This week on The Bottom Line on KCLR John was joined by Aidan McCullen host & founder of The Innovation Show and a change consultant. Aidan joined John to talk about his story, how he has evolved in his own career after life as a professional rugby player and his interest in the idea of human development & capabilities from very early on. Aidan talks about innovation, change and the importance of continuing to grow and evolve in both life and business. https://theinnovationshow.io/

During the week, Fáilte Ireland published their operational guidelines with industry groups for the safe reopening of the tourism & hospitality industry on the 29th June 2020. Brian O’Flynn, Head of Ireland’s Ancient East joined John to discuss the operational guidelines in more detail. He also spoke about the industry and the scale of the challenges that it now faces as well as highlighting the supports available to businesses within the  sector. https://www.failteireland.ie/

Now more than ever, we are all very aware of the importance of supporting local and supporting Irish and most of us are familiar with the Guaranteed Irish symbol, Brid O’Connell, Chief Executive of Guaranteed Irish spoke with John about the work that Guaranteed Irish do to support all businesses who support jobs and communities in Ireland. Brid also spoke about the work that they have continued to do during the Covid -19 crisis. https://www.guaranteedirish.ie/

Deirdre Martin, President of Network Ireland Kilkenny branch spoke to John about the Business Woman of the Year Awards 2020 which this year will take place virtually on 2nd October 2020, the Businesswoman of the Year Awards were transformed to reflect the new realities of Ireland’s working women. https://networkireland.ie/kilkenny/

During the week we spoke to several businesses across Carlow & Kilkenny who had reopened their premises for the first time since March. They shared their experiences of the first week back in business as well as reactions from the public to the reopening of businesses and the new ways in which they now operate.

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

To contact the show, email [email protected]

Economist Jim Power chatted to John about the current state of the economy and what the future may look like for the economy as we move through the phases of reopening Ireland. He discusses the challenges that continue to face businesses as well as the importance of supporting local. www.jimpowereconomics.ie

SME Recovery Ireland Chair, John Moran spoke with John on the programme a number of weeks ago about the SME recovery plan, Fergus Doyle of The Business Troubleshooters joined John this week to provide an update on the progress being made by the group as well as calling on local business owners to engage with the SME recovery plan. www.smerecovery.ie 

Grace Fields, Tax Specialist with O’Neill Foley Chartered Accountants, discusses the complexities of transferring a business. John and Grace talk through the various tax implications and how assets can be transferred in a tax efficient manner. They also discuss stamp duty in further detail, highlighting the rate payable on non-residential property has risen over the last number of years and is a big consideration for people when transferring an asset. www.onf.ie

County Carlow Chamber of Commerce CEO Brian O’Farrell and Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce CEO John Hurley discuss how businesses are feeling as we enter phase two of reopening Ireland and how businesses will operate across the two counties as they open up in the coming weeks. They highlight the work being done by the Chambers through their weekly contact with Government ministers and the importance of shopping local and supporting local businesses now more than ever. www.carlowchamber.com   www.kilkennychamber.ie

Maxem Engineering are providers of automation & capital equipment to the Electronics, Automotive, Aviation and Medical Industries and Peter Henebry Managing Director of Maxem Engineering joined John to discuss the work they do.  Peter spoke about the global supply chain as well as how Maxem Engineering have pivoted and adapted their business during Covid-19. www.maxem.ie

Majella Byrne, Library Staff Officer at Kilkenny County Library provides an update of the services available to the business community through their local library. www.kilkennylibrary.ie

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

To contact the show, email [email protected]

This week on The Bottom Line on KCLR Laura Slattery, Journalist & Media Correspondent at The Irish Times joined John to speak about the media industry during Covid-19 and the impact the restrictions have had on the media. She speaks about the highs and lows of the media industry during this time. 

