Highland Radio Business Matters: Recent Episodes
Highland Radio
In this week’s Business Matters, Chris speaks with Donegal Town-based Travel Counsellor Mandy Ellis, and Charlie Gallagher from Dunfanaghy who recently set up a new business venture, Blue Eyes Solutions which provides an all-in-one platform featuring a website builder, powerful Content Relation Management, marketing automation, and smart AI agents to scale your business.
First up, Chris hears from Mandy about Travel Counsellors Ireland, and also its recent booking data which reveals how Irish travellers are planning holidays and what the in destinations are for the next 12 months.
So whether its cruise holidays, top European or Asian destinations that you might be thinking of, then this is for you.
In the second part of the programme, Chris finds out more about Blue Eyes Solutions with Charlie Gallagher in studio to explain all about his new business.
You can listen to the full programme here:
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On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore has been speaking to John Doherty from Coolboy outside Letterkenny, who having spent many years working abroad and in Dublin, decided to come home and set up his own business, New Look Property Maintenance.
Having started off, as he says “out of the boot of a car”, he now employs seven people and has three vans on the road, and is expanding all the time and has landed some major projects.
John came into the studio about his business journey so far, from kitchen and custom re-sprays – especially in the early years – to everything from flooring to power washing, painting and decorating cleaning, refurbishment, garden maintenance and much more.
He also talks about the importance of mental health in the workplace, tendering for public projects for the likes of councils and the HSE, and a new arrival at home!
Passionate about his business and indeed his native county, he is very positive about the outlook for Donegal – and in particular he feels that there will be considerable opportunities for those who have a trade.
The post Business Matters, EP 307: John Doherty of New Look Property Maintenance is upbeat about times ahead appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s Business Matters Chris Ashmore pays a trip to Convoy to find out all about the Ulster Mead Company.
Widely regarded as the world’s oldest alcoholic drink, mead is sometimes called “honey wine” and is made by fermenting pure honey with water, sometimes infused with fruits, spices, herbs, or parts of plants to create distinctive flavour profiles.
The company was founded in 2021 by two Polish natives Kuba Blaszczok and Tomasz Rotuski. Based in the old Woollen Mills in Convoy, they now have three mead flavours and also produce a number of herbal wines.
The company is building up an increasing customer base, is venturing into Northern Ireland and recently got a significant order from SuperValu.
You can listen to the full interview here:
The post Business Matters: Ep 306 – Convoy based Ulster Mead Company tastes more success appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore has been speaking to a number of people about a couple of businesses that are in their infancy.
First up, he speaks with Elaine Fitzgerald, an interior designer, and Martha Hume, an Occupational Therapist about their new business, Eyra Collective.
They specialise in accessible home redesign. Changing needs should not mean you have to compromise on style. Circumstances change and people’s needs do as well. They can ensure your home continues to work for you, if you have people with disabilities, special needs or maybe they are just elderly and need things redesigned to make life easier.
Chris has also been speaking with a young Inishowen entrepreneur. Amy McDaid has set up a small business called Bold Blossom making distinctive handmade crochet handbags and recently launched her website.
You can listen to the full programme here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 305 – Eyra Collective is specialising in accessible home redesign – plus Bold Blossom’s crochet handbags appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore finds out all about new sightseeing boat tours on Lough Swilly, plus a look at a recently launched website that promotes Letterkenny and what it has to offer.
First up, Chris has been speaking to Derry native Conor Cummings about his new business venture, Swilly Boat Tours.
He runs a variety of sightseeing trips around the spectacular coastline of Lough Swilly, doing both public and private tours .
The tours include trips that take you to beaches and caves around the peninsula and taking in the sights of the likes of Fanad Lighthouse, Fort Dunree and the Pollet Sea Arch.
The feedback has been very encouraging, and Conor already has plans to provide more options with a second boat.
The tours takes in some spectacular scenery, as can be seen on his website: Swilly Boat Tours
Chris has also been finding out more about a new website, GoVisitLetterkenny.ie
Brian Gallagher is the Acting Chair of Letterkenny Tourism and he joined Chris to explain the thinking behind it, and how it can be a boost for a range of businesses and the local economy by highlighting what the town has to offer and how if can be a great base to explore the county.
The post Business Matters, Ep 304: New boat tours on Lough Swilly – plus a website on what Letterkenny has to offer appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore looks at a new business called Getmorecustomersonline.ie
It was founded by Letterkenny based Derrick Fotar, originally from Cameroon, who spent many years working in IT and finance in Dublin before moving to Donegal.
He is using his expertise to guide and help clients to get not just more traffic to their online platforms but to ensure they are targeting the customers who are more likely to get them additional business.
His client base is growing and he recently became a member of Letterkenny Chamber.
He came into studio to speak to Chris about his business, and how he intends to develop it.
You can listen to the full programme here:
The post Business Matters, EP 303: Getting more customers online is the aim for new business appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s Business Matters programme, Chris Ashmore has been finding out about a new “swap” website, a survey on small businesses, and a look at the Donegal Local Development Company’s annual report.
First up, he has been speaking with a Donegal Town based block-layer Ciaran Cassidy, who has just set up a new online business venture called Tradsswap.ie
As the name suggests, it’s a platform where people can offer something that they do in exchange for someone else doing something for them.
Also this week, Chris speaks with David Broderkrick, Small Firms Association Director, about its annual survey which found that small businesses have seen a 44% cumulative increase in costs, on average, in the past three years.
Plus, Chris talks with Padraig Fingleton, CEO of Donegal Local Development Company about its recently published annual report.
You can listen to the full programme here:
https://highlandradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/NEW-Business-Matters-25th-June-2026.mp3The post Business Matters, Ep 302: New start -up Tradeswap.ie, SFA’s annual survey – plus DLDC’s annual report appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
A Letterkenny-based company is working with partners to bring practical humanoid robotics into real-world operations.
This start-up company, called Mirality, is focusing on sectors where labour shortages are already there, areas like food processing, industrial cleaning and packaging and where AI-powered humanoid robots can really come into their own.
Most robots look impressive in demos but struggle in real workplaces because real environments are variable, messy, and hard to simulate. Mirality closes this gap by keeping humans in the loop for reliability and safety, then using operational data to progressively train Vision-Language-Action models for task-specific autonomy.
Based in the CoLab at ATU Donegal in Letterkenny, the company is currently involved in a number of pilot projects, and is also in the process of raising funding. Indeed, they want to engage with more businesses who can see the potential, and they have high hopes that they can create significant employment in Donegal.
Recently the company held a launch evening in the Kinnegar Brewery to give people a real insight into what they are doing, and there was also a demo with the robots.
For more, see this link: Robot Demonstration at launch event in Kinnegar Brewery, Letterkenny
Chris Ashmore has been speaking with Mirality’s Chief Technical Operations Officer, Steven Boylan, who hails from Derry, but first he has been getting the views of the company founder, Spanish native Juan Leandro.
https://highlandradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Business-Matters-18th-June-26.mp3Meanwhile, there was more good news for Mirality. Just days after the launch event and the recording of this piece, the company won the TechTides “Pitch Your Start-up” competition in Belfast, and collected the first prize of €3,500.
The post Business Matters, Ep 301 – Award winning humanoid robotics firm Mirality holds launch event in Letterkenny appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s programme, Chris Ashmore has been finding out more about the Food Coast Donegal network which recently launched a new website, and he also learns about a multi-million euro investment in the hi-tech photonics microchips education and research centre.
First up, he was joined by Lyndsey Reynolds, Project Facilitator, and Seamus McDaid, chair of Food Coast Donegal and Managing Director of Football Special, to talk about the continued evolvement and success of the Food Coast Donegal network.
Food Coast Donegal has launched a new website and interactive map, bringing together producers, experiences, and the wider Donegal food story in a single platform accessible to consumers, visitors, and trade audiences worldwide.
Food Coast Donegal was first established in 2012 by Local Enterprise Office Donegal as a regional branding project, giving the county’s food and drink sector a single, coherent identity. Since then, it has evolved significantly, transitioning from a LEO-led initiative into a member-driven network, shaped and directed by the producers, food businesses and hospitality operators it represents. That shift in ownership reflects the growing ambition of Donegal’s food and drink sector, and the new website marks the next step in that journey.
Also this week Chris has been finding out about the creation of a Semiconductor Photonics Education and Research Centre, which will be known as the Spear Centre. Photonics is essentially the science and technology of using light. Photonic chips are microchips that use light (photons) instead of electricity (electrons) to process and transmit information, enabling faster, energy-efficient, and high-bandwidth computing and communication. The Atlantic Technological University (ATU) has been awarded €8.46 million in funding for this and it has been described as a game-changing investment for the north-west region and is set to drive a new wave of innovation, upskilling, and entrepreneurship. Roadshows are taking place in Letterkenny, Derry, Buncrana and Ballymena in relation to the new SPEAR Centre.
Project lead, Nick Timmons spoke with Chris about the considerable potential that this can bring to the region.
You can listen to the full programme here:
The post Business Matters – Ep 300 – Food Coast Donegal’s new website – plus a hi-tech photonics education and research centre boost for the north west appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore speaks with Letterkenny man John Logue who is the CEO of Social Enterprises Republic of Ireland (SERI), and who has been appointed to the Government’s SME Advisory Group to represent the interests of Ireland’s 4,355 social enterprises.
In the programme he talks about the importance of social enterprises where the social return is the driving force rather than profit.
Chris has also been speaking with India Kennedy from Donegal Town who has just taken up a role as as Executive Assistant to the CEO of the Irish Fish Producers’ Organisation Aodh O Donnell.
India will be based primarily in Brussels but will support the Killybegs-based organisation’s work in Ireland and across EU institutions.
You can listen to the full programme here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 299: Social Enterprises CEO John Logue – plus new Brussels role for Donegal woman appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week Chris Ashmore pays a visit to the Knockalla Caravan and Camping Park which will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year.
He speaks with Patricia Doherty about the business, which was set up by her parents, and looks at the changes and challenges and how the park has expanded .
She is also the Chairperson of the Irish Caravan and Camping Council and she explains what the role entails.
Also in this edition, Chris finds out more about plans to develop a Donegal Repair Cafes Network. He has been finding out more from Martin McDevitt, Community Development Manager with the Donegal Local Development Company.
You can listen to the full programme here:
The post Business Matters – Eps 298: Patricia Doherty, Knockalla Caravan and Camping Park – plus a Donegal Repair Cafes network appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore takes a look at a thriving glamping business in the heart of the West Donegal Gaeltacht.
At the award winning Glamping Rann Na Feirste, guests get the opportunity to stay in one of their luxury modern shepherds’ huts, each of which has a wood-fired hot-top outside.
Located in a quiet, sheltered hollow, it really is a little piece of paradise.
Glamping Rann na Feirste has received superb feedback. Indeed, it has a 4.9 out of 5 rating on AirBnB and is in the top 1% when it comes to reviews.
Eileen Gallagher has been telling Chris about coming back from London to set up the business, how it all began and how it is going from strength.
The post Business Matters – Ep 297: A piece of paradise at Glamping Rann Na Feirste appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore gets an update at what’s happening at the Tata Consultancy Service’s Global Delivery Centre in Letterkenny, plus he finds out about Gander Ireland which helps retailers to turn reduced-to-clear food into sales by promoting discounted items in real time.
Tata Consultancy Services, a global leader in IT services, consulting and business solutions operates a Global Distribution Centre in Letterkenny which is one part of an enormous Indian headquartered company that employs more than 650,000 people around the world in more than 55 countries.
The Letterkenny facility has won a number of awards, and was recently presented with the ‘Diversity, Inclusion & Workplace Culture Award’ at the Invest in Ireland Awards 2026.
Chris paid a visit to the premises and spoke with Andrea McBride, Head of TCS’s Global Delivery Centre, Letterkenny, about the award, and the company’s continued expansion. Indeed, it is currently recruiting and has more than 200 positions available.
Meanwhile, in part two of the programme, Chris speaks with Adam Emerson, founder and head of Gander Ireland. It’s proving that cutting food waste through the use of cutting edge technology can boost profits and support sustainability. Gander has been working closely with the Maple Group, the Irish retail group headquartered in Milford, which has become the first in the Republic of Ireland to use the AI powered technology to tackle food waste across its stores.
Adam explains how the business works, the whole concept behind it, and how he expects further growth in Donegal.
You can listen to the full programme here:
The post Business Matters. EP 296: Awards and more jobs at TCS Letterkenny – plus turning reduced to clear food into extra sales appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore has been looking at a west Donegal business that continues to prosper and expand.
Donegal Shores Hygiene & Catering dates back to 1990, and supplies hygiene systems and catering equipment, and stocks over 10,000 lines of product from toilet rolls to crockery, from kitchen utensils to washing up liquid, along with commercial catering equipment including fridges, freezers, cookers, ovens and water boilers.
It has established an excellent reputation amongst restaurants, bars, hotels, cafes, schools and colleges, nursing homes and food production factories, and is based in Gweedore.
Paddy McGowan is operations manager with the company, and came into studio to talk about the company, its emphasis on good service, and its new website.
Also in the programme this week, Chris speaks with Matthew Coffey, CEO and founder of Squid, a digital loyalty platform. It has just launched Wave Points, a new rewards app, which will is being heralded as Ireland’s first truly universal local rewards system, allowing people to earn loyalty points with one brand and spend them with another across a network of more than 1,000 businesses.
You can listen to the full programme here:
The post Business Matters: Ep 295 – Donegal Shores Hygiene & Catering, plus a new loyalty points network appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore finds out about hundreds of jobs on offer at Vertiv, which has factories in Letterkenny, Burnfoot and Derry, and also hears from Ballybofey man Aiden Thompson and his new business venture The Mind Maze.
First up, Vertiv is undertaking a major recruitment drive with hundreds of positions on offer. This is a truly global company, with more than 34,000 employees worldwide and revenues of more than $10 billion.
The company is hosting an Open Day at An Grianan Hotel in Burt on Wednesday, May 6th, and Fiona Fisher, Senior HR Manager based in Burnfoot has been telling him more about the company, and what it does, and also the positions that are available.
In the second part of the programme, Chris speaks with Ballybofey man Aiden Thompson who is offering psychotherapy and coaching to businesses, individuals and organisations. It’s all very much linked in with mental health and he himself has an very interesting background himself having been a winch man on Search and Rescue helicopter in the north west for many years before suffering a bad injury.
You can listen to the full programme here:
The post Business Matters – Ep 294: Vertiv’s major recruitment drive, plus a new psychotherapy business appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore talks with Martin McGowan, who recently became the new Chair of Ballybofey and Stranorlar Chamber of Commerce. He hears about plans for future growth of membership and how the chamber can really help those in business in the Finn Valley.
He also finds out about the forthcoming Letterkenny Motor Show at the ATU Letterkenny campus, and speaks with Daniel Carlin, Area Sales and Portfolio manager with First Citizen Finance who are working in conjunction with the dealerships as finance partners for the show.
Finally, he pays a visit to Letterkenny Beauty Salon, Signature Nails and Beauty by Rina to find out about its success at the recent Irish Nails, Brows & Lashes Awards 2026 where it won a number of honours. Chris gets the details from South African native owner and founder, Rina du Plessis, who established the business seven years ago.
Tetiana, Rina du Plessis (Owner), and Anna, proudly displaying their awards at the Irish Nails, Brows & Lashes Awards 2026 held in Dublin.The post Business Matters, Ep 293: Ballybofey & Stranorlar Chamber’s new chair, the Letterkenny Motor Show, and Nail Bar Awards success appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore has been speaking with St. Johnston based Bert Galbraith of Galbraith Construction, and John Daly, Economist with the Northern and Western Regional Assembly.
First up, Chris hears about the growth of Galbraith Construction over the past 20 years, the changes in the construction industry, and the challenges and opportunities ahead.
We then find out more about the recently launched County Data Dashboards, including one for Donegal. It’s a mine of information, and will be updated at regular intervals, giving a great snapshot insight into the latest figures that reflect the economic and social status and trends within the county.
You can listen to the full programme here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 292: Bert Galbraith reflects on over 20 years in the construction business – plus a look at the Donegal Data Dashboard appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore has been speaking with Karoline Sweeney, Managing Partner of Castle Grove Country House Hotel, just outside Letterkenny, who recently became the President of Letterkenny Chamber.
They talk about her role as Chamber President and her main objectives for the year ahead, plus her thoughts on the tourism and hospitality sector and indeed the Donegal economy and its potential.
We’ll also hear about Karoline’s own background and the history behind the award-winning four-star Castlegrove Country House and the great success story that it is.
You can listen to the full interview (which will be broadcast just after 6pm on Highland Radio on Sunday, April 12th) here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 291 – New Letterkenny Chamber President Karoline Sweeney of Castle Grove House appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore has been finding out about Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, how millions of euro’s worth of energy is being wasted each year – but this could change – and also the challenges facing the construction industry due to increased oil and gas prices.
Up first, Chris has been speaking with David McCann of the Sea Collective based in Gweedore, an environmental outreach group that aims to inspire people to act positively in relation to marine biodiversity. He has benefited from a programme run by Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, and came back to Ireland having spend many years in Asia.
Following that, Chris has been finding out about potential exists to make use of surplus electricity that is being generated by renewable energy sources, such as wind. At times, particularly during the night, there can be a surplus of electricity generated by wind. Much of this is not used and wasted. However, EnergyCloud, a not-for-profit initiative, wants to use surplus renewable energy – clean electricity that would otherwise be wasted – to support households in fuel poverty. They are already working with local authorities on projects including using this surplus electricity to provide hot water for free in social housing. CEO Alan Wyley has been outlining how he would like to see things progressing.
Finally, Chris talks with Justin Molloy, Director of Western and Midland Region of the Construction Industry Federation about the implications of higher energy prices.
The post Business Matters – Ep 290: A social entrepreneur in Gweedore, using wasted energy more productively, plus construction sector challenges appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore pays a visit to the office of Print Supplies in Frosses to interview its founder and owner Dermot Doherty.
Managing printing for your business or organisation shouldn’t be overly time consuming, or even frustrating, and it doesn’t need to be complicated.
Print Supplies provides solutions that save you time and money when if comes to managing your printing (and photocopying) needs.
From small beginnings, the company has expanded over the years and services the needs of many small and medium sized businesses in the county and beyond.
Dermot Doherty of Print Supplies with some of his team in their office in Frosses, Eileen Maguire, Accounts Manager, Joe Burke, IT Support, and Martina Ryan, Office Manager. Not in picture: Mark McHugh, Business Development Manager, Evan Bonner, Service Engineer.Dermot has been talking about the business with Chris, reflecting on how it all began, the changes over the years, and his thoughts on going forward.
You can listen to the full programme here:
The post Business Matters – EP 289: Dermot Doherty of Print Supplies in Frosses appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s programme, Chris Ashmore begins with some interesting thoughts from Tomás Ó Síocháin, the CEO of Údarás na Gaeltachta, who firmly believers that Gaeltacht areas could find themselves having to manage in influx of people.
Next up there’s up update on new car registrations in Donegal.
And then Chris speaks with Brendan Mulry, a project officer with Irish Rural Link, about social enterprises, and in particular the new Rural Innovation and Social Enterprise (RISE) programme designed to put social enterprise at the centre of sustainable rural development.
