Q1 2024 Chamber Chronicle

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

IN THE HOT SEAT WITH JACQUI MCNABB, HEAD OF ENTERPRISE, KILDARE LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE

5 MARKETING TIPS FOR 2024

KILDARE BUSINESS AWARDS

INTERVIEW WITH LIFE CREDIT UNION CEO MICHAEL CONNELLY

Corporate Partners 2024

I am delighted to have been recently appointed CEO of the Chamber and look forward to continuing to work with all of our members and stakeholders going forward for the betterment of the business community in Kildare and the wider Mid-East Region.

Welcome to the first edition of the Chamber Chronicle for 2024. Kildare is the economic engine of the Mid East Region and as such plays a hugely important role in the economic success of our country. We now find ourselves in a unique and positive position in a whole manner of ways. The prospect of driving forward our inward investment proposition, supporting continued regeneration, and attracting more people to the region is hugely exciting but extremely demanding. Our continued success in attracting FDI and ensuring our existing companies continue to grow is now reaching a point where our infrastructural demands is becoming a key focus of the Chamber. Withing the next 18 months we will have local, national and European elections. The voice of the Chamber is now important than ever before. Infrastructural deficits cannot be tolerated, and we need both Local

to come to the fore. The coming months are

Kildare Company Goes For Three In A Row

Manguad Plus has reached the finals of the prestigious Guaranteed Irish Awards for the third year in a row. The company , Ireland’s largest privately owned Irish security company ,which employs some 1,300 people across offices in Naas, Dublin, Waterford, Belfast and Derry has been shortlisted in two important categories-Professional Services and Family Run Business.

CEO of Manguard Plus Sean Hall said, “It’s a very special year for our company, given we won the Inaugural ‘Guaranteed Irish Award for ‘Professional Services –Multinational with a Global Impact’ in 2022 and we also took the award in 2023”.

Winners will be announced on March 21st 2024.

Maynooth named cleanest town in Ireland

In a 2023 survey by Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL), Maynooth topped the rankings as the cleanest town in Ireland.

40 towns and cities were ranked nationwide, with previous winner Naas also deemed ‘Cleaner than European norms” and also claiming 11th spot.

Well done to all of the stakeholders and businesses who have been working so hard to keep our Kildare towns clean and litter free.

Diageo gets green light for €200m brewery in Co Kildare

In December, An Bord Pleanála gave the green light to Diageo to construct its planned €200m brewery for Newbridge, Co Kildare.

With the appeals board granting planning permission to the project, the new brewery in Littleconnell is to provide a major boost to the Newbridge and wider Kildare region, providing up to 1,000 jobs during the 20-month construction period and leading to the creation of a further 70 jobs when operational.

The new facility – which will operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – is to brew lagers and ales including Rockshore, Harp, Hop House 13, Smithwick’s Kilkenny and Carlsberg. Construction of Ireland’s first purpose-built, carbon-neutral brewery in Kildare is expected to begin construction work on the project in early 2024.

Grand Canal Greenway Phase 1

The Grand Canal Greenway phase 1 and the Pedestrian/Cycle Footbridge was officially opened on 10th January by Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD.

The official opening marks the completion of an 11km section of the Grand Canal Greenway extending from Sallins to Alymers Bridge, as well as a new pedestrian bridge in Sallins.

This section of the Grand Canal Greenway, a shared walking and cycling route, will provide an enhanced active travel route for visitors and locals, contribute significantly to the local economy as well as delivering many health and wellbeing benefits. Opening this section of the Greenway creates a viable commuting route from Sallins and onwards towards Celbridge and into Dublin.

New Naas Library official open

The new Naas Library and Cultural centre was official launched by Kildare County Council and Kildare Library Service recently, in the former Town Hall, Main Street, Naas. Following a threeyear, conservation, renovation and construction programme, the new facility not only provides the community with a modern cutting- edge library service but it also reinstates the historic building as a prominent focal point within the community.

This new Library and Cultural Centre in the historic Town Hall will be a sustainable driver of heritage, cultural and amenity pursuits in a welcoming and attractive space at the heart of the town.

This transformative project was part funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) as part of Project Ireland 2040, with an initial €4.4 million allocation contributing towards the design, construction and fit-out of the library. The rest of the funding was provided by Kildare County Council as part of the Capital Development Plan.

Féile Bríde Festival Launched

In January, the Féile Bríde Fesitval was launched at Solas Bhríde Centre. The festival which is in its 31st year will run from Jan 31st to February 10th in conjunction with the #Brigid1500 celebrations this year.

A full range of activities, many free, can be found on the website https://solasbhride.ie/feile-bride-2024/. This includes the Pause for Peace initiative which launched last year by An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, and this year will take place at 12 noon on St Brigids Day February 1st 2024.

IN THE HOT SEAT

With Jacqui McNabb

How important is the LEO network in Kildare for supporting entrepreneurs?

Starting and running a business is quite a lonely Journey. Anyone who has been on the entrepreneurial journey knows how many times we wake up in the morning wondering if it’s worthwhile continuing. I’ve spent the past 30 years working with thousands of entrepreneurs trying to understand the key factors that determine whether a business will be one of the 4% that succeed or one of the 96% that fail.

One of my observations has been that most successful entrepreneurs deliberately surround themselves with a support ecosystem during their early growth years. In Kildare one critical component of that Ecosystem is the Local Enterprise Office which provides that strategic, operational and emotional support while running a business regardless of your stage in the business life cycle or sector you operate in.

The Local Enterprise Office is the First Stop Shop for anyone seeking information and support on starting or growing a business in Ireland.

Our Role: To help you deliver on your business idea

• To drive the development of local enterprise, putting local micro and small business at the heart of job creation in Ireland.

• To drive and support business start-ups and promote a ‘can-do’ business culture.

• To increase the job potential of new and existing micro and small businesses.

• To increase the number of innovative businesses with potential to export.

• To be proactive in response to the needs of our clients.

What business lessons have you learned from your work with the LEO?

Working with Entrepreneurs and business leaders has thought me a great deal particularly to love what I do. Steve Jobs was successful because he worked hard, and he worked hard because he loved his work. I surround myself with the best, none of us know it all. I always try to push for more, particular in customer service delivery and above all learn from my failures.

Entrepreneurship can be considered a national asset, and entrepreneurs are the drivers of that asset for any country. It is a dynamic process that creates value, increases wealth and results in improved well-being. Entrepreneurship and business activity is important for a number of reasons, from promoting social change to driving innovation. Great entrepreneurs have the ability to change the way we live and work, on local and national bases. If successful, their innovations may improve standards of living, and in addition to creating wealth with entrepreneurial ventures, they also create jobs and contribute to a growing economy. The importance of entrepreneurship is not to be understated in County Kildare.

How have developments in technology helped Kildare LEO do their work?

By far the single most significant technology development in the improvement of our overall service delivery came as the Covid-19 pandemic brought the world to a stop and like many businesses we were challenged with different ways to foster online service delivery. With the help of our Submit.com platform myself and my team were able to ensure that the pandemic would not hinder our mission of supporting as many businesses as possible

during this extremely difficult, through the Local Enterprise office Grant Scheme.

