Taking Care Of Business with Ronan Berry

What if the biggest challenge facing the tech sector isn't AI—it's access? Portarlington's Jac Dunne joins Ronan to explain why Dimply has launched Belong SRL and why businesses have a crucial role in developing the next generation of talent. Can regional Ireland compete for investment? Angela McEvoy from Laois County Council will discuss the new Invest Laois campaign, the county's economic ambiti...

Will lower VAT really mean cheaper coffees? Nicky O'Callaghan of SiP Coffee Garden explains why the answer isn't as straightforward as it seems, and what the latest VAT changes mean for cafés and hospitality businesses. Regina Bushell joins Ronan to discuss Grovelands Childcare's latest expansion in Athlone, creating more childcare places, new jobs and confidence in the Midlands economy. Bernie Ev...

How does a Midlands start-up grow into a €4.3 million business and a national award winner in just a few years? Denise Buckley of Sugar Plum Sweetery shares the innovation, ambition and hard work behind one of the region’s standout success stories. Dean Kelly of Photo Experience explains how his company is transforming visitor attractions worldwide, helping guests instantly receive and share their...

Most people slow down at 75. Neil McDermott chose to start something new. He joins Ronan to reflect on a lifetime in business, from farm machinery in Tullamore to investing millions in an ambitious Ayurveda venture in the Slieve Blooms. Jonathan McDade of the Small Firms Association discusses mounting cost pressures, falling confidence, and what small businesses need from policymakers to remain co...

From hobbit villages to luxury treehouses, Kyra Fingleton of Glamping Under The Stars reflects on a decade of building unforgettable tourism experiences in the Midlands—and why regenerative, nature-based escapes are more popular than ever. Joe Rossa of Old Fort Piercing & Tattoo in Portlaoise shares the realities of running a specialist creative business, from building trust with clients to evolvi...

From late-night brainstorming sessions to supermarket shelves, Noel Walsh introduces Solanti — a new Laois-founded electrolyte brand bringing Himalayan salt hydration products to Irish consumers through SuperValu. Tullamore entrepreneur Aonghus O’Donovan shares the story behind MyCelsius, an innovative cooling bracelet designed to help women experiencing hot flushes. William Walsh joins Ronan to e...

Taking Care Business with Ronan Berry

The next major threat to manufacturing may not be labour shortages or supply chains—but cyberattacks. Caitríona Mordan of the ATIM Cluster and Simon Walsh of Trend AI explain how ransomware, AI-driven attacks and connected factory systems are creating a new era of risk for Midlands manufacturers. Sean Murray and Ronan Walsh of Snap discuss why branding, customer perception and sustainable print st...

The next major threat to manufacturing may not be labour shortages or supply chains—but cyberattacks. Caitríona Mordan of the ATIM Cluster and Simon Walsh of Trend AI explain how ransomware, AI-driven attacks and connected factory systems are creating a new era of risk for Midlands manufacturers. Sean Murray and Ronan Walsh of Snap discuss why branding, customer perception and sustainable print st...

From investment to international exit, Laura Dillon joins Ronan to discuss Waterland’s journey with Mullingar-based Wtech Fire Group — from the original Writech deal to European expansion, a major new HQ, and its eventual sale to US-listed APi. Carol Nolan TD explains why the differing VAT rates for hair and beauty businesses are causing frustration across the sector, and why she believes salons s...

Tom Parlon reflects on the life and legacy of Kieran Keenaghan, whose impact on business, GAA and community life in Banagher continues to be felt across Offaly. Conor Temple explains how Rheba.ai is transforming engineering workflows by turning complex technical documents into fast, traceable answers—built from a real factory-floor need. Tommy Hogan of Athlone Chamber and Seadna Ryan of TUS discus...

We are not just watching a conflict — we are feeling the knock-on effects in costs, logistics and business uncertainty. Leo Harris joins me to unpack the new reality of permacrisis and why resilience now matters more than ever Dr Leo Harris | LinkedIn “No Farmers, No Food” was one of the defining slogans of the fuel protests — but is it really true? Caroline O’Doherty breaks down the numbers, the...

With geopolitical tensions rising, aviation expert Fahad Ibne Masood explains how drone warfare, contested airspace and instability in the Middle East are influencing global trade, risk, and business confidence. Mike Barnes of Rhomu Ltd. explores how SMEs can drive meaningful regional growth, attract skilled jobs, and turn ESG into practical value for rural communities. And Helen O’Brien shares ho...

