

reland’s long-awaited auto-enrolment (AE) pension system is no longer a policy concept, it’s a day-to-day reality for employers and employees. Its headline goal is simple – to increase retirement saving across the workforce.

But beneath that simplicity lies a reform that is already changing employer behaviour, reshaping employee expectations and redefining the role of financial advice in the corporate pension space.

The heart of the AE story is not just what we know so far, but some additional elements such as transferability and additional contributions, that are still to be finalised – and how these will ultimately shape Ireland’s long term retirement landscape.

A system designed for simplicity The AE framework is built around one core idea: remove inertia as a barrier to retirement saving.

Eligible employees were automatically enrolled into My Future Fund, via a three way contribution model: » Employee contributions » Employer contributions » A State Top-Up The structure is deliberately standardised.

Contribution rates are fixed and applied to gross salary, up to a cap of €80,000. Investment options are streamlined to make decision making easier for members entering the system for the first time.

A defining feature is the State top up. For every €3 an employee contributes, the State will contribute €1.

For those in AE, this mechanism replaces traditional marginal rate tax relief and is intended to be easy to understand and clearly visible on members’ statements.

Contribution rates will not remain static though.

They will step up in phases, with scheduled increases in 2029, 2032 and 2035. Each of these milestones is likely to act as a market “shock point”, triggering shifts in behaviour among employers, employees and providers.

Behaviour is already changing Early evidence points to strong growth in existing pension scheme membership, particularly within master trust structures, reflecting both increased

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awareness and the mandatory requirement to save for retirement.

However, not all cohorts are reacting in the same way. Higher-rate taxpayers continue to favour traditional occupational pension schemes and PRSAs (Personal Retirement Savings Account), where marginal tax relief remains a powerful incentive.

This is creating the early outlines of a two tier system, distinguished by » Income level » Tax treatment » Perceived value of State top-up vs tax relief Understanding these dynamics will be critical for employers as they shape their benefit strategies.

A new set of pressure points for employers For employers, AE is not just an operational requirement; it is also a strategic issue.

The framework introduced minimum employer contribution standards that existing pension arrangements must meet from December 2025 onwards. While many schemes were already above these minimums, the real test will come as mandatory contribution levels rise over time - the next one approaching in 2029. Employers will need to ensure that: » Current scheme designs either meet or exceed AE requirements at each future milestone » Cost projections and budgets incorporate these scheduled increases » Benefit structures remain competitive and coherent as employee expectations evolve In practical terms, employers have a relatively narrow planning window, roughly 2.5 to 5.5 years, to future proof their pension offerings. Treating this as a once off compliance exercise is risky; the more sustainable approach is to build in flexibility that can accommodate further regulatory or market change.

The big unknowns Despite its strong structural framework, AE still leaves several important design questions open.

Opt out rates will be one of the earliest and most important indicators of success. International evidence suggests that AE opt out rates tend to be relatively low. For example, latest UK data from The Pensions Regulator and NEST (National Employment Savings Trust) consistently indicates opt out rates broadly in the high single digits to low teens, typically around 10%.

Ireland’s experience could differ, given: » Cost of living pressures » Housing affordability challenges » The strong focus on younger and early career workers If opt out rates are significantly higher than expected InBUSINESS | SUMMER 2026

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scheme decumulation options that can provide simple, guided pathways. This is particularly important given AE’s focus on individuals who historically have not engaged with financial planning or advisory services.

A System in Motion

the system’s impact on long term retirement adequacy may need to be revisited.

How flexible will AE become?

The level of flexibility built into the system will be another key determinant of success. Several aspects remain to be clarified: » Will members be able to make Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs)? » If so, will AVCs attract the same State top up as core contributions? » Will it be possible to transfer savings between AE and non AE schemes - and if so, in one direction only, or both?

Allowing bidirectional transfers could be highly disruptive - in a positive and challenging sense. It would: » Change how employees view the “portability” of their retirement savings » Influence employer decisions about offering their own schemes versus relying on AE.

What happens at retirement?

Initially, the question of retirement options will be largely theoretical, as member pots will be relatively small. Over time, however, this will become central.

Key considerations include: » What in scheme retirement solutions, such as drawdown, will be available? » How will members - many of whom may have limited prior exposure to financial advice - navigate complex decisions around income in retirement?

There is a strong strategic argument for integrated, in

Zurich has been helping employers and trustees in Ireland make the right decisions about their employees’ futures for over 40 years"

AE should be viewed as a living system rather than a finished product. Its defined parameters are already influencing behaviour, but its outstanding design decisions will shape: » How flexible and member centric it can become » How sustainable it will be for the State and for employers » How effectively it can improve retirement outcomes for the next generation For Zurich, several implications are clear: » Employers need to act: to assess their schemes, model future contribution steps, and decide on their long term strategy versus AE » Employees will have easier access than ever to a retirement savings vehicle - but will still need clear, trusted information to make good choices.

AE might appear straightforward at first glance.

In truth, it is one of the most significant overhauls of Ireland’s retirement system in decades – and we are only starting to see its full implications.

Auto-enrolment and retirement planning are not “set and forget” choices. Personal situations, financial markets and regulatory environment will all evolve over time – and your pension strategy needs to evolve with them.

Make it a habit to stay in regular contact with your financial advisor and pension provider.

Why Zurich?

Companies are choosing the Zurich Master Trust to avail of our many decades of experience in the Irish market. Zurich has been helping employers and trustees in Ireland make the right decisions about their employees’ futures for over 40 years – we have experts across all strands from trusteeship to investment management through to onboarding and administration, contribution collection and payment of benefits. Visit zurichcorporate.ie to find out more. *Source: Zurich Life, June 2026 Niall Fitzgerald is Head of Retirement Solutions at Zurich Zurich Life Assurance plc is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

WARNING: This product may be affected by changes in currency exchange rates. Warning: The value of your investment may go down as well as up. WARNING: If you invest in this product, you may lose some or all of the money you invest.

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CHAMBER FEATURE

Easy Wins SEAI supports are giving businesses a competitive edge

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etween rising costs, day-today business operations and keeping customers happy, most business owners are focused on keeping multiple plates spinning. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) recognises that the diverse Irish business sector is experiencing multiple pressures to stay competitive and so is offering a suite of energy supports to meet a variety of business needs.

“We want to show all SMEs what’s available to them – from free training and energy audits to rapid approval grants – that can help them start making changes and saving costs, straight away. The interest and uptake in our business supports is huge and growing. We provided grant support of over €80 million to over 7,000 businesses in the last two years alone,” says Fergus Sharkey, Head of SEAI Business Supports.

Showing businesses how to start with zero-cost actions Saving energy doesn’t have to involve a huge budget or a complete business overhaul – this is the message behind the SEAI’s "Easy Wins" campaign, which features businesses from different sectors and the savings they’ve made on their annual energy bills.

