The SME Community Podcast

As the holidays bring families together, it's the perfect time to reflect on the future—both personal and professional. In this episode of The SME Community Podcast , we dive into succession planning for small businesses. Aisling is joined by solicitor Ronan Kennedy and accountant Frank McMahon. Learn about the steps, challenges, and strategies to ensure a smooth transition for your business...

In this episode of The SME Community Podcast, Aisling dives into the art of building lasting customer relationships with Cora Barnes, founder and M.D. of 3Q Recruitment Agency. Discover practical strategies to keep your customers coming back, turn them into loyal advocates, and create unforgettable experiences that set your business apart. Whether you're an SME owner or part of a growing team...

In this episode from Boston, USA,  Aisling sits down with Pamela Campagna, where they discuss the practical, actionable strategies on using AI tools and how to begin integrating them into your business. Pamela Campagna has over 30 years of experience in consulting, business, marketing, and entrepreneurship. She is the President of BLUE SAGE Consulting, Inc. a certified women-owned management consu...

In this episode of The SME Community Podcast, Aisling sits down with Clare Brett, the founder of natural  skincare specialist manufacturer, Dublin Herbalist. Clare is a guest at the upcoming NWED event on the 17th of October.  Dublin Herbalists skincare range is created and  blended by hand in Ireland. The range  is suitable for all skin types and is the winner of several beauty awards including a...

In this episode of The SME Community Podcast, Aisling sits down with Dr. Nadav Ben Haim, the recently appointed Life Sciences Commercialisation Case Manager at the Technology Transfer Office (TTO) of South East Technological University (SETU).   Together, they dive into the essentials of Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy and explore how SMEs can leverage IP to create tangible monetary value. IP...

The retail landscape and customer behaviours, both online and in stores, have dramatically shifted over the past few years, placing significant demands upon retailers. They are having to innovate faster and increase buyer engagement while also finding significant operational efficiencies and addressing sustainability goals. This episode is a special edition in advance of the Retail Symposium being...

2023 has been designated European Year of Skills by the EU Commission. In advance of the LEO Tipperary event on Thursday the 15th of November - How to Grow Local Talent, Aisling speaks with Sinead Heneghan of Landdi.ie about a huge issue amongst the SME community -  which is attracting and retaining talent.  Currently three in four EU companies have difficulty in sourcing workers with the skills t...

If you are wondering where to start with AI, or what it’s all about, this is the episode for you. Aisling talks to Geraldine Magnier of Idiro Analytics, pioneers of AI and analytics for over 20 years.   From crafting an AI policy, ethical considerations, to integration strategies, we've got you covered. Unravel the nuances of managing AI responsibly and ethically, ensuring that your venture n...

Thinking about exporting but not sure where to start? Many SMEs don't realise that significant opportunities exist to grow their business across the island of Ireland, with practical support available to help reduce risk and open new markets. In this episode, Aisling speaks with Anne-Marie McAteer and Janet Toal from InterTradeIreland about how SMEs can access funding, innovation programmes a...

How confident are you in making financial decisions for your business? In this episode, Aisling speaks with Sir Steven Wilkinson, founder and CEO of Good & Prosper, about why financial fluency is one of the most important skills for SME owners and leaders. Together they explore how a better understanding of business finance can improve decision-making, strengthen leadership and support sustain...

Could introducing the Irish language help your business stand out? In this episode, Aisling speaks with Gráinne Moore about the growing role of the Irish language in business, branding and customer engagement. As interest in Irish culture continues to grow, more organisations are discovering how incorporating Gaeilge into everyday business can strengthen their brand identity, create authentic cust...

Are your business processes slowing you down? In this episode, Aisling speaks with Dermot Freeman, an expert in Lean, business process improvement and digital transformation, about how SMEs can streamline operations, eliminate waste and prepare their businesses for automation. Discover the four key steps every business should take before automating a process, how Lean principles developed by Japan...