You can listen to the full programme here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 288 – Upbeat jobs outlook in Gaeltacht, motoring trends and a new social enterprise initiative appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore talks with Mairtin Kelly, originally from Galway, but who now lives just outside Letterkenny, and who many listeners will know from his days at Kelly’s Centra and Diner at the Mountain Top in the town.
He bought the store back in 2011, and developed it into a thriving business that expanded rapidly.
Indeed, he became a significant employer and in 2023 won the Letterkenny Chamber Business Person of the Year award, in recognition of his achievements.
In 2024, he made a big, big decision, to sell the store and so a major chapter in his and his family’s life came to a close.
So what has he been doing since, and what lies ahead? A real family man, he has spent more time with those who are closest to him – and he is also now developing a new career effectively as a consultant and strategic advisor using his expertise and experience to assist many others to develop their businesses, and to overcome obstacles that they may face.
You can listen to the full programme here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 287 – Mairtin Kelly’s new departure in a consultancy and advisory role appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week Chris Ashmore speaks with finance expert Dan Malone about how savers should shop around to get better interest rates, and finds out more about the recently launched savings comparison website, honest.ie
Ireland is a nation of savers, but many people are getting paltry interest rates on their deposits.
Dan explains how you can set up put your money into accounts all over Europe, very simply, and how they have the same guarantees as Irish banks for depositors while also offering – in many cases – considerably higher interest rates.
Also, in this edition, Chris speaks to Highland Radio CEO Sean Quinn about the hugely successful Highland Radio Hospitality Awards.
They also look forward to the radio station’s input and plans for live updates from the Donegal Diaspora Initiative in Philadelphia from March 20th – 22nd. The three day event is about turning connection into action, bringing together Donegal people at home and around the world through sport, culture, music, and business.
This week’s full Business Matters programme can he heard here:
The post Business Matters – Ep 286: Get a better return on your savings, advice from finance expert Dan Malone appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In Business Matters this week Chris Ashmore finds out about an event being held as part of Enterprise Week that ties in with International Women’s Day, and he also finds out about the next New Frontiers programme at ATU Letterkenny, which is geared towards people with innovative business ideas that have the potential to scale up and provide employment.
First up, Chris has been speaking with Sally Murphy, President of the Donegal Women in Business Network, to find out more anout about the “Built on Belief, Women Building Businesses in Donegal” event which is taking place on Friday, March 5th in An Grianan Hotel in Burt from 10 am to 1 pm.
Then, Chris hears from Geraldine Beirne, the New Frontiers programme manager at ATU Letterkenny, She’s been outlining the different phases in the programme, and who it is aimed at. Applications are open for the next phase and already there has been considerable interest.
You can listen to the full programme here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 285: International Women’s Day event in Donegal – plus the New Frontiers programme appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week Chris Ashmore has been finding all about how a Donegal oyster producer who is using AI to monitor oyster health with support from Enterprise Ireland, ATU Donegal and Board Iascaigh Mhara.
Lee Hunter, a marine biologist and owner of Oisirí Oileán Cróine Teoranta in Dungloe Bay, has created the system, known as The Oyster Pitch, which analyses the sound oysters make when they are handled to distinguish live shellfish from dead stock with a high degree of accuracy.
His innovation has considerable potential in the shellfish sector.
Also in the programme, Chris has been hearing about Enterprise Week which runs from Monday, March 3rd to Friday, March 7th, and once again there is a packed programme full of events. He has been speaking with Brenda Hegarty, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office, Donegal, Cllr. Paul Canning, Cathaoirleach of Donegal Co. Council, and John McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Donegal Co. Council.
The post Business Matters, Ep 284: Lee Hunter and using AI in the shellfish sector – plus Enterprise Week appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week Chris Ashmore looks at a Donegal company that looks set to play a major role in helping to solve underground issues that ultimately can affect millions of people.
Underneath our cities, towns and villages and reaching into rural areas too there is an enormous network of pipes, of water mains, of sewers, of drains.
And so when there is a problem, be it leaks, blockages of structural collapses, locating the exact spot is vital, but can be time consuming, costly, and difficult and there can be health and safety issues too. There can also be a lack of knowledge when it comes to the accurate mapping of what lies beneath the ground – some sewerage systems go back to Roman times.
The team at Subterranean SoftwareBut huge strides have now been made by an Inishowen based company called Subterranean Software that specialises in software for drones operating in underground and constrained environments.
And recently it has named as a winner at this year’s Stelios Foundation North-South Business Cooperation Awards along with their partner, Good Friday Robotics.
Founded by Anthony Hutton and Aidan Gallagher and based at the ii (Inishowen Innovation) centre in Buncrana, Subterranean develops highly advanced and autonomous software systems that enable drones to navigate environments where GPS is absent, radio links are degraded and visibility is minimal.
You can listen to the full programme here:
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In this week’s programme Chris Ashmore finds out more about Emerald Education which is based in Bundoran.
A mum of three daughters, Elaine Lingard wanted them to get the best from her. She left the school system having been a teacher and started tutoring, giving her also a better work-life balance and more time with my family.
Back in 2016 she founded Emerald Education, initially tutoring children in person and soon adding the option of online learning.
Indeed, she began tutoring Maths and English, working with children all over the world ranging from Portugal to the USA,, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates to name but a few.
Now she offers Maths & English tuition for students aged from 5-18. She also has exam revision classes that have helped students gain confidence and improve their grades.
She prides herself with her unique tailor-made approach to ensures students get the extra support in exactly the right places to help them succeed.
As well as online courses, in-person tuition and tutoring online she also does dyslexia and dyscalculia screening tests and also various camps – and – as we shall hear – she is also the author of a number of very interesting education related books.
This part of the interview is particularly worth listening to, especially if you are a parent. Her first book was called Master Your Times Tables in a Month which is full of clever little tricks that she uses to make learning easier. She’s had sales of this book to all over the world.
Chris paid a visit to Elaine in her Emerald Education premises in Bundoran to find out more, and you can listen to the full interview here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 282: Elaine Lingard of Emerald Education appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week Chris Ashmore looks at a great Donegal success story.
He’s been speaking with two brothers who started out selling bobble hats to local sports teams, and who are now presiding over an expanding and thriving business that is now employing more than 30 people in Ballybofey and which is also manufacturing as well as importing.
O’Reilly’s is run by brothers Martin and Steven O’Reilly and supply sportswear, leisurewear, workwear and corporate clothing to clubs, businesses and organisations throughout Ireland, the UK and America.
Martin, a noted Gaelic footballer, trained as a primary school teacher in Colaiste Mhuire in Marino, Dublin and also completed a Masters in Education and Leadership in Queens University, Belfast.
Steven, a multiple national boxing champion, was an undergraduate of Letterkenny IT as it was known then and the University of Limerick, before he became a PE teacher.
Their passion for sport accompanied by the dream of running their own business led to the birth of O’Reilly Sports, from the humble beginnings of those bobble hats on a cold day.
At the end of last year they opened their new premises in what many years ago was the old Herdmans linen factory, and so a textile manufacturing tradition is getting a new lease of life once again.
More than €2million has been invested in the wonderfully modern, impressive renovated and rebuilt structure at the Northern Point Business Centre in Sessiaghoneill just outside Ballybofey. Their website is: https://oreillysofficial.com/
It also houses a striking new shop, with an extensive range of their sportswear and leisurewear products.
Chris paid a visit to their new premises to find out all about the business, and you can listen to the full interview here:
The post Business Matters – Ep 281. O’Reilly’s: Ballybofey-based sports and leisurewear company scoring on and off the field appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore speaks with coaching psychologist and well-being specialist Anna Marie Brosi.
She will be speaking at a Business Leadership Breakfast being hosted by Letterkenny Chamber in the Century Complex in the town on Friday, January 30th, where the theme will be Strategies to Thrive.
Chris has been finding out about her career path, how she deals with clients – ranging from the self employed to big business – and how she can help in areas ranging from burnout prevention to managing stress.
You can listen to the full programme here:
The post Business Matters – EP 280: Coaching psychologist and well-being specialist Anna Marie Brosi appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week, I’ll be finding out about how people living in Ireland can avail of a UK pension – even if they only worked for a year in the North or in Britain – and also hearing about the supports and grants available through the Local Enterprise Office.
Many people in Donegal may be unaware that not only are they eligible for a UK pension, but they could actually pay in additional contributions which will then be topped up by the British taxpayer who will be adding to their pension pot when they retire.
John Ring of Xtrapension joined me for an update, and it is certainly a topic that will be of interest to a considerable number of people in the north-west, and indeed people who may have worked in the UK but who subsequently emigrated.
In the second half of the programme, Brenda Hegarty, Head of Enterprise, gives an outline of some of the wide range or supports – including mentoring and grants – as well as courses that are available through Local Enterprise Office, Donegal.
The post Business Matters. Ep 279: How you can avail of a UK pension – plus Local Enterprise Supports appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week Chris’s Ashmore’s guest is Dr. Siobhan Murray, the founder of Blue Poppy Dentistry and Orthodontics.
A native of Omagh and a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin, she opened her first practice in Donegal Town in 2010. Then in 2019 a second practice was opened on the Pearse Road in Letterkenny.
The company has grown over the years expanding the range of treatments and using the very latest technology.
And shortly they will open a third premises, this one being in the Letterkenny Shopping Centre, where there will be considerable passing footfall and people will be able to see just what they offer.
In this interview, Dr. Siobhan talks about a range of matters, including the ever-evolving advances in technology and the positive impact that this has had on the sector, her great team, fashion trends, and the risks associated with going for dental related treatment abroad.
You can listen to the full episode here:
The post Business Matters – Ep 278: Dr. Siobhan Murray, Blue Poppy Dentistry and Orthodontics appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore traces the story of McGinley Coaches, founded by John McGinley more than 50 years ago.
In December, James McGinley was named as the 2025 Business Person of the Year Award at the Donegal Dublin Business Network Gala Night.
The current CEO and son of John McGinley, he has overseen both growth and diversity in recent years as the West Donegal company continues to go from strength to strength.
So it is timely to hear about the company – including its venture into the cruise tourism sector – in this interview that was first broadcast last April.
The post Business Matters – EP 277 – Donegal Dublin Business Network Business Person of the Year James McGinley appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore’s main focus of attention is a look at a very exciting Donegal Diaspora Initiative that is taking place in March in Philadelphia.
And later in the programme, he’ll be speaking with Paul O’Donnell, about his role as Employment Engagement Coordinator, with the Donegal Local Development Company and what it entails.
But first, the event in Philadelphia is essentially all about turning connections into action, and bringing together Donegal people through sport, culture, music, and business.
And by linking global experience with local communities this can certainly create meaningful opportunities, and open all sorts of doors.
Highland Radio is going to be directly involved, and there will be live broadcasts from Philadelphia in March. There will be a Business Forum, with some big name speakers, on Friday, March 20th, a Gaelic football tournament on Saturday, March 21st followed by plenty of music and then on Sunday, March 22nd, a brunch and various sessions in bars.
To get some more details and to find out how it has all come about, Chris linked up on zoom with the Business Forum Co-Chairs, John McDaid and Raymond Porter, who spoke to him from Philadelphia, while in studio Highland Radio’s Chief Executive Officer Sean Quinn came into explain the input from the station and how it has really captured everyone’s imagination.
More details are also available at https://connectdonegal.org/
You can listen to the full programme here:
The post Business Matters – Ep 276: Philadelphia business forum, sport and music event takes shape – plus DLDC’s Employment Engagement Coordinator appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore has been finding out more about a great little Donegal business that is expanding rapidly and which looks to have a bright future.
Donegal Sea Salt, based in Cranford, is making waves, and has won a number of awards, most the most recent being at the Donegal Enterprise Awards where it was named as the Best Start Up Business for 2025.
Located on the shores of Mulroy Bay, it’s a wonderful example of using a natural product and bringing it to the market.
Chris paid a trip to Donegal Sea Salt which is run by John Slater and his partner Caroline, to get a first hand view of how he extracts the water from the sea and how it then evaporates to produce the clear white sea salt which is a premium product and indeed one that is becoming increasingly popular.
The post Business Matters – Ep 275: Donegal Sea Salt is making waves appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week Chris Ashmore talks with Martin Hilferty of Orbit Security which has now been in business for over 30 years.
From small beginners, the company has expanded considerably over the years, during which time there have been periods of growth, but also challenges.
Martin also overcame a major health issue several years ago following the discovery of a tumour in his heart that required major surgery.
He speaks with Chris about his business journey, changing trends in the security industry and keeping abreast with technological changes – not least AI – and he is also upbeat about the future for his firm and indeed Donegal.
The post Business Matters – Ep 274: Martin Hilferty manager of Orbit Security reflects on 30 years in business appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s edition, Chris Ashmore looks at the new auto enrolment pension scheme in Ireland, called “My Future Fund” which will begin on January 1, 2026, automatically enrolling eligible employees into a retirement savings plan.
Thousands of people in Donegal are set to benefit.
You will be automatically enrolled in the new pension scheme if you are an employee and you: Are aged between 23 and 60; Do not pay into a pension through payroll; Earn €20,000 or more per year across all employments, or more than €5,000 over a 13-week period.
Neil McDonnell, CEO of ISME, the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association, joined Chris on the programme to discuss the matter further.
Later in the programme, we hear how thousands of SMEs across Ireland, particularly outside Dublin, are failing to use one of the most valuable tax reliefs available to them.
The Small Benefit Tax Exemption allows employers to give up to €1,500 in non-cash benefits tax-free to each employee every year. This exemption requires no PAYE, USC, employee PRSI or employer PRSI.
Kealan Lennon, Founder and CEO of CleverCards, explains in detail how the scheme works.
But first up, Chris has been finding out more about the Donegal Business Network, and has been speaking with its director Anthony McGlynn.
The post Business Matters – Ep 273: Auto-enrolment update – plus the Employee Small Benefit Tax Exemption, and the Donegal Business Network appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
This week Chris has been looking at two very different businesses, one aimed at storytelling and creativity and getting children away from screens, and the other which is a luxury hotel and spa gifting platform that is rapidly expanding.
First up, Fudge and Gandol is a new Donegal-based children’s creativity company built around storytelling.
Founded by Ballyshannon mum Julie Dowling, it all stemmed from a bedtime routine and telling stories to her own children. That routine led to the creation of a full set of Story Cards.
And so the idea was hatched that other families could try the same idea. Each pack includes illustrated characters, locations and “story sparks” from Myrndale, a gentle and fantasy world inspired by the Irish countryside. Children pick a few cards and shape the plot in their own way, telling it aloud, writing it down or acting it out.
Julie, who is a manager of an innovation centre in Sligo works says their motto is ‘screens off, imaginations on’.
Meanwhile, a Wicklow based Irish start-up has seen a huge growth in its voucher sales in the luxury hotel gifting market.
Founded by Adrienne Stewart and Zoë Byrne, the company claims to have the world’s most flexible luxury hotel gift voucher. In fact the voucher is redeemable at over 10,000 premium hotels – including ones in Donegal – and across some 75 countries. Adrienne joined Chris to give some more details.
You can hear the full programme now:
The post Business Matters – Eps 272: Ballyshannon mum’s storytelling business is a case of ‘screens off, imaginations on’ appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s programme Chris Ashmore speaks with Shane Deery, the recently appointed Business Office Manager with Ballybofey and Stranorlar Chamber, and also Mary McKenna MBE, who is chair and co-founder of Awaken Angels, which invests in women-led enterprises.
First up, Chris went to the Twin Towns to find out more about the local business chamber, the rise in membership, and plans for the future. As you will hear, Shane Deery is full of enthusiasm and drive and is upbeat about the future for local businesses in the Finn Valley area.
Later in this week’s edition, Chris has a very interesting conversation with Tyrone entrepreneur Mary McKenna MBE.
Have you heard of the Awaken Angels or the Awaken Angels Hub? Awaken Angels is the first and only women-led investment syndicate across the island of Ireland – and it may be of interest to lots of women founders throughout the county and women (and men) who may want to learn more about how they can actually become an angel investor and back brilliant Irish businesses – or how, if they are a women founder or cofounder of a business in Donegal they can find out about the supports available to them.
A new report – Breaking Barriers, Backing Women, Building Businesses – reveals growing interest in women-led investment across the island of Ireland, stemming from the creation of their new syndicate that enables people (men and women) to back women-led businesses here that are seeking to scale/internationalise.
Mary is a serial angel investor, essentially someone who invests in a small business in exchange for a minority stake.
Originally from Dungannon, she lives in Greencastle, and has a wealth of experience in business and investing. Indeed, she co-founded the successful Derry based online learning company Learning Pool following a solid government career and a spell as a Silicon Valley dotcommer.
She’s really passionate about helping early stage start-ups to get off the ground, and especially working with first-time and female entreprenesurs.
Her diary is always busy as she’s always travelling. Indeed, she took time out of her busy scheduled recently to talk to Chris from New York all about Awaken Angels.
The post Business Matters – Ep 271: Ballybofey & Stranorlar Business Chamber on the up – plus Awaken Angels and investing in women-led firms appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s programme the focus of attention is the Irish language and in particular how businesses in Letterkenny could reap the rewards by promoting it and using it to a greater extent.
Recently, Líonra Leitir Ceanainn and Letterkenny Chamber came together to host a Give it a Go – As Gaeilge business breakfast event at Kernans Bistro & Coffee House in the town.
And what a successful event it was, as those in attendance heard about how Galway has given bilingual status in 2016. Letterkenny is designated as a Gaeltacht Service Town and there is no doubt that the use of more Irish can pay real dividends. Letterkenny can learn from the Galway experience.
In the programme, Chris Ashmore hears from three of the speakers from the event, Bairbre Uí Chathail of Lionra Leitir Ceannan, which was established to promote the Irish language in Letterkenny and further afield, Bríd Ní Chonghóile of Gaillimh le Gaeilge, and Polish woman Joanna Ciezka who despite having no Irish background has developed an Irish themed sock business which actively uses Irish.
First up, a few days after the event Chris paid a visit to the offices of Líonra Leitir Ceanainn to find out a bit more…..
The post Business Matters – Ep 270: Why using more Irish is a win, win for Letterkenny businesses appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s programme Chris Ashmore finds out about a new Donegal food company, Wild & Co, which has launched a five week campaign to fund the first production run of its innovative wild venison snacks, a clean, tasty and sustainable alternative to the many ultra-processed protein bars out there on the market.
Founded by Laura McGoran, a food and fitness enthusiast, and John Duffy, a regenerative farmer working to restore native woodlands at Future Oak Farm near Churchill, Wild & Co turns locally sourced 100% wild Irish venison into high protein, low calorie snacks with nothing artificial added.
The product achieves a 12-month ambient shelf life without artificial preservatives, a first for Irish wild game products.
There’s a great story behind the product, and there is certainly big potential going forward.
For more details abou Wild & Co, see: www.wildandco.ie
You can hear the full interview here:
The post Business Matters: Ep 269 – New Donegal firm to launch wild venison protein bars appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s programme, Chris Ashmore speaks with Dermot Doherty of Restex beds and furniture which is based in Letterkenny.