“An easy win is simply to start your journey,” says Fergus. “Search SEAI Easy Wins and you’ll find lots of examples of businesses that have already taken those first steps.”

The first step is engaging with SEAI’s free training in energy management or applying for a – for most businesses – free SME energy audit voucher. These steps are what any business can take at zero cost, a little effort and gain a lot more knowledge.

And very often, the easiest wins are hiding

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Fergus Sharkey, Head of SEAI Business Supports

in plain sight.

“An energy audit means businesses can bring in an energy expert to take a look at where energy is being used and where savings could be made quite quickly. Often, easy wins are sitting there and businesses just haven’t had the time to identify them.

Even something basic like whether the business is on a competitive electricity rate.

And we pay the energy expert directly for the audit so for the business, this step really is a win-win,” says Fergus.

Businesses can then take the upgrades recommended in their energy audit one step at a time, choosing upgrades that suit their budget, building type and day-to-day operations instead of feeling pressure to do everything overnight.

Getting an energy audit first is what John Ryan, of Pembroke Kilkenny, a 4-star boutique hotel, recommends to others. It’s how they started their energy-efficiency journey, before taking further steps to improve the amount and type of energy being used in the hotel. With the support of SEAI, the hotel underwent a series of energy upgrade works, phased across six years, resulting in annual cost savings of €36,090 and 107 tCO2eq.

We want to show all SMEs what’s available to them – from free training and energy audits to rapid approval grants – that can help them start making changes and saving costs, straight away" While some businesses might eventually move towards bigger upgrades, like Pembroke Kilkenny, many savings can start much sooner than expected. Fergus points to practical improvements like smarter building controls and solar PV as investments that can begin paying off almost immediately.

“As soon as they’re installed and turned on, they’re saving you money and making an impact on your energy costs. It helps businesses start to feel like they’re getting a handle on their energy costs.”

MSA Safety is a manufacturer of safety products based in Galway. After commissioning an energy audit for their site, it was found that the heating and cooling costs were significant, while they also had ongoing issues with staff comfort throughout the year.

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The lack of sufficient ceiling insulation was the major cause of this issue. A comprehensive roof insulation project was planned to address this issue. In conjunction with their contractor, the MSA Safety energy team devised an innovative and cost-efficient approach to allow them to install insulation above the low-level ceiling grid. Support was provided by SEAI via the SEAI Business Energy Upgrade Scheme.

The project extended over 1000m2 of roof insulation over all areas including the factory floor and offices.

MSA Safety have since installed a modern energy measurement and monitoring system which monitors their electricity, gas and water, allowing them to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs over time. The annual energy cost savings amounted to €24,000 plus, an estimated carbon reduction of 14tCO2eq.

Abcon Industrial Products is another such business that made savings with just two energy upgrade measures. Based in Cavan, the manufacturing company installed solar PV with SEAI grant support under the Non-Domestic Microgen Scheme (NDMG) and replaced their leaky roof, through SEAI’s Business Energy Upgrades Scheme (BEUS). The new roofing system improves insulation and so reduces heat loss, while the solar PV installation now offsets a significant portion of their daily

electricity demand, saving them €66,500 off their energy bills every year, as well as 110tCO2eq.

SEAI energy supports help streamline business operations For busy business owners, it’s more about finding practical ways to stop money disappearing out the door every month.

“There was a time when investing in sustainable practices was primarily driven by enhancing your business’s reputation or just trying to do the right thing for the planet. Now that has become a strategic imperative. You can’t run a business if you

As soon as they're installed and turned on, they're saving you money and making an impact on your energy costs. It helps businesses start to feel like they're getting a handle on their energy costs”

Lisa Preston, Environmental Health and Safety Specialist II, MSA Safety

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are exposed to volatile energy costs every couple of years.”

With 2026 business grant applications to SEAI increasing by 50% so far from last year, companies from all sectors are starting to discover that taking that first step doesn’t have to be nearly as complicated or as painful as they once thought.

To find out more about SEAI’s range of rapid approval business grants and supports, including energy management training, energy audits, solar PV, insulation and building energy management systems, visit seai.ie/ easywins or search “SEAI Easy Wins”

John Ryan, Owner/Manager, Pembroke Hotel

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IB PARTNER PROFILE

50 years of powering Ireland Catherine Lonergan on how Bord Gáis Energy is supporting customers at every stage of their energy transition

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or 50 years, Bord Gáis Energy has been at the heart of Irish homes, businesses and communities. With proud roots in Bord Gáis Éireann, we’ve built a legacy of powering progress across Ireland.

Today, as Ireland undergoes one of the most significant energy transformations in its history, we’re working in partnership with our customers to help lead the transition to a greener future, empowering them to truly know their power.

Recent years have highlighted how exposed energy systems can be to global shocks, bringing rising costs, uncertainty and a renewed focus on resilience.

Alongside rapid technological change and the urgency of climate action, this is reshaping how energy is produced, used and valued. In this context, customers are looking for clarity, control and practical ways to cut bills, reduce carbon and plan with confidence. This is driving a fundamental shift at Bord Gáis Energy as we move from a traditional utility to a modern energy partner.

Serving over 715,000 residential and business customers nationwide, we are progressing towards net zero by 2040 while supporting our customers on their journey to net zero by 2050. Delivering on this ambition requires sustained investment, innovation and integrated energy solutions that reflect customers’ evolving needs.

Backed by our parent company, Centrica plc, we’re investing €1 billion over five years (2024-2029) to accelerate the energy transition. This investment is enabling the development of innovative, customer-focused solutions while

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RECOGNISING THAT EVERY HOME IS DIFFERENT, WE MEET CUSTOMERS WHEREVER THEY ARE ON THEIR ENERGY JOURNEY. AS AN SEAI-RECOGNISED ONE STOP SHOP, WE PROVIDE A TRUSTED, END-TO-END PATHWAY FOR DEEP HOME ENERGY RETROFITS, SIMPLIFYING WHAT CAN OFTEN BE A COMPLEX PROCESS, FROM GRANTS TO FINANCING.

strengthening the resilience of the infrastructure that underpins Ireland’s energy system.

We offer a broad and evolving range of solutions designed to support progress across the country. All our electricity plans are powered by 100% renewable electricity and we’re expanding access to technologies that give customers greater control, from smart tariffs and heating controls to EV chargers, solar, heat pumps and advanced energy management systems.

Empowering customers starts with building confidence. Through our

Know Your Power platform, we’re helping to demystify energy, providing customers with the clarity and tools they need to make informed decisions and demonstrating that sustainability and affordability can go hand in hand.

We’re also enabling customers to play a more active role in Ireland’s energy system. Following our acquisition of Swyft Energy, we’re targeting more than 12,000 solar installations in homes across Ireland by 2029. Our collaboration with the Irish Farmers’ Association is extending these benefits to farms nationwide through tailored solar solutions.