Previously our Grant forms were available as downloads on our website, the completed forms were then emailed to the relevant Grant Manager and shared among the appropriate teams for assessment. The Grant Managers used Excel spreadsheets to score and track applications, which became very difficult to manage as it resulted in massive email chains between staff. It was just a very labour-intensive process, which meant our financial resources were not used to the maximum benefit of the Kildare business community.

A further benefit of huge significance has been an improvement overall client experience as traditional paper or downloadable applications can prove a barrier to many applicants, a big thing for us was reducing resistance to apply and ease of use for our clients. We are delighted with the efficiencies the adoption of Technology with in our office has brought our team. We would also highly advocate if businesses are not looking at the competitive advantage of improved efficiencies they must do so and in 2024 contact our offices to see what mentor and financial supports are available.

Kildare has seen a boom in its technology sector. What factors have made it possible for Kildare become such a key player in the world of technology and how will funding encourage its continued rise in this area?

Kildare is a haven for tech innovation, driven largely by the efforts of local entrepreneurs it is an ideal location, with a world-class university in Maynooth, a young and highly skilled workforce, the attractiveness of our region with availability of zoned lands, coupled with

the quality of life we enjoy – and our excellent infrastructure provision and connectivity ensures we are well placed to drive this innovation.

While we have world leaders such as Intel in north Kildare, that has become “a major force” in the semiconductor sector, the emergence of regional digital hubs such as the MERITS building funded by Enterprise Ireland and Kildare County Council in Nass in County Kildare are being viewed as the catalyst for future job creation and innovation among indigenous firms. The importance of a central hub or physical building to a sense of innovation and the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem in a town or region cannot be overestimated. Recognising that hubs need to develop networks of experienced entrepreneurs and companies around them to attract start-ups, we in the local Enterprise office along with our strategic partners in Enterprise Ireland continue to breaking down of barriers between counties in the mid-east and greater Dublin Region.

Through the MERITS Tech Cluster events and activities we have joined forces with neighbouring counties to develop their ecosystems together, and each county’s knowledge and networks are being shared to benefit all. The Local Enterprise Office provide a range of financial supports designed to assist with the establishment and/or growth of Tech enterprises (limited company, individuals/ sole trader, cooperatives and partnerships) employing up to ten people. Those companies operating with over 10 employees, we will link them in with our partners in Enterprise Ireland.

Q5) Ireland has committed to having net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, which has sparked a large rise in green investments. What opportunities are emerging in the county and the Mid- East region, around the drive to lower carbon emissions?

Climate change is an issue that presents great scientific and economic complexity, deep uncertainties and profound ethical issues managing and ‘solving’ climate change requires significant global, national, and local effort by us all.

As a business owner, you’ll understand the growing importance of sustainability, both in business and in the world around us. What you may not understand are the significant benefits that it can have for your company, on everything from efficiencies to cost savings. Developing a ‘greener’ policy can offer many benefits to your business, including:

• Increased cost savings

• Improved resource efficiency (for example: using less energy, water, and materials)

• Reduced environmental footprint and greenhouse gas emissions

• Opportunities for higher and additional value on products and services

• Increased access to customers, improved corporate image and reputation.

• Increased resilience to climate change impacts

We are encouraging all Businesses in County Kildare to play their part and to invest in sustainable products, services and business models. These efforts will help Ireland reach its target to reduce carbon emissions (greenhouse gas emissions) by 51% by 2030, and to achieve a climate neutral economy by 2050.

Our own support in the Local Enterprise office in partnership with Enterprise Ireland includes financial, training, and mentoring supports for companies trying to reduce their carbon footprint (total carbon emissions). Green for Business is a FREE programme that helps small businesses take the first step towards becoming more sustainable, giving you access to a green consultant who’ll show you the small changes that can have a big impact on your company - and the world around you. If your small business within any sector and has fewer than 50 employees, GreenStart aims to improve environmental performance through greater resource efficiency helping companies achieve competitive advantage and greater market share through enhanced credentials and cost savings you may be able to get up to €5,000 towards the costs of energyefficient technology and equipment directly from our LEO office. Companies greater than 50 employees can be directed to Enterprise Ireland to understand the supports through them.

SME enterprises account for around 99.8% of all active businesses in Ireland. Kildare LEO has consistently promoted small firms and entrepreneurs. How would you assess the level of support for SMEs in Kildare?

Due in no small way to the unique Collaboration between Kildare County Council , Kildare Chamber and other leading stakeholders such as EI , IDA , Maynooth University KWETB and Kildare Leader partnership, Kildare has and will continue to become a major economic force in the Irish and European economy, a leading centre for commercial investment –both foreign direct investment and indigenous business growth, capitalising on the strength of its higher education institutions in the region and further education champions, the skills and wellbeing of its workforce and its environmental and heritage attributes.

The establishment of the LEOs in 2014 as part of the local authority is also a major advancement in supporting local business development, bringing together existing local authority business supports, access to relevant local authority services, along with an enhanced enterprise support service, in a “one stop shop” for existing and prospective enterprises.

The formulation of the Local Economic and Community Plan in 2024 will bring even greater strategic co-ordination and coherence

and added impetus to the economic development role of these strategic alliances. Development of the Plan is at an advanced stage as we identify specific actions that will make the most of particular local strengths and assets and ensure that all areas in the County reach their full economic potential. Working together, we aim to meet the needs of enterprises at all stages of growth and development, from nascent entrepreneurs to large Irish multinationals.

How can stakeholders like the Chamber, work with the LEO to further support entrepreneurs over the next decade?

Business is being transformed by drivers such as climate change, the accelerated adoption of technology, and changing trends in globalisation in ways that present both challenge and opportunity for Kildare based companies. The nature of work and the skills requirements for the next decade and beyond will be different to that of today.

To realise our ambition for Kildare based businesses over the next decade will require us all to work ever more closely taking a coordinated and collaborative ‘Team Kildare ’ approach to developing Kildares interests locally and internationally. Additionally, we need to demonstrate exemplary leadership in climate change , digitalisation and innovation.

You became Head of Enterprise at Kildare LEO in 2016, before which you worked for many years as a business consultant, and within the Chamber network as CEO of Carlow Chamber. What are your current top priorities for Kildare LEO?

Resilient, internationally-focused and productive Kildare enterprises are critical to the future growth of our economy, supporting livelihoods and contributing to healthy communities throughout the County. Kildare County Councils Local Enterprise offices funded through Enterprise Ireland and Local Government will continue to assist those businesses in achieving their ambitions in to 2024. As Head of Enterprise and Economic Development the priorities for myself and that of my team in 2024 as we celebrate 10 years of the establishment of the Kildare LEO we double our efforts on more direct client engagement and enhance communication with the wider business community to better understand the wide ranging level of supports that currently is available to them.

Through funding, advisory and capability measures key for us is to work with businesses to strengthening their Sustainable growth with the development and implementation of their own Climate Action strategies .We will continue the delivery of targeted initiatives to boost competitiveness , productivity and Innovation in Kildare based businesses and along with our partners in Enterprise Ireland we aim to maximise their growth and job creation potential , providing a clear pathway for progression from Kildare LEO to Enterprise Ireland for small companies with the potential also to export.

As we start 2024 our door is firmly open to serve you the business community of County Kildare reach out and let’s make this the year your company makes the most of supports on offer to it.

