ThinkBusiness.ie, powered by Bank of Ireland, has been created for Irish business owners and managers who are seeking information, resources and help on a range of business topics. It provides practical, actionable information and guidance on starting, growing and running a business. It offers guides, tools, templates, checklists and a wealth of other content tailored to meet the needs of Irish business owners and managers. It also showcases case studies, with insights, tips and advice from ...
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Episode 255 - Anthony Gallagher of Petstop
28:27
28:27
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28:27We talk to Anthony Gallagher of Petstop who celebrated 30 years in business year who opened his 14th retail outlet in Rathmines. He talks about how he started the business originally to sell it but instead grew a scaling firm that is also a force in the world of e-commerce. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SME…
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Episode 256 - Barry and Fergal Doyle, The Arboretum
28:56
28:56
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28:56We talk to brothers Barry and Fergal Doyle about how the lifestyle and gardening business that was started by their mother in Carlow in the 1970s has grown to become a €14m a year business. They talk about sustainability and how the business has sold half a million plants this year with 85% of their suppliers being Irish. Not only that they discuss…
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Episode 254 - Crystel Robbins Rynne, HRLocker on the digital future of HR
29:12
29:12
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29:12We talk to HRLocker’s Crystel Robbins Rynne about the prevailing trends in HR and how the Clare-born tech business is helping SMEs and corporate firms navigate the digital future. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.…
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Episode 253 - Kevin McPartlan, Fuels for Ireland
27:44
27:44
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27:44We talk to Kevin McPartlan, CEO of Fuels for Ireland, about how the fuel sector is actually the lynchpin of Ireland’s transition to green energy, arguing in favour of new fuels like hydrotreated vegetable oil and low-carbon liquid fuels. The sector employs more than 66,000 people and supplies more than half of Ireland’s current energy consumption. …
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Episode 252 - Ciaran Murray, OLAS Foundation
32:11
32:11
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32:11We talk to Ciarán Murray from Olas, a seasoned veteran of the blockchain industry and a former employee of BSkyB, about what does the future hold for Ireland’s local media sector. He argues that local media serves as a cornerstone of community life in Ireland, providing trusted news that keeps people together. Today local media continues to be amon…
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Episode 251 - Assessing the impact of Trump's tariffs on the Irish and European Economy
15:44
15:44
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15:44We talk to Bank of Ireland chief economist Conall Mac Coille who looks at the likely impact on the Irish economy of tariffs enacted by the Trump administration in the United States. He also assesses what could happen if punitive tariffs are placed on pharmaceuticals and ICT exports if a trade war was to occur between the EU and the US. Visit www.th…
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Episode 250 - Interview with Derek Reilly from NEVO and Derek Kavanagh from Bank of Ireland
25:21
25:21
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25:21It emerged recently that Partsol, a business with the potential to upset the existing Gen AI applecart, is to locate its global HQ in Dublin and plans to create up to 60 new jobs in its first year. We talk to the CEO of Partsol Dr Darryl Williams who says locating in Europe is crucial for the business in order to find the oxygen to innovate, gain r…
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Episode 249 - Dr Darryl Williams, CEO, Partsol
22:34
22:34
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22:34It emerged recently that Partsol, a business with the potential to upset the existing Gen AI applecart, is to locate its global HQ in Dublin and plans to create up to 60 new jobs in its first year. We talk to the CEO of Partsol Dr Darryl Williams who says locating in Europe is crucial for the business in order to find the oxygen to innovate, gain r…
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Episode 248 - Alan Andrews, Old Barracks Coffee/Guji Coffee
32:40
32:40
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32:40We speak with Alan Andrews, founder of the Old Barracks Coffee Roastery and the Guji Coffee Chain about his ambition to make Limerick Ireland’s coffee capital and his plans for expansion. The business is scaling and will be approaching 60 staff by April. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you…
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Killorglin County Kerry-based innovation centre RDI Hub recently marked its fifth anniversary and within that relatively short period of time has seen more than €250m invested in its start-ups and has created 430 high-quality local jobs. We talk to the CEO of RDI Hub Liam Cronin about how the hub has made the impact it has and what other regions of…
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Episode 246 - Lucy Ryan and John Doyle, Bank of Ireland
23:59
23:59
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23:59As well as supporting the Backyard at Blas na hEireann, Bank of Ireland’s experts recently mentored some of the winners from the Blas na hEireann Best Newcomers category in areas of sustainability and fundamentals of business. We spoke to Lucy Ryan, head of Food Sector at Bank of Ireland and bank manager John Doyle, a judge at Blas, about the impor…
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Episode 245 - Loretta Dignam, Menopause Hub
26:05
26:05