Recognising that every home is different, we meet customers wherever they are on their energy journey. As an SEAI-recognised One Stop Shop, we provide a trusted, end-to-end pathway for deep home energy retrofits, simplifying what can often be a complex process, from grants to financing.

The trust we’ve built with our customers over five decades remains one of our greatest strengths. As we look ahead, that trust will continue to shape how we partner with customers to help lead Ireland’s energy transition and deliver a greener, fairer future for generations to come.

Catherine Lonergan is Director of Customer & Commercial at Bord Gáis Energy.

InBUSINESS | SUMMER 2026

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20/07/2026 15:26

Support local to lift us all

AllAll Rise Rise ChampionGreen.ie

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IB PARTNER PROFILE

Customs Made Simple DHL Express simplifies customs, helping your business trade with confidence worldwide

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nternational trade has changed significantly in recent years, creating new challenges for businesses selling overseas. For many SMEs, customs can seem complex and liable to cause delays when shipping internationally. The good news is that customs don’t have to be complicated. DHL Express helps businesses navigate customs requirements every day, enabling them to trade confidently across borders and unlock new opportunities for growth.

KNOW YOUR COSTS One of the biggest challenges for businesses entering new markets is understanding the full cost of shipping internationally.

Many exporters assume that once they have paid for shipping, there are no additional charges. However, customs duties and taxes are set by the destination country and can vary significantly. Understanding these costs helps businesses avoid unexpected charges, price products accurately, protect profit margins and deliver a better customer experience.

DHL Express offers My Global Trade Services (MyGTS), a tool that helps businesses estimate the total cost of shipping internationally, including transportation costs, customs duties, taxes, and other import-related charges. Having this

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information in advance helps businesses budget more effectively and price their products with confidence.

PAPERWORK International shipments require accurate paperwork and documentation, and customs requirements vary between countries. Some products, such as textiles and cosmetics, may also require additional licences, permits or certificates.

Complete and accurate documentation, especially the commercial invoice, helps avoid delays and extra charges. Incorrect or incomplete information on a commercial invoice can lead to customs delays, additional charges and a poor customer experience.

A detailed goods description is one of the most important parts of a commercial invoice. Describe what the item is, what it is used for and what it is made from.

For example, instead of writing ‘apparel’, businesses should instead write ‘women’s T-shirt made of 100% cotton’. Clear descriptions like this help customs authorities process shipments correctly.

UNDERSTANDING HS CODES Every product shipped internationally requires a Harmonised System (HS) Code.

These codes help customs authorities

identify products and calculate duties and taxes. Each import country has its own table of duty rates associated with each HS Code. Using the correct HS Code helps prevent delays, penalties and unnecessary costs. However, with thousands of classifications available, identifying the correct code can be challenging for businesses.

DHL Express provides tools and support to help businesses identify the correct code. Businesses should also remember that undervaluing goods can lead to financial penalties, customs audits and shipment delays. Providing accurate values is essential for compliance and smooth customs clearance.

DHL CAN HELP Customs may seem complicated, but with the right support it becomes much easier to manage. Operating in more than 220 countries and territories, DHL Express helps businesses navigate customs requirements and trade confidently across borders.

Scan the QR code to open an account with DHL Express and get shipping with the logistics and customs experts!

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IB PARTNER PROFILE

Empowering Teams Develop new skills and boost your business with Skills to Advance from SOLAS

I

rish companies face a constantly changing business environment.

With global and national economic shifts, climate change, and advances in technology, local enterprises need to remain agile and adaptable. Skills to Advance is a national upskilling initiative, created and funded by SOLAS, that assists business owners to develop new skills in their teams and increase their competitiveness through highly subsidised training.

Delivered flexibly by the 16 Education and Training Boards (ETBs) around Ireland, Skills to Advance programmes are accredited and available to companies of all sizes. Employers and employees can choose from in-person, online or blended learning formats, with tutor support and online resources to enhance the learning experience.

One such business benefitting from Skills to Advance upskilling is Great Southern Killarney, a landmark hotel that first opened its doors in 1854. While speaking to Caoimhe Spillane, Cluster HR Manager at Great Southern Hotel, about how the hotel has maintained such a stronghold in the hospitality industry, she details: “Our team is at the heart of everything we do, and providing opportunities for development not only strengthens individual confidence and skills but also supports the continued success of our business.”

The constant and rapid development of the hospitality industry is a key motivator for the hotel to upskill their team. To this, Spillane says: “We want our team to feel empowered, adaptable, and ready to embrace new challenges. The programme offers practical learning that complements their day-to-day roles while encouraging creativity. It also aligns with our values of inclusivity and open communication, ensuring that every team member feels supported and valued in their growth journey.”

Employees completed several programmes with their local Education and

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OUR TEAM IS AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING WE DO, AND PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEVELOPMENT NOT ONLY STRENGTHENS INDIVIDUAL CONFIDENCE AND SKILLS BUT ALSO SUPPORTS THE CONTINUED SUCCESS OF OUR BUSINESS Training Board, Kerry ETB, including Developing Your Leadership Style and Motivating People in the Workplace.

Speaking of their experience with the ETB, Spillane notes: “Our experience with the ETB has been extremely positive.

From the outset, the team were approachable, supportive, and made the process very straightforward. The course delivery was clear, engaging, and tailored to suit the needs of our team, which ensured that the learning was both practical and enjoyable. Accessibility was excellent, with flexibility that worked well alongside their busy schedules. The content itself was highly relevant, providing valuable skills that could be applied immediately in the workplace.”

Spillane’s parting message to any business owner or employee considering a Skills to Advance course is this: “My advice would be simple — do it! The Skills to Advance courses are a fantas-

tic opportunity to invest in your team.

They’re accessible, practical, and designed to build confidence as well as skills. The support from the ETB makes the whole process straightforward, and the impact on day-to-day work is immediate. It’s a chance to grow, to feel empowered, and to bring real value back to your workplace.”

Since 2019, over 127,000 training opportunities have been availed of under the initiative. All Skills to Advance programmes are accredited at Levels 5 and 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications. A wide range of programmes are available in areas such as AI and digital skills, manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, leadership and management, sustainability skills, and more.

To explore available programmes or discuss a tailored training solution, contact your local ETB today or visit skillstoadvance.ie InBUSINESS | SUMMER 2026

20/08/2026 10:47

IB PARTNER PROFILE

Turned Down for Business Finance? Help is available Independent support for businesses and farms seeking lending solutions

D

id you know that if you have been turned down for business or farm finance you can appeal your banks decision? The government-backed Credit Review Service provides a simple and affordable appeals process to help SMEs and farms challenge bank decisions on business lending. It focuses on viability or ability to repay the credit sought.

Following a review, almost 80% of businesses assessed as viable by Credit Review have been offered a loan or credit solution by their bank. Requests for

credit facilities up to €3 million, such as overdrafts, term loans or asset finance, from participating banks (AIB, Bank of Ireland and PTSB) can be reviewed.