FOR 2024

01

Review Current Set up and Plan Ahead

At the start of any year, it’s important to take a quick audit of your current website, social media and any promotional material you use Does this still reflect the business? Next, make a plan of what you want to achieve this year. Overall goals and smaller targets that you would like to set. It’s really important to get the basics right or you can waste a lot of your budget moving forward.

Embrace AI but don’t lose the personal touch

02

03

AI continues to play a significant role in marketing. Use AI-powered tools for personalisation and chatbots for customer support. AI can help automate tasks and improve overall customer experience but ensure you don’t lose the personal touch and customer service

Prioritise Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Consumers are increasingly conscious of environmental and social issues. Showcase your brand's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility through your marketing efforts. Highlight eco-friendly practices, ethical sourcing, and community involvement Make sure you are correct in your messaging and be careful of greenwashing

Utilise Influencer Marketing Effectively

Influencer marketing is still a potent strategy, but it's evolving. Choose influencers carefully to ensure their values align with your brand. Look for micro who have a more engaged and niche following Focus on long-term relationships rather than one-off campaigns, and measure influencer impact beyond vanity metrics.

Measure your progress

What gets measured, tends to get done Set KPIs and review analytics to measure marketing impact Leverage analytics for forecasting and gain accurate insights Continuously refine your measurement strategies to make data-driven decisions and optimise marketing efforts for ongoing success.

Kildare Business Awards

Powered by

Sean Mulryan of Ballymore Group honoured at Kildare Business Awards Overall Business of the Year awarded to Irish Dog Foods

Over 450 business leaders from across Kildare attended the Kildare Business Awards, powered by Eirgrid, last Friday night (17th November) in The Killashee Hotel.

Allan Shine, CEO of the Chamber in his opening address paid tribute to all the finalists and noted that this year the Chamber received a record number of applications for the 15 category awards on offer.

He said, “It is an honour for me to lead a Chamber that is without doubt one of the most formidable, progressive and dynamic business organisations in the country and that is down to our members. Our membership engages and trusts the Chamber team and that enables us to be the voice for business in the region”.

Mr Shine continued, “The certainty that Kildare can offer as a vibrant progressive county ensures that we are and remain the location of choice, for both existing and potential business enterprise. This county is awash with young vibrant High Potential Start Up’s that are benefiting from the supports from LEO Kildare, Enterprise Ireland, Maynooth University and the Chamber. The opportunities for young companies here is unrivalled.

However, we cannot be complacent, there is still much to do. There is a constant and consistent message from you, our members, in our quarterly business sentiment reports which show that Kildare faces challenges around infrastructure, housing, healthcare, early learning and childcare.

We require significant improvements in these areas. With Local, European and National elections taking place within the next 12 – 18 months, these are the area’s that our Chamber will focus on when lobbying our elected representatives”.

Business of the Year for 2023 was won by Irish Dog Foods. Sean Mulryan of Ballymore Group was this year’s recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Business Award.

Employee of the Year

Sinéad Lawlor

Killashee Hotel

Sponsored by: Ladytown Business Park

Excellence in Communication SWAG.EU

Sponsored by: EirGrid

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

Palmerstown House & Estate

Sponsored by: Kerry

Best Emerging Business EVHACS

Sponsored by: Local Enterprise Office Kildare

International Trade Irish Dog Foods

Sponsored by: Grant Thorton

Small-Medium Business of the Year Walls to Workstations

Sponsored by: O’Kelly Sutton Chartered Accountants

Large Business of the Year

O’Brien Fine Foods

Sponsored by: Osborne

Innovation in Business Mongey Communications

Sponsored by: Walls to Workstations

Excellence in the Community The Curragh Racecourse

Sponsored by: Colourtrend

Excellence in Customer Service Punchestown Racecourse

Sponsored by: Endress & Hauser

Sustainable Development

Intel Ireland

Sponsored by: AIB

Net Zero Achievement Maynooth University

Sponsored by: Kildare Innovation Campus

Health and Wellbeing

General Paints Group

Sponsored by: Killashee Hotel

Overall Business of the Year Irish Dog Foods

Sponsored by: PTSB

Outstanding Contribution to Business

Sean Mulryan

Sponsored by: Clark

POLICY

Sustainable Business Council

County Kildare Chamber in January launch its Sustainable Business Council. This council is comprised of a wide range of Chamber businesses, with the main objective as increasing the learnings and development of our SME segment in the above arena. David Williamson who is the Industry Liaison for Ireland’s Knowledge Centre for Carbon, Climate and Community Action (IKC3), presented to the group on the day. David will be working with the Chamber and the Council to help formulate the output of the group and compiling a report on the findings from the business community in Kildare.

HR Roundtable

To support the thinking, reflection, sharing of ideas and best practices and planning, County Kildare Chamber in partnership with Adare Human Resource Management facilitate four HR Roundtable opportunities pa for Senior HR Leaders and HR Directors.

The first HR Roundtable of 2024 is kindly hosted by Chamber member Kildare Village in their offices, Wednesday 7th February @10am.

Guest Speaker on the day will be a team from the Workplace Relations Commission. The WRC will give a full and detailed presentation on their ‘A guide to Working Life’. The season will focus on the presentation by the WRC, plus specific insights into what to expect from possible WRC inspections, Employment Law updates and upcoming HR legislation going through the Oireachtas.

Policy Advisory Council

The Policy Advisory Council will hold its first meeting of 2024 on 13th February. Guest speaker will be Pearse Doherty TD, Sinn Fein Deputy Leader, Spokesperson on Finance AND Public Expenditure & Reform.

The Policy Advisory Council is composed of members, interested in actively contributing to the success of our lobbying. The Council meets throughout the year, agreeing priorities and formalising working groups to develop specific topics for advocacy work. The focus of the Council’s work can be seen through the Chambers representative work to Local Authority and Government Departments. You can find out more about the work of the Policy Advisory Council and its membership on our website.

Newbridge Local Area Plan

Kildare County Council recently published an Issue Paper regarding the Newbridge Local Area Plan 2025-2031. The issue paper set out the scope of the LAP for the coming six years, with regard to strategic planning, infrastructure and housing demands and economic growth for the surrounding areas.

This is only the first step in a draft LAP for the Newbridge and surround areas. As part of the Chambers ongoing engagement with the Council on strategic planning and development, a submission was made, which can be viewed on our website under the Policy section. Ongoing engagement with all our stakeholders will continue in the interim and the Chamber looks forward to submitting a full and detailed submission on behalf of our membership further into the process.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

SIOBHAN COLLINS Recruitment Partner - Clark

With almost 10 years’ experience in area business management, mentoring and coaching, Siobhan has seamlessly transitioned from retail management to become a trusted recruitment partner. While living in Brisbane, Australia, she specialised in recruiting for both the public and private sectors, including hospitals, aged care homes, and community care organisations. Siobhan’s wealth of knowledge positions her as a valuable ally for companies seeking top talent.

Recognising the significance of culture fit, she ensures that each candidate aligns seamlessly with the client’s ethos, promoting longevity and job satisfaction. As a people-oriented professional, Siobhan brings a personalised touch to every recruitment engagement, establishing herself as a reliable and strategic partner for companies seeking exceptional talent on a permanent or contract basis, in the areas of Administration, Customer Service, Sales & Marketing. Reach out to Siobhan today on 045 881 888 or siobhan@clark.ie.