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26:05Leading menopause expert Loretta Dignam has become the only Irish woman honoured in the first-ever Forbes 50 over 50 global list of trailblazing women. Dignam founded the Menopause Hub – Ireland’s first and only dedicated menopause clinic at the time – in 2018 at the age of 56. She says that age has no limit for entrepreneurship and talks about her…
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Episode 244 - Claire Hanrahan, Irish Pensions & Finance
26:01
26:01
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26:01We talk to Claire Hanrahan, managing director of pensions business IPF which is blazing a trail in terms of women leadership at both executive and board-level. The business is an outlier in terms of equality and empowering all staff- male and female – to develop their careers and achieve their potential. Proving diversity works, it now has €1bn und…
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Episode 243 - Eugene Garrihy, Founder, Dublin Bay Cruises
22:28
22:28
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22:28We speak to the owner of the iconic St Bridget vessel Eugene Garrihy of Dublin Bay Tours. Faced with a choice between buying a new boat or committing to a more sustainable path, Garrihy chose the latter and embraced the circular economy. He decided to switch from traditional fossil fuels to Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil fuel. This renewable alternativ…
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Episode 242 - Luke Joyce, Founder, WindowCleaner.ie
27:01
27:01
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27:01We speak with entrepreneur Luke Joyce about his growing venture TheCleaningCompany.ie which he started armed with only his grandmother’s Toyota Yaris, a bucket and a squeegee. The business is now expanding nationwide driven by year-on-year 100 per cent increases in revenue. He talks about his passion for entrepreneurship, including winning Maynooth…
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We talk to Joe Quirke, head of GoCar in Ireland, about what’s happening in terms of transport in Ireland. GoCar has been a prominent contributor to Ireland's car-sharing landscape, with a fleet of over 1,100 vehicles nationwide. Launched with the aim of providing members with the freedom of car ownership without the hassle, GoCar ensures a seamless…
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Episode 240 - Richard Tierney, CEO, St Patrick's Festival
25:03
25:03
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25:03We speak with Richard Tierney, CEO of the Dublin St Patrick’s Festival. The St Patrick’s Festival is the biggest celebration of Irish arts, culture and creativity worldwide and its impact is astonishing. In 2024, it delivered an overall media reach of 400m+, publicity worth €522m, a digital and social media reach of 22m, a live audience in excess o…
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Episode 239 - James Lenehan, Founder, Early Table
20:55
20:55
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20:55The restaurant industry in Ireland has been facing significant challenges over the past few years, with rising costs and tax constraints being the main factors. Since its soft launch in 2023, Early Table has connected over 34,000 active members with exclusive dining offers, providing savings of up to 50% while helping restaurants nationwide fill em…
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Episode 238 - Sean Glynn, Chief Learning Officer, Wriggle
22:46
22:46
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22:46Sean Glynn, chief learning officer at Irish tech firm Wriggle, talks about how the business is reshaping the school classroom as we know it through clever learning through digital devices. Uniquely the business employs Irish teachers to develop ways to help hundreds of schools integrate digital technology into their classrooms. Visit www.thinkbusin…
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Episode 237 - Tomas Sercovich, CEO, Business In The Community
22:17
22:17
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22:17Three in five Irish consumers are more likely to support businesses committed to climate and nature. That’s according to Business in the Community Ireland CEO Tomás Sercovich. To help businesses navigate their sustainability challenges, Business in the Community has developed a new Pact that will help firms address the interconnected climate and na…
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Founded by experienced secondary school grinds teacher Ronan Murdock and serial entrepreneur Brendan Kavanagh, Grinds 360 was born out of a desire to address gaps in the traditional grinds system and transform the current education landscape. With investors that include rugby stars Brian O'Driscoll, Caelan Doris, Jordan Larmour, Murdock talks about…
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Episode 235 - Evelyn Moynihan, CEO Of Kilkenny Group
24:25
24:25
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24:25Kilkenny Group CEO Evelyn Moynihan talks about how the Irish design and fashion retailer became a beacon of innovation and e-commerce during the pandemic and how this drove the company’s momentum as the world reopened. She discusses the Group’s investment in both bricks and mortar alongside e-commerce and driving the future of Irish retail trends i…
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Episode 234 - Johnny O'Callaghan, Taxplanner.ie
16:52
16:52
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16:52Johnny O’Callaghan of Taxplanner.ie discusses how he helps individuals and families in Ireland navigate the complexities of Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT) - commonly known as Gift Tax or Inheritance Tax. His ambition is to ensure his new online service becomes a trusted partner for those seeking to secure their family’s financial future. Visit www.…
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A ransomware epidemic threatens to engulf Irish SMEs. Not only that but the rise of AI and deepfakes means businesses can be fooled into costly fraud and phishing attacks. Speaking ahead of the IRISSCON 2024 conference on the 6th of November, Jake Moore, one of Europe’s leading data security experts warns that Irish businesses are vulnerable and ne…