Reviews are not just for new credit applications: existing credit facilities that are being restructured, reduced or even withdrawn are also eligible.

HOW DOES IT WORK? When you apply to Credit Review, one of its experienced credit reviewers will independently assess your case. They will consider whether your business or farm is viable and whether it has the capacity to repay the finance requested or meet any proposed restructuring arrangements.

Once the review is complete, they will issue an independent Credit Review Opinion to both you and your bank,

setting out our assessment of the bank’s lending decision.

NEXT STEPS If you’re having difficulty accessing business credit, contact Credit Review. Its helpline offers free, practical guidance and can help you understand your options. In many cases, credit issues can be resolved without the need for a formal appeal.

Or visit the website for a range of clear, easy-to-understand guides on banking and business finance, designed to help SMEs and farmers navigate the lending process with confidence.

For more information on the independent appeals process and information services, visit creditreview.ie or call the helpline on 0818 211789.

Working for Your Region Find out more at: www.westerndevelopment.ie InBUSINESS | SEASON 2025

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IB PARTNER PROFILE

Twenty Years On: Why Access to Finance Remains Critical for SME Growth

By Mark O’Rourke, Managing Director, Bibby Financial Services Ireland Irish SMEs remain ambitious, but a changing funding landscape is making access to finance more important than ever, says Mark O’Rourke

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rish SMEs are no strangers to uncertainty. Having weathered the financial crisis, the pandemic and subsequent economic disruption, businesses continue to adapt to rising costs, inflationary pressures, supply chain disruption and global uncertainty. Yet despite these challenges, ambition remains strong - with business owners increasingly working alongside their advisers to navigate funding decisions.

For the past 20 years, Bibby Financial Services has worked alongside businesses across the island of Ireland through periods of economic growth, market change and financial uncertainty. While the challenges facing SMEs continue to evolve, one factor remains constant: access to finance remains critical to business growth. Recent findings from Bibby’s SME Confidence Tracker highlight the increasing importance of funding, with many SMEs looking to invest, expand capacity, recruit talent and pursue new opportunities. As businesses continue to adapt to changing economic conditions, access to flexible finance is playing an increasingly important role in helping them achieve their growth ambitions. While demand for external finance is increasing with 46% of SMEs reporting a greater need for funding and 51% more likely to seek it access is becoming more constrained. More than half (56%) believe finance is harder to secure, while 52% feel traditional lenders are becoming increasingly cautious.

Businesses are no longer seeking finance solely to manage short-term pressures.

Increasingly, they are using it to invest, expand and pursue strategic growth opportunities. Whether investing in technology, recruiting talent, expanding capacity or pursuing acquisition opportunities, decisions are increasingly

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judged on their ability to improve productivity, strengthen resilience and deliver measurable returns.

In that environment, flexible funding solutions have an important role to play.

Invoice finance, for example, allows businesses to access cash tied up across their sales ledger, in the form of unpaid invoices, providing an ongoing source of working capital rather than waiting 30, 60 or 90 days for customer payments. Because funding is linked directly to sales/turnover, it works as a revolving facility that grows alongside the business, helping businesses manage cashflow while continuing to invest in growth to scale.

This is particularly relevant for businesses where sales are strong but cashflow is tight, where payment cycles are stretching, or where access to traditional lending options is more limited or less flexible.

Over the past 20 years, we have seen first-hand how access to working capital can transform a business’s ability to seize opportunities. We have also seen how the right funding partner, with a strong understanding of how a business operates, can help businesses navigate uncertainty while maintaining momentum.

Today, at Bibby Financial Services, we provide more than €1 million in new funding limits every week to Irish SMEs,

helping businesses take on larger contracts, invest in stock and recruit with confidence.

As Ireland’s largest independent SME funder, at Bibby Financial Services, we support businesses across sectors including manufacturing, food and beverage, wholesale, transport, construction, recruitment and professional services.

While much has changed over the past two decades, its purpose remains the same helping SMEs access the funding they need to grow.

As the funding landscape continues to evolve, alternative and government-backed finance is playing an increasingly important role. Through our long-standing partnership with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI), we’ve helped widen access to working capital for businesses that may not meet traditional lending criteria.

For many SMEs and their advisers, funding is no longer simply about managing cash flow - it’s a strategic enabler of growth.

As businesses continue to invest, expand and adapt, having access to flexible finance will remain central to turning ambition into opportunity.

Mark O’Rourke is Managing Director of Bibby Financial Services Ireland. To partner with us call 01 297 4911 or visit bibbyfs.ie InBUSINESS | SUMMER 2026

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74 Minister Calleary turns sod on new €7.4m Ballintubber Abbey Culture and Heritage Visitor Centre; new AbbVie Greenway Link project officially opened; Sligo County Council launches major community fund to support Tidy Towns and local environmental action.

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First-of-its-kind National Biorefinery Pilot Plant and Bioeconomy Demonstration Initiative launched in Tipperary; Limerick City and County SME Action Plan launched to drive enterprise growth; contracts signed for N25 Midleton to Youghal Transport Project.

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Kells Printing Works opens in Meath; new strategy sets out vision for Louth to become a leading tourism destination; South Dublin County Council and EnergyCloud launch surplus renewable energy initiative.

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Belfast City Council sparks creative growth with investment in local artists and cultural projects; Bord Iascaigh Mhara and Donegal County Council launch blue bioeconomy report to drive seafood sector innovation; leaders gather at Stormont to launch North West Strategic Growth Plan and sign landmark health partnership.

From left: President Catherine Connolly; Claire Power, Director, Poetry Ireland; and Anne O’Donoghue, CEO, Irish Heritage Trust. Photo by Tony Maxwell

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oetry Ireland and the Irish Heritage Trust welcomed President Catherine Connolly, who officially opened No. 11 Parnell Square, Ireland’s Home for Poetry and Heritage, at an event also attended by James Browne TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage of Ireland. This landmark €5.5m conservation and restoration programme was completed in March and made possible by funds (€3.9m) received from the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) under Project Ireland 2040. A further €1.55m was secured for the project by the Irish Heritage Trust and Poetry Ireland from philanthropy and other sources. This milestone in the development of Parnell Square’s cultural quarter marks the completion of the conservation-led refurbishment, led by McCullough Mulvin Architects. It breathes new life into an iconic Georgian building that holds over 300 years of history, from its genteel beginnings to periods of political unrest and shifting patterns of urban life.

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CORK TRANSPORT PROJECT UNDERWAY

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[ COUNTY MEATH ] The official sod-turning ceremony took place in June for the new Kilcloon Community Centre.

The development, which is expected to cost approximately €2.8m, will deliver a modern, multipurpose facility at the heart of the community, incorporating a large community hall, meeting rooms, dedicated youth space and essential amenities. The new centre will provide a central hub for community groups, schools and organisations, supporting a wide range of activities, events and initiatives. Construction will continue to progress in the coming months, with the centre expected to be completed by the middle of 2027.

