Tom Molloy, Director of Public Affairs and Communications at Trinity College Dublin spoke with John about the business stories making the news this week. They chat through the news around the banking sector, economic growth, stimulus packages and lots more.

DPD is one of the largest companies in the parcel delivery and distribution business with its vans and driver’s familiar sights all over the country. Over the last year, parcel delivery and distribution has experienced amazing growth due to the enforced move to online caused by protracted lockdowns. Des Travers, Chief Executive of DPD Ireland joined John to discuss how the organisation has adapted throughout the pandemic.
 
Just over two weeks ago The Parlour Castlecomer, which offers luxurious handmade gelato opened its doors to the public, and Majella Dempsey joined John to tell her story of how she went from a career in midwifery to opening an ice cream shop in Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny.
 
During the week Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin and Fáilte Ireland announced funding of €19 million for the development of new outdoor water based facilities across 22 locations nationwide. Kilkenny Water Sports Hub is to be developed under this scheme and Fiona Monaghan, Head of Activities at Fáilte Ireland spoke with John about what this means for this area and how tourism products need to adapt to meet changing tourism in the post Covid World. 

With thanks to O’Neill Foley, Produced by Deirdre Dromey.

To contact the show, email: [email protected]

"Twenty Questions" our feature which gives you the chance to get the know the individuals behind the businesses and organisations within our communities across the two counties is back again this month, and our second guest was Mag Kirwan of Goatsbridge Trout Farm.

Economist Jim Power chats to John Purcell about the World Economic Outlook which was recently released by the International Monetary Fund and provides some insights for the upward revision. Jim shares his thoughts on the management of Covid-19 in Ireland, the idea of a risk based assessment approach to lockdowns and what more could have been done for the business community.  Looking to the future, Jim discusses potential economic scarring and how the Irish economy will fare over the next number of months.

Economist Jim Power joined John to discuss some of the big issues facing businesses and the economy at the moment, they also discuss the forecasts for the World Economy that were released by the International Monetary Fund during the week.
 
Sonya Lennon, Co-Founder of LIFT Ireland spoke with John about The Better Leadership Forum, an event series aimed at exploring leadership in the media, politics. business and public sector.  The first event "Leadership in the Media" takes place on Thursday 15th April 2021.
 
"Twenty Questions" our feature which gives you the chance to get the know the individuals behind the businesses and organisations within our communities across the two counties was back this week and our guest was Mag Kirwan of Goatsbridge Trout Farm
 
RT Smart Data based in Carlow, is an innovative company that fits tiny intelligent sensors in buildings to provide real time measurement of the lived-in environment and Ciaran Bolger spoke with John to tell him more about the technology and how it works. 

With thanks to O’Neill Foley, Produced by Deirdre Dromey.

To contact the show, email: [email protected] 

Austin Hughes, Chief Economist at KBC Bank Ireland joined John to discuss consumer confidence at the end of the first very challenging quarter of this year. Austin also shares his insights into what lies ahead over the next weeks and months for the economy and the country as we begin to emerge from Covid. 

Paul Keeley, Director of Regional Development at Fáilte Ireland spoke with John about the Tourism & Hospitality Sector and the continuing challenges the sector faces during the pandemic. Paul also discusses the €17 million Outdoor Dining Enhancement scheme which was recently announced by Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin along with Fáilte Ireland.

Austin Hughes, Chief Economist at KBC Bank Ireland joined John to discuss consumer confidence at the end of the first very challenging quarter of this year. Austin also shares his insights into what lies ahead over the next weeks and months for the economy and the country as we begin to emerge from Covid. 
 
Retail Excellence Ireland represents over 2,000 of Irelands leading retailers, Duncan Graham, Managing Director at Retail Excellence Ireland spoke with John about how the retail sector is feeling after the Government’s announcement on plans for easing of restrictions earlier in the week.

During the week Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin along with Fáilte Ireland announced details of a €17 million Outdoor Dining Enhancement scheme, Paul Keely, Director of Regional Development at Fáilte Ireland, joined John to tell him more about the scheme.
 
John Hurley, CEO of Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce and Colin Duggan, President of County Carlow Chamber of Commerce joined John to provide some insights into how our local business communities are feeling after another tough week in business and what more the Government needs to do to help business.

With thanks to O’Neill Foley, Produced by Deirdre Dromey.

To contact the show, email: [email protected]

It has been a momentous few weeks for Ballykeefe Distillery with the release of their first ever whiskey, the culmination of a dream that began over 25 years ago. John spoke with Morgan Ging, the entrepreneur behind the business.

With fraud an ever present threat and payment redirection fraud in particular continuing to cost local business, John spoke with Paul O Brien from Bank of Ireland Group Security about their recent research as well as tips and advice on protecting your business from fraud.

Tommy Hickson of Hickson’s Supervalu in Tullow spoke with John about what working through the pandemic has been like, what have been the biggest issues and what can we learn for re-opening businesses.