Founded over 50 years ago by Terence Doherty, the company is now operated by Terence’s son Dermot, and is well known for its quality mattresses. Indeed, their luxury mattresses can not only be found in homes, but in many top hotels across Donegal and beyond.
They also have a range of top quality bedroom furniture, sofas, chairs, lighting, and pictures.
Sleep is so, so important, and when it comes to the world of mattresses, Dermot knows all about it, having been involved in the business from a young age.
To find out more about the business, how it all began, designing and manufacturing mattresses and divans, and the journey to date, Chris went round to their showroom at the Pinehill Industrial Estate at the Mountain Top in Letterkenny to speak with Dermot.
The post Business Matters, Ep 268: Dermot Doherty of Restex as it celebrates 50th anniversary year appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s programme, Chris Ashmore finds out more about a series of business support clinics geared towards the tourism sector. They are being held during November with one in each of the municipal district council areas.
Mary Fowley Daly, Senior Tourism Development Officer with Donegal Co. Council has been outlining the thinking behind the initiative which is being promoted by the council’s tourism unit in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland and Local Enterprise Office Donegal.
There will also be an update on the forthcoming Letterkenny Chamber Business Awards, plus a look at how an Inishowen teenager is setting up a social media support enterprise.
The post Business Matters, EP 267: Business support clinics for the tourism sector, plus chamber awards appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore looks at the forthcoming Donegal ETB Enterprise Day for around 250 students from 17 post-primary schools, and also what business energy support grants are currently available from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.
First up he finds out more about the enterprise event which is being stated in ATU Letterkenny. He’s been speaking with Fiona Temple, Principal at Mulroy College, who has been coordinating the working group behind the event.
He then catches up with Fergus Sharkey, Head of Business Supports at the SEAI, to learn about the variety of energy related grants that businesses can avail of.
The post Business Matters, Ep 266: Enterprise Day for post-primary schools – plus business energy grants appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s programme, Chris Ashmore speaks with Dr. Caitriona Strain, General Manager of Ernact, an international digital transformation network that was established back in 1991.
Based in the CoLab at ATU Letterkenny, it is constantly involved in exploring opportunities for funding, and development and knowledge transfer for digital transformation, and has been instrumental in the development of numerous very interesting projects.
Also this week, Sean Quinn, CEO of Highland Radio, joins Chris in studio to discuss the recent hugely successful Highland Radio Customer Service Awards.
You can listen to the full programme here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 265: Dr Catriona Strain, General Manager of Ernact – plus a review of the Highland Radio Customer Service Awards appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore speaks with the owner and founder of Purple Velvet, a bespoke bakery based in Glenmaquin, just outside Letterkenny.
During Covid, Diane Nesbitt found herself with time on her hands and decided to try selling some home-made cup cakes. The response was hugely positive. That was the beginning of a journey that she could scarcely have imagined.
Fast forward to the present day and she now employs 11 people, making a whole range of cakes and tasty treats, including the very popular yummies.
She also has a coffee van based in Letterkenny, and further expansion is on the cards.
Indeed, she has quite a story to tell. A graduate of the University of Liverpool, she worked for several years in the fashion industry.
You can hear this week’s programme by hitting play below. For more details about Purple Velvet, see: https://www.purplevelvet.app/
The post Business Matters, Ep 264 – Diane Nesbitt, founder of bespoke bakery Purple Velvet appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s edition Chris Ashmore has been finding out more about a whole range of courses offered by the Donegal Education and Training Board, and the opportunities to explore new fields, upskill, and perhaps even consider a change of career.
In the second part of the programme, Chris finds out more about gender pay gap reporting and changes in legislation that have come into effect this year.
First up, though, he hears from Donna McDade, Engagement Enterprise Officer with the Donegal ETB about the options available for people who are already in employment and who want to enhance their knowledge or skills.
As part of a government initiative those in employment can now avail of a range of courses that are fully-funded so there is no fee involved.
Donegal ETB works closely with industry and business when it comes to the design of the programmes and the feedback has been very positive from all quarters.
And many people are surprised at just how many options there are when it comes to Donegal ETB backed courses and programmes.
Meanwhile, new reforms to Gender Pay Gap reporting means that organisations with 50 employees or more now have to submit a report while the deadline has also been moved up a month to November.
To find out more about this subject, Chris has been speaking with Sonya Boyce a director with Forvis Mazars, a leading international audit, tax, advisory and consulting firm.
The post Business Matters, Ep 263 – Skills for work with Donna McDade, Enterprise Engagement Officer, Donegal ETB – plus pay gender gap reporting appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
Donegal’s growing reputation for producing great food will be highlighted again next month at the final of Blás na h’Eireann 2025 (the Irish Taste Awards) – the largest food awards in the country.
The event takes place in Kerry and there are a record number of food and beverage producers from the county through to the final.
Indeed, out of more than 3,000 entries nationally, 14 from Donegal have been shortlisted.
Donegal is unquestionably developing a great food and drink sector and through initiatives like Food Coast Donegal, there are supports there.
To find out more about Food Coast Donegal and indeed the Donegal finalists, Chris has been speaking with Lyndsey Reynolds, Project Facilitator at Food Coast Donegal.
The post Business Matters – EP 262 – Lyndsey Reynolds, Project Facilitator, Food Coast Donegal, and finalists in the Blás na hÉireann Awards appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore speaks with Ron Kerrigan, the general manager at the Ballyliffin Lodge and Spa Hotel in Inishowen.
It’s a family run hotel and proprietors Sean and Mary Keogh and their four children have much to be proud about. Indeed this year marks 20 years in business for them in the hotel.
Not only is it Ireland’s Most Northerly Four Star Hotel but it is also arguably Ireland’s greenest hotel insofar as a whole range of eco-friendly and energy efficient measures have been undertaken.
And there is much to look forward to as well. In fact, early next year a major €1.5m million refurbishment programme will take place at the 40 bedroom hotel.
Also in this week’s programme Chris speaks with Highland Radio Chief Executive Sean Quinn about the forthcoming Highland Radio Hospitality Awards which continue to go from strength to strength, and how people can cast their vote before the closing deadline.
The post Business Matters, Ep 261 – Ireland’s ‘greenest hotel’ the Ballyliffin Spa & Lodge has big refurbishment plans appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore speaks with Kilcar native Rory Gallagher, singer, songwriter and business man, who now lives in the Canary Islands.
His business journey has certainly seen plenty of twists and turns, from his days with the Revs and touring Europe and Australia to gigging and then setting up a bar in Lanzarote, returning to Ireland, and then opening a bar in Scotland just as Covid hit.
But he is now back in Lanzarote once more where he runs three bars along with his wife Cara.
Chris met him recently over in Lanzarote to take a look at how his career has all panned out, and he certainly has an interesting story to tell.
The post Business Matters, EP 260 – Rory Gallagher – music and bars in Lanzarote appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s programme Chris Ashmore looks at the wind energy sector, the potential, and the challenges.
He speaks with Justin Moran, Director of External Affairs with the Wind Energy Ireland as they discuss the opportunities that are arising for more off-shore development, and also the spin-off in terms of employment.
The post Business Matters, Ep 259 – On-shore and off-shore prospects: Justin Moran of Wind Energy Ireland appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore has been speaking with Galway-based Joanne Sweeney about her new book which is called “AI Playbook – The strategic guide to AI for Marketing and Communications”.
Joanne, who is from Downings, is well known to many of our listeners, having work in the Highland Radio newsroom for a number of years before setting up her own company Media Box in Letterkenny, and then moving to Galway where she now runs the highly successful Digital Training Institute.
With more than 25 years experience in the digital communications business, and the holder of 11 academic and professional qualifications, she is well versed in the whole area of AI and in particular its use for those in marketing and communications.
Later in this week’s programme, Chris speaks with Toni Forrester, CE of Letterkenny Chamber, about the continued success of the Shop LK initiative. Sales in the first half of this year were up 38% and there were more than 100,000 in-store transactions.
The post Business Matters, Ep 258 – Joanne Sweeney’s new book on AI – plus Shop LK breaks all records appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s programme Chris Ashmore has been finding out more about the Wild Fuschia Bakehouse in Dunfananghy which has won a string of awards and which announced recently that its Irish Scone Mix has been one of the products selected for this year’s Grow With ALdi initiative which champions emerging Irish food producers, giving them the chance to have their products stocked nationwide.
He speaks with Sian McCann, owner, founder, MD and baker, about how she began the business, her previous working career, how it has evolved, online sales and the product range.
The post Business Matters, Ep 257 – Sian McCann of the award winning Wild Fuschia Bakehouse appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore has been speaking with Donegal artist Jacinta Callaghan.
From a young age she was interested in art. She was also interested in hairdressing and at just 16 she left Donegal to go to Dublin to train with Peter Mark.
After further training in Jon Paul’s in Derry, she came back to Kerrykeel and set up a hair salon at the age of just 20.
She kept up her art but only on a limited scale with her hair salon taking centre stage, but when Covid struck she suddenly had more time on her hands as the salon could not open.
And that turned out to the the seed for developing a new business venture, Jacinta Callaghan art.
The post Business Matters, Ep 256 – artist Jacinta Callaghan appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s programme, Chris Ashmore catches up with Donegal man Garrett Harte, a multi award-winning senior media executive whose family is steeped in politics and who has more than two decades of experience in the broadcast industry.
The former Editor-in-Chief of Newstalk, he led and shaped the national current affairs debate on critical political, social and cultural events for many years.
Several years ago Garrett left Newstalk and founded Harte Media, a communications and PR Agency in Dublin, which has already won a number of awards.
The Dublin-based company has gone from strength to strength and has won a number of awards.
Garrett recently became the new Chair of the Donegal Dublin Business Network and he also gives his thoughts on how it can be of assistance to many businesses.
The post Business Matters, EP 255 – Garrett Harte founder of Harte Media, and Chair of the Donegal Dublin Business Network appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore looks at the success of the Connected (digital) Hubs in Donegal and also how the hotel sector is faring.
First up, he speaks with Majella Orr, who is manager of the Craoibhin Community Enterprise Centre in Termon which is one of the hubs with what are known as CoWork Plus spaces and she is also the manager for Gteic CarriaghÁirt
Like some other hubs, the latter has some great summer incentives, including hot decks with fast Wifi for just €5 an hour or €10 for the whole day. This is ideal for holidaymakers, for those who travel for work, or maybe even someone with a small business who someone who wants to pursue a business idea.
Chris has also been speaking with Carolynne Murray, Vice-Chairperson of the Donegal branch of the Irish Hotels Federation, and Director and General Manager of the Shandon Hotel near Dunfanaghy.
She outlines the challenges ahead – especially the rising cost of inputs – and how they are continuing to lobby the Government for a reduction in the VAT rate in the next budget.
Carolynne MurrayThe post Business Matters, Ep 254: Digital hub success in Donegal – plus how the hotel sector is faring appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore speaks with Seamus McLaughlin, the Managing Director of iMotors in Drumkeen and Malin about new car sales figures for the first half of 2025.
There has been a surge in sales of electric vehicles and they exam some of the reasons why, and also discuss the popularity of hybrid cars and the move away from petrol and in particular diesel.
It’s been a particularly good month for Kia in Donegal, which is the most popular brand (iMotors are main dealers for the Korean brand, as well as for Nissan) and they had almost 20% of the new car market in the county between January and June.
So there was plenty to talk about when Seamus joined Chris to look at the motor trade.
The post Business Matters, Ep 253 – Seamus McLaughlin on Kia’s top spot – and trends in the motor trade appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore finds out more about a tourism initiative which is helping a lot of businesses in the Mulroy Bay area – essentially an area north of Letterkenny taking in the likes of Cranford, Downings, Milford, Carrigart, Kerrykeel and Fanad.
He’s been talking with Paddy Logue, chair of the Mulroy Drive Tourism Group. In addition to producing a booklet about the idea, they have now developed a very user friendly and informative website – and it shows that there is an awful lot going on the area.
Tourism is very important in the area, and a major employer. The feedback has been very positive and he points out that for small enterprises this is a way to get their name out there.
The post Business Matters, Ep 252 – The Mulroy Drive initiative with Paddy Logue appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week Chris Ashmore speaks with Charlie Boyle, the CEO of Customer Service Excellence Ireland, which is based in the GTEIC Innovation Hub in Gweedore.
Since the company was founded in 2014, the west Donegal man has seen his company develop, building up clients not just in Ireland but also overseas, and notably in the Middle East.
His expertise in customer relations and new business development has been instrumental in advancing service excellence across various sectors.
And he is certainly upbeat not just about the outlook for his company but for Donegal. Indeed, he believes that people from the county often really excel when it comes to customer engagement and service.
He is developing a Human Skills institute based out of Donegal, and further employment and opportunities beckon.
He is certainly a busy man, and when Chris caught up with him he had just returned from Dublin where he is involved in a Customer Experience programme at the Iconic Book of Kells at Trinity College. Incidentally around one million visitors a year visit the Book of Kells.
He has also just published a book titled “The Future Is Human” which has as its sub-title “Unlocking the skills that will define success in an evolving world.”
We’ll hear more about the book later, but Chris began by asking him to outline a little bit about his business and what exactly Customer Service Excellent Ireland is all about.
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On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore speaks with Steve Frazer, Managing Director of City of Derry Airport, about the growth in passenger numbers, new routes, greater direct state support for the airport, and the significant amount of users going to or from Donegal.
Furthermore, they talk about the recent extension of the subsidy on the City of Derry to London route and the moves underway to re-establish a service to Dublin in the latter half of next year.
Also this week, Chris has been talking with business communications consultant Sally Murphy, who recently became the new President of the Donegal Women in Business Network.
The post Business Matters, Ep 250: City of Derry Airport on the up – plus Sally Murphy, new President of Donegal Women in Business Network appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
The Irish government has a goal of providing a hot meal in every school for every child in the country by 2030 at the latest.
When the school meals programme began in 2019 it was initially for a pilot number of disadvantaged schools known as DEIS schools. It has gradually expanded over the years, and the rollout is now really moving up through the gears.
Now this is big business, with a number of competing companies looking for a share of the business. One of those involved in the sector is a company called Fresh Today, which delivers healthy school lunches to more than 650 schools around the country. In Donegal, it now supplies more than 65 schools – including ones on Tory Island and Arranmore Island.
And it employs around 70 people in Donegal, with new facilities having recently opened in Letterkenny and Buncrana.
To find out more, Chris Ashmore been speaking with its managing director Richie Nangle.
The post Business Matters, Ep 249 – Richie Nangle of Fresh Today on the school meals business appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore has been speaking with award winning photographer Jay Doherty of Jay Doherty Photography about the wedding photography business, how it has evolved, what people are looking for, and planning for the big event.
Although a native of Derry, he calls Donegal his home and he has covered weddings all over the north-west, and beyond.
He points out how traditional weddings are still big here in Donegal and how there is a big spin-off economically.
Also in this week’s programme Chris has been speaking with Tara McDaid, Donegal Territory Manager with PTSB about its relocation to a new premises in Letterkenny and its commitment to Donegal.
The post Business Matters, Ep 248 – The wedding photography business with Jay Doherty Photography appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore speaks with the recently appointed new CEO of Highland Radio, Sean Quinn.
Sean has been the station’s Sales and Marketing Manager since 2019, and takes over from Fionnuala Rabbitt, who will remain with the station as Financial Controller.
Sean, who lives in Kilmacrennan, has been speaking about the challenges and opportunities for the radio station, the ever-evolving nature of the radio sector and how it has embraced technology and social media, and confidence about the years ahead.
You can listen to the full interview here.
The post Business Matters, Ep 247: New Highland Radio CEO Sean Quinn about his new role and challenges ahead appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore speaks with Derry based financial journalist and economic commentator Paul Gosling about his new book “A New Ireland – a Five Year Review” which considers what preparation has been made for a potential referendum on the constitutional future of Northern Ireland.
In the book he looks at the economies of both the North and the Republic and how they compare and he examines areas ranging from health, education, water and the public sector to the all-island economy, the annual subvention conversation and much more.
Are we ready for a referendum on a united Ireland? And what could some of the implications be for a border county like Donegal. This book certainly provides some very useful insights.
You can listen to the full programme here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 246: Author Paul Gosling’s new book examines potential referendum on the constitutional future of Northern Ireland appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore finds out more about the Wild Atlantic Way and, in particular, how it has been such a success here in Donegal.
Launched in 2014, the Wild Atlantic Way is a 2,500 km driving route that passes through nine counties and three provinces. Along the route, there are more than 157 discovery points, 1,000 attractions and and more than 2,500 activities.
Chris has been speaking with Failte Ireland’s Joan Crawford, Wild Atlantic Way, Manager, Donegal, to find out more.
The post Business Matters, EP 245 – Failte Ireland’s Joan Crawford on the success of the Wild Atlantic Way appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore looks at Inishowen Boating which runs charter boats for sightseeing and angling excursions off the coastline of the Inishowen peninsula.
Given the spectacular scenery it is little wonder that there are many rave reviews of some of the trips and many a memory to treasure has been created.
Among the trips they offer from Bunagee Pier in Culdaff, is one to Inishtrahull, the most northerly island off Ireland, which has the most northerly Irish lighthouse and which was the last light that many emigrants saw when they left on boats heading out of Lough Foyle and past Malin Head on the way to America.
The lighthouse in Inishtrahull IslandOn the trips, There’s also the chance to see dolphins, whales and all sorts of wildlife.
From small beginnings the company has expanded and the recent good weather has certainly meant a good start to the season.
Details of the trips can be found on https://inishowenboating.com/The outlook for the year ahead is very positive. And you never who could be looking to use one of their boats, from film crews to weddings – it’s always interesting.
To find out more, Chris spoke to Clara McLaughlin, who is part of the team at the Inishowen Boating which has been operating for more than 30 years.
The post Business Matters, EP 244: Inishowen Boating – trips including Ireland’s most northerly island, Inishtrahull appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
Entries for Blas na hÉireann 2025, the Irish Food Awards are open. Blas na hÉireann is the largest blind-tasted food awards on the island of Ireland, designed to recognise and celebrate the very best Irish food and drink.
Donegal food producers have achieved consistent success at the awards which are in their 18th year.
Through the Food Coast Donegal initiative, it’s an opportunity for the county’s food and drink producers to grow what is vibrant local food sector and to showcase Donegal’s rich culinary culture.
Over the years, Donegal has enjoyed great success at Blas na hÉireann, and previous winners include: An Dalach Mor Teoranta, Donegal Rapeseed Oil, Filligans handmade preserves, Green Pastures Donegal, McConnell Meats, Natural Dairies and Wild (Few-sha) Fuschia Bakehouse.
To find out more about this year’s awards, the story behind them, and the deadline for entries, Chris has been speaking with Fallon Moore, event co-ordinator.
Meanwhile, the Government’s new Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme marked its first anniversary recently.
Coinciding with this, Electric Ireland Superhomes has launched a new Retrofit Hub on the MyHome website offering advice and guidance on everything you need to retrofit your home.
To find out more, Chris got the views of David Flannery, Head of Strategy and Corporate Development at Electric Ireland Superhomes.
The full programme can be listened to here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 243: Big Donegal interest in Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards – plus retrofitting your home appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
DL Burger operates in Ballybofey and the man behind it is Gareth “Dutch” – who is well known in the Town Towns area.
