Taking Care Of Business with Ronan Berry

With tensions rising in the Middle East, Paul Mahon of Watt Footprint explains how regional instability could ripple into Irish business costs—particularly if oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz are disrupted. Katie Cochrane of Creators31 reflects on her journey from New York and LA fashion to launching a creative studio in Ireland, helping brands bring bold product launches and experiential campaigns to life. And Kevin O’Loughlin of Nostra warns that cybercrime is shifting focus—from servers to people—highlighting why businesses must now protect staff as much as their systems.

Orla Martin of LEO Offaly joins Ronan to preview Local Enterprise Week 2026, outlining a programme focused on leadership, resilience, fraud awareness, mentoring and digital growth for Midlands SMEs. Colin Kennedy of DPD Ireland explains how a €5 million investment in a nationwide locker network is reshaping last-mile delivery and giving customers more flexibility than ever. Allyson English of Mody shares her entrepreneurial journey and how lean and digital transformation are helping business owners build confidence and capability. And Lucy Jo McHugh of RBK talks resilience, cold-water challenges and the Freezebury fundraiser supporting Esker House and the Little Blue Heroes Foundation.

Alpha Drives in Portlaoise is powering into its next phase, with a multi-million euro expansion and ambitious hiring plans. Managing Director John Dwan joins Ronan to discuss automation, engineering careers, and why advanced manufacturing is thriving in the Midlands. Louise McSharry of Make & Share outlines bold plans for a new Midlands Creative Cluster designed to connect designers, makers, and studios at scale. Kevin Scully of The Merry Mill shares the story behind Ireland’s only certified organic flour mill—just in time for Pancake Tuesday. Plus, we preview National Enterprise Week 2026 and the packed schedule from the LEOs across Westmeath, Laois, and Offaly.

In a world full of distractions, productivity expert Dr Aine O’Dea explains why attention—not time—is the real currency of high performance, especially in technical and engineering roles. Dr Diane Cooper of Edufit joins Ronan to discuss the rise of weight-loss drugs as a corporate wellbeing trend, and why employers should focus on sustainable, evidence-based health strategies instead. Peter Rigney of Rigney Forge explores the evolving role of design in branding, customer experience, and business success in the age of AI. Plus, we spotlight Big Red Cloud’s Community Roadshow, coming to Athlone Springs Hotel tomorrow.

Starting a business is one thing — sustaining it for 15 years is another. Catherine Kiveney joins Ronan to reflect on a journey that began with no roadmap and evolved into multiple businesses, changing client expectations and a growing role in Ireland’s tourism and events economy.

Thousands of people leave Laois every day for work — but where do they go, and what skills go with them? Ronan speaks with Angela McEvoy of Laois County Council about a new commuter survey designed to shape local jobs, investment and economic strategy.

Getting noticed is one of the biggest challenges facing Irish SMEs. Jo Gilfoy of Vodafone Business introduces the See Your Business Pitchside initiative — and why ambitious Midlands businesses should seize the opportunity to put their brand in front of millions at the 2026 Six Nations.

After 45 years in business, Eamonn Brackens Menswear in Portarlington is closing its doors. Ronan will talk to Bernie Bracken about the story behind the store, its place in the community, and what comes next.