DON HOBAN Membership Executive

As Chief Commercial Officer at Crystal Air, a leading air conditioning company rooted in engineering expertise, Don brings forth a wealth of experience in engineering sales. With over 15 years dedicated to engineering sales roles, he possesses a robust background that uniquely combines technical acumen with a strategic commercial mindset.

Don holds a postgraduate degree in Building Services Engineering and Management, complemented by a Master’s degree in Sales Management. This diverse educational background serves as a foundation for his multifaceted approach to navigating the intersection of engineering excellence and sales efficacy within the industry.

His journey in the engineering sales domain has honed his ability to bridge the technical intricacies of air conditioning systems with the nuanced demands of the market. Don’s vision as the Chief Commercial Officer is to synergize cutting-edge engineering solutions with market demands, delivering innovative and tailored air conditioning solutions for Crystal Air’s clientele. Throughout his career, Don has consistently championed the fusion of technical expertise with commercial viability, driving the company’s success. His strategic leadership and commitment to marrying engineering prowess with commercial acumen mark him as a vital asset to the team.

Don’s proactive engagement extends beyond the confines of Crystal Air. He actively participates in professional bodies such as Engineers Ireland, leveraging his insights to foster advancements in the industry. Additionally, his involvement in industrystandard groups demonstrates his commitment to shaping the future of air conditioning technologies. In his new role, Don is dedicated to steering Crystal Air towards new heights, where the fusion of engineering innovation and commercial prowess fuels the company’s growth and cements its position as an industry leader.

MEGAN DOOLEY Marketing Executive, Elevate Marketing

Megan is the newest addition to the Elevate Marketing team, taking on the role of Marketing Executive. Megan brings a wealth of experience from diverse sectors such as finance, security, and hospitality. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Limerick, with a major in Marketing and a minor in Business Informatics having graduated in 2022. Megan is currently enrolled in a Higher Diploma program in Digital Marketing with Analytics at SETU Carlow, further demonstrating her commitment to staying at the forefront of the dynamic marketing landscape. Her role includes staying on top of marketing trends, researching, brainstorming, creating/designing, scheduling, and managing content for clients across various platforms.

Megan has a particular interest in social media and analytics and believes that this helps leverage datadriven insights for strategic decision-making. Megan prides herself in her strong customer service skills and attention to detail. She looks forward to continuing her journey with Elevate Marketing.

KAREN GRIFFIN Senior Project Manager at Maynooth University

Maynooth University is delighted to announce the appointment of Karen Griffin as the Senior Project Manager for Engagement Mapping and Partnership. Karen has assumed the position since November 2023.

Karen has worked with the University for over 8 years, serving as part of the Technology Transfer team at MaynoothWorks.

Maynooth is at a very exciting time, having released its new strategic plan in October. This ambitious plan includes the creation of a partnership office that will facilitate a two-way pipeline of engagement between the University and its many external stakeholders. This office will serve as the ‘Front Door’ to the University for companies, community organisations, policymaking bodies, and the broader public seeking to engage with Maynooth University.

This appointment further demonstrates Maynooth University’s commitment to fostering and developing new partnerships in the region.

CEO of County Kildare Chamber steps down after 12 years in the post

County Kildare Chamber today announce that CEO Allan Shine has informed the board of the Chamber that he is stepping down from his role. Mr Shine has led the Chamber for the past 12 years and has overseen its growth from his time as CEO of the then Naas Chamber of Commerce which then evolved into North Kildare Chamber and ultimately into a one county chamber which is the largest in the Mid-East and fourth largest in the country with 400 members employing over 42,000 people. The well known business leader will remain with the Chamber until February 2024 and from then he will be taking up the role as CEO of Kildare Innovation Campus.

Chamber President Mairead Hennessy has also announced new additions to the board and they are Christophe Roche CEO of Endress + Hauser in Ireland, Lisa Harlow COO of Lifeline Ambulance Services, Eoin Gannon CEO of Gannon Office Group and Mike Grogan of Verity Financial Consultants.

Allan Shine said “I have had the most wonderful 12 years leading the Chamber and ensuring it would become a leading business organisation in Ireland. Creating a One County Chamber, a single voice for business in Kildare will always be my most memorable project. The Chamber is now regarded as one of the most influential business organisations in the country and that is due to its extremely active membership. County Kildare Chamber is the largest business organisation in the mid east region, it has a very progressive team along with a wealth of experience with its board members.

I would like to thank the President of the Chamber, the Board and the membership for all their support over the past number of

years and also previous Chamber President’s for their guidance and vision for the Chamber during their tenures. I look forward to starting a new position as CEO of Kildare Innovation Campus in 2024.”

Mairead Hennessy, Chamber President said “Allan’s legacy includes leading not only the creation of a one County Chamber but also the creation of some very successful international trade visits. He has also overseen the Chamber’s impressive range of business supports, its growing membership and its recognition as a respected voice for business. Allan has successfully steered the Chamber through several challenges such as the global economic crash, Brexit and Covid. We wish him the very best in his new role, the Chamber will now look to commence a recruitment process over the coming days.”

Michael Connolly

Life Credit Union

Michael, you have recently taken up the position of CEO Life Credit Union. Maybe start by telling our readers a bit about yourself?

I grew up in Carrick-on-Suir, Tipperary, which has a wonderful sporting tradition, beautiful location and thriving arts scene. After school I went to college in Dublin to study business. This was the start of my nomadic journey and my first time being away from home and living independently.

Subsequently, I trained as a Chartered Accountant which was a great learning experience both from the variety of work assignments and the formal education provided by the institute. The qualification also gave me a pathway to travel and I spent a number of years abroad in the UK, Africa and Portugal, working in retail, a rural cooperative and then financial services. Family commitments brought me home and I spent a number of years working in asset backed finance, both motor and IT, with multinational companies.

You previously worked within the Credit Union association in Dublin, what learnings have you taken with you to this new role?

My credit union journey started when a query at the AGM of my local credit union, Palmerstown, prompted a request to join the board. I spent 2 years on the board, just before the 2012 CU Act, which gave me an insight into the seismic changes about to happen to credit unions with the new oversight from the Central Bank and the significant regulatory changes. An opportunity later arose to manage my local credit union in Palmerstown, and I remained in the role until taking up the appointment in Life Credit Union. I had a very rewarding time in Palmerstown.

The Credit Union movement evolved hugely over the last number of years. Do you see any areas for growth and what will you be focusing on over the next year, two years and more long term?

The significant changes in the products and services offered to members, how those services are offered and our connections with the local community is what makes the credit union sector unique.

Credit Unions have responded energetically to the challenge of expanding our traditional savings and loan products. Life Credit Union, in particular, has taken the bold steps to offer personal current accounts, home mortgages and insurance, through our partnership with Peopl Insurance, which are all exciting developments. We have ambitious plans to grow our mortgage business, develop our current accounts and enhance our online services and mobile app functionality.

