The Firm

On the 29th of July 2018, Offaly man Gary Flannery will attempt to write himself into the history books when he not only takes part in the Zurich Iron man but attempts to cross the finish line in less than 10 hours. We speak to Gary to try to find out what motivates someone to push the bounds to such extremes. What does it take to train for such a gruelling endeavour and most importantly how is a winning mind set formed and maintained through such an exhausting test of human endurance?

The commercial world is fraught with risk on a daily basis. It takes drive, determination and precise planning to navigate to success. Sport is no different. What we draw from winning athletes can be overlaid onto the business world to provide that all important competitive edge. Clarke Jeffers are delighted to be associated with Gary’s “Breaking 10” and Saplings school Carlow. We embrace risk and admire those who aren’t afraid to hold themselves out there in pursuit of their goal. They aren’t just athletes, they are those who are leading and shaping the new business world.

Inward Investment in in Ireland. Inspired idea or just good tourist board advertising?

Ireland is the last remaining native English speaking country in the European Union. We have one of the youngest, most educated populations and our unemployment level is plummeting. This is all in addition to the fact that we have some of the most favorable tax arrangements on the planet. So with that being the case we meet with Ann Marie Tierney of the IDA and John Fitzgerald, Inward Investment tax specialist with McInerney Saunders and ask the question, “Why invest and locate your business in Ireland. Is it really all it’s cracked up to be?”

Victor and William take a lighter look at the cases and laws that shaped 2015 together with some of the stranger and funnier cases to arise. Not always that serious but certainly something to wrap up the year! Enjoy.

If you think you are too small to be hacked then you are a prime target. Cyber security is fast becoming the number one threat to small and medium sized business in Ireland. Phishing, email scams, credit card fraud and cyber ransom are all becoming more prevalent and far more sophisticated. What are your rights and duties if you are hacked? If your (or your clients) monies are stolen then who is responsible and are you liable? What legal obligations do you have in relation to Data under your care or control and is it possible to insure against cyber-crime and the theft of such data? In this episode Victor Clarke is joined by barrister and specialist in cyber Law, Ronan Lupton and also by cyber Insurance experts Anthony O’Leary and Brian O’Mara of O’Leary Insurance. The panel discuss the dangers posed to both individuals and businesses and how those dangers can be minimised. This Episode of “The Firm” is a must for anyone connected to the internet! A wise man once said “There are two types of people in Ireland. Those who have been the victim of cyber-crime and those who have been victim of cyber-crime but don’t know it”. It pays to be informed.

This Episode of The Firm podcast discusses the area of Franchising both from a franchisee’s and a franchisors point of view. What you need to do to get involved in franchising and what it takes to make it work. Victor Clarke, Partner in the commercial section of Clarke Jeffers Solicitors is joined by Tony Fitzpatrick (otherwise known in the media as the Franchise Guru) and Mike McQuillan of Pet Sitters Ireland, a new Franchisee (been through that initial difficult set up stage!). Issues such as, should I franchise? What do I need to consider and am I right for Franchising are discussed. It is an open discussion that we hope will shed some light on the area of franchising and answer some key questions for those considering going in that direction.

This episode of The Firm podcast is a discussion on all aspects of buying and selling property in Ireland: where we have come from and where we might be going to in the future. William Clarke, Partner in the Conveyancing Section of Clarke Jeffers Solicitors is joined by Ronan Lyons, Lecturer in Trinity College Dublin and most well-known for his role as chief economist with Irelands largest property site www.daft.ie, together with David Ashmore, Partner in the Fine Home and Country Estates Section of Sherry Fitzgerald Auctioneers. We are looking at numerous issues pertaining to the buying and selling of property in Ireland today. Is it a good time to buy? Is there finance available? What about the rental market? Should I build? One of the most important questions we ask is: why do Irish people have such an interest in owning property. It is an open discussion which we hope will shed some light on the current property market.

The companies Act 2014 was implemented into law on the 1st of June 2014. It affects some 200,000 companies in Ireland and is the single largest piece of legislation to come into being in the last 40 years. Victor Clarke of leading Irish commercial Law Firm, Clarke Jeffers & Co Solicitors together with his guests, Sasha Kearns, tax director of top Accountancy Firm Grant Thornton and Conor Sweeney, managing director of CLS chartered secretaries review the key areas of the new act and look at the practical implications for company directors. A user friendly un-technical review in plain English, designed to be of general assistance to all company directors and advisors alike.