From left: Chief Executive of Meath County Council, Kieran Kehoe; An Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr Wayne Harding; Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD; and Willie Rattigan from the Kilcloon Community Centre Committee.

1.7M+ people visited Meath heritage sites in 2024 and 2025

Recent statistics from the Office of Public Works (OPW) have revealed that Meath’s heritage sites attracted over 1.7m visitors across 2024 and 2025.

The figures show that approximately 1,761,180 people visited OPW-managed heritage sites in County Meath over the twoyear period, placing it among the most visited counties in Ireland from a heritage perspective.

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Kells Printing Works opens in Meath

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eath County Council officially opened Kells Printing Works in June, marking a significant milestone in the cultural and creative development of Kells and the wider county. The project, which cost almost €1.8m, was formally opened by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, alongside An Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr Wayne Harding.

The Kells Printing Works has been carefully restored following a multi-year effort involving community groups,

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee; Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD; An Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr Wayne Harding; Chief Executive of Meath County Council, Kieran Kehoe; and Minister for State, Thomas Byrne with local councillors from Kells Municipal District, politicians and Meath County Council executives.

artists, craftspeople and Meath County Council. The historic printing presses and extensive collection, which had lain largely untouched for decades, have been painstakingly conserved and brought back to working condition, while the building itself has been sensitively redeveloped to preserve its heritage character while providing a modern, functional space.

Looking to the future, Kells Printing Works will operate as a fully functioning creative and educational hub, offering workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions and collaborative

opportunities. The facility will play a key role in supporting arts engagement, heritage education and cultural tourism, while providing hands-on experiences for visitors and participants of all ages.

“Kells Printing Works is a remarkable example of what can be achieved through collaboration, vision and a shared commitment to preserving our heritage,” says An Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr Wayne Harding.

“This project not only safeguards an important part of our past but brings it to life in a way that will inspire creativity and learning for generations to come.”

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[ COUNTY LOUTH ] Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD unveiled an ambitious new roadmap for the future of tourism in Co Louth at the official launch of the Louth Tourism Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2031 at Ballymascanlon Hotel & Golf Resort in Dundalk. The strategy sets out a clear vision for Co Louth to become one of Ireland’s leading sustainable tourism destinations, celebrated for its exceptional food, warm hospitality and authentic visitor experiences. It aims to attract and inspire domestic and international visitors, while supporting local communities and helping to grow a strong and sustainable tourism economy. From left: Thomas McEvoy, Director of Services, Louth County Council; Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD; Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Seán Kelly; Olivia McCormack, Senior Executive Officer with Louth County Council; and David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council at the launch of the Louth Tourism Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2031.

[ SOUTH DUBLIN ]

South Dublin County Council and EnergyCloud launch surplus renewable energy initiative

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outh Dublin County Council (SDCC) was joined by EnergyCloud and Microsoft to announce a series of initiatives aimed at tackling energy poverty by harnessing surplus renewable power. Through a collaboration with EnergyCloud, a not-for-profit social enterprise that redirects unused off-peak renewable electricity into free hot water, SDCC is currently delivering a pilot initiative in the Clondalkin Decarbonising Zone (DZ). Under this scheme a number of social housing properties have been equipped with a device that diverts surplus renewable electricity to heat immersion tanks in their homes.

Building on the success of this and with support from Microsoft Ireland, SDCC announced an expansion of this pilot, with a further 400 social housing households set to benefit across the community. The extension is being part-funded by Microsoft and delivered through SDCC, including in the re-lets programme.

Speaking at the launch, the Mayor of South Dublin, Cllr Pamela Kearns, emphasised the importance of the Clondalkin Decarbonising Zone (DZ), where the project’s initial pilot was successfully introduced: “It is entirely fitting that we build upon the vital groundwork laid in our Clondalkin Decarbonising Zone. This initiative goes beyond simple climate goals, it’s about climate justice. By turning wasted renewable energy into

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Photo by Ben Ryan

something as essential as hot water, we are taking a tangible, compassionate step towards eradicating energy poverty in our most vulnerable communities.”

The EnergyCloud initiative operates by seamlessly matching excess wind generation on the national grid with smart devices installed in social housing, ensuring that clean energy which would otherwise be wasted is effectively utilised. The launch marks a significant milestone in SDCC’s broader climate action strategy and underlines the importance of public-private partnerships in building a sustainable future.

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[ COUNTY TIPPERARY ]

First-of-its-kind National Biorefinery Pilot Plant and Bioeconomy Demonstration Initiative launched in Tipperary

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inister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD launched the BioScaleUp Bioeconomy Demonstration Initiative and officially opened the National Biorefinery Pilot Plant (NBPP) at the National Bioeconomy Campus in Lisheen, Co Tipperary. This marks a significant milestone for Ireland’s bioeconomy, creating added value and sustainable solutions from biological resources.

Opening the facility, Minister Heydon said, “Today is a landmark day for the Irish bioeconomy with the launch of the €5 million BioScaleUp initiative and the opening of the €4.7 million National Biorefinery Pilot Plant here at Lisheen in Co Tipperary. These facilities will help take agricultural, food, forestry and other biobased side streams, often seen as

waste and turn them into new valuable products for sectors as diverse as food ingredients, bio-packaging and bioenergy.

The infrastructure being funded here by government and the EU gives researchers, SMEs and industry access to the equipment and expertise they need to test, validate and scale new biobased products and processes. This is about turning good ideas into real products, new value chains and new opportunities for rural and regional Ireland.”

Substantial biomass resources exist across Ireland’s land, sea and organic waste systems, including approximately 49 million tonnes of solid biomass feedstocks on a dry matter basis and around 58 billion cubic metres of liquid biobased feedstocks. Used sustainably, these resources can support new value chains,

new enterprise opportunities and reduce reliance on fossil-derived materials.

The BioScaleUp Bioeconomy Demonstration Initiative, co-funded through the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund, will demonstrate and scale six innovative biobased technologies at the National Biorefinery Pilot Plant, showing how renewable biological resources, residues and side streams can be converted into higher-value products.

The launch forms part of a wider programme of bioeconomy events in 2026, leading towards Bioeconomy Ireland Week 2026 which will focus on the hosting of the Global Bioeconomy Summit 2026 in the Convention Centre Dublin on 20–21 October as part of Ireland’s Presidency of the EU Council.

[ COUNTY LIMERICK ]

Limerick City and County SME Action Plan launched to drive enterprise growth

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imerick City and County Council (LCCC) has launched its new Limerick City and County SME Action Plan, setting out a clear five-year roadmap to support small and medium enterprises, strengthen the local economy and create sustainable employment across Limerick.

Developed in partnership with the SME Task Force and informed by engagement with businesses, stakeholders and enterprise support organisations, it provides a clear, evidence-based strategy to unlock Limerick’s entrepreneurial potential. The plan outlines practical, targeted actions to address challenges facing SMEs, while building on Limerick’s strengths as a growing and ambitious region. It aims to improve the business environment, enhance competitiveness and ensure economic growth is felt throughout the city and county. The plan delivers targeted actions focused on improving competitiveness, sustainability and growth.

