Taking Care Of Business with Ronan Berry

As part of our end-of-year Taking Care of Business special, Ronan Berry speaks with industry and political leaders about the highs, challenges, and opportunities shaping the Midlands economy. John Condron of Condron Concrete shares insights on infrastructure delivery, what 2026 could bring for construction—and rising motorsport star Alex Dunne. Denise Buckley of Sugar Plum Sweetery reflects on a w...

Conor of Typo Coffee shares how his Westmeath-based brand is growing from the ground up—thanks to wholesale strategy and support from the Local Enterprise Office. Tullamore Credit Union CEO Paul Shaw reveals a strong financial year, the return of millions to the local economy, and new social housing loan initiatives. Conor O’Leary of Purple House Cancer Support introduces a workplace training prog...

Tony Woods joins Ronan to unpack the Government’s Accelerating Infrastructure Report and how Modern Methods of Construction could speed up housing and infrastructure delivery across Ireland. Richie O’Hara Jnr shares the story behind Luain Clothing—a Midlands-born fashion brand inspired by the River Shannon. Orla Dollard reflects on how Philip Doogue Mechanical Services in Abbeyleix earned a nation...

Portarlington’s Stuart McCaul, founder and CEO of Ishikawa Technologies, shares how he built a global software acquisition company—and why he proudly calls himself a “socialist capitalist.” Deirdre Fox introduces the Offaly Volunteer Centre’s new Professional Exchange Programme, connecting skilled locals with voluntary groups for high-impact advice. And Mullingar’s Mark Brady of Bravo Contracts re...

How will Ireland’s new automatic pension enrolment scheme affect your business? Colin Donnery of FRS Co-op breaks down what employers need to know now, from cost implications to long-term planning. Jackie Carroll of Laois Chamber gives us a sneak peek at the upcoming President’s Lunch with Pat McDonagh and reveals how the Chamber’s Christmas campaign aims to boost local trade. And Athlone’s Michae...

Freshly crowned Chef of the Year, Anthony O’Connor of The Old Warehouse, joins Ronan to share his culinary journey, passion for local produce, and the real story behind the kitchen doors. Sinead Cooper of Serene Beauty & Wellness reveals how the ACORNS programme helped her turn a dream into a booming business—and why she wants more Midlands women to follow suit. Chris Hewitt of Biddy O’Dowds expla...

Professor Felicity Kelliher of SETU has just been honoured internationally for championing Ireland’s micro-enterprises—and she’s calling for policies that reflect the real behaviour of small businesses. Chamber Ireland President Margaret Considine speaks to Ronan after addressing the European Parliament of Enterprises, highlighting the urgent reforms needed to restore European competitiveness. Cll...

Why do so many SME projects stall after funding? Shannon Kearney of SquaredMap shares how Lean, digital tools, and AI can actually drive lasting change in your business. The team behind Playtown Tullamore celebrates a national award and reveals what’s next for their magical family experience. AwakenAngels CEO Clare McGee talks women-led investing, a £4M milestone, and how Midlands women can join t...

Midlands MEP Ciarán Mullooly warns that businesses and communities risk losing Just Transition funding if they don’t act fast and outlines what groups in Offaly, Longford, Westmeath and Laois must do now to protect their grants and local jobs. Brian Egan, founder of Midlands based Reactable AI and DeepPurple AI reveals how AI is levelling the digital playing field for Ireland’s SMEs. Benedicta Dur...

Neil Skeffington of Novelplast warns that Ireland’s soaring energy costs could drive manufacturing overseas, while Germany invests billions to protect its industries. But there’s hope—Paul Mahon of Watt Footprint explains how Irish businesses are cutting energy bills by up to 30% through smarter strategies. Liam Tutty of Dead Centre Brewing shares how his craft soda spin-off just struck Gold at Bl...

From dereliction to regeneration — Athlone joins Ireland’s Living City Initiative. Architect Mel McGerr and businesswoman Rosie Boles share how design, heritage, and community can bring new life to the heart of the Midlands. Floor Store Direct is marking 20 years in business. Siobhan Smyth will discuss their pivot to digital, customer loyalty, and what’s next for this Irish success story Savoury F...

Taking Care of Business with Ronan Berry - a Budget 2026 Special.