Olga Barry, Festival Director of Kilkenny Arts Festival joined John to speak about the importance of festivals, events and the creative sectors to communities and the local economy. Olga discussed the cancellation of the Kilkenny Arts Festival as well as the culture sector, what its worth to the economy as an industry itself and The National Campaign for the Arts(NCFA) proposal for the survival and recovery of The Irish Arts Sector. www.kilkennyarts.ie

JJ Kavanagh of JJ Kavanagh & Sons spoke with John about the history behind his business, which is one of the largest privately owned coach operators that have been in business over 100 years, he speaks about the difficulties facing his business during Covid-19 and the challenges that lay ahead for the company. JJ also addresses the supports that the Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland are seeking from Government www.jjkavanagh.ie

Retail Expert and owner of JB&A Associates, James Burke joined John to chat through the retail industry and how it may bounce back from the closures during Covid-19. James talks about the practical steps that retailers will be addressing over the coming weeks such as reassuring the customers that all measures have been put in place to ensure their safety as well as highlighting some examples of how retailers have reinvented themselves during Covid-19 to ensure that they remain operational. www.jamesburke.ie

MicroGen Biotech is a Biotech start-up company which focuses on the global market in the Agri-Cleantech sector, the company is a spin-out of The Institute of Technology, Carlow. Founder and CEO Xuemei Germaine joined John to talk about the history of the company and the work that they do. www.microgenbiotech.com

John Shortall, County Librarian of Carlow County Council Public Library services provides an update of the services available to the business community through their local library. www.carlowlibraries.ie

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

To contact the show, email [email protected]

Eamon Quinn, Business Editor at the Irish Examiner spoke with John about the recent CSO figures which were produced for the Irish Examiner, the figures highlight the jobs that will most likely be impacted by the economic downturn. Eamon highlighted the figures for the South East region.

Head of Facebook Ireland, Gareth Lambe spoke to John earlier this week. They talked about Facebook, what they are doing to support communities across Carlow & Kilkenny during Covid-19 and about some of the many issues around misinformation on the platform.

Richard Dore of Richard Dore Optometrists located on High Street Kilkenny joined John to discuss reopening his business, the changes that they have implemented to ensure the safety of staff and customers and how the first week back to work has been.

John Moran former Secretary General of the Department of Finance and Chair of SME Recovery Ireland spoke to John about the National Small Business Recovery plan and the importance of the SME in Ireland.

Also on the show was John Hurley, CEO of Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce who discussed the results of the recent locally run Consumer Sentiment Survey as well as his thoughts on the one way system due to be introduced to Rose Inn Street and High Street, Kilkenny.

Sean Swan, of Swans Electrical Expert Carlow chatted to John about his business and how it operated during the restrictions, as well as reopening his store to customers this week.

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

To contact the show, email [email protected]

On this week’s episode of The Bottom Line on KCLR, John Purcell spoke with Donal O'Donovan, Business Editor with the Irish Independent. They talk all things business amidst the ongoing Covid-19 crisis and the weeks top business stories, including the recently announced Restart grant aimed at SME's.

Mark Cullen, Assistant Chief Executive of the Health & Safety Authority joined John to talk through the recently published "Return to Work Safely Protocol" as some non-essential businesses begin to open up in phase one of the easing of restrictions. Mark discusses the changes that people will now face as they return to work and the importance of working collaboratively on ensuring the measures are put in place to prevent the spreading of Covid-19.John chats through some of the practical steps involved in "Return to Work Safely Protocol" document with Mark and how businesses can implement the protocol in their own workplace. The "Return to Work Safely Protocol" can be found at: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/22829a-return-to-work-safely-protocol/

Fran McFadden, National Customer Acquisition Manager with Gas Networks Ireland, joined John to talk about the work that Gas Networks Ireland do,  as well as the work they have continued during lockdown. Fran talks about how Gas Networks Ireland have been supporting SME's for the last 40 years & how at the moment that has become even more important to them as many of the SME's face big challenges. He also talks about the supply suspension scheme and encourages businesses who have had to close their doors due to the Covid-19 crisis to contact their gas supplier as they may be able to avail of the scheme and charges can be suspended for a three month period. https://www.gasnetworks.ie/home/

