Taking Care Of Business with Ronan Berry

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.

Global politics is hitting Irish businesses where it hurts—John Finn of Treasury Solutions breaks down what EU–India trade talks, Mercosur tensions and tariffs could mean for Irish SMEs in 2026. Gillian Peters of Pragmatica introduces a new LOETB-backed programme turning sustainability into practical, profit-smart action for small businesses. HR expert Caroline Reidy shares why AI is reshaping graduate hiring and what it means for career starters and employers alike. And Mullingar’s Noel McIntyre of Motion Picture reflects on winning national acclaim—and how great photography can power great storytelling.

With trade wars looming and EU countermeasures on the table, David Savage of Deloitte joins Ronan Berry to discuss how global shifts could impact Irish businesses in 2026. Jack Pilkington of Agri Data Analytics shares how Irish ag-tech is gaining ground in Europe, following a key trade mission to Brussels. Tony Delaney of SYS Financial reflects on the expansion of GTL Life and Pensions—and why growth doesn’t have to mean losing the values of a family-run business. Plus, James Burke of Mullingar Chamber pays tribute to the late John Connaughton, a true Midlands hospitality pioneer.