When he returned to Ireland from Australia, he had to think long and hard about whether he would stay in the construction sector or would he fulfil a lifelong dream to run a burger outlet – but one with a difference, with a small but specialised menu and a particular emphasis on using fresh, local produce.
He has just celebrated his first year in business with his DL Burger outlet stationed on Chestnut Road in Ballybofey, and on match days at Finn Park he does a particularly busy trade.
At work at DL Burger on match day at Finn ParkThe feedback has been hugely positive, and he even has plans to expand.
And even though he is living in Dublin, every weekend he makes the trip up from Dublin to open on Friday, Saturdays and Sundays.
You can listen to the full programme here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 242: From Australia to Ballybofey – DL Burger celebrates a tasty first year appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
A Letterkenny-based entrepreneur is developing a new version of ‘cats eyes’ that could have a major positive impact on road safety.
Brian McGeehin, co-founder of Blue Eye Highway, has a patented product that essentially turns cats eyes blue when it is freezing and this acts as a warning on roads where there can be black ice.
The idea for this invention came from the breakfast table during a telephone conversation with Brian, who had left home early for work in Derry where he was an engineer. Sons Eóin and Ronan McGeehin entered the idea of cats eyes that change colour into the BT Young Scientist exhibition (Dublin) back in 2013 and they won the “Best Prototype”.
In recent times, having taken a package and left his job in Derry, Brian has been developing the product at the CoLab in the ATU Letterkenny, and the hope is that he will soon be bringing it to the market. It certainly has considerable potential and could be installed in place of millions of cats eyes all over the world.
Water expands by 9% when it freezes. They have created a device in a cat’s eye that appears on when the temperature is freezing (0’C or below). A lens appears over the eyes coming from below the road surface level. When the water inside the device freezes, because of the expansion it activates a lever system that leads to a blue colour over the lens above road surface level and when it thaws, it disappears back underground again.
For more details the website is: Blue Eye Highway Safety Ltd
You can listen to the full programme here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 241 – Brian McGeehin and a cats eyes invention that turns blue as a black ice warning appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore finds out more about McGinley Coach Travel which has expanded considerably in recent decades and which now employs almost 50 people.
Founded by John McGinley over 50 years ago, the coach travel firm’s distinctive white, orange and blue branded buses are particularly well known in north and north-west Donegal.
The Donegal to Dublin service (from west Donegal, via Letterkenny, and from Inishowen), is used by thousands of people every year, and the company has also been long associated with a Donegal-Glasgow service.
Based in Magheroarty in the Donegal Gaeltacht, the firm has diversified over the years and is a leader in private coach hire in Ireland for corporate, holiday and tour groups of all sizes. It has also developed a niche market linked into the cruise tourism business.
Last year the company took delivery of ten new Volvo coaches in a major €4m plus investment.
James McGinley, a son of John McGinley, is the Managing Director of the company and in this week’s programme he speaks with Chris about the business, its origins, the expansion and the challenges it faces.
You can listen to the full programme here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 240 – James McGinley MD of McGinley Coach Travel, 50 years on and still growing appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore speaks with Termon’s Mark Gallagher, who along with his partner Asya have a youtube channel called Something To Remember.
They both have a passion for travel and began to make videos of places that they were visiting. Having set up the youtube channel, they reached the threshold to start earning revenue from it.
In the programme, Mark explains how it all began, how the monitisation of youtube works, and how it can provide a passive income.
Mark and Aysa love exploring “off the beaten path” destinations and are always seeking new, exciting adventures, from Fanad Lighthouse to Brazil, Guatemala and Sri Lanka! On their travels, they are particularly interested in spotting native wildlife, visiting natural attractions, hiking, thrill-seeking, trying local food and getting to grips with local cultures!
On the channel, they have documented some of the most important things you should know before visiting certain countries. You can expect to receive tips about budgeting, what to eat, where to go and what to do as well as gaining inspiration to travel more!
Mark’s voice may be familiar to some of our listeners – he is a presenter and producer with Highland Radio.
You can listen to the full programme here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 239 – Mark Gallagher on his youtube revenue earning ‘Something To Remember’ appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore speaks with Jimmy Stafford, Bank of Ireland Area Operations and Risk Manager, about the changing face of banking, fraud, legislation about cash and ATMs, and his own career.
A native of Cobh in Co. Cork, Jimmy outlines how he came to be in Donegal and his love for his adopted county.
Recently he was elected as President of Letterkenny Chamber for a second time, and while there are many challenges he is upbeat about the future.
Many listeners to Highland Radio will also know Jimmy for his role along side Paul McDevitt on Monday Night Sessions, and their promotion of local musical talent. At the end of the podcast Jimmy reveals the name of his favourite song, and band!
You can listen to the full programme here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 238: Jimmy Stafford on banking, Letterkenny Chamber – and his favourite song appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s edition of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore talks with Anthony Kernan, the Managing Director of the Kernan Group, which has more than a dozen outlets in Donegal, and also in Mayo.
After a career as a professional footballer in England was halted due to injury while still a teenager, Anthony returned to Ireland and soon became involved in the family shop in Newtowncunningham. Indeed, the family business dates back to the early 1920s.
The former Kernan’s Shop in NewtowncunninghamOne outlet became two, and one by one the business expanded. Retail foodstores with forecourts were to be the cornerstone of the business, but diners and other eateries have also played their part.
The Kernan Group has won many awards down through the years including the Letterkenny Chamber Retailer of the Year Award in 2022.Anthony recalls his business journey and how the company has become very successful, and which now employs more than 350 people. From branding to sponsorship, the coffee culture, to investing in technology, he has seen considerable changes down through the years. A passion for the business and being supportive and also involved in the local community has also been key.
You can listen to the the full interview here.
The post Business Matters – Ep 237: Anthony Kernan, MD of the Kernan Group – from Wolverhampton Wanderers FC to employing more than 350 people appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week, the main topic is pensions and how if you worked previously in Northern Ireland or Great Britain, not only could you get a small UK pension but by paying additional National Insurance Contributions, you can get an increased UK pension worth in excess of €14,000 per annum.
Many people who worked in the UK and subsequently moved to Ireland, or anywhere worldwide, are unaware of their entitlement to a UK State Pension, or ability to increase their entitlement. By leveraging voluntary National Insurance (NI) contributions (the equivalent of PRSI), individuals can now “buy back” missing pension years at a reduced rate, and significantly boost their retirement income.
As the UK government’s April 5th deadline, to buy up to 18 years of State Pension contributions at a very cheap rate, approaches, document-processing company, XtraPension, is helping individuals worldwide secure and maximise their UK State Pension entitlements through its specialist execution-only service.
XtraPension’s service simplifies the process of boosting UK State Pension income, which can be worth up to €14,000 annually from the age of 67. If you lived and worked in the UK for three years, you’re eligible. You may also be eligible if you paid just one full year of National Insurance contributions in the UK, followed immediately by work (where you paid social insurance) in any EU country to bring you over the three year threshold.
“Former UK workers can secure a full UK State Pension, with no impact on their Irish or other state/ private pensions. Yet, many of those who returned to Ireland after working in the UK forget the pension entitlements they left behind. For those who qualify, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure a UK pension potentially worth up to €280,000 over a typical 20-year retirement,” said John Ring, Operations Director of XtraPension.
To get the full UK State Pension, you need to have 35 years of National Insurance contributions which is available for most people who left the UK years or decades ago. You need a minimum of 10 years of National Insurance contributions to get any UK State pension income; and many people think they need ten years of UK work to get any UK State Pension but in most cases, years working outside the UK count towards this ten year minimum.
The opportunity to buy back up to 18 years of NI contributions is unprecedented and time-sensitive, as after April 5th, the opportunity to purchase more than six years will no longer be available.
The cost of topping up your UK pension depends on whether you have to pay Class 2 or Class 3 contributions, with HMRC determining which class you’re in.
Explaining the opportunity, Ring continued: “For every €1 paid in Class 2 contributions, which costs approximately €200 per year once-off, retirees will receive a guaranteed €40 in pension benefits over 20 years.
“Even with Class 3 contributions, which are more expensive at approximately €1,000 per year, you’ll receive €8 for every €1 paid to HMRC, which is also an excellent financial return. The breakeven point occurs within seven months to three years of retirement. And unless they’re at retirement age, most people can still pay annually for future years up until they reach UK State Pension age which is approximately 67,” he said.
HMRC determines which class you are in based on your application and they may give you a mixture of classes based on your circumstances.
Listen to the full interview with John Ring to find out more.
Also this week, Chris has been finding out about the Enterprise Ireland backed New Frontiers programme and how a number of emerging Donegal businesses were at a showcase last week. He’s been talking with Geraldine Beirne who is the Enterprise Ireland New Frontiers North West Programme manager for ATU Donegal and Sligo.
The post Business Matters – Ep 236: Last call for people in Donegal to avail of UK pension boost – plus the New Frontiers programme appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s programme Chris Ashmore looks at an award winning social enterprise business, plus calls by Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association on the Government to strengthen the Defamation Amendment Bill to provide meaningful protections for small businesses and citizens against costly and often unjustified defamation claims.
First up, Chris speaks with Helen Nolan, Chief Executive of Spraoi agus Sport which is based in Carndonagh. It has numerous social enterprises running, and is worth an estimated €2 million to the local economy. This year it will celebrate its 15th anniversary.
In the second part, Chris gets the thoughts of Neil McDonnell, Chief Executive of ISME.
ISME say current defamation laws are making life extremely challenging for SMEs, particularly in the retail and hospitality sectors, where businesses face an increasing volume of defamation threats and cases. Irish courts handle more defamation cases than the entire UK, despite Ireland having a population twelve times smaller. ISME claims that many retailers and SMEs cannot afford to fight defamation cases.
McDonnell said: “Ireland’s defamation laws are not fit for purpose. SMEs are being forced to settle cases they should never have faced in the first place, simply to avoid exorbitant legal costs…The Government must introduce stronger protections to prevent abuse of the system and to safeguard SME livelihoods.”
You can hear the full programme here:
The post Business Matters – Ep 235: Award winning Spraoi agus Sport, plus calls to change defamation laws appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s programme, Chris Ashmore is joined in studio by Sean Quinn, Head of Sales at Highland Radio, who reflects on the hugely successful Highland Radio Hospitality Awards which were held last weekend.
In part two, he finds out about what the Agri-food Regulator’s role is and how it is of relevance to businesses here in Donegal. He hears from Melanie Hall, who is the head of Unfair Trading Practices Compliance & Enforcement at the Office of the Agri-Food Regulator.
Chris also has an update on how new routes from City of Derry Airport have boosted passenger figures.
You can listen to the full programme here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 234 – Highland Hospitality Awards a great success, plus the role of the Agri-Food Regulator appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore looks at a Donegal Women in Business Network event to coincide with International Women’s Day, a two day Further Education and Training Fair, and also a new book, The Business Owner’s Guide To Choosing And Using A Solicitor.
First up, he talks with Maria Rushe of Rushe Fitness who will be the MC at the Fit for Business event being held on Thursday, March 6th in An Grianan Hotel in Burt. The guest speaker will be Jenni Timoney, the CEO of Athleisure wear company FitPink.
Next up, he hears from Ciaran O’Brien, Director of Further Education and Training with Donegal ETB, about its its annual further education and training fair in the Radisson Blu Hotel in Letterkenny.
He concludes with an interview with Bart Daly, BL, who is the author of The Business Owner’s Guide to Choosing and Using a Solicitor.
You can listen to the full programme here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 233 – International Women’s Day event, an Education and Training Fair, and a guide to solicitors for businesses appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s edition, Chris Ashmore looks at the subject of 3D construction printing, and also the forthcoming Local Enterprise Week.
Recently Ireland’s first 3D printed homes came on stream for Louth County Council in Dundalk. The families are the first residents to live in 3D concrete homes in Ireland and the UK.
Two Donegal natives – Paul Kelly and Richard Mullin originally from Letterkenny and Ballybofey respectively – are founders of a company known as Harcourt Technologies Limited, or HTL.tech It is strategically partnered with a Danish firm COBOD International – the world leader in 3D construction printing solutions – and is the exclusive 3D Construction Printing Technology distributor in the UK and Ireland.
Paul Kelly, Justin Kinsella and Richard Mullin of Harcourt Technologies Limited, outside the houses in Dundalk, the first in Ireland to be build using 3D printing construction technology.To find out more about the houses in Dundalk, which have been constructed using 3D Construction Technology (3DCP), and the huge potential for 3D printing for housing construction, Chris spoke with Paul Kelly.
See these clips for more information on 3D construction printing.
(14) Ep. 3 – Scaling Up 3D Construction Printing with Ready-Mix Concrete – YouTube
(14) RTE One Heated S2 Ep3 3D Printed House – YouTube
In the second part of the programme, the focus of attention is Local Enterprise Week – which runs from March 3rd to 7th – in Donegal. Chris attended the launch to find out more about the various events and spoke with Brenda Hegarty, Head of Enterprise, LEO, Donegal; Garry Martin, Director of Economic Development, Information Systems and Emergency Services, Donegal Co. Council; and Cllr. Jimmy Kavanagh, the Leas Cathaoirleach of Donegal Co. Council.
You can listen to the full programme here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 232: 3D Construction Printing, plus Local Enterprise Week appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s programme, Chris Ashmore speaks with the co-founder of a cyber security company based in CoLab in Letterkenny who was on a recent trade mission to the United States, and also to the CEO of .ie the national registry for over 300,000 domain names.
First up we’ll hear from Newtowncunningham based Clare Ryan, the co-founder of ITUS Secure Technologies, who was among a group from the north-west on a recent St. Brigid’s Day Trade Mission to US in bid to secure significant investments. Her company provides Managed Cyber Security services for businesses, working closely with its clients to give them peace of mind.
Aiming to bolster investment in Irish-owned women-led businesses, the mission saw 25 women founders showcase 20 innovative companies with financial asks ranging from $1M to $3M.
Chris spoke to her while she was still in America, and asked her about her business, and the trade mission.
In the second part of the programme, Chris finds out more the latest .ie Domain Profile Report. Last year, there were 825 new .ie domain names registered in Donegal. David Curtin, CEO of .ie the national registry for over 300,000 domain names, elaborates on the report and its findings.
You can listen to the full programme here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 231: Clare Ryan co-founder of ITUS Secure Technologies – plus .ie domain profile report appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this edition of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore speaks finds out more about the forthcoming Highland Radio Hospitality Awards with Sean Quinn, Head of Sales at the station.
The shortlist has been decided and it looks all-set to be another sell-out on March 2nd in Jackson’s Hotel, Ballybofey.
In the second part of the programme, Chris finds out more about the use of slate in building projects from Drumkeen man Shaun Peoples of SMS Stoneworks.
The post Business Matters – Eps 230: Highland Radio Hospitality Awards, plus SMS Stoneworks appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this edition of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore finds out more about the big range of courses and supports on offer at the Local Enterprise Office Donegal, and also delves into the corporate travel sector.
First up, he has been speaking with Brendan Hegarty, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Donegal, and hears about how 2024 was good year for the county in terms of job creation figures and those engaging with LEO.
Brenda Hegarty, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office DonegalShe then outlines some of the courses and supports that are available and is upbeat about the year ahead.
Later in the programme, Chris talks with Ciara MacConnell (below), Corporate Business Manager with Travel Counsellors, and finds out more about how they can save your business both time and money, as well as giving you expert advice.
Ciara MacConnell, Corporate Business Manager, Travel CounsellorsYou can listen to the full programme here:
The post Business Matters – EP 229: Courses and supports at Local Enterprise Office, plus Travel Counsellors and corporate travel appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore speaks to Inishowen-based Edelle Harrigan Edgar of I Am Self Care.
Her award winning aromatherapy business has made great strides since she started it in 2001, and she is hoping to expand in the years ahead.
Edelle Harrigan-EdgarIn the second part of the programme, Chris finds out more about a not for profit Volunteer led community called I Wish which encourages young women to pursue careers in what are known as the STEM subjects, that is Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.
He hears from Sharon Lombard, Operations Director, I Wish, and gets some details about its 11th annual Showcase in the RDS next month and among the inspirational speakers will be Irish Olympian Phil Healy. A number of students from Donegal schools will be in attendance and will be encourage to look at careers linked with the STEM subjects.
But he begins with an interview with Edelle Harrigan-Edgar who outlines the story behind her business, the courses that she has done, the feedback to her products to date and the benefits of attending the Showcase Ireland expo in Dublin recently.
The post Business Matters – EP 228: I Am Self aromatherapy – plus STEM subjects showcase appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s programme, Chris Ashmore talks to Emma McHugh, Managing Director of Atlantic Travel in Letterkenny about the changing nature of the travel agent business, and the advantages of using a travel agency.
Emma McHugh, Managing Partner, Atlantic Travel, Letterkenny.They also discuss the importance of travel insurance, and how despite all the online options many, people are going back to travel agents, and often getting a better deal.
Chris also speaks with Convoy entrepreneur Elaine Ayton whose online fashion brand Calculate Clothing is really taking off.
Since being on the programme last year, she has now gone full time having left a job in the financial sector and she is hugely excited about what lies ahead.
She designs her range of athleisure clothing, its manufactured in China and then comes back to her in Convoy. As well as having her brand online, she has had pop up shops in Raphoe (above) and Derry, and the outlook looks very positive.
You can listen to the full programme here:
The post Business Matters – EP 227: Atlantic Travel in Letterkenny, plus the continued growth of Calculate Clothing appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s programme, Chris Ashmore finds out more about the award winning Killybegs Energy, and also how 2024 was a record year for Ireland West Airport in Knock.
First up, he finds out more about Killybegs Energy which recently won the Best Start up Award at the Donegal Local Enterprise Awards.
Run by father and son Mick and Michael O’Donnell, Killybegs Energy produces high-quality wood chips, logs, and pellets using locally sourced, sustainable materials and renewable energy.
Essentially it is a successful spin off from the well-established and award winning Island Seafoods ltd. which Mick set up back in the 1980s. It has adapted to the ver changing nature of the fishing industry and continues to make great strides, supplying numerous major retailers with its trademark Atlantic Treasures seafood products.
Michael O’Donnell is Business Development & Marketing Director and in the first part of the programme, Chris spoke to him about the two businesses and the strong emphasis on green initiatives and what is an energy efficiency culture.
In the second part of this week’s programme, Chris gets the views of Donal Healy, Head of Marketing, Ireland West Airport Knock, on what was a record year for Ireland West Airport in Knock in 2024. The airport now serves 22 international destinations.
You can listen to the full programme here:
The post Business Matters – EP 226: Killybegs Energy making its mark, plus record year for Ireland West Airport appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s programme, the first of 2025, Chris Ashmore finds out more about a new barista milk product that is set to hit the shelves this month.
Grove Dairy in Casltederg in Tyrone is a family-run business established by Jack and Hazel Mitchell, who began processing and bottling milk on their farm in 1978. Today, the business is still operated by the family, with John, his mother, father, and sister playing crucial roles in daily operations.
Their new Barista Milk – crafted specially for coffee lovers – is available in two creamy options, 2.2% fat for a light, velvety texture and 4.8% fat for a rich, indulgent experience. Using their non-homogenised milk retains its natural goodness, allowing cream to rise to the top. Expertly designed to steam, froth, and blend beautifully, it elevates every cup with farm-fresh quality.