“SMEs are the backbone of our successful economy and while Limerick is a place of enormous potential, potential alone is not enough,” says Mayor of Limerick, John Moran.

“This SME Action Plan is about turning ambition into action

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and creating the conditions for businesses to grow, innovate and create jobs. By supporting our SMEs, we are investing in the future prosperity of our city and county.”

The SME Action Plan identifies a series of strategic priorities including improving access to finance, supporting skills development, enhancing infrastructure, strengthening business supports and increasing opportunities for SMEs to access new markets. The plan forms part of Limerick’s broader economic development ambitions and reflects the council’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, innovation and inclusive growth throughout the city and county.

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[ COUNTY CORK ] Cork County Council celebrated the opening of its fifth flexible working hub, the eNewmarket Enterprise Centre located at West End, Newmarket in May. The centre is open for use 24 hours a day, seven days a week and offers four hot desks and a two-person owndoor office, providing dedicated space for freelancers, remote employees, entrepreneurs and small businesses.

The new remote working hub joins Bantry, Cobh, Fermoy and Mitchelstown and forms part of a growing national network of 400 hubs, which offer networking opportunities, improved work–life balance, reduced travel time and costs, enhanced productivity, reliable internet, quiet workspaces and meeting facilities. They also foster collaboration and help prevent the isolation often experienced with fully remote work. From left: Niall Healy, Assistant Chief Executive (North), Cork County Council; Minister Michael Moynihan; Deputy Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Ian Doyle; Moira Murrell, Chief Executive of Cork County Council; Cllr Bernard Moynihan; Cllr Trish Murphy; and John Paul O’Shea TD. Photo by Sean Jefferies Photography

€900K+ for heritage projects across Cork

Twelve architectural and archaeological conservation projects throughout Cork County are set to benefit from funding of over €900,000, supporting the preservation of our rich built heritage. The funding, provided by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through the Historic Structures Fund and Community Monuments Fund, will support vital conservation works on historic buildings, churches and archaeological sites throughout the county.

Contracts signed for N25 Midleton to Youghal Transport Project

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ork County Council has signed the contract for consultancy services for the design of the N25 Midleton to Youghal Transport Project. The €6.8m contract with AECOM Ireland Limited and Roughan and O’Donovan Limited Alliance will develop options in the study area which includes 20km of the N25 from the Lakeview Roundabout in Midleton to the western side of the Youghal Bypass. The newly appointed multidisciplinary project team has commenced the project, with public consultation on options expected by the end of the year.

The project, funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, will directly support the ongoing development of East Cork by providing a safe and efficient national primary route. Once

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complete, it will also serve to enhance accessibility between Cork and Waterford and facilitate safer, more efficient transport for both commercial and commuter traffic.

“The contract signing for the N25 Midleton to Youghal Transport Project is a really positive step forward in delivering the kind of infrastructure that will benefit not just Cork, but the country as a whole,” says Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley. “It will reduce congestion and improve connectivity throughout the Midleton and Youghal areas, creating a more efficient and reliable transport route. Reducing travel times in this area will benefit both visitors and locals alike, supporting communities and making the region more accessible.”

Front row, from left: Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell; Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley; and Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and at the Department of Transport, Jerry Buttimer. Back row, from left: Eoin O’Catháin, Director at Roughan O’Donovan and Eoin Greene, Technical Director, AECOM

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[ COUNTY MAYO ]

Minister Calleary turns sod on new €7.4m Ballintubber Abbey Culture and Heritage Visitor Centre

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inister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD turned the sod on the new €7.4m Ballintubber Abbey Culture and Heritage Visitor Centre. The project was funded by a grant of €6.4m from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund Cat 1, €350,000 from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, along with match funding of €712,139 by Mayo County Council and Ballintubber Abbey Trust.

The new Ballintubber Abbey Culture and Heritage Visitor Centre will consist of gallery and exhibition spaces on the ground and first floors where visitors will engage with the multi-layered story of Ballintubber and its treasures. It will also include exploration spaces on ground and first floors, where visitors will embark on journeys into the past. Also included in the design is a reflective space on the second floor. Works will also see the reroofing of the Cloister remains along with works to the Cloister, a new access stair, lift, reception and toilet facilities.

Back row, from left: Minister of State, Alan Dillon TD; Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD; and Cathaoirleach Mayo County Council, Cllr Sean Carey. Front row: Fr Frank Fahey, Ballintubber Abbey

[ COUNTY GALWAY ]

€30M

Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund secured by Galway City Council

Galway City Council has secured funding of up to €30m under the government’s Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund, supporting key projects that could unlock land for up to 12,877 homes across the city. The HIIF forms part of the government’s Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025–2030 plan, a €1bn national investment programme aimed at accelerating housing delivery by funding critical enabling infrastructure.

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From left: Cllr Chris Maxwell, Westport Belmullet Municipal District (MD); Cllr John O Malley, Westport Belmullet MD; Cllr Peter Flynn, Cathaoirleach of Westport Belmullet MD; Cllr Brendan Mulroy, Westport Belmullet MD

New AbbVie Greenway Link Project officially opened Cathaoirleach of Westport Belmullet Municipal District, Cllr Peter Flynn officially opened the AbbVie Greenway Link Project, which represents a significant step forward in Mayo County Council’s ongoing commitment to creating safer, more accessible and more connected communities. The delivery of new Greenway infrastructure at Carrowbeg has not only improved the overall route, but also makes the Greenway link safer and more inclusive for users of all ages and abilities.

This project was made possible through funding of €200,000 from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht under the Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure Scheme, complemented by Mayo County Council’s own investment of €85,968. This combined funding demonstrates both national and local commitment to delivering high-quality infrastructure that supports health, wellbeing and sustainable transport.

Speaking at the opening, Cathaoirleach of Westport Belmullet Municipal District Cllr Peter Flynn highlighted in particular “the collaborative approach, involving local stakeholders and industry partners has resulted in a safer, more inclusive and sustainable active travel corridor for the community to enjoy.”

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[ COUNTY SLIGO ] Riverstown, Co Sligo has been chosen to represent Ireland in the prestigious Entente Florale Europe 2026 competition, following its nomination by the Department of Rural and Community Development. It is the first time a Sligo village or town has been nominated for this honour.

This nomination recognises the outstanding collaboration between Riverstown Tidy Towns and Sligo County Council, whose shared commitment to sustainability, biodiversity and community wellbeing continues to enhance the village as a vibrant and inclusive place to live and visit. Entente Florale Europe, established in 1975, is an international competition that celebrates excellence in horticulture, environmental management and community engagement. Ireland has proudly participated since 1985. In 2026, six European countries will compete, showcasing best practice in sustainable local development. Blackrock, Co Louth has also been chosen to represent Ireland in this renowned competition. While often compared to the SuperValu Tidy Towns competition, Entente Florale places a strong emphasis on partnership, highlighting the essential role of collaboration between local authorities and communities in delivering lasting improvements.