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Episode 232 - Meet The Food Businesses At Blas Na HEireann 2024
31:55
31:55
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31:55We talk to Bank of Ireland’s head of Food Sector Lucy Ryan as well as a range of artisan food and drinks businesses at the recent Blas na hEireann Irish Food Awards. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.…
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Episode 231 - Martin Donovan, Killadoon Milk
6:58
6:58
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6:58In this episode we speak to Martin Donovan from Killadoon Milk in Kildare which won ‘Best Start Up’, a prize also sponsored by Bank of Ireland as well as a variety of accolades including Gold for Whole Milk, Best in Kildare and Best in Leinster. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to …
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Episode 230 - Anne Ravanona, Global Invest Her
33:40
33:40
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33:40Irishwoman Anne Ravanona is a recognised global advocate and voice for access to funding for women entrepreneurs and women’s economic empowerment. Rather than moving forward, she warns that women entrepreneurs are losing hard-earned ground. The answer she urges is fundamental change in financial policy and the need for more women investors. Visit w…
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Episode 229 - Business In The Community Decarbonisation Pilot
20:20
20:20
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20:20Recently 22 Irish SMEs graduated from a decarbonisation pilot, which was a collaboration between Business in the Community Ireland, Bank of Ireland, the Musgrave Group and SSE Airtricity. We talk to some of the SMEs who graduated from the programme about what they learned and how they will go about decarbonising their businesses. Visit www.thinkbus…
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Episode 228 - Yvonne Brewer, Auticon Ireland
24:34
24:34
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24:34Creating a neuroinclusive working environment isn’t just good for the individual, it’s good for everyone. We talk to Yvonne Brewer from Auticon about the organisation’s unique business model of delivering complex IT projects by harnessing the exceptional talents and skills that neurodivergent people have to offer. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for mor…
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Episode 227 - Start-Ups At The Ploughing 2024
55:03
55:03
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55:03We talk to a variety of agri start-ups and early-stage food business that we met at the 2024 Ploughing Championships, from the latest tech to amazing flavours. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.…
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Episode 226 - Artie Clifford, founder, Blas na hEireann
15:04
15:04
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15:04At the 2024 Blas na hEireann Awards in Dingle we spoke with its founder Artie Clifford who talked about how the awards came into being and how his own experiences as a businessperson informed the need for not only a celebration of Irish food but for how food producers can help each other grow their businesses. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more ne…
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Hosted at the RDS Simmonscourt on Sunday 10 November, the Nevo EV Show is poised to be Ireland’s largest-ever motor show – a must-attend for anyone interested in the future of mobility. We talk to Nevo’s Derek Reilly, the host of Ireland’s leading Electric Vehicle YouTube channel and Partnerships Director of Nevo, about what’s happening when it com…
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Episode 224 - Barry Guiney, Head Of The Scale Up Collective At Odgers Berndtson Ireland
25:51
25:51
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25:51We talk to Barry Guiney, head of the Scale Up Collective at executive search firm Odgers Berndtson Ireland about the prevailing trends in tech recruitment. Is the sector in slowdown or is it heating up? Barry has more than 20 years of senior executive experience in the technology sector and has his finger on the pulse of new hiring trends such as t…
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Mark O’Connor and Bobby McDonnell from Bank of Ireland Corporate Pensions outline the pros and cons of auto-enrolment for employers and employees and what every business owner needs to know. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.…
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Episode 222 - Lucy Ryan, Head Of Food & Beverage Sector, Bank Of Ireland
17:48
17:48
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17:48We talk to Lucy Ryan, head of Food & Beverage Sector at Bank of Ireland about the upcoming Blas na Eireann Irish food awards, now in their 17th year. She talks about how quality Irish food ingredients are having their moment and how we can make Irish food more sustainable to serve future generations. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and sup…
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Episode 221 - Eoin Lowry, Head Of Agriculture, Bank Of Ireland
15:16
15:16
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15:16With the 2024 Ploughing Championships about to welcome more than 300,000 people and 1,700 exhibitors, Bank of Ireland’s head of Agriculture Sector Eoin Lowry talks about the history of this iconic event and how it is at the crossroads of the sustainable future of farming. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs …
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Episode 220 - Caitriona Considine, Moher Cottage
23:59
23:59
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23:59Caitriona Considine swapped the corporate world to transform an old cowshed near the cliffs of Moher into a thriving gift and coffee shop with the mission for Moher Cottage to be the best little shop in Ireland. The former engineer talks about swapping the long commutes for entrepreneurship and running a business sustainably on one of Ireland’s bus…