The company prides itself on producing high-quality milk with exceptional flavour, controlling the entire process from cow to bottle to ensure maximum freshness. Their entire herd is fully pedigree, with each cow named and contributing to the production of nutritious milk. They prioritize the happiness and well-being of their cows, believing that content cows yield the best milk.
Chris has been speaking with John Mitchell to find out more about the farm, the dairy and the idea behind Barista Milk, and in the second part of the programme gets the thoughts of professional barista Joanne Nicholls, who runs Schon Coffee, a mobile coffee trailer outlet in Omagh, and who is very enthusiastic about the new product and its potential.
You can listen here:
The post Business Matters – EP 225: Grove Dairy Farm’s new Barista Milk is coming to a coffee near you appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In the last programme in the Business Matters series for 2024, Chris Ashmore takes a look at a rapidly expanding and highly successful Inishowen based marine engineering company, Seabound Engineering.
The company specialises in the building of aluminium vessels and its order book is full for the next three years. With quite a few projects in the pipeline and new markets clearly identified, these are exciting and positive times for the company and all involved.
Recently it won a major contract to construct an advanced 25 metre mussel harvester for one of the largest mussel farming companies in the UK, beating stiff competition from abroad to land the order. And it continues to diversify and seek new business opportunities.
Although only founded in 2020, it is certainly making a name for itself and earlier this month won the Best Established Business at the Donegal Enterprise Awards. Indeed, it will now go on to represent Donegal in the National Enterprise Final in 2025.
Inishowen Development Partnership Joint CEO Andrew Ward with Thomas Havlin Seabound Engineering Managing Director and Brenda Hegarty from Local Enterprise Office Donegal at the awards ceremony where the company won the won the title of Best Established Enterprise.Chris paid a trip to their premises on the pier at Greencastle Harbour to speak with Thomas Havlin Managing Director of Seabound Engineering to find out more about the business.
You can listen to the full interview here:
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In this week’s programme, Chris Ashmore speaks with Donegal’s first woman professional golfer, Gemma McClenaghan (nee Hegarty) from Shrove in Inishowen.
A graduate of the famous uUniversity of St. Andrew’s in Scotland back in the late 90s, she went back to third level education in 2019 and undertook a Professional Golfers Association training course through the University of Birmingham.
Her noteworthy achievements include captaining the St.Andrew’s University Golf Team, representing both Ireland and Ulster at senior and junior levels and contributing to the success of the Royal Portrush Golf Club Senior Cup team. She also secured a gold medal in the British Universities Golf Championship in Castlerock in 2000.
Gemma McClenaghan has opened a pro shop at Greencastle Golf ClubPassionate about the game, and in particular about getting more people to play – especially women – she is also hugely proud of her home town Greencastle club and what it has to offer, and she recently opened her new professional’s shop at the club.
Chris caught up with her during the week to find out more about her journey and how she has made a career from golf.
During the interview, Gemma mentions a recent visit to the course by popular PGA golfer and golf enthusiast Rick Shiels whose youtube video has now had more than 260,000 views. Indeed, he has a headline grabbing title to it: The Best ‘cheap’ golf course in the world!
See the link here: The BEST ‘cheap’ golf course in the world! – YouTube
Also in this episode, ISME (Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association) has issued a stark warning that Ireland is “sleep-walking into its next economic crisis” unless urgent reforms are made to address unsustainable spending, industrial policy, and systemic inefficiencies in key areas.
Neil McDonnell, Chief Executive, has been outlining his concerns.
You can hear the full episode here:
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On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore’s guest is Mark Doherty, owner of the Century Complex in Letterkenny, which in addition to the multi-screen cinema also boasts a superb indoor Century Play area for kids, a new indoor crazy golf facility, reality darts, shuffleboards and much more including the Backstage Restaurant, Bida’s Corner bar and corporate facilities.
Chris paid a visit to the complex to catch up with Mark about all their latest developments, as well as looking at how the whole cinema industry and experience has evolved over the decades.
They discuss the box office hits in the cinema, the growth of kids’ films, online bookings and changing technology, and Mark gives an upbeat outlook regarding business and indeed living in Donegal.
For the full programme, listen here:
The post Business Matters – Ep 222: Mark Doherty of the Century (Cinema) Complex appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s edition, Chris Ashmore speaks with Liam Tinney, the owner of Tinney’s Toys, a Donegal firm that has enjoyed considerable success since it was established in 2013 and which has seen massive growth having really pushed its online presence.
Chris paid a visit to the premises in Drumnahoe on the outskirts of Letterkenny to find out more.
Also this week, we hear from Michael Burke whose company Woolow specialises in producing pillows filled with organic wool. These can really help your sleep and among his customers is the Hastings Hotel group.
You can listen to the full programme here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 221: Tinney’s Toys continued expansion – plus organic wool pillow company Woolow appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore reflects on the Letterkenny Chamber Business Awards nights and also takes a look at Wild Atlantic Camp glamping and its Christmas initiatives.
The Chamber Business Awards were held in the Silver Tassie Hotel, Letterkenny, and once again the gala presentation night was a big success.
Toni Forrester, Chief Executive of LK Chamber speaks to Chris about the event, the various category winners, the Hall of Fame recipient and also the overall Business Person of the Year Award.
The award winning Wild Atlantic Camp in Cresslough continues to go from strength to strength. The brainchild of local man Lorcan Roarty, he was a pioneer when it came to the glamping business in Donegal. From a small number of glamping pods initially, the complex has grown considerably and now boasts luxury glamping villas, and cabins, as well as chalets along with great on-site facilities.
Diane Black is site manager at Wild Atlantic Camp and she’s been telling Chris more about the seasonal packages, and the business in general.
You can listen to the full episode here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 220 – Letterkenny Chamber awards, plus Wild Atlantic Camp seasonal initiatives appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore finds out more about the wind energy sector, and especially off-shore developments. He’s been speaking with Dave Linehan, Head of Policy and Research at Wind Energy Ireland.
He has also been speaking with Ron Kerrigan General Manager of the Ballyliffin Lodge and Spa Hotel about a major €1 million investment in sustainable energy practices which has also seen the hotel shortlisted for the the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s (SEAI) Energy Awards 2024.
And Chris has also been finding out more about ii, the Inishowen innovation hub and an event there next week.
The post Business Matters, Ep 219 – Wind Energy potential, Ballyliffin hotel in line for award, and Inishowen Innovation appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s edition, Chris Ashmore speaks with John Duffy who, along with Laura McGoran, runs a regenerative, organic farm near Churchill.
What they are doing could be an eye opener for many when it comes to uplands farming, and they have a business with several different revenue streams.
These include on-farm events on their Future Oak Farm project – and products online for sale, and more recently plans for a unique protein bar using dehydrated beef or indeed venison.
John was born in London, with his father from Gartan and his mother from Dungloe. Having studied engineering and been abroad, John came back to Donegal a decade ago with a few ideas regarding how to restore pastures in upland areas through regenerative and holistic management practices.
You can hear the full programme here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 218: The Future Oak Farm project – plus a unique protein bar in the making appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore speaks with Newtowncunningham based Andy McGowan who has been in the plumbing business for 20 years. He now specialises in leak detection, using the latest technology.
Meanwhile, a new first phase of the entrepreneur development programme known as New Frontiers, which is funded by Enterprise Ireland, begins next week. Delivered in the North West through ATU Letterkenny and Sligo, this is a part-time online programme and is free. Geraldine Beirne, New Frontiers North West Programme Manager, has been outlining what it is about.
The full programme can he heard here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 217 AMG Leak Detection, plus the New Frontiers programme appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
The CEO and Co-Founder of Ireland’s first ever national baby bank is from Donegal.
Community Connect is a newly registered charity that provides essential baby items to families struggling to afford them.
In this week’s progamme, Chris Ashmore speaks with CEO and co-founder Elaine Noonan about Community Connect.
It currently has hubs in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, and Athlone, and she would love to see a hub in the future in the north-west.
Recently IKEA announced a new partnership with Community Connect.
This new collaboration aims to alleviate the financial strain on families struggling to provide essential items for their babies.
You can listen to the full programme here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 216: Donegal woman is CEO of Ireland’s first registered baby bank charity appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
The CEO and Co-Founder of Ireland’s first ever national baby bank is from Donegal.
Community Connect is a newly registered charity that provides essential baby items to families struggling to afford them.
In this week’s progamme, Chris Ashmore speaks with CEO and co-founder Elaine Noonan about Community Connect.
It currently has hubs in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, and Athlone, and she would love to see a hub in the future in the north-west.
Recently IKEA announced a new partnership with Community Connect.
This new collaboration aims to alleviate the financial strain on families struggling to provide essential items for their babies.
You can listen to the full programme here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 216 – Donegal woman is CEO for Ireland’s first registered baby bank charity appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this episode of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore looks at the forthcoming North West Future of Energy Conference which will take place on Thursday, November 7th at Ebrington Square in Derry, and also 50 years in business for Buncrana based firm McDaids Bathrooms, Plumbing, Tiles.
Sponsored by SSE Renewables, this annual cross-border event brings together energy suppliers, technology providers, industry buyers, investors, and policymakers to share knowledge and showcase energy innovation.
Highland Radio is a media partner for the event.
To find out more Chris was joined in studio by Toni Forrester, CEO, Letterkenny Chamber, and Anna Doherty, Chief Executive of Londonderry Chamber.
He also spoke with Bredgeen Harkin (neé McDaid), a director and showroom sales manager of McDaids Bathroom Plumbing Tiles in Buncrana which is celebrating 50 years in business.
Since 1974, McDaids has been the go-to supplier for both the trade and public sector. Bredgeen recalls the changes that have taken place in the family business which has evolved down through the years.
On Friday, October 25th, there will be a big 50th anniversary day at their Cockhill, Buncrana premises. Highland Radio will be broadcasting there on the day with Around the North-West with John Breslin.
The full programme can he heard here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 215: North West Future of Energy Conference, plus 50 years in business for McDaid’s Bathrooms Plumbing Tiles appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s Business Matters with Chris Ashmore, the programme begins with a look back on the highly successful inaugural Ballybofey and Stranorlar Chamber of Commerce Awards. Secretary Louise Patton reflects on the night and goes through the winners.
Next, Chris looks at the new auto-enrolment pension scheme which is set to begin in September 2025 and which will affect employers and also hundreds of thousands of employees.
The new auto-enrolment pension scheme is to be called My Future Fund. Tata Consultancy Services, which has a base in Letterkenny, will be managing the service for My Future Fund. Tata will provide the administration services to the new National Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings Authority. The 15 year contract is understood to be worth in the region of €150 million.
Chris speaks with Tony Delaney, founder and chief Executive of SYS Financial, to learn more about the new auto-enrolment scheme.
In the third part of the programme, Aoibhin Nolan is the guest as she looks at the Inishowen social enterprise, Spraoi agus Spórt, which has announced plans for a new sustainable fashion pop-up shop for young people.
You can listen to the full programme here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 214 – Ballybofey & Stranorlar Chamber Awards, auto-enrolment pensions, and a new pop up sustainable fashion shop appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this edition of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore has been speaking with Catherine Devine, the founder of Pumpskynz which sells stylish and functional accessories for diabetes management devices which also empower individuals to embrace their diabetes with confidence and style.
She’s outlines the journey to date for her business which has considerable potential. Indeed, there are an estimated half a billion people around the world with some form of diabetes. Catherine’s company already exports to more than 20 countries.
The outlook is very positive and a major organisation called Beyond Type 1 has been in contact with Catherine – and now Pumpskynz is set to get exposure at the New York Marathon.
Catherine was one of the 10 winners of the 2023 Three SME Grant Programme and recently received her €10,000 cheque.
You can hear the full interview here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 213: Pumpskynz’ making a difference with its covers for diabetes devices appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore is joined by the owner of Inis Communications, Trish Hegarty.
Trish worked as a journalist with the Irish Times, RTÉ and BBC Radio Foyle before setting up her PR, social media, and digital content agency in 2004.
In this episode, we’ll hear about how her Inishowen-based PR agency has flourished and adapted to ever changing requirements, big undertakings like the Love Donegal campaign who some of her major clients have been, and what her plans are for the future.
Inis Communications recently became the first Donegal agency to be shortlisted for a national PR award.
Chris also found out more about the PR toolkit for SMEs with limited time and budgets, which she launched just over a year ago.
You can listen to the full programme here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 212: PR agency Inis Communications continues to evolve after 20 years in business appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
The directors of the Finn Valley Voice. From left. Katherine McGovern, Celine McGlynn, Eileen Griffin, and Ann McMenamin.In this week’s Business Matters with Chris Ashmore, the focus of attention is the Finn Valley Voice newspaper in Ballybofey, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this month.
The origins of the paper date back to June 1994, when then-president of the Chamber of Commerce, Susan McGonagle, had a simple but powerful idea – to set up a newspaper for the Twin Towns of Ballybofey and Stranorlar.
The first issue came out in September of that year and initially it was just a monthly publication for the Twin Towns and surrounding areas.
Originally a FÁS scheme with Ethel Gordon as the supervisor, a core team was formed. Today, the Finn Valley Voice continues to thrive with a dedicated team that includes Rose McNamee, Cathy McShea, Mary Lambe, Ann Marie Sweeney, Pat Holland, and Chris McNulty, alongside the directors Celine McGlynn, Katherine McGovern, Eileen Griffin and Ann McMenamin.
But over the years it has grown and now has a team of ten.
Chris Ashmore paid a visit to their office as they held an open day to mark the occasion and to look back at the 30 years in business.
The post Business Matters, Ep 211: Finn Valley Voice newspaper reaches 30 years milestone appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this episode of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore will be looking at a report from farming, food and agribusiness specialist professional services firm IFAC finds that expanding internationally is high on priority list for many Irish agrifood SMEs. He speaks with David Leydon, Head of Food & Agribusiness with IFAC about its report which is called ‘Getting your business fit for export’
He also finds out more about the country’s first digital readiness monitor which analyses Ireland’s progress on digital development. One of its key findings is that 36% of websites in Ireland have a low or very low level of sophistication despite various government grants and programmes to support digital advancement. Chris gets the thoughts of David Curtin, CEO of the national domain register .ie
But the main item in this episode is a very interesting story about how a Syrian man Abdul Ahmad- who had to flee his war torn country – is now living in Donegal where he has established his own business, based on bees.
Beekeeping runs deep in my family, with his father and grandfather both teaching him from an early age.
Eight years ago he left his native village to try and make a new life, departing on a motorbike with his pregnant wife eventually finding refuge in a camp in Greece for nine months, where their first child was born. In 2016, they arrived in Ireland as asylum seekers, spending nine months in Roscommon learning English before settling in Carndonagh, which is now their home.
Not long after they arrived in Inishowen, he set up his first beehive in our garden which he made at the Carndonagh Men’s Shed.
Abdul AhmadAnd so the business grew, with local farmer Wilson Moore offering him space on his farm for more beehives and Inishowen Development Partnership also being very supportive.
Some of the Donagh Bees productsHis business is now really growing and he produces honey, candles, propolis powder, and a host of other bee products. His website is https://donaghbees.com/
The full programme can he heard here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 210: A Syrian beekeeper in Carndonagh, export opportunties and a digital readiness monitor appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s edition of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore begins by speaking with Louise Patton of the Ballybofey and Stranorlar Business Chamber about its inaugural awards night, and also the chamber itself and the role it can play in promoting a positive message about the Twin Towns.
He also finds out about how Business in the Community Ireland is seeking to get more Donegal companies involved in its education programmes with schools. Pamela Kearney, North-west Regional Co-ordinator has been telling him more.
And Chris interviews David Fox, Business Development Manager with Home Building Finance Ireland about a breakfast briefing event in the Radisson Blu Hotel in Letterkenny on Tuesday, September 10th.
The post Business Matters, Ep 209: Twin Towns Business Awards, Business in the Community, and Home Building Finance appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s edition of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore has been speaking with the key personnel behind a very successful Ballyshannon based company, Get Up and Go Publications Ltd.
It produces high-quality inspirational diaries, journals and planners that go far beyond Ireland’s shores and retail outlets. Indeed, around 600,000 copies have now been sold.
The publications can inspire and motivate and are beautifully produced and illustrated.
In recent years, the company has expanded its range considerably. The range of diaries and related publications really have a feel good factor and can have a positive influence on people’s lives.
The Irish Get Up and Go Diary can be traced back to 2001, and there’s quite a story behind the business.
A full list of stockists can be found on the company’s website
https://www.getupandgodiary.com/stockists/
Co owner Brendan Sands who was recently recognised with a National Accolade by All-Ireland Business Foundation as a Trailblazer! The award was presented at a fabulous Ceremony at Croke Park recently. Brendan was nominated by an independent panel of leading academics and business experts.To find out more about this inspirational business Chris was joined in studio by co-owner and Director of Sales, Brendan Sands, and Managing Director Catriona McGloin. You can listen to the full interview here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 208 – Get Up and Go Diaries are truly inspirational appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
Have you ever thought about launching your own fashion brand? Well, for one Donegal entrepreneur a long held dream has been realised. Back in spring, Convoy woman Elaine Ayton launched a brand new online brand Calculate Clothing, offering a unique mix of comfort and style.
And she is this week’s guest on Business Matters with Chris Ashmore.
It’s early days yet but she has been hugely encouraged by the support that she has received and also the level of orders and reaction and feedback that she has received.
Elaine (centre), who has had an interest in fashion from a young age, has designed all her classic athleisure range.
For several years she has worked in the private banking sector, and continues to do so. But this year she decided to go ahead and put her business idea into action.
It’s a wonderful example of how someone in Donegal can start their own business and reach a global as well as local market.
She came into the studio to tell Chris more about her business, her business journey to date, and what lies ahead.
You can find Calculate Clothing on Instagram, facebook and at www.calculateclothing.com
You can listen to the full interview here.
The post Business Matters, Ep 207 – Convoy woman’s fashion brand Calculate Clothing appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore looks at two businesses in the county, one that is just opening and other that is well established.
A new sustainable fashion centre Circular Dress Collaborative is a new hub for sustainable fashion and events in the communities of Donegal and surrounding counties. It encourages consumers to participate in the circular economy by selling their clothing dresses and event clothing and accessories. A price is set with 60% going to the seller and 40% is commission. Sellers can earn money from the clothes that find new homes while keeping textiles out of landfills. It was set up by Sheila Clancy O’Donnell, a New York native, who has extensive experience in the fashion industry.
Chris also spoke with Letterbarrow man John McGroary who has set up a tour company called Walking Ireland which is going from strength to strength.
He caters for both groups and individuals and also does custom made tours.
The post Business Matters, EP 206: The Circular Dress Collaborative – plus Walking Ireland appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore speaks with Manus O’Boyle, the founder of a Burtonport-based boat tour company called Donegal Sea Adventure.
The business began last year and its sea safari experiences, using a purpose built high speed boat, offer a great insight into the heritage, culture, and history, of islands off the west coast of Donegal while treating customers to some stunning and truly memorable scenery and also wildlife.
He also does charter and custom made packages, and trips to the many islands off the west coast of the county.