Sligo County Council launches major community fund to support Tidy Towns and local environmental action

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he largest-ever coordinated community fund of its kind in Ireland has been launched by Sligo County Council, as part of a nationwide initiative of over €3m supporting Tidy Towns groups, residents’ associations and community organisations engaged in environmental action.

The IPB Insurance and Local Government Ireland Community Fund, also known as the Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF), is a national partnership between IPB Insurance and all 31 local authorities. In Sligo, approximately €100,000 will be made available to support Tidy Towns groups, residents’ associations and similar organisations undertaking community-led projects focused on environmental enhancement, biodiversity and climate action.

The initiative forms part of IPB Insurance’s centenary year, marking 100 years of partnership with local authorities in protecting and supporting communities across Ireland.

Delivered in partnership with Local Government Ireland, the fund reflects a shared commitment to empower communities to take practical action to improve their local environment. It will support Tidy Towns committees, residents’ associations and voluntary groups registered with the Public Participation Network (PPN) and actively encourages collaboration with schools, sports clubs and other local organisations under the theme “Communities Working Together for Climate.” Funding in Sligo will be

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Staff of the Environment and Community Sections of Sligo County Council at the launch of the Local Environmental Action Fund

delivered through a matched funding model, combining IPB Insurance contributions with existing local authority supports and environmental funding programmes.

“This funding is a welcome boost for communities across Sligo who consistently go above and beyond to improve their local areas,” says Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Dónal Gilroy. “The commitment and energy of our volunteers is at the heart of everything that makes our towns and villages vibrant, sustainable and inclusive places to live.

I would strongly encourage all eligible groups to engage with this fund.”

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[ COUNTY ANTRIM ]

[ COUNTY CAVAN ]

€6.85M

funding for housing-enabling infrastructure in Cavan

Cavan County Council has secured significant funding through the Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund for two strategic housing-enabling infrastructure schemes worth €6.85m in Cavan town. The funding, for schemes at Drumlark and Station Road in Cavan town, was announced by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD and is being managed by the Department’s Housing Activation Office.

Belfast City Council sparks creative growth with investment in local artists and cultural projects Six of Belfast’s leading designers and makers have each been awarded a £2,000 Craft & Design Mentorship Bursary, delivered in partnership between Belfast City Council and Craft NI. The initiative supported local makers to invest directly in their skills and development, with recipients selecting an established designer or craftsperson as a mentor. Among the recipients were sign painter and gilder Laura Nelson and lettering artist Tony Moore (pictured), who travelled to Barcelona and Limerick to meet with mentors to strengthen and evolve their practice and gain new techniques.

Cllr Joe Duff y, Chair of the Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee said, “Belfast is a city absolutely bursting with creative talent and it is vital that we nurture it at every level. From the preservation of traditional heritage skills like gilding and ceramics to the vibrant, modern energy of our street art and music scenes, the incredible range of culture-led bursaries shows our commitment to investing directly in our people. By partnering with organisations like Craft NI, The Duncairn and Seedhead Arts, we are ensuring our local artists have the support, global mentorship, and safe spaces they need to thrive, innovate and shape the unique cultural landscape of our city.”

The remaining four craft bursary recipients include celebrated local ceramicists Helen Faulkner and Derek Wilson, textile designer Alison Pascoe (specialising in macramé), and stained-glass artist Kerrie Hanna.

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Bord Iascaigh Mhara and Donegal County Council launch blue bioeconomy report to drive seafood sector innovation

From left: Cllr Noel Jordan, Cllr Michael Boyle, Cllr Niamh Kennedy, Cllr Jimmy Brogan, Michael Gallagher, Innovation Manager, BIM; Mairead Carlin, Economic Development Officer, Donegal County Council; Garry Martin, Director of Human Resources, Economic Development and Emergency Services; and Cliodhna Griffin, Business Development Executive at BIM

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ord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency, in partnership with Donegal County Council launched a new report assessing the potential of Ireland’s blue bioeconomy. The Blue Bioeconomy Scoping Report assesses industry needs, supports and international best practice, identifying a clear set of priority actions required to unlock growth in this emerging sector. A key outcome is the creation of a northwest Blue Bioeconomy Steering Group to guide implementation, strengthen collaboration and ensure industry input. This marks a significant step towards aligning supports for seafood sector companies, with the aim of maximising value from marine biomass.

Speaking at the launch, BIM Innovation Manager Michael Gallagher said, “Given the challenges the sector has faced with quota reductions, biomass shortages and rising supply chain costs, it is crucial that we generate more value from every fish.”

He emphasised the importance of diversification into higher-value markets, highlighting growing interest among Irish seafood processors in pursuing opportunities in these emerging areas.

Supported by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, this initiative reinforces the northwest’s role as a hub for blue bioeconomy development, with inter-agency collaboration identified as a foundational element in unlocking the sector’s full potential.

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[ COUNTY DONEGAL ]

Leaders gather at Stormont to launch North West Strategic Growth Plan and sign landmark health partnership

From left: Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Grace Uí Niallais, First Minister Michelle O’Neill, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and An Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr Paul Canning at the launch of the revised North West Strategic Growth Plan and the signing of a significant new crossborder Health Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at Stormont

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enior government ministers, civic leaders and key regional stakeholders gathered at Parliament Buildings, Stormont in Belfast for the official launch of the revised North West Strategic Growth Plan and the signing of a significant new cross-border Health Memorandum of Understanding.

The event, hosted in the Long Gallery at Stormont, brought together First Minister Michelle O’Neill, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, Minister for the Economy Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Minister for Health Mike Nesbitt, alongside An Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr Paul Canning and the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Grace Uí Niallais. Their presence underlines the support for the continued development of the North West City Region as a key economic and social driver on the island of Ireland.

The event also brought together senior representatives from key partner organisations including the Western Health and Social Care Trust and the Health Service Executive, along with stakeholders across local government, education, business and regional development, reflecting the breadth of collaboration underpinning the North West City Region approach.

Central to the event was the formal signing of the North West Health Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), involving senior leadership from the Western Health and Social Care Trust and the Health Service Executive. The agreement reinforces a shared commitment to improving health outcomes and service collaboration across

the region, recognising the unique crossborder nature of the North West and the importance of joined-up provision for communities who live, work and access services across both jurisdictions.

The revised Strategic Growth Plan outlines an ambitious vision for a connected, thriving, competitive and sustainable North West City Region, encompassing Derry, Strabane, Letterkenny and the wider Donegal area.

It prioritises improved infrastructure and connectivity, enhanced skills and innovation and stronger health and wellbeing outcomes.

It also reflects strengthened partnerships across education, business and public services, positioning the region as a key driver of balanced regional growth.