With Budget 2026 on the horizon, TD John Clendennen outlines the findings from Fine Gael’s Backing Business survey—and what’s needed to ease pressure on Ireland’s SMEs. Mullingar’s Ray Carolan shares his journey from building Lakeland Kayaks to helping businesses thrive online through WebFizz. Rosanna Irwin of Samsú reveals how LEO’s Grow Digital Voucher helped her transform burnout into a streaml...

Westmeath food is on the rise — meet Blas na hÉireann finalists Eimear Nally of Bonny Bo and Peter Pavlov of Barbavilla Dairy, and hear from Michael Ward on plans for a new Food Hub in Mullingar that could transform the county’s food future. From bourbon barrels to rum-finished warmth — discover Flynn's Irish Whiskey, a small-batch blended triple-distilled whiskey inspired by former postman Paddy...

Taking Care of Business Live from the National Ploughing Championship 2025

Birr is building its future—Barry Kennedy shares how the Birr 20:20 Vision is reigniting its Business Pillar and aligning with tourism to bring bold ideas to life. Aubrey Nuzum of Portlaoise-based Aubren reveals how their award-winning tech is cutting energy use and making waves globally. Bernie Everard and Ann Marie Feighery preview what’s cooking in the Midlands Flavours marquee at this year’s P...

John Logan of JHL Engineering shares how his Athlone-based firm is making global moves—and why collaboration through the Engenuity network and NI Manufacturing Expo is vital for Midlands growth. Enda Corneille of the Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce explains why Irish exports to the Arab world are booming despite global trade pressures. And Margaret Edghill of Mount Briscoe Organic Farm invites us t...

From glamping farms to riverside retreats, Mary Hensey, Aidan Shorthall, Richard Kennedy, and Johannes Bulfin reveal how EU Just Transition funding is fuelling a fresh wave of tourism innovation across Offaly. Ballykilcavan Brewery’s David Walsh-Kemmis unveils their mischievous new Gatecrasher IPA—just in time for Electric Picnic—and explains why you definitely shouldn’t sneak it in. And Eoghan Ke...

With fraud up 73%, Detective Fran Hoban of the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau outlines how cybercriminals are targeting SMEs—and what your business can do to stay safe. Glosna House founder Marie Byrne speaks out on the importance of boundaries in wellness, calling time on toxic behaviour in the industry. And Brendan Kelly of Bord na Móna explains how the former peat giant is now leading the ch...

From painting houses in Dublin to ringing the NASDAQ bell—Gareth Sheridan, CEO of Nutriband Inc. and now a Presidential hopeful, shares the extraordinary highs and brutal lows of building a multi-million-dollar business. In a no-holds-barred chat with Ronan Berry, he opens up about regulatory battles, near-collapse, and the mission to fight opioid addiction through groundbreaking drug-delivery tec...

Taking Care of Business with Ronan Berry August 5th 2025

From a garage in Westmeath to the world stage—David Corcoran of Soltec shares how his company is pioneering green innovation in hazardous waste recovery and representing the Midlands as an EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist. LOETB’s Gráinne McGrath introduces a new TY agri course showing teens they can earn (and learn) more in the milking parlour than the coffee shop. Plus, Professor John Wells...

From trade talks to Cantabrian coastlines — Minister Peter Burke outlines Ireland’s response to global tariff threats and explains how international trade missions aim to open new doors for Midlands SMEs. We meet two Midlands women launching a unique relocation business in Northern Spain, and Professor John Wells of SETU reveals how Ireland is leading the digital upskilling of Europe’s healthcare...

Breda Dooley of Matrix Recruitment breaks down the rise of contract work—and why women and over-50s are at the forefront of this shift. In Mullingar, vet David Fagan brings pet care to your doorstep with his new home service. And FRS Co-op CEO Colin Donnery reveals how their partnership with Bluebird Care is transforming how Ireland recruits for homecare, nationwide.

Midland Steel’s Tony Woods reveals how a €16 million automated facility and a new US licensing deal are putting Laois innovation on the global map—and fast-tracking Irish housebuilding. In Offaly, Barry Kennedy of the County Arms shares the next chapter for Dooly’s Hotel in Birr and what it means for Midlands hospitality. Jackie Carroll of Laois Chamber Alliance invites locals to shape the future...