Could your business already own valuable intellectual property without realising it? In this episode, Aisling speaks with branding and intellectual property expert Liam Birkett about how SMEs can identify, protect and commercialise their ideas. From trademarks and design rights to brand creation and PR opportunities, Liam explains how intellectual property can become one of your business's mo...

Looking for ways to improve productivity, reduce waste and grow your business? In this episode, Aisling speaks with Audrey McDonnell of Sola and Allyson English of Jigsaw Better Business Solutions about how Lean thinking and digital transformation can help SMEs become more efficient, productive and profitable. Learn how the Lean for Micro programme helps businesses identify opportunities to improv...

Customers, funders and supply chains increasingly expect businesses to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. But where should an SME begin? In this episode, Aisling explores how small businesses can become more sustainable through practical, achievable changes. John Butler of The Bookworm shares his experience of participating in the Green for Micro programme, while Stuart Nelson explain...

Innovation isn't just for large companies. Some of the world's most successful businesses started with a single idea and the right support. In this episode, Aisling explores how innovation support can help SMEs develop new products, improve services, strengthen strategy and plan for future growth. Richard Whyte explains how Innovation Vouchers work, the types of projects they support and...

Thinking about improving your business online? Note: The Trading Online Voucher programme discussed in this episode has now concluded. This episode is retained as part of the podcast archive because the advice on websites and digital marketing remains valuable for SMEs. Although the Trading Online Voucher (TOV) programme discussed in this episode has now ended, the practical advice on building an...

What does it take to build a successful artisan food business? In this episode, Aisling speaks with Veronica Molloy of Crossogue Preserves, Shannon Forrest of Rivesci and Kylie Magner of Magners Organic Farm and Mobile Hen about the realities of growing food businesses in rural Ireland. Discover how collaboration, innovation and strong local networks have helped these producers develop nationally...

How do you get your business noticed without spending a fortune on advertising? In this episode, Aisling speaks with renowned business broadcaster and journalist Conall O'Moráin about the power of public relations (PR) and how SMEs can build credibility through media coverage. Drawing on decades of experience covering Irish business, Conall shares insights into what makes a good story, how jo...

What exactly is the circular economy—and why should SMEs care? In this episode, Aisling explores how small businesses can become more sustainable by embracing circular economy principles, reducing waste and making better use of resources. Joining the discussion are Noel Heffernan, environmental management consultant and Chairperson of the Tipperary Green Business Network, and Michael McEniry, Dire...

Archive Episode: This conversation was recorded in November 2020 while Brexit negotiations were still ongoing. Although the negotiations have concluded, many of the discussions around supply chains, customs, exporting and business preparedness remain relevant for SMEs trading internationally. How do major political and economic changes affect small businesses? This archive episode was recorded dur...

Can a school enterprise project become a real business? In this episode, Aisling explores how a Transition Year Student Enterprise evolved into a successful SME supplying one of Ireland's largest agricultural organisations. Joining the conversation are Bronwyn April, an entrepreneurship and youth development specialist from South Africa, and the founders of J & D Engineering, who transfor...

Every small business needs good legal foundations—but many business owners don't know where to start. In this episode, Aisling speaks with solicitor and registered Trade Mark Attorney Wendy Doyle, founder of a specialist legal practice supporting SMEs across Ireland. Drawing on her experience working with both major corporate firms and small businesses, Wendy explains the legal issues every e...

GDPR doesn't have to be confusing. Every business that collects customer data has legal responsibilities,but compliance can be much simpler than many business owners think. In this episode, Aisling speaks with Rosemary Kearney, founder of RMDK Consultancy and a specialist in GDPR and data protection for SMEs. Together they explore what GDPR really means for small businesses, how to protect cu...

Why do some products succeed while others fail? The answer often starts with understanding people. In this episode, Aisling speaks with qualitative market research specialist Robin Challis, whose work has helped global brands including Kellogg's, Cadbury and Yakult better understand their customers. Together they explore how qualitative research uncovers customer motivations, behaviours, perc...