The Motor Industry like many has been hugely impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. Many car garages are now facing into their first week of opening up and Ollie Brannock of Boland’s of Carlow, joined John to talk about how they have continued business throughout the lockdown with virtual selling of cars and all the measures they have in place for welcoming customers back into their showrooms. https://bolandcarlow.ie/

Claire Lawton, Chief Executive Officer of St. Canice's Credit Union joined John to announce her retirement after 22 years in the position, Claire chats through her career, the changes and the challenges that have occurred throughout her time within the organisation. John & Claire also talk about women in leadership and Claire's experiences during her career as well as her plans for the future.  https://stcanicescu.ie/

Ashling Ward, Network Manager with Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet provides an update on the work that they have continued during the restrictions and an update on the programmes that are currently available. https://carlowkilkennyskillnet.ie/

With thanks to O’Neill Foley 

Produced by Deirdre Dromey.
To contact the show, email: [email protected]

On this week's episode of The Bottom Line on KCLR John Purcell chatted to Eamon Quinn, Business Editor at The Irish Examiner on all the weeks business stories as well the issues facing the Irish economy over the coming weeks and months.

Alan Seery of O'Neill Foley Chartered Accountants joined John to provide further information on the up to date measures introduced by Revenue in addition to the Wage Subsidy Scheme, as well as explaining Warehousing of Revenue Debt and discussing other financial supports available for businesses. https://onf.ie/

Deirdre Martin, President of Network Ireland Kilkenny branch provides an update on all their activities that have been taking place during the covid-19 pandemic. https://networkireland.ie/kilkenny/

The Tourism & Hospitality Industry is an industry which is hugely important to Carlow & Kilkenny. Colin Ahern joined John to discuss the challenges that the industry is facing, as well as the measures that will be required to ensure that the industry will be in a position to reopen once restrictions have been lifted. https://visitkilkenny.ie/

Roisín Gilroy, Head of Marketing & Business Development with St. Canice's Credit Union chatted to John about the recent news that Credit Unions had topped the Ireland Reptrack 2020 Study as the most reputable and highly regarded organisation in Ireland, she also discussed how they have adapted their ways of working during the Covid-19 restrictions, and discusses the services that St. Canice's Credit Union are offering their members such as temporary loan arrangements and their new Kickstart Loan. https://stcanicescu.ie/

Bridget Kearney of Belle Femme Lingerie Boutique located on Kieran Street spoke to John about their virtual bra fitting service that they are offering their customers. Bridget talks through the process and how to avail of this unique service. https://bellefemmelingerie.ie/

With thanks to O’Neill Foley 

Produced by Deirdre Dromey.
To contact the show, email [email protected]

This week joining John Purcell on The Bottom Line on KCLR was Kate O'Flaherty of Healthy Ireland, who spoke about the importance of self-care for everyone in these trying times, she also addressed the importance of self-care for those in business from business owners to managers to teams and what help and support is available through the Government Campaign "In This Together". Kate offers some simple tips and advice to help people switch off and take a break to aid keeping stress levels under control, as well as, the importance of remaining connected and finding new ways of doing this. Further information and supports can be found at www.gov.ie/together

Author of Every Leaders Reality Guide & Former General Secretary of the Irish Vocational Education Association, former General Secretary of Education and Training Boards Ireland( ETBI), former President of Carlow Chamber of Commerce Michael Moriarty, joined John to discuss business and inclusive leadership. Michael chats about his blog where he has written about the importance of inclusion in leadership and in life. During his discussion with John he also addresses the need for clear leadership at the moment, how people in time of crisis want decisive leadership as well as the need for transparency & honesty.www.michaelmoriarty.ie

Karen Hall Account Director with the well know market research company IPSOS MRBI spoke with John about the recent survey which they carried out examining "Radio Activity During Coronavirus". Karen also discussed how radio listenership is measured normally and how this has been disrupted due to restrictions and how this lead to the research on radio listening in general.