Given the significant rate increases experienced by many mortgage holders right now, we would encourage people living or working in Naas, Newbridge or Maynooth to talk to our experienced mortgage team. There is a potential for substantial savings by switching to us right now. I can assure you that you will be impressed by the personal service which will make the transition smooth and provide great value. In the longer term, we hope to be able to offer members the ability to transfer and receive payments instantly as part of a European digital project, collaborate with credit unions nationally to offer standard mortgage products, including fixed term offerings which will give people real choice and finally develop a strategy to respond to the ever growing challenge of climate change.

What one word would best describe your leadership style?

Encourage… new ideas and challenge the norm. We live in a very fast changing environment and I think we need to constantly look at ways to expand and improve the service we offer to members.

What has been your most rewarding accomplishment over your career to-date?

I am very proud to have led a great team in Palmerstown Credit Union through a period of massive change and build a sustainable business which offers great services to members. The support that credit unions give back to their communities, financial supports to local community groups, schools and sports clubs is also a rewarding aspect of the credit union difference.

What is next for Life CU as you look forward to 2024?

2024 is an exciting time for us. Our marketing and business development colleagues have a very busy year ahead. This week they kicked off a very competitive debt consolidation campaign and expect to see them out and about. Watch out for updates too on our social media platforms and website. For those visiting our branches or contacting us by phone, our member service colleagues will be able to provide more details and our loans teams are well geared to process applications in a speedy manner.

We want to continue our Life@Work program which is a great tool for local businesses to offer a financial wellbeing program to their staff, with competitive loan rates and onsite presence at no cost to their business. Our commitment to climate change is starting to take shape and we have very competitive green loans for cars,

home improvements and home loans which are cheaper than our standard equivalent products. We are broadening our reach to provide financial support to local groups and organizations who give great service to vulnerable people, as well assisting schools and sports clubs. All in all a very exciting time .

Getting to know our Chamber members

CiviQ

CiviQ is an international, Irish-based company that specialises in advancing online stakeholder engagement and new approaches to understanding public and consumer opinion. CiviQ creates inclusive approaches to public engagement harnessing technology and new thinking in the context of evolving social landscapes and challenges.

CiviQ’s award-winning product, OpenConsult, is an online platform that allows users to make submission on plans, policies and proposals. The key aims of OpenConsult are to build community connection around consultations in a way that promotes knowledge sharing, a positive experience, and a means to stay engaged and up-to-date on current and future issues for public engagement. To this end, OpenConsult is built on an open data framework, with a broad set of communication and notification features.

Soft Skill Success

Speaking confidence means different things to different people. It could be dealing with nerves. But it might mean being confident that your message is going to connect with the audience. Or that you are confident you can deliver your talk in the time allocated.

Soft Skill Success helps you and your team unlock speaking confidence.

Soft Skill Success was founded by Maureen McCowen and celebrates 5 years in business in February.

Maureen has vast experience in helping people to communicate better, as she was previously an Irish and French teacher. Based in Naas, Maureen works with clients globally. Her clients include Fortinet (Latin America & Canada), Hewlett Packard Financial Services, Bord Bia, Sky Ireland, as well as Kildare Chamber members Eirgrid, Dawsongroup and Ventac. Maureen works with clients 1-1, as well as providing in-house training.

Typically, 1-1 clients are leaders and emerging leaders who recognise the importance of delivering a clear concise message so that they can present with impact.

In-house training is typically presentation skills training for teams so that they can improve their skills when presenting to clients or for internal presentations.

CiviQ’s reporting methods focus on the ability to demonstrate to stakeholders that their input was heard and considered during the engagement process with templates for both consultation reports, and individualized reports.

CiviQ also provides, Open Insights, a deliberation tool that provides advanced understanding of underlying shared perspectives in public opinion on an issue. This underlying structure explains streams and diversity of public opinion on a particular issue or question. This knowledge provides a new way for understanding conflict as well as discovering new perspectives and options for innovation or conflict mitigation. While most current tools focus on the analysis of large volumes of opinion using sentiment analysis or other tools, CiviQ focuses on creating a new layer of knowledge that provides deep and open insights into shared viewpoints on your issue.

CiviQ has been working with local authorities, government departments, public, semi-state and private organisations in Ireland since 2016 in Ireland and the UK. Customers include many local authorities, infrastructure organisations, housing associations, care organisations, government departments and private organisations.

CiviQ started in 2012 with research into how public engagement in Ireland could be more inclusive and deliberative. Vanessa Liston, is the CEO and co-founder of CiviQ. In 2013, she co-authored ‘Bridging Normative Democratic Theory and Internet Technologies: A Proposal for Scaling Citizen Policy Deliberations’(2013) where the SOWIT model was outlined (Social Web for Inclusive and Transparent Democracy). CiviQ was set up to deliver this inclusive model of which OpenConsult and OpenInsights are pillars of the broader deliberative innovation framework. Líadain von der Decken is CiviQ’s Customer Success Manager and supports clients across the UK and Ireland. John Hirsch joined from the high-tech industry this year and is driving expansion of CiviQ to the US and Middle East.

CiviQ would love to hear from you. You can contact them at civiq.eu, info@civiq.eu or pick up the phone to +353 1 254 8006.

Coaching and training begins with a discovery call to assess the client’s needs, and tailor a solution to those needs.

Public speaking is an essential life skill. In the workplace, it’s needed to communicate ideas, showcase expertise, and persuade opinions.

With over 50 five-star google reviews and 65 LinkedIn testimonials, Maureen has demonstrated her skill in helping her clients unlock speaking confidence.

To find out more, check out softskillsuccess.ie or contact maureen@ softskillsuccess.ie to arrange a no-obligation discovery call.

Terra NutriTECH

Terra NutriTECH, a company founded by brothers Padraig and Tom Hennessy, is shaking up the agriculture industry with their innovative approach to livestock nutrition. Their cutting-edge technology is helping farmers around the world improve the health and productivity of their animals, while also reducing their environmental impact. “Think a Nespresso machine that gives Berocca for cows, its taken me a while to simplify our core offering for the non agricultural world” explained Padraig Hennessy.

The Hennessy brothers’ journey began with their sister company, which specialized in installing drinking systems on farms. As they worked with farmers, they noticed a gap in the market for more accurate and efficient ways to provide minerals and vitamins to livestock. Padraig went on to clarify “It came from demand from farmers, so we were confident from the onset that we had found a solution to a problem”

Precision Nutrition: A Breakthrough Idea

The brothers’ passion for innovation led them to develop an automated mineral dosing system. This system allows farmers to tailor the nutrient levels in their animals’ water to their specific needs, ensuring that they receive the exact nutrients they require to thrive.

From Local Roots to Global Impact

Terra NutriTECH started small, establishing a strong presence in the Irish market. However, their commitment to innovation quickly attracted attention from international partners and customers. Today, their products are used across Europe, making them a leading force in the global precision nutrition movement.

A Commitment to Sustainability

Terra NutriTECH’s focus on precision nutrition goes beyond animal health. By eliminating the need for excessive supplementation, they reduce waste and promote sustainable resource management.

This commitment to environmental stewardship aligns perfectly with the growing demand for sustainable farming practices. “We are actively working on solutions to reduce methane emissions, as we have the perfect technology to deliver it accurately to animals” Padraig elaborated, “This is a massive agricultural and societal problem that we feel we are uniquely place to help solve”

Putting Farmers First

At the heart of Terra NutriTECH’s success is their customer-centric approach. They invest heavily in providing farmers with educational resources, personalized advice, and a reliable service network. This dedication to customer satisfaction has earned them a loyal following among farmers worldwide. “We have a 98% customer retention, that we work extremely hard to maintain, happy customers who are getting results is the key to our growth” Padraig explained.