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Episode 219 - James Louttit, Author, Leading Impactful Teams
29:15
29:15
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29:15The 2023 Project Management Professional of the Year James Louttit has recently published a book about how to lead impactful teams. James talks about his journey to overcome burnout and explains how even well-prepared, hard-working intelligent people can feel the strain of project management. He has authored a new book that provides tips and techni…
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We talk to John Clancy, the founder and CEO of Galvia, an AI-powered decision intelligence platform that draws actionable insights from enterprise data. Since 2017 Galvia (formerly known as Chatspace) has been working with some of the World’s largest companies including Nestlé, Medtronic and Atos. As a serial entrepreneur John is continually identi…
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Episode 217 - Stephen Costello, Spectrum.Life
27:41
27:41
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27:41With more than 7.2m lives looked after, Irish business Spectrum.Life is one of Europe’s fastest growing digital health providers and is targeting revenues of €100m by 2028. We talk to CEO Stephen Costello about the company’s growth plans and opportunities in the global healthcare market. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for sta…
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Change isn’t easy for anyone, but in business it is even harder. Shane Twomey from Phoenix HR has built a business around helping organisations go through the business of change and transformation. He talks about how businesses can get their people and teams aligned around new ways of working. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports f…
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Laura Dillon, selected in May as The Irish Times Business Person of the Month in association with Bank of Ireland, recently made its fifth biggest investment in Ireland with the acquisition of a stake in Bellew Electrical. The private equity player has now partnered with more than 20 Irish businesses in the last three years, adding 1,000 roles to t…
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Episode 214 - Hrvoje Smolic And Vinnie Lynch, The Founders Of Graphite-Note
27:11
27:11
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27:11Hrvoje Smolic and Vinnie Lynch, the founders of Kerry-based tech firm Graphite-Note talk about the chemistry that made them realise they could build a global AI-based business from regional Ireland. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.…
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Episode 213 - Alan Coughlan, Founder And CEO Of Lansil Global
27:46
27:46
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27:46Cork native Alan Coughlan’s Lansil Global is creating 30 jobs in the US after opening a new warehouse in Pennsylvania. Now based in Dubai, he talks about how he want from teaching English in China to establishing his global logistics business. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to st…
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Waterford-headquartered branding agency TOTEM recently achieved international acclaim and is set to double the size of its team. Founder Colin Byrne talks about the business of branding and creating a scaling, internationally-focused business. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to st…
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Episode 211 - Andrew Casey, Co - Founder Of Headcase
32:33
32:33
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32:33Since the age of 11, Andrew Casey and Olaf O’Moore have been in rock bands and in business, running ventures that include EcoCabs, bike brand FunkedUp and ad and marketing agency Headcase. Casey talks about how creativity and friendship hold the key to their bond. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Irela…
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Episode 210 - Tony Dunne And Tania Sheik From Bank Of Ireland's NYC Hub
20:23
20:23
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20:23Bank of Ireland’s NYC Hub has become a vital destination for Irish businesses targeting North America as well as a vital social networking venue for the Irish business community in New York. We talk to US country manager Tony Dunne and the NYC Hub’s coordinator Tania Sheik about the Bank’s 50-year history in the United States and what the future ho…
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Episode 209 - Preparing for Auto-Enrolment in Ireland (Episode 2)
26:26
26:26
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26:26In part 2 of our series on auto-enrolment, as mandatory auto-enrolment for pensions looms closer to becoming a reality in Ireland, Mark O’Connor and Bobby McDonnell from Bank of Ireland discuss what employers need to do to make pensions more attractive for their staff. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in …
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Episode 208 - Paul Swift, Head Of Tech, Media And Telecoms, Bank Of Ireland.
26:52
26:52
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26:52The journey to sustainability is not easy. And with new technologies ranging from artificial intelligence to robotics emerging all the time, how do business owners choose the right technologies to help them on their green journey. We talk to Paul Swift, head of Technology, Media and Telecoms at Bank of Ireland about how to avoid being overwhelmed. …
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Episode 207 - Lucy Ryan, Head Of Food & Drinks Sector, Bank Of Ireland
32:08
32:08
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32:08Irish food producers are rightly optimistic about their future prospects and are investing in their future as the shopping public focus on quality and sustainable produce. Lucy Ryan, head of Food & Drink at Bank of Ireland, talks about the results of the latest Love Irish Food survey. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-…
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