Below: Some images from the company website – https://donegalseaadventure.ie/gallery
The post Business Matters, EP 205: Donegal Sea Adventure offers stunning boat trips around islands appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s programme, Chris Ashmore finds out more about the civic dollars project which is being extended in Donegal.
In essence, this is a rewards programme using technology for getting out and being healthy, and which encourages people to spend more time in parks and open spaces.
The man behind the concept and business is Stephen McPeake, who is based in Greenlough, Co. Derry. Stephen has been working in the technology industry for more than 25 years and sees considerable potential for the role technology that can play to enhance the health, wellbeing and community spirit in urban and rural settings.
Donegal Co. Council has been instrumental in getting behind an initial Civic Dollars pilot project in the county and such has been the positive feedback that it has now extended it further.
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On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore looks at the prospects for increased investment in railways in the north-west – including re-establishing a link between Donegal and the network on the rest of the island – and he also has an update on the main event being planned by the Donegal Women in Business Network to mark its 25th anniversary.
First up, Chris spoke with Steve Bradley, the driving force behind the Into The West rail lobby group, which is campaigning for not only better rail services in the western half of the province of Ulster, but increased investment to reopen old routes and to reconnect many areas which have been deprived or a railway connection for more than 50 years.
Existing rail lines are in black. Into the West wants to see the former Derry to Portadown line re-established and also a link to Letterkenny. This would enable people to travel between Letterkenny and Belfast as well as to Dublin, via Portadown.He also caught up with Larissa Feeney (below), President of the Donegal Women in Business Network, to find out more about their big “Leading The Way – 25th Anniversary Event” which is being held in Lough Eske Castle on September 19th.
Larissa Feeney, President of Donegal Women in Business Network and CEO founder of Kinore.Meanwhile, she gave an update on the progress of her accounting and financial services company Kinore since the rebranding took place of what was previously accountantonline.ie
The post Business Matters, EP 203: The case for rail investment in the north-west – plus Donegal Women’s Business Network 25th anniversary event appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s episode, Chris Ashmore finds out more about a new pet-friendly coffee shop that has opened in Letterkenny, and also looks at a new energy efficiency grant for businesses.
There has been an explosion in the number of coffee shops in Donegal over the past couple of years. The latest offering is Brosef, located on the Port Road in Letterkenny, which has been sent up by brothers Paddy and James Molloy from Glenties who converted what was previously a tattoo shop into the new cafe and they have made great strides in a short period of time.
They have placed a big emphasis on being pet-friendly – indeed, many a dog has already sampled their puppuccinos – and it has proven to be a wise move.
Later in this episode, Chris speaks with Stephen Perry, Business Advisor with Local Enterprise Office Donegal, about the updated Energy Efficiency Grant for businesses, how to apply, and who is eligible.
The post Business Matters, Ep 202: Brosef, the pet-friendly coffee shop – plus a new Energy Efficiency Grant appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this episode the focus of attention is the forthcoming Mary from Dungloe International Arts Festival which is the biggest festival of its kind in the county.
Festivals can play a major role in boosting economic activity and the festival in Dungloe is a prime example of this, with numerous businesses benefiting.
Over the years it has adapted to the changing times, and while it retains much of its charm and traditional events that are part of its appeal and core, there have also been a number of new departures and initiatives which in themselves are helping businesses not just in the locality but all over Donegal.
There are two events worthy of particular mention this year – and both look set to have a big knock-on effect for numerous businesses.
The Big Fun Day by the Bay on the shorefront in Dungloe will take place on Saturday July 27th from 11 am. There will be an emergency services display event which should be quite a spectacle, but in addition to that this will also be a major opportunity look at the numerous job opportunities that exist in Donegal.
Indeed, from the Defence Forces to the National Ambulance Service, from the public sector to the private sector – not to mention educational opportunities – this will be a great way to discover just what is currently available. There will be numerous stands and personnel, and it could be a real eye-opener for many.
Festival Co-Director Pat Gallagher was in studio to elaborate.
And festival committee member Pat Conaghan joined him to give details about the Food and Drink Fayre at the Waterfront Hotel on Monday, July 29th, from 11 am to 5 pm. It will have a huge variety of local produce, award winning chefs and demonstrations.
The Mary from Dungloe International Arts Festival runs from July 2th – August 5th, 2024.
The post Business Matters, Ep 201 – Career opportunities and promoting Donegal produce at the Mary from Dungloe Festival appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this 200th episode of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore finds out more about the Ambition female accelerator programme, and speaks with Brenda Hegarty, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office, Donegal.
He also catches up with Justin Molloy, Director, Construction Industry Federation, Western/Midlands and Northern Region, to discuss about the construction sector’s capacity to meet the demand for houses, the infractructural deficit, and the need for mixed private and social housing.
The post Business Matters, Ep 200 – Ambition programme for female entrepreneurs – plus CIF director on housing appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this episode of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore speaks with Letterkenny man John Logue who is Chief Executive officer of Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland, or SERI, a national representative body for social enterprises.
Essentially social enterprises are non-profit making but play an invaluable role in communities. And he feels they should be given more support in the way businesses are.
We also hear from Toni Forrester of LK Chamber about the LK Chamber Business Awards, the application process, and how they have evolved and changed over the years.
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In this episode of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore looks at a €1m investment in Letterkenny by Ireland’s biggest medical aesthetic clinic, and also a new shopping app that will save people money.
First up, one of Europe’s leading medical aesthetic clinics is opening in Co Donegal, and creating in the region of 20 new jobs. Thérapie Clinic which will be based in the Letterkenny Retail Park.
It will offer a wide range of the most advanced and high-tech, non-surgical treatments for the skin and body. Therapie was founded over 20 years ago and has delivered more than 10 million treatments.
Chris has been finding out more from Phillip McGlade, the CEO of Thérapie Clinic (pictured above).
Now, most of us like to save money on purchases, to grab a bargain, and indeed get value for money.
Well, there’s a new app that could prove to have considerable appeal. A price comparison shopping list app called Savvy Spender was launched recently. And the man behind it is Buncrana native Stephen Harvey who has been developing it over the past year or so.
Essentially the aim is to enable people in Ireland to better plan their weekly shopping to maximise savings.
He already had already developed a website called Savvy Spender – which has attracted much positive feedback – and he has now gone further with this app. Chris spoke to him about his business journey and how it has all come about.
To listen to this week’s full episode, click below:
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In this episode of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore interviews musician Zara Montgomery who recently established a one stop shop for all your wedding music.
Her new band Snapshot Live was set up to cater for weddings and also corporate events.
For weddings rather than having a number of different people to contact, she can provide all the music for the big day, ranging from ceremony music to reception music, your band for the wedding and the DJ.
A hugely talented musician who has travelled widely, she certainly has an interesting story to tell.
https://highlandradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Business-Matters-Zara-15th-May-24.mp3
The post Business Matters, Ep 197: Zara Montgomery’s One Stop Shop for wedding and corporate music appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this episode of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore speaks with Philip O’Kennedy, Business Advisor with the Local Enterprise Office in Ireland about how Micro Finance Ireland can help businesses.
He also talks with Maura Toner, Food Coast Donegal Executive, about a number of great events over the coming months in Donegal that are open to the public.
And he hears from Maria Doherty of the Donegal ETB about a number of degree courses that are available at the Donegal ETB training centre in Letterkenny in the first year – and without fees – before you move onto campus at an ATU campus.
The post Business Matters, Ep 196: Micro Finance Ireland loans, Food Coast Donegal events, and third level degrees at Donegal ETB appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this episode of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore speaks with Larissa Feeney, President of the Donegal Women In Business Network which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
She is also the founder and CEO of the award winning Accountant Online business which has seen rapid growth in recent years and which has just been rebranded.
Chris is also joined in studio by Sean Quinn, Head of Sales, Highland Radio, to look forward to this year’s Highland Radio Customer Service Awards in association with McElhinney’s Stores. The awards cover a wide range of category and there were a record number of nominations. The gala presentation night is on Sunday, June 2nd, in the Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny.
The post Business Matters, Ep 195: Larissa Feeney, President of Donegal Women in Business Network, plus a preview of the Highland Radio Customer Service Awards appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this episode of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore, speaks with Ciaran McKenna, who is the owner of two family run Londis stores in Inishowen, one in Buncrana, where he also has a Circle K filling station, and the other in Drung, Quigley’s Point, where they manage the fuel for Inishowen Co-op
A native of Monaghan, Ciaran comes from a family that have been working in retail and selling fuel for generations.
Recently he was selected by FBD insurance as one of seven small businesses around the country for a special advertising package tailored to their business.
To find out more about his business, Chris paid a visit to him in his Buncrana premises to find out more….
The post Business Matters, Ep 194: Ciaran McKenna of McKenna Londis, Buncrana and Drung appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
A Donegal based drinks company – whose products have attracted celebrity investors including Russell Crowe, Ed Sheeran, Jimmy Carr, and Ronan Keating – has signed an exclusive distribution agreement for the US market.
The Muff Liquor Company has landed the lucrative deal with the Lucas Bols Company, one of the leading cocktail and spirits players in the worldwide cocktail market, who will now have the exclusive rights to import and distribute Muff Liquor products in the United States of America.
The Muff Liquor Company was founded in 2017 by Donegal native Laura Bonner, who was inspired by her grandfather Philip McClenaghan’s passion to create wonderful spirits.
Its current portfolio consists of the award-winning Irish Potato Gin, Irish Potato Vodka, and Irish Peated Whiskey.
Chris Ashmore spoke to her about about the development of the business, the celebrity investors, how her dream is been realised with the company, and how it continues her family’s distilling legacy in Inishowen.
The post Business Matters, Ep 192: Celebrity-backed Muff Liquor Company breaks into US market appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this episode of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore interviews Niall Speak, the founder of the Eco Basket company.
Having experienced sustainable and waste free shopping habits when he was living in Australia, Niall returned to his native Sion Mills and began the process to set up his company.
The Eco Basket has a wide range of products including spices, herbs, grains, toiletries and eco-friendly products and he has ambitions to be the leading Zero Waste Refill provider in Ireland.
The products can be ordered online and delivered in compostable packing, and he also has a shopping model based on customers bringing their own containers and filling them with as much of his products as they need before paying for the goods by weight or volume.
As well as grocery shoppers, the Eco Basket works with cafés, chefs, restaurants and zero waste stores across Ireland and the UK to offer wholesale orders.
Hugely enthusiastic, he also has ambitious plans for the future – including a possible vertical farm in Sion Mills.
You can listen to the full interview here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 191: Time to Speak on Eco Basket grocery store business appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this episode of Business Matters on Highland Radio with Chris Ashmore, we hear about a Donegal woman who returned to her native Gweedore after spending more than a decade in the insurance industry in the Middle East.
Helen Burke is the founder of Teambase Ireland whose business centres around simplifying and automating insurance administration business processes to enable insurance brokers to become more efficient, profitable, customer centric and innovative.
Listen here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 190: Back to Gweedore from the Middle East with Helen Burke of Teambase Ireland appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
Gerry Haughey, front right, and some of the team at GuestDiary.com which is based in Donegal Town.Donegal Town based GuestDiary.com offers a four in one software package for hotels and guesthouses that streamlines their booking systems.
The company, founded in 2008, has seen its staff numbers double to 16 and it continues to go from strength to strength.
Some 10% of its export sales now come from the Vietnamese market – and the aim is to grow this to 16% by the end of 2024.
Gerry Haughey, general manager, GuestDiary.comThe company recently moved to a new office in the Donegal Town Enterprise Centre.
In this episode of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore has been speaking with GuestDiary.com’s general manager Gerry Haughey, a proud Donegal man, who is upbeat about the firm’s future prospects.
Listen here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 190: Donegal business Guestdiary.com’s growth includes expanding Vietnamese market appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this episode of Business Matters with Chris Ashmore we’ll hear about Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards, which is the biggest competition for quality Irish produce on the island of Ireland.
Numerous Donegal firms have been successful in the past and many will enter again this year. Chris has been speaking with Fallon Moore, Events Coordinator, about the process, the blind tasting by judges, and the benefits from the publicity.
Ronan Whelan, Chief Operating Officer, SIROThere is also an interview with Ronan Whelan, Chief Commercial Officer of fibre broadband network operator Siro, about research regarding broadband usage by businesses and a warning about a switch off of copper broadband which could have serious implications for some Donegal businesses.
Philip O’Kennedy, Business Adviser, Local Enterprise Office DonegalAnd we’ll also hear from Philip O’Kennedy, business advisor with the Local Enterprise office in Donegal about the latest Business Support clinics that are coming up, both online and in person.
Listen here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 189: Irish Food Awards, broadband survey findings, and business support clinics appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this episode of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore looks at the big increase in credit union membership and the expansion of services offered by credit unions. He also looks at the surge in digital payments and the growth of an Irish company, CleverCards, and examines the trends as we becoming an increasingly cashless society.
Firstly, he get the views of David Malone, CEO of the Irish League of Credit Unions, and finds out more about how credit unions are filling the gap left by the closure of many bank branches and how they now offer services including mortgages and current accounts.
Then, we hear from Kealan Lennon, founder and CEO of CleverCards, a digital payments platform that enables businesses to issue configurable Mastercards. As a leader in the fintech industry, Kealan has extensive insight into emerging trends in this sector.
The post Business Matters, Ep 188: Credit Unions move with the times – plus digital payment growth for CleverCards appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore has been finding out about a €1.4m building project at Donegal’s busiest community centre.
The sod will be turned on a new community building, with dressing rooms, at the end of March and work will begin on the development which will greatly enhance the number of people that can use the facilities, and especially the main astroturf pitch and the smaller one as well.
Funding of €600,000 has been secured from a number of state sources – not least through Pobal – and the balance will come from loans and fundraising by the centre.
To find out more about this latest development at the busy centre, Chris spoke with manager Liam O’Donnell and the chair of the management committee, Philip O’Kennedy.
And he has has a round up of some other of the week’s business stories.
Listen here:
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The Kinnegar Brewery team at their premises in LetterkennyOn Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore has been speaking with Libby Carton , co-owner and co-founder with Rick LeVert, of Kinnegar Brewing.
The independent craft beer producer has expanded considerably since it first began in Rathmullan in 2011.
It now has a state-of-the-art brewery in Letterkenny, and has a core range of 12 beers, plus a number of seasonal specials.
Chris has been speaking to Libby about the company’s growth, the commissioning recently of a new bottling line, the challenges of dealing with the deposit return scheme for cans, and much more, including plans for the future, low-alcohol beers, and the hugely successful on-site brewery tours.
Listen here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 186: Kinnegar Brewing is going from strength to strength appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week, Chris has been speaking with Axel Pawlik (above), who is originally from Germany but who now lives in Portsalon.
Two years ago he began making high end and stunningly attractive chocolates, and his business has really taken off.
His brand is known as The Chocolate Man from Donegal.
He handcrafts all his chocolates or bon bons in the Old School Community Centre in Kerrykeel.
His creations not only taste wonderful, – they are a real work of art, and beautifully presented.
The collection features a wide variety of flavours, ranging from salted caramel and hazelnut praline to passionfruit & coconut, and blueberry & almond. He even has a selection of vegan chocolates.
Chris visited him in Kerrykeel to find out more.
Listen here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 185: The Donegal Chocolate Man- who comes from Germany appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore pays a visit to the Medical Skin Clinic in Donegal Town.
When Malaysian woman Farah Mydin came to Ireland first, little did she think that she would end up living in Donegal and running her own business.
Back in 2008, she qualified as a doctor from Trinity College Dublin and then completed her General Practice Vocational Training Scheme in a number of locations in Donegal.
Dr Farah MydinShe always had an interest in cosmetic procedures and facial aesthetics and began practicing medical aesthetics.
She founded the Medical Skin Clinic in Donegal Town, and Chris recently paid her a visit to find out more – and also got a couple of treatments!
https://highlandradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_2448-2.mp4Morgan Coleman carries out a treatment on Chris Ashmore at the Medical Skin ClinicBut, before this, this edition begins with a look at Local Enterprise Week runs from March 4th to March 8th all over the country. Here in Donegal there are numerous events, with a number of high profile guest speakers and they are all free to attend but you do need to register.
Brenda Hegarty, Head of Enterprise, Donegal County CouncilThis is a great chance to get some really useful information on a variety of topics as well as being an opportunity to network. Brenda Hegarty, Head of Enterprise, Donegal Co. Council has been giving more details.
Listen here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 184: From Malaysia to Donegal, The Medical Skin Clinic – plus Local Enterprise Week appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week, Chris has been finding out about apprenticeships and what they entail.
Traditionally, when you talk about apprenticeships what will spring to mind for most people are trades and crafts. Well, the apprenticeship programme in Ireland has changed beyond recognition over the past decade, with a growing number of both school-leavers and indeed people looking for a career change, looking at apprenticeships and what they offer.
While traditional apprenticeships are still very popular, in recent years there has been a noticeable increase in apprenticeships in a variety of sectors, ranging from financial services to engineering, from farming to hospitality, biopharma and retail.
Chris has been speaking with Vinny McGroary, Apprenticeship Manager with Donegal ETB, and Lorraine Murray, Senior Apprenticeship Training Advisor with Donegal ETB about what is on offer:
Listen here:
https://highlandradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/BM210224-Apprenticeships-Final.mp3Claire Lernihan, Donegal ETB Senior Training Advisor, Vinny McGroary, Donegal ETB Apprenticeship Manager, and Lorraine Murray, Donegal ETB Senior Training Advisor, pictured at the Letterkenny Training Centre.The post Business Matters, Ep 183 – The changing face of apprenticeships and what they offer appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this episode, Chris Ashmore talks with Sean Quinn, Head of Sales at Highland Radio, about the recent, hugely successful, Highland Radio Hospitality Awards night that was held in Jackson’s Hotel, Ballybofey.
He also has an in-depth interview with Dearbhla Kelly, Enterprise Engagement Officer with the Donegal Education and Training Board.
She outlines the large range of courses that are on offer, and explains how companies and individuals can benefit. Donegal ETB works closely with local firms and is to the forefront in development courses and programmes that meet the needs of local businesses and individuals in an ever-changing world.
Listen here:
https://highlandradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/BM-140224-Edited-Dearbhla-Kelly-Sean-Quinn.mp3The post Business Matters, Ep 182 – Highland Radio Hospitality Awards, and Dearbhla Kelly, Enterprise Engagement Officer appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this episode of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore takes a close look at the latest new car sales registrations in Donegal and reveals what the most popular brand, make and colour were in the county for the key month of January, which traditionally sees more sales than any other month.
Meanwhile, his special guest this week is Hanna Van der Walt from South Africa. Three years ago she came to Ireland with her husband Walter – with the intention of being here for around a year.
Hanna and Walter Van der Walt outside Bloem Coffee Shop in LetterkennyIn October, she ventured into business and opened her Bloem Coffee Shop in Letterkenny.
Firstly, Chris outlines the car stats and then we find out about Hanna’s journey as he visited her shop to hear her story:
The post Business Matters, Ep 181 – New car sales, plus Hanna Van der Walt, Bloem Coffee Shop appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this edition of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore speaks with Adam Graham of the Recharge Recovery Room which is based in the Aura Leisure Centre in Letterkenny.