A Vision for the Future

As the world faces the challenges of a growing population and climate change, Terra NutriTECH’s innovations are more important than ever. Their mission to provide more with less aligns perfectly with the future of sustainable agriculture.

A Legacy of Innovation

Terra NutriTECH’s journey from a family business to a global leader in agtech is an inspiring story of innovation and dedication. Their commitment to improving animal health, reducing waste, and empowering farmers has made them a beacon of hope for the future of agriculture.

As they continue to grow and innovate, Terra NutriTECH is sure to play an even greater role in shaping the future of sustainable food production.

Glenroyal Hotel:

A Culinary Haven and Elegant Gathering Space

Nestled within the enchanting town of Maynooth in the heart of Kildare, the Glenroyal Hotel has woven a legacy intricately tied to a traditional Irish welcome.

Glenroyal Hotel is equipped with state-of-the-art meeting and event spaces. Step into the realm of modern elegance and cuttingedge functionality at the newly refurbished Conference and Banqueting Centre of the Glenroyal Hotel. The redesign space boasts 2 ballrooms ideal for gala dinners and banquets, along with 5 bespoke meeting rooms creating that perfect space for all day conferences. From the sleek design elements to the state-of-theart wireless AV system, all meeting rooms include a cutting-edge wireless AV system, 65’’ Plaza TVs, and an array of amenities from stylish SMEG kettle & fridges with a selection of soft drinks for refreshing breaks.

The recent addition to Glenroyal’s culinary offerings is the Arkle Bar and The Enclosure Restaurant, an homage to the legendary Irish bay gelding thoroughbred racehorse, Arkle. Arkle Bar, inspired by the 1920s, is an elegant space where guests can enjoy a sophisticated atmosphere and a culinary journey curated by Executive Head Chef Bernard McGuane.

The Enclosure, inside Arkle Bar, has a stylish decor inspired by the 1920s, featuring crystal chandeliers, oak finishes, and fancy velvet

fabrics. The restaurant has a classy atmosphere, great for different events like cozy dates or family gatherings.

Executive Chef Bernard McGuane, celebrated for his Michelinstarred experience in London and Dublin, has curated menus that reflect his dedication to bold flavours from simple, high-quality ingredients. The culinary offerings include tempting bar menus in Arkle Bar and restaurant menus in The Enclosure, available daily from 5-9 pm. McGuane’s emphasis on deliciousness is evident in every dish, making each dining experience at Arkle Bar and The Enclosure memorable.

Adding to the culinary delights of Glenroyal is the Shoda Market Café, Ireland’s newest lifestyle café. Shoda Café focuses on serving wholesome food with a unique twist, using the finest local ingredients. From artisan coffee blends to a healthy range of snacks, Shoda Café caters to diverse dietary preferences, ensuring a delightful and satisfying dining experience.

Beyond its culinary excellence, Glenroyal Hotel seamlessly blends culinary excellence with warm hospitality and modern amenities. The Arkle Bar, The Enclosure, and Shoda Market Café collectively contribute to a diverse culinary journey, while the hotel’s Conference Centre provides an ideal setting for successful meetings and events. Whether savouring a gourmet meal, indulging in artisanal coffee, or conducting business in well-equipped meeting spaces, guests at Glenroyal Hotel are treated to an experience that combines tradition with contemporary flair, making it a cherished destination in the heart of Kildare.

Mairead Hennessy begins her second term as Chamber President

Mairead Hennessy of TaxKey was re-elected President of County Kildare Chamber at the AGM held on Wednesday 8th November. County Kildare Chamber is the voice of business for Kildare representing in excess of 400 companies throughout the mideast region. Mairead is a long-standing member of the Chamber executive committee and has served as President since last year.

Speaking after being formally elected Chamber President Mairead Hennessy said “I am delighted and honour to be re-elected President. I am really looking forward to the year ahead, working with and on behalf of the membership to ensure Kildare businesses continue to thrive. The membership of Kildare Chamber is incredibly well served by Allan Shine, Jennifer Forster and Sinéad Ronan and I will work tirelessly with them to ensure the Chamber continue to provide the services that our members require and deserve.

Allan Shine, CEO of the Chamber said “I look forward to working with Mairead and all the board for the coming year. Our complete offering to businesses in Kildare has evolved over the past number of years and this Chamber is on a strong footing going into 2024. I am delighted to see four new board members elected tonight, and a committee which represents a wide and varied mix of sectors from across the business community in Kildare”.

Newly elected board members were announced on the evening were; Lisa Harlow of Lifeline Ambulance Services, Eoin Gannon of Gannon Office Solutions, Mike Grogan of Verity Financial Consultants and Christophe Roche of Endress + Hauser.

Concluding the AGM, Mairead Hennessy expressed her thanks to outgoing board members, former County Kildare Chamber President Luke Hanahoe of Hanahoe and Hanahoe Solicitors and Mary Fennin-Byrne of Clanard Court Hotel who both served on the board for several years and will continue to play an active role in promoting the Chamber and its activities.

Full County Kildare Chamber Board:

Chamber President: Mairead Hennessey (Taxkey)

Treasurer: Keith Traynor (KT Accountants)

Secretary: Ronan Twohig (HTC Accountants & Business Advisors)

Adrian Mooney Kilkea Castle

Denise Brady Teamworx

Evan Arkwright The Curragh Racecourse

John Hurley JAH, Business Operations Specialist

Michael Prenty Ballymore Group

Pat Sutton O’Kelly Sutton Chartered Accountants

Ruth Murphy Elevate Marketing

Lisa Harlow Lifeline Ambulance Services

Eoin Gannon Gannon Office Solutions

Mike Grogan Verity Financial Consultants

Christophe Roche Endress + Hauser

Upcoming Events

Weekly Networking Events

Join us weekly for our networking events in our Chamber office in the Naas Town Centre.

Every Wednesday | 8am - 9:30am

Sustainable Business Council

Launch of our Sustainable Business Council- responsible for contributing to shaping a sustainable, inclusive and diverse business community.

23rd January | 9.30am - 11:30am

HR Round Table

A Guide to Working Life’ presentation with the WRC-for experienced HR practitioners working in businesses with 20+ employees.

7th February; 10:30am - 12:30m

Policy Advisory Council

First meeting of 2024, with guest speaker Pearse Doherty, TD, Sinn Fein spokesperson for Finance and Public Expenditure & Reform

13th February | 3:30am - 5pm

Chamber Golf Classic

Join us on the 13th June for our annual Chamber golf classic on the Palmer North course in the K Club. Shotgun start at 2pm.