Stephen Whyte of Irish Wine Estates reveals plans for a new vineyard and visitor centre near Dunkerrin and Shinrone in Offaly—an ambitious project aiming to produce Irish-grown wine while boosting regional tourism. Mullingar’s Joan Mulvihill discusses renewed scrutiny of the Data Protection Commission and what it means for Ireland’s role as Europe’s tech regulator. James Martin explains how coachi...

From a two-man partnership in Clonaslee to a respected Midlands construction firm, John and Diarmaid Carroll of Carroll O’Keeffe reflect on steady growth, navigating economic cycles, and successfully transitioning leadership to the next generation. Bríd O’Connell explains why the Guaranteed Irish mark still matters—supporting local jobs, strengthening communities, and encouraging businesses to buy...

From escape rooms to leadership workshops — the Midlands may be Ireland’s next corporate event hotspot. Alison O’Kelly and Willie Hyland explain why their new venture Ignite Event Management is designed to turn ordinary corporate gatherings into memorable experiences. Ireland's largest inflatable water-park, Baysports in Athlone, is adding electric boats and even more kayaks ahead of the new seaso...

With tensions rising in the Middle East, Paul Mahon of Watt Footprint explains how regional instability could ripple into Irish business costs—particularly if oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz are disrupted. Katie Cochrane of Creators31 reflects on her journey from New York and LA fashion to launching a creative studio in Ireland, helping brands bring bold product launches and experiential ca...

Orla Martin of LEO Offaly joins Ronan to preview Local Enterprise Week 2026, outlining a programme focused on leadership, resilience, fraud awareness, mentoring and digital growth for Midlands SMEs. Colin Kennedy of DPD Ireland explains how a €5 million investment in a nationwide locker network is reshaping last-mile delivery and giving customers more flexibility than ever. Allyson English of Mody...

Alpha Drives in Portlaoise is powering into its next phase, with a multi-million euro expansion and ambitious hiring plans. Managing Director John Dwan joins Ronan to discuss automation, engineering careers, and why advanced manufacturing is thriving in the Midlands. Louise McSharry of Make & Share outlines bold plans for a new Midlands Creative Cluster designed to connect designers, makers, and s...

In a world full of distractions, productivity expert Dr Aine O’Dea explains why attention—not time—is the real currency of high performance, especially in technical and engineering roles. Dr Diane Cooper of Edufit joins Ronan to discuss the rise of weight-loss drugs as a corporate wellbeing trend, and why employers should focus on sustainable, evidence-based health strategies instead. Peter Rigney...

Starting a business is one thing — sustaining it for 15 years is another. Catherine Kiveney joins Ronan to reflect on a journey that began with no roadmap and evolved into multiple businesses, changing client expectations and a growing role in Ireland’s tourism and events economy. Thousands of people leave Laois every day for work — but where do they go, and what skills go with them? Ronan speaks...

Global politics is hitting Irish businesses where it hurts—John Finn of Treasury Solutions breaks down what EU–India trade talks, Mercosur tensions and tariffs could mean for Irish SMEs in 2026. Gillian Peters of Pragmatica introduces a new LOETB-backed programme turning sustainability into practical, profit-smart action for small businesses. HR expert Caroline Reidy shares why AI is reshaping gra...

With trade wars looming and EU countermeasures on the table, David Savage of Deloitte joins Ronan Berry to discuss how global shifts could impact Irish businesses in 2026. Jack Pilkington of Agri Data Analytics shares how Irish ag-tech is gaining ground in Europe, following a key trade mission to Brussels. Tony Delaney of SYS Financial reflects on the expansion of GTL Life and Pensions—and why gro...

If credit dries up, growth stalls—David Broderick of the Small Firms Association joins Ronan to discuss the real financing challenges facing small businesses and why better access to capital is central to the SFA’s new three-year strategy. Breda Dooley of Matrix Recruitment outlines salary trends for 2026, highlighting the sectors most affected by skills shortages and what it means for Midlands em...

A new year brings new questions—and opportunities—for Midlands businesses. Lorraine McLaughlin of Dovida Midlands explains why home care careers are drawing talent from retail and hospitality, and how flexible, supported roles are transforming community care. Jack Murray of MediaHQ shares how to cut through the noise in 2026 with smarter PR, better stories, and the right mix of AI and authenticity...