Donegal County Council officially opened the new accessible boardwalk at Lisfannon Beach, marking an important milestone for the local community and reinforcing the council’s commitment to inclusive, welcoming and accessible public amenities. The project was delivered through the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme Seed Fund, supported by the Department of Health and administered locally

by Donegal County Council on behalf of the Local Community Development Committee. From left: Cllr Martin McDermott, Cathaoirleach, Inishowen Municipal District; Cllr Paul Canning, Cathaoirleach, Donegal County Council; Eamonn Brown, Director of Service, Communities, Planning and Cultural Services; Kaylagh Cunningham, iAdult Support Worker; Agnes Doherty, iAdult Day Service Manager; Orlaith Crumlish, iAdult day service member; Ronan Kerrigan, iAdult day service member; Donal Kearney, iCare Team Leader; Rosaleen Bradley, Donegal Centre for Independent Living; Shaun Kelly, iAdult Day Service Team Leader; Paddy Doherty, Divisional Manager, Donegal County Council; and Fiona Doherty, Sláintecare Healthy Community Local Development Officer, Donegal County Council. Photo by Brendan Diver

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Informing you about the work of local authorities in supporting the business needs of their community...

To tell us what your local council is doing for business email denise.maguire@ashvillemediagroup.com

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BOOKS IRISH AFAIRS

From crime and broadcasting to politics, memoir and data protection, these 2026 Irish reads offer insight, entertainment and plenty to discuss

ALL THEM DOGS

by Djamel White

Ireland’s only entry on this year’s Booker Prize longlist, Djamel White’s All Them Dogs is a compelling debut that brings a sharp, contemporary perspective to Irish crime fiction. Reminiscent of Gabriel Krauze’s Who They Was, the novel is set in West Dublin and follows Tony Ward as he returns home after five years away, only to become increasingly entangled in the criminal world he had hoped to leave behind. His involvement with enforcer Darren “Flute” Walsh draws him into a dangerous network shaped by money, loyalty and power. White uses this world to explore wider questions of identity, masculinity, class and the difficulty of escaping the circumstances that shape our lives. His dialogue is authentic and sharply observed, while his depiction of Dublin gives the novel a strong sense of place without becoming overly descriptive. There is humour alongside the violence, giving the book an energy and accessibility that keeps the reader engaged. However, White does not romanticise the criminal lifestyle. Instead, he examines its consequences and the limited choices available to those caught within it. The result is a confident and distinctive debut that demonstrates why All Them Dogs has attracted such significant critical attention.

(Also available on Audible, narrated by Conor Dunne)

RTÉ: DEN OF INEQUITY

by Shane Ross

Shane Ross’s RTÉ: Den of Inequity is a provocative insider account of one of Ireland’s most powerful public institutions. Drawing on his experience as a former Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Ross examines RTÉ’s culture, governance and controversies, offering a critical perspective on the broadcaster’s relationship with politicians, executives and the public. At times pointed and controversial, the book will appeal to readers interested in Irish media, public life and the often complicated intersection of politics and power.

SEÁN LEMASS: THE LOST MEMOIR

by Ronan McGreevy

Ronan McGreevy’s Seán Lemass: The Lost Memoir offers a fascinating new perspective on one of the defining figures of modern Ireland.

Drawing on previously unpublished material, McGreevy brings Lemass’s voice and political thinking into sharper focus, particularly his role in transforming Ireland’s economy and opening the country to the outside world. Accessible and illuminating, the book combines political history with personal insight, making it an engaging read for anyone interested in Ireland’s economic and political development.

ONE FOR THE COMMUTE

Audio books to make the most of the motorway backlogs MEMOIR

MIRIAM by Miriam O’Callaghan Miriam O’Callaghan’s Miriam is particularly well suited to audio, with O’Callaghan narrating her own memoir. Her familiar broadcast voice gives the nearly 13-hour recording an immediacy and warmth, making it feel more like a conversation than a conventional reading. The book moves between her high-profile career in Irish broadcasting and the personal experiences that have shaped her life. Her recollections of major interviews, political events and the changing media landscape sit alongside reflections on motherhood, marriage, ambition and loss. O’Callaghan’s experience as an interviewer is evident in her delivery: natural, engaging and confident, with a strong instinct for storytelling. The result is an intimate portrait of a woman whose professional life has unfolded largely in public, while offering a glimpse behind the scenes. For anyone interested in Irish broadcasting, public life or the challenge of balancing career and family, Miriam is an engaging and personable listen.

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DATA PROTECTION FOR BUSINESS: COMPLIANCE, GOVERNANCE, REPUTATION AND TRUST

by Steven Roberts

For any Irish business handling customer or employee data, Data Protection for Business is essential reading. Steven Roberts turns a complex area of compliance into practical, accessible guidance, covering governance, risk, reputation and trust. In an era of increasing data breaches and regulation, this is a valuable reference every business should have close at hand.

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MADE IN IRELAND

THEY MESS YOU UP

IRISH BOOKS

SAY IT WITH PRIDE

Presenters Dr. Ciara Kelly & Dr. Richard Hogan’s straight-talking show unpacks messy, everyday relationship and mentalhealth issues with a mix of clinical perspective, personal anecdotes and wry, no-nonsense banter.

Guest experts on Irish culture join author and critic Chris Murray to focus on a single book to offer in-depth explorations of contemporary Irish writing, a dominant presence in book shops, book groups and writers’ festivals around the world.

Moving from elite sport and mainstream media to activism, Gaeilge and Dublin nightlife, this four-part Onic Original series looks at how different the queer experience can be depending on the world you live and work in.

NOT TO BE MISSED InBUSINESS RECOMMENDS PODCASTS TO SUBSCRIBE TO

AI HAVEN’T A CLUE

IRELAND, CRIMES AND MYSTERIES

THE AI DAILY BRIEF

Tech expert James Chandler and AI novice George Butler uncover the curious on the wild world of AI with interviews with experts, innovators and disruptors to help listeners navigate the murky waters of AI.

Hosted by Nules Ní Chleirigh, this true crime podcast delves into stories of murder, missing persons, unsolved cases and crimes that have left their mark on Irish history.

NLW looks at AI from multiple angles, from the explosion of creativity brought on by new tools like Midjourney and ChatGPT to the potential disruptions to work and industries as we know them.

THE BUSINESS PICK

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BETTER WITH MONEY

THINK FAST, TALK SMART

MASTERS IN BUSINESS

If you find managing your finances a struggle, this is the podcast for you. Better With Money is a crash-course in how to spend responsibly, save effectively and make big financial decisions wisely.

One of the most essential ingredients to success in business and life is effective communication. Matt Abrahams interviews experts to provide actionable insights that help you communicate with clarity.

Barry Ritholtz looks at the people and ideas that shape markets, investing and business.

InBUSINESS | SUMMER 2026

20/08/2026 10:33

We optimise tech for private business

so you can turn your vision into your reality.

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