13th June | Shotgun start 2pm e The K Club

Out

& About

Allan Shine (County Kildare Chamber), with fellow Chamber CEO’s at recent Chamber Forum meeting in Sligo

Allan Shine (County Kildare Chamber), Fiona Candon (President, Chambers Ireland), Minister Dara Calleary TD and Ian Talbot (CEO Chambers Ireland)

Annalee Delaney, Ruth Murphy and Sharon Farrell at recent Chamber Awards

Aoife Hillard and Irene Spencer (O’Brien Fine Foods) at recent Chamber Awards

Annette Aspell (Kildare County Council) & Marian Higgins (Kildare County Council)

Niamh Flynn, Marie Griffith, Sarah Mortimer of Clark Recruitment at recent Chamber Awards

Deirdre O’Keeffe and Annalee Delaney at recent Chamber Lunch

Sinéad Ronan (County Kildare Chamber) with Kildare County Council delegation to Lexington, Kentucky

Rebecca Doolin (Maynooth University) and Sasha Kerins (Grant Thorton) at recent Chamber Award

Mairead Hennessy (President, County Kildare Chamber) with Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform, Paschal Donohoe TD

Sinéad Ronan (County Kildare Chamber) and David Williamson (IKC3) with members of the recently formed Chamber Sustainable Business Council

Christophe Roche (Endress & Hauser), Mairead Hennessy (President, County Kildare Chamber), Padraig Hennessy (Terra NutriTech) and Allan Shine (CEO County Kildare Chamber)

Kildare Local Enterprise Office at the recent Chambder lunch

County Kildare Chamber Membership 2024

AAccountancy & Tax Services

Grant Thornton

KPMG

Price Waterhouse Coopers

Brennan & O Reilly Accountants

Clinton Higgins Chartered Accountants

Conway, Conway & Co

HTH Accountants

John P Greely & Company

Kealy Mehigan Accountants

Malone & Co Accountants

Mark Graham & Co Chartered Management

Accountants

My Debt Solution

O?KellySutton Chartered Accountants

O’Neill & Brennan

Quinlan and Co Accountants

S. C. Dunne & Co

Taxkey

The Leinster Partnership

Wallace O’Donoghue

Accountants

KT Accountants

Agri Tech

Terra Nutritech

Agriculture

Robinson Farms

Air Conditioning

Crystal Air

Architecture

Demesne Architects

Dooley Cummins Architects & Engineers

Arts/ Theatre/ Cinema

Odeon Cinema

Moat Theatre

Riverbank Arts Centre

BBank

AIB

Bank of Ireland

Permanent TSB

Business Centre

Newbridge Business Centre

CCar/ Van Hire/ Lease/ Sales

Sheehy Motor Group

Go Rentals

Joe Mallon Motors

Toyota Naas

Catering Supplier

Catering 365

Charity

Barretstown KARE

Teach Tearmainn

Cleaning and Hygiene Provider

Caterclean Ecokem

Premiere Catering and Hygiene Products

Cold Storage Solutions

Dawsongroup TCS Ireland Ltd

Conference and Accommodation

Maynooth Campus Conference & Accommodation

Construction

Ballymore Group

Boston Access Limited

Killross Properties

Murphy Ireland

Ampack Ltd

Crylock Developments Ltd

Glenveagh Homes

Homes By Design

Mick O’Shea Heating & Plumbing Ltd

Quattuor Developments Limited

Tradecraft Building Products Ltd

Consultancy

Amberley & Associates

AuxiliaGroup

Bruce McCormack Consulting

CiviQ

Complinet

Enable Me Coaching

En-Route Consulting

Galileo Energy Services

IP Asset

JAH - Business Operations Specialist

Jigsaw Better Business

Paul Murtagh Business Consulting

PsycReality

Skillsvista

Sontai Data Solutions

Vulcan Consulting Ltd

Corporate Branding

CarveOn Limited

Corporate Gifts

NearlySisters Ltd

Credit Union

Life Credit Union

Croi Laighean Credit Union

CRM Systems Provider

Cloud Technology Limited

Monread CRM

DDentist

Boyne Dental

EE Commerce

Otals

Pangea Media Ltd

Education

KWETB

Maynooth University

St. Patricks College Maynooth

Leah Moran Stage School and Productions LTD

Learn International Education Consultants Ltd

Leinster Senior College

Electrical Services

Schneider Electric Ireland

Netherbrook Ltd

RGN Electrical & Communications Specialist

Engineering

Endress+Hauser

Powercomm Engineering LTD

Enterprise Park

Kildare Innovation Campus

Millennium Park

Palm Logistics

Clane Project Centre

Ladytown Business Park

EEquine

Irish Equine Centre

BBA Ireland Ltd

Horse Racing Ireland

Irish National Stud & Gardens

Equipment Supplier/ Hire

Haven Hire

Loading and Lifting Solutions

Pumpwatch

Superior Pipeline Products Ltd

The Buggyman Ltd

Estate Agents

Brophy Farrell Real Estate Alliance

Coonan Property

Jordan Auctioneers

O’Neill & Co

Remax Partners ¦ Bryan Little

Sherry Fitzgerald Brady O’Flaherty

Sherry Fitzgerald O’Reilly - Naas

Events

52nd Street Band/ John Forde Piano Man

All Events Audiovisual

Follow Fox Events (VEMS)

Mondello Park

Mongey Communications

FFacilities Management

Advanced Workplace Solutions

Elite Maintenance

Finance

Bibby Financial Services

Close Brothers Commercial Finance

Grenke

Tameric Investments

Financial Advice

House of Finance

Your Finance

Mojo Finance

The Money Advisers

Financial Services

Brink’s Cash Services (Ireland) Ltd

FACE Credit Consultacy

Ger Brady Financial

Traction Finance

Verity Financial Consultants Ltd

Fitness

Infinity Hot Yoga Ltd

K Leisure

Food & Beverage

33 South Main

Coghlans Artisan Bakery

Grey Cuckoo Farm

Indie Spice Grill

Kavanagh’s Bar

Lock 13 Brewpub

The Nude Wine Company

Urban Kitchen

Wine Lab

Bergin Family Butchers

Food Producer

O’Brien Fine Foods

Queally Group

Taste of Goodness

Funeral Directors

Murphy Brothers Funeral Directors

Oliver Reilly Funeral Directors

GGarden/ Outdoor Area Supplier

Sanctuary Synthetics

Gas Networks

Gas Networks Ireland

Government Agency

Eirgrid Plc

IDA Ireland

LEO Kildare

Cill Dara Le Gaeilge

Local Employment Service Network

Graphic Design

anna+co.