Local IT experts, Business IT Solutions(BITS) Director Paul Byrne joined John to speak about remote working as many now find themselves working from home, they discuss the requirements to remote work effectively and the need to ensure that people are working securely and remain vigilant when it comes to phishing scams. Paul highlights some of the scams that he has come across and what businesses can do to help combat these issues. www.bits.ie

Joe Sheridan of Sheridan Stained Glass & Protective Counter Screens based in Kells, Co. Kilkenny, talks about how he pivoted his business from working on stained glass in Churches, pubs restaurants etc to now making and fitting protective counter screens for pharmacies, shops, cafes and offices etc for the businesses to operate safely during this time.  

Also, this week we heard updates from Brian O’Farrell, CEO, of Carlow Chamber of Commerce and from Marion Acreman, President of Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce on the work and supports available through the local chambers.

With thanks to O’Neill Foley 

Produced by Deirdre Dromey.
To contact the show, email [email protected]

On this week’s episode of The Bottom Line on KCLR, John Purcell was speaking to Pete Lunn who is the founder and head of the ESRI’s Behavioural Research Unit & is also part of the team who are advising the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) on some of the measures during Covid-19. Pete discusses the trends and the psychological impact the restrictions of Covid-19 has had on the Irish population,  the importance of work for people and how it helps individual to feel connected to others and society and how we get back to work after restrictions have been lifted. Pete also addresses how many people while wanting restrictions to be lifted, have real concerns regarding returning to work in terms of their safety and highlights the practical measures businesses can take to plan for environments that are safe and comfortable for individuals to return to work or for customers to return to stores.

Richard Cook a creative entrepreneur and the founder of the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, Kilkenomics and Subtitle Film Fest. Richard joined John to talk about the cancellation of this year’s Cat Laughs Comedy Festival for the first time in almost thirty years, what it means to him on a personal level and what it means to Kilkenny. He talks about how Covid-19 will impact on the live comedy world for the future and other festivals such as Kilkenomics.

One of the largest organisations in Kilkenny and one which impacts every family in the county of Kilkenny is Kilkenny County Council and Colette Byrne, Chief Executive of Kilkenny County Council joined John to talk through how the County Council as an organisation is operating at the moment as well as what their major challenges are and will be into the future. Colette highlights how the community have come together and how their emergency community response and community helpline can help to assist members of the community, the helpline number is 1800 500 000.  

Colette chatted to John about our reliance on the tourism industry in Kilkenny and with the closures of all the hotels, restaurants, bars etc the impact this will have on Kilkenny and the role Kilkenny County Council will have in this. Colette also highlights her concerns for the County Council in terms of the impact on them as a business and anticipates that income from rates will be significantly impacted due to Covid-19. 

Ken Byrne Founder and CEO of Redsky Europe joins John to talk about his company and the services they provide. RedSky are Market Access Specialists based in Kilkenny who provide three main areas of services: Fulfilment, Vat Platform and International Freight. Ken spoke to John about how they have been working through the Covid-19 restrictions and how they have now developed RedSky Ireland which is aimed at assisting Irish companies and their online efforts at present.
 https://redskyeurope.com/
 

Joe Curran, Director of VSS, Ventilation Surveys and Services a company based in Carlow, spoke to John about the process that lead to him pivoting from his existing business to develop his latest venture which is to offer Coronavirus Covid -19 Decontamination Services across many different industries. www.brethevss.ie 

With thanks to O’Neill Foley https://onf.ie/
 

Produced by Deirdre Dromey.
To contact the show, email [email protected]

Economist Jim Power joins John Purcell for this week's episode of The Bottom Line on KCLR. Jim discuss the retail sector and the impact the current restrictions are having on the sector with over 110,000 employees currently laid off due to the businesses being closed. Jim highlights the Excellence Ireland, Irish Retail Industry Recovery Plan and some of the points contained within which is aimed at ensuring the survival of the Retail Sector and to re-employ as many of the workers who have lost their jobs. You can read the full report at https://www.retailexcellence.ie/