Adam, who has an extensive background in the fitness sector, set up the business last April and it is going from strength to strength.
It specialises in ice-baths and compression boots, and there is also a nice hot-tub to relax in after the ice-bath.
Adam has had a very positive feedback since opening and spoke with Chris about various aspects of the business.
Adam Graham with the new ice-bath behind himAdam Graham shows how the compression boots workChris Ashmore tries out the ice-bathAll in a day’s work. Chris Ashmore enjoys the warm hot-tub after his stint in the ice-bathFor the full interview listen here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 180: Adam Graham – Recharge Recovery Room appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this episode of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore visits John Graham’s Ballyholey Farm Shop just outside Raphoe.
John’s family farm has been growing vegetables here in Raphoe for over 30 years. For many years they grew commercial potatoes, turnips and cabbages for wholesale customers but in 2015 they decided to change our business and we opened a small farm shop (known as the Log Cabin) where they sold our fresh vegetables, our eggs and some jams. Since then they have hugely expanded their range and they also stock other local produce ranging from cheeses to breads, home-bakes and even soap.
There’s now also a terrace for people to enjoy a cuppa and eat some of the great local food and artisan offerings.
To find out more, you can listen here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 179 – John Graham, Ballyholey Farm Shop appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore’s guest is Maura Toner, Food Coast Donegal Advisor at the Local Enterprise Office.
Food Coast Donegal is an initiative driven by the Local Enterprise Office to support, celebrate and grow the Donegal food sector.
Listen here:
The post Business Matters, Ep 178 – Maura Toner, Food Coast Donegal appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore speaks with Lifford man Eugene Gallen who set up Bon Appetit in June 2021. The company produces a range of cooked ready meals and has seen considerable growth in a short space of time.
Bon Appetit manufactures and supplies in bulk to retailers such as Supervalu, Spar and Centra as well as many local stores across the North and South of Ireland and produces meals fresh daily delivering them into the stores.
It is currently moving into new premises in Letterkenny, which were occupied many years ago by Boston Scientific. This will allow the company to increase production fourfold from 6,000 to 25,000 meals a week.
Chris visited the new premises to find out more.
Listen here:
The post Business Matters: Ep 177, Eugene Gallen – Bon Appetit appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore speaks with Toni Forrester, Chief Executive Officer of Letterkenny Chamber.
Founded in 1965, the chamber will celebrate its 60th anniversary next year and plays a significant role in fostering business development and promoting opportunities to create a thriving business environment.
The chamber has grown considerably and now has more than 300 members, not just in Letterkenny but in other parts of the county too.
In this week’s episode, Toni reflects on 2023, looks ahead to 2024 and is upbeat about the future for Donegal’s largest town.
Listen here:
The post Business Matters: Ep 176, Toni Forrester – Letterkenny Chamber appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters Chris Ashmore is joined by Adrian Boyle, the founder of artisan bakery Blistered Bread in Letterkenny.
The Creeslough native spend many years in Australia before returning to Ireland a couple of years ago with his wife Niamh.
Blistered Bread is a family sourdough bakery that specialises in making handcraft breads and pastries using time and the finest natural ingredients, sourced locally where possible. They slow the process down for easier digestion and enhanced flavour.
Chris visited Adrian’s bakery to find out more about this business which recently won the Best Start up Award at the recent Donegal Enterprise Awards.
Listen here:
The post Business Matters: Ep 175, Adrian Boyle – Blistered Bread appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters Chris Ashmore is joined by Ryan Allen, Founding Director of Irish Gap Year.
The Bundoran based company has been running award-winning Gap Year Programmes in Ireland and indeed in Europe for a number of years, and currently employs 13 people in Donegal.
Recently, it won the Export Award at the Donegal Enterprise Awards.
Ryan Allen, second from right, of Irish Gap Year, with the Export Award at the Donegal Enterprise Awards.Irish Gap Year is Europe’s first and only Gap Year Association accredited programme, and provides award-winning Gap Year programmes in Ireland, and Europe, for young people interested in learning more about themselves and the world they live in..
Listen here:
The post Business Matters: Ep 175, Ryan Allen – Irish Gap Year appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore talks to Inishowen entrepreneur and farmer Neil Crossan whose ‘Living Green’ business won the overall Donegal and Best-Established Enterprise Awards at the Donegal Enterprise Awards held earlier this month.
Established in 2003, Living Green is the largest producer of worms in Ireland and the UK, distributing live worms to fishing tackle shops.
He also has an organic compost business as well as growing wheatgrass from which they produce a wheat grass juice as well as now also doing turmeric and beetroot juice shots.
Listen back here:
The post Business Matters: Ep 174, Neil Crossan – Living Green appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters Chris Ashmore is joined by Kilcar man, Barry Doherty, who is Chief Executive Officer of Dunkineely-based C&B Agri Enterprise Limited.
The firm uses seaweed and fish extracts to manufacture a natural, sustainable product known as a bio-stimulant which can be used on crops to boost growth and quality.
He describes the bio-stimulant as a “multi-vitamin” for crops.
The potential market is vast and earlier this year, as he explained to Chris, a major multi-national Japanese company took a stake in the Donegal company and is now engaged in considerable research and development with numerous trials.
Barry Doherty of C&B Agri Enterprise Limited. Photo: Donegal Local Enterprise Office.The post Business Matters: Ep 173, Barry Doherty – C&B Agri Enterprise Limited appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore is joined by Johnny Patterson, who set up and runs the award winning Johnny’s Ranch Gourmet Street Kitchen providing the very Best of Local produce from Farm to Fork & Sea.
Along with his sister Martina they have developed a great business that has got hugely positive feedback.
But along the way they have had to negotiate plenty of hurdles.
Listen here:
https://highlandradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Business-Matters-29th-November-23.mp3The post Business Matters Ep 172 Johnny Patterson appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore is joined by Hugh Bonner, managing director of publishing and event management company Mara Media which is based in Annagry.
Mara Media dates back to 2005 when Hugh – who has a very strong background in the fishing industry – bought the already established publication called The Skipper.
Hugh Bonner, second from left, with some of the team at Mara MediaSince then the business has grown considerably and while it has come through some choppy waters it has also prospered under his shrewd stewardship and vision and now it is one of Ireland’s leading magazine publishers and it also runs a number of world class industry expos and events.
Listen here
The post Business Matters Ep 171 – Hugh Bonner appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore is joined by Jacqui Fegan, the founder and proprietor of Four Paws Boarding Kennels and Dog Hotel in Kilmacrennan.
Animal lover Jacqui went from working in a pharmacy to setting up her own kennels which have gone from strength to strength and with the help of husband Malachy have expanded considerably.
Recently, Four Paws was named as the Best Kennels in Ireland at the prestigious Local Pets Awards held at a gala presentation night in Dublin.
Listen back here:
The post Business Matters Ep 170 – Jacqui Fegan appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore is joined by Karen Murphy of Karen Murphy Speech, Drama and Communications.
Her business dates back to 2006 and since then has grown considerably.
Karen runs her own school and also teaches students privately on an individual and small group basis.
She also teaches adults, and communications related classes and one-to-ones are an important part of her business too. Her courses have instilled a great deal of confidence and self-belief in many people, and can be very rewarding in all sorts of ways for the participants.
Listen back here:
The post Business Matters Ep 169 – Karen Murphy appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore is joined by Sarah Marie McDevitt, the managing owner of Pinehill Studios in Letterkenny, where she runs dance and fitness classes.
Her business dates back to 2013 when she began her journey to bring “Fun Fitness” to Letterkenny.
What was once a warehouse at the premises at the Pinehill Business Park at the Mountain Top has since been developed from two studios to five studios with a bright, modern atmosphere.
Listen back here:
The post Business Matters Ep 168 – Sarah Marie McDevitt appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the owner of The Station House in Letterkenny, Brian Gallagher.
Brian began to explore the possibility of building a hotel on the family site along Oldtown Road in 2002. Construction began in September 2005 and the 81-bedroom hotel opened its doors on August 1st, 2006.
Built by local contactors, Boyle Construction, The Station Hotel employs a team of 50 people.
Listen back here:
The post Business Matters Ep 167 – Brian Gallagher appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the owner of Inis Communications, Trish Hegarty.
Trish worked as a journalist with the Irish Times, RTÉ and BBC Radio Foyle before setting up her PR, social media, and digital content agency in 2004.
Inis Communications recently launched the Inis ExPRtise PR toolkit for SMEs with limited time and budgets. The toolkit is a custom-built integrated system for creating plans and calendar data specific to each client, combined with one-to-one online mentoring sessions. This information is stored in a client membership area and is fully accessible and editable for the duration of the life of the account.
Listen back here:
The post Business Matters Ep 166 – Trish Hegarty appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the founder of Glenard Plant in Letterkenny, James Russell, and his son, Eamon, and daughter, Denise McTeague, who took over the running of the business based at Tara Court in 2016.
James set up Glenard Plant with the help and support of his wife, Anne, and the business currently employs 21 people.
Listen back here:
The post Business Matters Ep 165 – James Russell, Eamon Russell & Denise McTeague appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to the Chief Commercial Officer with Precision Sports Technology, Seán McVeigh, about securing an investment of $100,000 from three US-based businessmen at the Alpha Innovation event in Rathmullan last Friday.
Ciaran also speaks to one of those investors, John T Fries, who was presented with the the Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Award in Buncrana the following evening.
And it’s that time of the year again when Business Matters looks ahead to the ACORNS programme – now in its ninth year – with CEO of Accountant Online, Larissa Feeney.
Listen back here:
The post Business Matters Ep 163 – Seán McVeigh, John T. Fries & Larissa Feeney appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell’s guest is former managing director of Fruit of the Loom and former Chair of the International Fund For Ireland, Willie McCarter, who now works as an independent advisor. Four days after graduating from Trinity College in Economics and Political Science in 1969, he began his masters degree at …
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On this week’s Business Matters, we go back to an interview in February when Ciaran O’Donnell spoke to Liam Langan from Dunfanaghy. Liam set up his quantity surveying practice with a former work colleague, Jason Tully, in 2012. Headquartered in Dublin, the company opened a second office in Letterkenny last year and currently employs 22 …
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The post Business Matters Ep 161 – Liam Langan – Playback edition appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, we go back to an interview in January when Ciaran O’Donnell spoke to the co-owner of Donegal Bees in Glencolmcille, Thomas Ellis
A former carpenter, Thomas set up the company in 2013, and in 2020 Áine Curran became a co-owner.
Donegal Bees has the only wax-processing facility in Ireland and a product range of almost 900.
Donegal Bees won the “Green Award” at the 2022 Donegal Enterprise Awards, hosted by the Donegal Local Enterprise Office.
Listen back here:
The post Business Matters Ep 160 – Thomas Ellis – Playback edition appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the owner of Mallow Mia in Newtowncunningham, Linda McClean. The food scientist turned gourmet marshmallow and rocky roads maker, set up the business in 2014, and in 2020 she opted to go full-time at the venture.
After graduating from Queens and completing her masters degree in Aberdeen, Linda spent the next 15 years working in Germany, Holland, Belgium and England in product development. Last month, she opened a new workshop where people of all ages can enjoy the experience of creating their own custom-made treats.
Ciaran also talks to the Tech North West Skillnet Network Manager, Siobhan Grant, about the Leadtech programme that begins in September. The programme will be delivered by Garrett Harte and Raelene McAteer.
Listen back here:
The post Business Matters Ep 159 – Linda McClean & Siobhan Grant appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to the owners of Alexander’s of Ballybofey, Joe and Tracey Alexander. The business was taken over from the McClure family by Joe’s parents in 1960 and has been trading successfully since. Joe bought over the shop and became the sole owner in 1989. And in 2019, his …
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the co-owner of Citadel Gymnastics in Letterkenny and Gweedore, Fiona Murphy, and the owner of Kelly’s Centra and Kelly’s Diner in Letterkenny, Mairtín Kelly. Having graduated in mechanical engineering, Fiona Murphy decided to leave her job as a project engineer in Donegal Town and set …
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The post Business Matters Ep 157 – Fiona Murphy & Mairtín Kelly appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Busines Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by hairdresser, Terance Boyle. A native of Kilcar, Terance left school at the age of 14 and after a number of jobs, he decided to pursue a career in the hair industry when he moved to Letterkenny, spending the next ten years with Patrick Gildea. Terance …
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The post Business Matters Ep 156 – Terance Boyle appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by local estate agent, Louis Boyce. A native of Carrigart with a strong background in retail, Louis set up a property agency with Denis Faulkner in Letterkenny 20 years ago. He left the company in 2014 and spent the next three years in London. Louis went …
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The post Business Matters Ep 155 – Louis Boyce & Deirdre McColgan appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the founder and owner of The Miik Bar in Carrigans, Shannon Porter. Shannon’s family owns a large dairy farm that comprises 450 cows and 200 ewes on 800 acres. She graduated with an Honours Degree in Agriculture from Harper Adams University in 2021, and a …
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell’s guest is Oliver McBride, editor of The Fishing Daily and director at Salt Water Media Ltd. After working in a number of different jobs while combining his third-level studies, Oliver set up The Fishing Daily in September 2019 and in January 2020 the news platform went live. In 2021, …
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the owner and founder of the Sliabh Liag Campsite in Teelin, Ciarán McHugh. The seven-acre site was developed in 2021 and around 250 people stayed there over the June bank holiday weekend. Last month the Sliabh Liag Campsite won Campsite of the Year at the …
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The post Business Matters Ep 152 – Ciarán McHugh & Toni Forrester appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the co-owner of the Caisleáin Óir Hotel and the co-owner of Errigal Brewing in Annagry, James McDevitt. Caisleáin Óir, which employs around 60 people, was opened in 2002, and last year, James and his sister, Anita, secured a license for their brewery. A qualified secondary …
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to Shaun Doohan and his daughter, Amy, who along with Shaun’s mother, Margaret, run the well-known Shamrock Lodge in Falcarragh which won Pub of the Year at the recent Highland Radio Customer Appreciation Awards. Ciaran also speaks to Donegal County Councillor, Anthony Molloy, and Brendan Bradas O’Donnell, …
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the CEO of Highland Radio and Letterkenny Chamber President, Fionnuala Rabbitt, who hosted the chamber president’s annual lunch in the Radisson Hotel on Friday afternoon. Ciaran also speaks to the leader of Sinn Féin, Mary Lou McDonald, who delivered the keynote address at the Letterkenny …
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the owner of Colmcille Press in Derry and spokesperson for the Derry University Group, Garbhán Downey. A former journalist with the Irish News, the Sunday Times, the Belfast Telegraph and the Derry Journal, he was also the editor of the Derry News. In 2005, Garbhán moved …
Business Matters Ep 148 – Garbhán Downey Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the owner of TC Promotions based on Arranmore Island, Thomas Costello. A native of Aranmore, Thomas began his DJing career as a 14-year-old in Smuggler’s Nightclub in 1990. After a number of years working in construction which took him to London, Limerick and Dublin, Thomas returned …
Business Matters Ep 147 – Thomas Costello Read More »
The post Business Matters Ep 147 – Thomas Costello appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the managing director of Silver Strand Rope Works in Moville, Patrick McLaughlin. Patrick set up his business at the age of 17 at the same time he was sitting his Leaving Certificate in 1990.
Back in December, Silver Strand Rope Works, which is the only producer of rope in Ireland, was announced as the overall winner at the Donegal Enterprise Awards. On Thursday, June 1st, the Inishowen company will be competing with the winners from the 31 Local Enterprise Office areas around the country at the National Enterprise Awards in Dublin.
Ciaran also talks to the owner of Comet Textile Printers, Aine Moyne Grieve, who was one of the guest speakers at the Business Cost-Saving Advice Clinic held in the Mount Errigal Hotel in Letterkenny on Monday by the Donegal Local Enterprise Office. After working in Holland for ten years, Aine returned to Ireland and formed her own business in 2003. During Monday’s presentation, she spoke about how a green approach and the Green For Micro Programme have benefitted her business.
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to the co-owner of Bugger Jacks in Milford, Ciaran Blaney. The 24-year-old set up the business at Lagg Service Station in Milford in July 2019. The takeaway outlet at Milford Retail Park was opened in February 2022 and a few months later, Burger Jacks 45-seater restaurant opened next door.
Ciaran also speaks to the Head of Innovation for the new Alpha Innovation Centre in Letterkenny, Kevin Sexton, about what the state-of-the-art facility will provide when it opens in May 2025.
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The post Business Matters Ep 145 – Ciaran Blaney & Kevin Sexton appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the owner of Orchard Stables at Manorcunningham, Lisa Wallace, and the Head of Enterprise at Donegal’s Local Enterprise Office, Brenda Hegarty.
A native of Austria, Lisa Wallace first came to Ireland on a family holiday in 2012 and soon after, she returned to spend six months working as an au pair in Galway. After studying to become a teacher in Austria, Lisa relocated to Donegal in 2017 and in January 2020, she decided to work full-time at the stables next to her home.
Ciaran also previews the Business Cost Saving Clinic that’s taking place in Letterkenny on Monday, May 22nd, with the Head of Enterprise at Donegal’s Local Enterprise Office, Brenda Hegarty. The objective of the event is to educate Donegal micro businesses and SMEs on the cost-saving competitiveness support available from LEO Donegal.
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Last Thursday saw the launch of the Inishowen Sustainable Energy Community’s strategic plan in the Ballyliffin Lodge Hotel.
Business Matters presenter, Ciaran O’Donnell, travelled to the launch and spoke to a number of people who are involved in the plan aimed at creating a decarbonised and more sustainable Inishowen.
These included the joint CEO of Inishowen Development Partnership, Andrew Ward, Claire Irwin of Irwin Consulting who delivered the keynote address, and IDP team lead and a member of the ISEC committee, Paul McGonigle, who acted as MC for the launch of the comprehensive 84-page plan.
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The post Business Matters Ep 143 – Paul McGonigle, Andrew Ward & Claire Irwin appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to the owner of The Wheelhouse Cafe in Burtonport, John Reilly.
Fourteen people are employed at The Wheelhouse and he is set to create six new jobs when his glamping site, which will accommodate nine pods, opens in June.
John moved from Scotland to Burtonport as a ten-year-old in 1976 and became a full-time fisherman at the age of 16. He began working for the late Kevin McHugh from Killybegs in 1993 and skippered the New Veronica and Atlantic Dawn and fishing vessels.
John has recently returned from his latest fishing trip off the coast of Oman in the Arabian Sea.
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The post Business Matters Ep 142 – John Reilly appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the owner of Alcorn’s Garden Centre and the owner of Tropical World in Letterkenny, Clive Alcorn.
Clive’s late parents, Tommy and Martha, set up a flower shop at Loughnagin in the eighties and Clive began working full-time in the business while still a teenager.
When his father retired, Clive formed Alcorn’s Limited along with his brother, John, and sister, Caroline, who both run Alcorn’s Flowers.
It was always Clive’s ambition to establish his own zoo and in 2011 he opened Tropical World which attracts 40,000 visitors annually.
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The post Business Matters Ep 141 – Clive Alcorn appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Letterkenny-based graphic designer and photographer, Stevie Toye, and the owner of Ards Coffee Tree, Patrick Stewart.