HHealth & Safety

EFAST EMS

Essential Health and Safety Training and Consultancy Ltd

Health & Wellbeing

Deep Health

Gastrolife

Wild Poppy Wellbeing Emporium

Healthcare

Lifeline Ambulance Services

UPMC Kildare Hospital

Elm Hall Nursing Home

Homecare Solutions

Home/ Office Interiors

Gannon Office Solutions

Wall to Workstations

T&I Fitouts Ltd

Vyvyan Byrne Interior Design

Hospitality

Palmerstown House Estate & Golf Club

Hotel

Barberstown Castle

Kilkea Castle

Killashee Hotel

Osprey Hotel

The K Club

The Westgrove Hotel

Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort

Clanard Court Hotel

Court Yard Hotel

Glenroyal Hotel & Leisure Club

Kildare House Hotel

Lawlor’s of Naas

Maudlins House Hotel

Moyvalley Hotel & Golf Resort

The Keadeen Hotel

Human Resources

Adare Human Resource Management

Curran HR Consultancy Limited

Kala Management Solutions Limited

Peninsula

IInformation Technology

Intel

Kendlebell Naas

Hereworks Technology Limited

INIT

iPing IT Services

ITM

VEI Global

VM Group

Zinon IT Solutions

Inspection and Verification

SGS Ireland Limited

Insurance

Arachas Corporate Insurance Brokers

J F Dunne Insurances

Dooley Insurances

Murray Spelman Insurance & Finance

LLaw Firm

Matheson

Logistics

Oman-BeverlySmyth

Elsatrans Ltd

Global Forwarding

Tansey Transport

MMaintenance

Action Chimney

Escalator and Lift Services

Manufacturing

American Fruits and Flavors Ireland DAC

Etex Group

KDP Ireland

MGS MFG Group

Ash Technologies

Atlantic Bitumen

Labplan

Profile Systems

Rampower

Ventac and Company Limited

Marketing

Elevate Marketing

Medical

International Medical Information Limited

Magnet Medical Solutions

Mortgage Provider

EBS - Drumcondra

Gerry Cuffe Financial Services Ltd

OOffice Space Provider

Business Barn

PPackaging Requirements

DSG Packaging Ltd

Pharmaceutical

Pfizer

Photography/ Videography

Frame It Productions

Annalee Delaney Photography

Celtic Photography

Green Road Media & Film

Media Milk

Tadhg Nathan Photography

Tony Gavin Photography

Print Solutions

Character Print Solutions

EMS Copiers Managed Print Solutions

Printscan Support Services Ltd

Punctual Print

Studio Print

Product Sourcing

Made Personal

Property Management

Naas Property Management

Public Relations

Big Picture Communications

QQuantity Surveyor

RLambert Surveyors Limited Racecourse

Punchestown Racecourse

The Curragh Racecourse

Naas Racecourse

Recruitment

QLM Search

Recruitment Services

Clark Recruitment

Career Vision Recuiters

Flexsource Solutions/ CPL

Osborne Recruitment

Sparktel Teamworx

Renewable Energy

Green Generation Ltd

Evergreen Agricultural Enterprises Limited

EVHACS

MSM Renewables Ltd

Off Your Grid

Retail

Aldi

Colourtrend

Kildare Village

Newbridge Silverware Cross Retail Group

Dalys Pharmacy

Diamonds & Pearls

E&G Cutting Blades Ltd

Monread Fare (Lidon Group)

Powell

Vodafone

S

Security/ Security Systems

Manguard Plus

Signage Provider

Element Creative

Software Solutions

WrxFlo

Solicitors

Blasco Solicitors and Notary Public

Coonan Cawley Solicitors

Coonan Morgan Solicitors

Hammerstones Solicitors

Hanahoe & Hanahoe Solicitors

Moloney & Co. Solicitors

To change your category listing please contact Jennifer@countykildarechamber.ie

Solicitors

Osbornes Solicitors

Patrick J Farrell and Company Solicitors

Stephen Walsh & Co. Solicitors

Whitethorn Legal

Sport

Kildare GAA

Klub Kildare/KDUL

Millicent Members Golf Club

Naas Driving Range

StartUp Support

MERITS

Steel Stockholders

RFL Steel

TTaste and Nutrition Solutions

Kerry Telecomms

LogMeIn Ireland Ltd

National Broadband Ireland Ltd (Deployment)

Tourism

Celtic Horizon Tours

Fairways and FunDays

Keogh Tours

Race and Stay

Training/ Coaching/ Mentoring

ActionCOACH

Cenit Group

Discovery Playtime

Edel Walsh Coaching and Consulting

Ladybird Driving School

Martinstown Lodge

Soft Skill Success

The Dennison Training Academy

Turas Nua

Babogue Ltd

Travel Agency

Freedom Travel

Veterinary Practice

MyVet

V W

Voluntary Group

Naas Tidy Town Warehouse Solutions

Jungheinrich

Web Design

Graphedia

Chamber New Members

Maura Hurley & Co

It’s been proven numerous times that when your people are happy and empowered your business will be more productive. For over two decades HR expert Maura Hurley has worked professionally with SME owners and business managers in Dublin & Kildare.

Her objective is simple: ‘To co-create better workplaces. Because if your people are thriving, so will your business.’

People challenges come in many different forms depending on the size and phase of your business. Sometimes you simply need to keep your head above water when dealing with a sensitive or unexpected HR problem. Other times, you need to proactively build robust HR policies and people procedures to see you through to the next phase of growth.

Whatever the challenge, when Maura partners with you, you can be guaranteed that you will always receive excellent guidance and most importantly the feeling that someone has your back.

087 2792030

maura@maura-hurley.com www.maura-hurley.com

Keogh Tours

Kildare’s leading Chauffeur company

A minibus and mini-coach hire company, Keogh Tours excels at providing passenger transport solutions to businesses in Kildare and throughout Ireland. With over 60 years combined experience in the tourism industry, we also provide staff transport and contract transport hire.

Using the latest, modern coaches and chauffeur driven vehicles on the market, we provide a solution where reliability and customer service is of the utmost importance to clients.

Services include: Contract transport, day hire, private airport transfers, tours, weddings and events, golf transfers and more.

Our diverse fleet of vehicles ranges from 6-seater Mercedes Benz V-class to a 29-Seater Mini coach. All fully equipped with privacy glass, air conditioning, charging ports and leather seating.

As Kildare’s top-rated operator, feel free to contact a member of our team about your upcoming project and we will be happy to work with you. We can provide custom itineraries, route planning, time, and event management transport solutions and more.

Anton Romaniuk – 086 1637231 – anton@keoghtoursireland.com

Thelma Barrett – 086 0437878 – reservations@keoghtoursireland.com www.keoghtoursireland.ie

Murphy in Ireland

Over the past 55 years, Murphy Ireland has built a reputation for quality and excellence, offering industry-leading services in transportation, infrastructure, energy, structural steel, pipe fabrication, piling and fully integrated turnkey solutions to both the municipal and industrial water sectors encompassing all aspects of design, construction and operation and maintenance.

Global Turnover for Murphy Ireland increased from €158.3m in 2021 to €225.5m in 2022. Murphy Ireland forms a part of the wider international Murphy business (which had a turnover of €1.75 billion in 2022) with operations across the UK, Canada, and Ireland, working together as ‘One Murphy’ by directly delivering the people, plant and expertise needed to make projects a success.

Head Quartered in Newbridge Co. Kildare, Murphy Ireland has over 725 skilled engineers, managers, operatives, and apprentices working across Ireland.

For more see: https://www.murphygroup.com/ie or follow @Murphy_Ireland on LinkedIn

anne+co.

We are a creative design agency delivering innovative solutions for all kinds of projects. Our focus is on creating a design for you that will help your company grow. Some of our services include design of brochures, adverts, leaflets, vehicle graphics, logos, brand refresh, graphics for social media, PowerPoint slides, animations, web banners, newsletters, packaging, signs, flags, point of sale, window / wall graphics, promotional items, billboards, infographics.

Working with us – what to expect: From day one we spend time getting to know your company and to understand what you want to achieve. At anne+co. your brand will be looked after by a professional designer that you know and trust. We have the experience to know what works in reality, the professionalism to meet agreed deadlines, and the talent to bring an idea to life.

Contact Anne to find out how we can help your company. anne@anneandco.ie | 086-2643716