Freshly crowned Chef of the Year, Anthony O’Connor of The Old Warehouse, joins Ronan to share his culinary journey, passion for local produce, and the real story behind the kitchen doors. Sinead Cooper of Serene Beauty & Wellness reveals how the ACORNS programme helped her turn a dream into a booming business—and why she wants more Midlands women to follow suit. Chris Hewitt of Biddy O’Dowds explains how a traditional Irish pub became a national digital innovator. And LOETB’s new ‘Back in Gear’ initiative offers real hope for former Fastway workers left in limbo.
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42:46
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42:46
Episode 94
Professor Felicity Kelliher of SETU has just been honoured internationally for championing Ireland’s micro-enterprises—and she’s calling for policies that reflect the real behaviour of small businesses. Chamber Ireland President Margaret Considine speaks to Ronan after addressing the European Parliament of Enterprises, highlighting the urgent reforms needed to restore European competitiveness. Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick shares the latest on the Fastway collapse, including what’s next for affected drivers and Midlands businesses. And we bring you the highlights, emotions, and celebrations from the 2025 Midlands 103 Hospitality Awards.
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43:48
Episode 93
Why do so many SME projects stall after funding? Shannon Kearney of SquaredMap shares how Lean, digital tools, and AI can actually drive lasting change in your business. The team behind Playtown Tullamore celebrates a national award and reveals what’s next for their magical family experience. AwakenAngels CEO Clare McGee talks women-led investing, a £4M milestone, and how Midlands women can join the movement as founders or funders. Plus, Dr Alan Hore previews the upcoming MMC Accelerate event in Laois—and how modern construction methods could transform Ireland’s housing sector.
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43:44
Episode 92
Midlands MEP Ciarán Mullooly warns that businesses and communities risk losing Just Transition funding if they don’t act fast and outlines what groups in Offaly, Longford, Westmeath and Laois must do now to protect their grants and local jobs.
Brian Egan, founder of Midlands based Reactable AI and DeepPurple AI reveals how AI is levelling the digital playing field for Ireland’s SMEs.
Benedicta Durcan of BnM and Paul Mahon of Watt Footprint join Ronan to discuss Accelerate Green, the programme scaling real sustainability businesses, creating high-skilled jobs, and putting Ireland at the forefront of climate solutions.
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43:50
Episode 91
Neil Skeffington of Novelplast warns that Ireland’s soaring energy costs could drive manufacturing overseas, while Germany invests billions to protect its industries. But there’s hope—Paul Mahon of Watt Footprint explains how Irish businesses are cutting energy bills by up to 30% through smarter strategies. Liam Tutty of Dead Centre Brewing shares how his craft soda spin-off just struck Gold at Blas na hÉireann, and Breda Colgan of Salutem Advisory talks real-site safety, why culture matters, and how the CIF’s ‘Back to Basics’ campaign aims to save lives in construction.
Ireland