The Temporary Covid-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme was announced on 24th March 2020 as one of the measures to provide financial support to workers affected by the Covid-19 crisis.  The subsidy scheme commenced from 26th March 2020 and supersedes the Employer Covid Refund Scheme. The scheme is expected to last a period of 12 weeks. During the week the Minister of Finance announced further changes to the scheme.
Alan Seery of O'Neill Foley Chartered Accountants joined John for a questions and answers session on the Temporary Covid-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme https://onf.ie/

Also this week we heard from Ken Byrne Founder and CEO of Redsky Europe who are Market Access Specialists based in Kilkenny. Redsky Europe provide three main areas of services: Fulfilment, Vat Platform and International Freight. Ken spoke to John about how they have been working through the Covid-19 restrictions and how they have now developed RedSky Ireland which is aimed at assisting Irish companies and their online efforts at present.
https://redskyeurope.com/

Gabrielle Carroll, Business Advisor with Local Enterprise Office Carlow spoke to John about the different approaches to helping business at the moment and had the key message for businesses which is to act now! The local enterprise office has a number of services available to business
from mentoring services to online trading vouchers and various other supports. www.localenterprise.ie/carlow

Seamus O'Hara CEO of Carlow Brewing Company joined John to chat about how his business has pivoted and established their online store Radical Drinks www.radicaldrinks.com

With thanks to O’Neill Foley https://onf.ie/
 

Produced by Deirdre Dromey.
To contact the show, email [email protected]

Carlow Businessman David Walsh one of the founders of Netwatch, EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist and former president of Carlow Chamber of Commerce talks to John about all aspects of business during the covid-19 crisis. He discusses the impacts on business, the uniqueness of this crisis as both demand and supply are affected and also the speed & the depth of the crisis which is occurring globally. He also highlights how important it is to have a dual strategy one in which businesses are surviving during the crisis but also to prepare for when business can be resumed.

Declan Rice, CEO of Kilkenny Leader Partnership chats to John on how his organisation is remaining operational and in support of businesses. Declan discusses the need to continue working and adapting through this “new norm” and how Leader have in excess of  €1.5million in funding available to support businesses & community projects throughout Kilkenny City & County. Further information can be found at www.Cklp.ie

Michele Neylon  Owner & CEO of Blacknight Solutions in Carlow, chats to John on operating remotely to assist businesses to expand their on line presence or get online for the first time, which in the current business climate is essential for many in order to continue to operate.  Michele also discusses the importance of security for on line business and offers some simple tips on how people can communicate via video conferencing more securely & work more effectively from home remotely. www.blacknight.com

Fiona Deegan, Head of Enterprise with Local Enterprise Office, Kilkenny spoke with John on the supports available to business at present. Two supports in particular that Fiona highlighted were Microfinance Ireland – Covid 19 Small Business Loans and the Trading Online Voucher Scheme as both has been subject to further changes during the week. Fiona also spoke about the new Business Continuity Voucher, available through Local Enterprise Offices, which is designed for businesses across every sector that employ up to 50 people. All information on the above can be found at https://www.localenterprise.ie/Kilkenny/ or for Carlow https://www.localenterprise.ie/Carlow/

Martin Corkery, Regional Director of Enterprise Ireland chats to John on the range of new & existing supports that are in place for to assist businesses in continuing to operate at present as well as to assist businesses to get back up and working once restrictions have been lifted. Martin also highlights that one of the big challenges for companies is around the area of financial planning and the importance of having a good financial plan in place. www.enterprise-ireland.com

A local company who has adapted their business to match the needs of frontline workers is Thomastown based company Surfbox, their business has seen a dramatic pivot in their operations & Tom Marry spoke with John on how his company has started producing face shields with the use of 3D printers from public libraries. www.surfbox.ie

With thanks to O’Neill Foley https://onf.ie/

Produced by Deirdre Dromey.
To contact the show, email [email protected]