After graduating from Letterkenny IT, Stevie Toye worked as a graphic designer for a number of local newspapers and Browne’s Printers in Letterkenny before branching out on his own. He covered his first wedding as a paid photographer in 2017 and in February he was named Irish Wedding Photographer of the Year for 2023.
Patrick Stewart opened Ards Coffee Tree in Ards Forest Park along with his wife, Karen, in 2017. The lockdowns in 2020 saw a notable rise in the number of visitors to Ards Forest Park, and that increase in footfall held firm in 2021 and 2022. Much of Ards Coffee Tree stock is sourced locally, with its full range of tray bakes supplied by An Panc Patisserie in Falcarragh.
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The post Business Matters Ep 140 – Stevie Toye & Patrick Stewart appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Mary Meehan, owner of Veve Boutique and V2 which are both located in Donegal Town, and her daughter, Aishling, who has been working full-time in the business for the last three years.
Verve Boutique was established in 1999 and last year it was named Irish Retailer of the Year by the Small Firms Association.
Mary currently employs a team of 15 and is planning to set up her own warehouse for the online side of the business.
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to the founder of Joe Gallagher Entertainment based in Strabane, Joe Gallagher.
Joe took his first steps in the entertainment business as a 14-year-old DJ, and his DJ work subsequently took him to Norway, Denmark, Switzerland and Greece. He set up Joe Gallagher Entertainment in 1983 and has worked with the biggest names in the music world.
He managed The Drifters for ten years and is currently looking after the 25th anniversary tour of Michael Flatley’s Lord of The Dance that commenced in Dublin last month.
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The post Business Matters Ep 137 – Joe Gallagher appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the owner of O’Donnell’s Bakery in Laghey, Andrew McElhinney, and recruitment officer with Donegal ETB’s Further Education and Training Services, Tara McGuire.
On Christmas Eve in 2010, O’Donnell’s Bakery, which was established in 1969, closed down. Within a month, Andrew McElhinney, who had been a bread agent for the previous five years, bought the Laghey-based business along with his wife, Kathleen.
Twelve years on, it’s very much a family affair, with his daughters, Sarah-Ann and Lynn, also working full-time in the business. O’Donnell’s Bakery launched its Atlantic Wheaten in Aldi stores in 2019 and recently secured a contract with Dunnes Stores.
Donegal ETB is the largest education and training provider in the county. Its Further Education and Training Service provides education and training for around 12,000 students each year. Tara McGuire talks about the ability of the statutory body to continue to change and adapt to meet the needs of the various sectors and businesses locally.
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to the CEO of the Harris Tweed Authority, Lorna McCaulay, who helped Donegal ETB develop the country’s first-ever certified weaving course that was launched last year.
Ciaran also speaks to Errigal College TY student, Matthias Uhlich, winner of the Donegal Local Enterprise Office Student Enterprise Programme for 2023.
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by entrepreneur and presenter of Newstalk’s Down To Business show, Bobby Kerr, and founder of 3D Issue, Paul McNulty, who were part of the first event of Donegal Enterprise Week that was launched on Monday.
Ciaran also talks to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney, who delivered the keynote speech at the recent Building Better Business conference at Donegal’s ATU campus in Letterkenny.
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the managing director of IHeating & Cooling Ltd, Fabian McShane.
A qualified plumber and fitter, Fabian’s background is in engineering, air conditioning and refrigeration.
He set up IHeating & Cooling Ltd, which specialises in air-to-water heat pumps, in 2017.
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The post Business Matters Ep 133 – Fabian McShane appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the director of Buildcost, Liam Langan. Liam set up his quantity surveying practice with a former work colleague, Jason Tully, in 2012.
Headquartered in Dublin, the company opened a second office in Letterkenny last year and currently employs 22 people.
Buildcost has recently secured contracts in the UK and is planning to have a bigger presence there in 2023.
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The post Business Matters Ep 132 – Liam Langan appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the founder of Donegal Natural Soap Company in Glenties, Isobel Sangha.
Isobel began making soap for family and friends and set up her company in 2010. As a member of the Guaranteed Irish team, Isobel is always searching for new Irish ingredients to use and promote in her product range which currently stands at 35.
A graduate of Aeronautical Engineering, Isobel also holds a master’s degree in Bioengineering.
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The post Business Matters Ep 131 – Isobel Sangha appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell’s guest is the Head of Regions, Property, and Enterprise Development with IDA Ireland, Denis Curran.
Established in 1949, the IDA is the state agency responsible for promoting Ireland for foreign direct investment.
A native of Letterkenny, Denis has been with IDA Ireland for 24 years and his first role was working with the global businesses services division.
IDA Ireland currently employs 330 people throughout its 22 overseas offices and ten regional offices.
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The post Business Matters Ep 130 – Denis Curran appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to the owner of Ghost Productions and owner of Kickboxing LK, Tommy McCafferty.
Tommy’s decision to buy a camera to help market and promote Kickboxing LK led to him setting up Ghost Productions in 2018, and his first paid job was for a gym in Strabane.
Since then, he’s moved into the lifestyle and commercial sectors.
A two-time world kickboxing champion, Tommy also has a degree in architecture.
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The post Business Matters Ep 129 – Tommy McCafferty appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the co-owner of Donegal Bees in Glencolumbkille, Thomas Ellis.
A former carpenter, Thomas set up the company in 2013, and Áine Curran became a co-owner three years ago. Donegal Bees has the only wax processing facility in Ireland and a product range of almost 900.
Donegal Bees won the “Green Award” at the 2022 Donegal Enterprise Awards, hosted by the Local Enterprise Office Donegal, in December.
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The post Business Matters Ep 128 – Thomas Ellis appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to the founder of Pumpskynz, Catherine Devine, and Letterkenny Chamber CEO, Toni Forrester.
In 2020, local journalist, Catherine Devine decided to quit her role with the Donegal News to invest all of her working time into her company, Pumkskynz, which makes silicone gel covers for diabetes equipment such as insulin pumps and glucose monitoring systems.
Catherine has lived with Type 1 Diabetes since 2013 and has considerable insight into what people with the condition need.
Pumkskynz has distribution partnerships in 16 countries, from South America, across Europe and the Middle East, and this week the Donegal company will launch on a new American platform.
Ciaran also discusses the sales of Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce Shop LK cards for 2022 which topped €4 million with Toni Forrester.
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The post Business Matters Ep 127 – Catherine Devine & Toni Forrester appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s edition, Ciaran O’Donnell’s guest is the team leader at Finn Valley AC, Patsy McGonagle.
Patsy was to the fore when the club purchased a disused factory in Stranorlar in the early 80s for £32,000 sterling. Over the last 40 years, the building has expanded to become a vibrant, multi-purpose centre that employs around 50 people, while up to ten others work at the centre independently.
A former lecturer at Letterkenny IT, Patsy was appointed chairman of DLDC in October, 2018. He was also manager of the Irish athletics senior team from 1999 to 2017.
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The post Business Matters Ep 126 – Patsy McGonagle appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Paul Kelly, a director with Irish company, Harcourt Technologies, which is providing the 3D construction printing technology for a housing development in Lancashire in England.
The social housing project will comprise 46 units and a community centre for homeless army veterans and low-income families. It’s being backed by Accrington Council with the assistance of the homeless charity – “Building for Humanity”.
Paul graduated from the University of Dundee School of Architecture in 2004 and qualified as a Chartered Architect in 2005. Since then, he had held senior positions in a number of architectural practices leading design teams on the delivery of numerous high-profile projects.
Harcourt Technologies is made up of architects, engineers, and material scientists and the company’s mission is to provide housing in a more sustainable, cost-effective, and efficient manner using 3D construction printing technology.
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The post Business Matters Ep 125 – Paul Kelly appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, we dip into the archives for this replay edition which features Ciaran O’Donnell’s interview with Liam Cassidy first aired in May 2022.
Liam is known as ‘The Serial Factory Fixer’, having turned around the fortunes of factories and supply chains all over the world.
Now living in Newbridge in Co. Kildare, the Donegal native shared the secret to his success in his book “Make Your Factory Great And Keep It That Way” which was published earlier this year.
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The post Business Matters Ep 124 – Liam Cassidy – Playback edition appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the co-owners of MGC Tree Services at Milltown, New Mills, Oisin Crawford and Jason McGeehan.
Oisin and Jason have been friends for over twenty years. Having worked together on different projects with other companies, they set up their own tree surgery company in December 2020.
They have recently invested in new equipment and are planning to increase the size of their team in 2023.
The pair also share a love of Gaelic football and Glenswilly GAA Club.
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to the co-owner of Evolve Clothing, Mark McCloskey, who opened Evolve at Letterkenny Retail Park with his brother, JP, in 2008. They relocated to a larger unit and the current store is over 9,000 square feet.
Evolve has shipped goods to 70 different countries in 2022 and won the Fashion and Footwear Website of the Year Award for 2022.
Ciaran also speaks to Errigal College teacher, David McHale, about the recent opening of the STEM and Coding Lab at the Letterkenny secondary school which is being funded by Optum.
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell’s guest is award-winning knitwear designer, Edel MacBride.
She sold her first item at an arts and crafts fair at the age of 12, and went on to study fashion design at Limerick Technical College in 1984.
Edel won the Late Late Show Designer of the Year Award in 1995 and her work takes her all over the world. Her passion for Aran-knitting, which she inherited from her late grandmother who was the dressmaker in Convoy, remains as strong as ever.
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to the owner of Batch Coffee House Bar and Kitchen in Falcarragh, Ciaran McGarvey.
After graduating with a BA in Economics at DCU, Ciaran worked in Lifestyle Sports in Dublin for two years before returning to Donegal to take up the role of food and beverage manager at Arnold’s Hotel in Dunfanaghy. He opened Batch in March 2019 and the premises were renovated.
Batch has a seating capacity of 50 and can accommodate the same number in the outdoor area at the back of the building.
Ciaran’s initial team of 16 employees has grown to 26.
The post Business Matters Ep 120 – Ciaran McGarvey appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
Ciaran O’Donnell’s guest on this week’s Business Matters is the CEO of Donegal Local Development Company, Padraic Fingleton. DLDC, which was established in 1995, provides a wide range of support to individuals, communities and voluntary groups across Donegal. DLDC’s 80 staff are currently working on 13 programmes. Earlier this month, its three-year strategic plan was …
Business Matters Ep 119 – Padraic Fingleton Read More »
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When our Employees at @LGBairport noticed a Customer’s phone left behind in a gate area after a flight that was already boarded and pushed back from the gate, they didn’t hesitate. #WorldKindnessDay pic.twitter.com/cf3gJy8Nmy — Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) November 13, 2022 A video from South West Airlines has gone viral on Twitter with 73.4K views for …
Pilot goes above and beyond to return missing phone to passenger Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to motivational speaker and owner of The Motivation Factory, Nikki Bradley. Nikki was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare and often deadly form of bone cancer, when she was 16, and that diagnosis had a huge influence on the path her life would take. She set up …
Business Matters Ep 118 – Nikki Bradley Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the owner of Doherty’s Butchers in Letterkenny, Stephen Shiels. Stephen has been a butcher for 37 years, having started his trade with the late Paddy Kelly on Letterkenny’s Upper Main Street next to Dillon’s Supermarket. When Paddy retired nine years later, Stephen moved to Doherty’s …
Business Matters Ep 117 – Stephen Shiels Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Letterkenny estate agent and owner of The Quiet Moment Tea Rooms, Brendan McGlynn. Brendan has been an estate agent in Letterkenny for 30 years. After working in Kelly’s Mills, he moved to New Ireland Insurance and four years later he set up his own life …
Business Matters Ep 116 – Brendan McGlynn & Steven Perry Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Meabh Conaghan, Regional Director with Enterprise Ireland for the West and North West. Meabh worked in the family-owned business, McFadden’s Hotel in Gortahork, from a young age. After graduating from the University of Galway, she spent six years in London before returning home to run the …
Business Matters Ep 114 – Meabh Conaghan Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to the owners of the Allingham Arms Hotel in Bundoran, Peter and Elizabeth McIntyre, who are set to retire at the end of the month after nearly 30 years at the helm. The couple married in 1991, and two years year they began working at the hotel …
Business Matters Ep 114 – Peter & Elizabeth McIntyre Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Marie Shields, Business Development Executive with Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce and founder of Moss Marketing. A digital marketing professional, she set up her own company five years ago. She also has her own podcast, No Other Craic, which she established with her friend, Trish Geraghty, …
Business Matters Ep 113 – Marie Shields Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Liam Porter, a life-long member of Raphoe FC and secretary and director of Raphoe Community Sports Development Limited which won the 2021 National Lottery Good Causes Award in the sport and recreation category. Raphoe FC, which has 14 teams, moved to its purpose-built facility at …
Business Matters Ep 112 – Liam Porter Read More »
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On this week’s show, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by wellbeing coach and founder of The One Good Hour in Letterkenny, Mary Bradley. Mary has been teaching at Loreto Secondary School in Letterkenny for ten years. She began meditating in her early 20s, and earlier this year she decided to set up her own business to …
Business Matters Ep 111 – Mary Bradley Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Lorcan Roarty, owner of Rose’s Bar and owner of The Wild Atlantic Camp which are both located in Creeslough. Lorcan bought the bar on his return from a spell in the US in 2004. A quantity surveyor by profession, the Creeslough native has plans to …
Business Matters Ep 110 – Lorcan Roarty Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Joe Gibson, owner of J. Gibson Promotions and fiddle player with Sailor Bill. Joe was raised with traditional music, began playing the fiddle at the age of eight, and got £20 for his first paid gig at a cottage in Creeslough at the age of …
Business Matters Ep 109 – Joe Gibson Read More »
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On this week’s programme, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to the owner of Watson’s Menswear on Letterkenny’s Upper Main Street, Leonard Watson. When the menswear store in Letterkenny he’d worked in for twenty years closed in 2010, Leonard Watson wasn’t sure what to do next. After some soul-searching and receiving the necessary support from those close to …
Business Matters Ep 108 – Leonard Watson & Larissa Feeney Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, our dip into the archives takes us back to Ciaran O’Donnell’s chat with Mary Bradley, owner of the well-known Pat’s Pizza which she set up in Letterkenny with her husband, Pat, in 1984. During the interview, Mary revealed that after many months of deliberation, she had decided that Pat’s On …
Business Matters Ep 106 – Mary Bradley – Playback edition Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, we dip into the archives to feature Ciaran O’Donnell’s chat with Letterkenny photographer and owner of Cristeph Gallery, Brian McDaid. Ciaran spoke to Brian in the back office of his studio on Convent Road and this edition was first broadcast back in January. Listen back here:
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the managing director of Rethink Money Limited, Sean McNulty. A native of Letterkenny, Sean started out as a financial advisor in 2007. Rethink Money Limited, which has been nine years in the making, is fully licensed by the Central Bank of Ireland. Sean’s mission is …
Business Matters Ep 105 – Sean McNulty Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to business development manager with Bibby Financial Services, Carmel Munroe. Carmel worked with Ulster Bank in the North West for over 30 years and is enjoying her new role with Bibby which she took up back in March. Ciaran will also be talking all things business awards …
Business Matters Ep 104 – Carmel Munroe & Kristine Reynolds Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the CEO of Letterkenny Credit Union, Gordon Randles. A native of Dublin, Gordon moved to Letterkenny in 1997 and took up the lead role at Letterkenny Credit Union in 2002. Letterkenny Credit Union was established in 1962. Records show that it started with 24 members, …
Business Matters Ep 103 – Gordon Randles Read More »
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This week’s Business Matters focuses on the “Derelict in Donegal and Beyond” conference that was held in Letterkenny last Friday. Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to the conference organisers, Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter Secretary, Donnan Harvey, and Letterkenny Tidy Towns Co-Chairman and owner of Magees Pharmacy, Gerard McCormick. Ciaran also gets the views of property owner, Lee Gooch, …
Business Matters Ep 102 – Donnan Harvey, Gerard McCormick, Lee Gooch, Joe Gallagher & Colm Murray Read More »
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On this week’s podcast, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the Director of Strategic Initiatives at TSC in Letterkenny, Gerard Grant. Gerard was one of the team of eight that was involved in establishing the Pramerica base in Letterkenny in 2000, and was tasked with setting up the company’s internal IT system. There are over 1,000 employed …
Business Matters Ep 101 – Gerard Grant Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Joe Devenney and Conor McMenamin who set up Crolly Distillery with Kieran Davis. The Letterkenny-based businessmen moved on site in 2018 and began producing the first casks of whiskey in 2020. The distillery opened the doors of its visitor centre to the public on Monday, …
Business Matters Ep 100 – Joe Devenney & Conor McMenamin Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Lisa Breslin, creative director and founder of Imagine Lab Design which she runs from her office in Lifford and the Digihub at The Base in Stranorlar. Having worked in the graphic and motion design sector for 20 years, Lisa set up her own business nine months …
Business Matters Ep 99 – Lisa Breslin & Paul Brown hi Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to Shane Connolly, owner of Shane Connolly Cars, who has recently relocated his business to Donegal, having been based in Ballybofey since 2010. Ciaran also talks to retail apprenticeship manager with Retail Ireland Skillnet, Oran Doherty, about the latest retail apprenticeship and degree programmes that are currently …
Business Matters Ep 98 – Shane Connolly & Oran Doherty Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the owner of Speer Performance Gym and Fitness Centre in Letterkenny, Adam Speer. After leaving secondary school, Adam completed a sports science degree in Wales. He went on to study sports therapy and started practising locally while also working in local gyms. He took a …
Business Matters Ep 97 – Adam Speer Read More »
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On this week’s edition, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by former managing editor of the Derry Journal, Pat McArt. Pat has written a number of books and is a columnist with the Daily Mirror and the Letterkenny Leader. After attending Letterkenny Regional Technical College, he began his career in journalism with the Derry People in June, …
Business Matters Ep 96 – Pat McArt Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to hearing aid audiologist and owner of Donegal Hearing Clinic, Sabrina Robb. Sabrina is a graduate of Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh and a member of the Irish Society of Hearing Audiologists. Having worked in hearing healthcare for twelve years, she decided to set up her own …
Business Matters Ep 95 – Sabrina Robb & Tara McGuire Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Gerard McCormick, owner of Magees Pharmacy on Main Street in Letterkenny. He began working as a pharmacist in the family-run business after graduating from the College of Pharmacy in 1993, and took over the running of the long-established business in 2006. He has seen his …
Business Matters Ep 94 – Gerard McCormick, Evan Gorrell & Danny McFadden Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Ciaran Doherty, Operations Manager and Skipper with the Aine Fishing Company based in Burtonport. Ciaran is also chairperson of the Killybegs Fishermen’s Organisation. He first went to sea at the age of four and joined the family-owned business on a full-time basis while still in his …
Business Matters Ep 93 – Ciaran Doherty Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Liam Cassidy. Born in Buncrana and raised in Kilmacrennan, he left school at a young age to join the army. A career change took him into the manufacturing sector in England, and he took up a senior management position with General Motors before moving to …
Business Matters Ep 92 – Liam Cassidy Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to Donegal Local Enterprise Office’s Student Enterprise Award winner in the senior category for 2022, Cathal Cannon. A TY student at St Columba’s College in Stranorlar, Cathal developed the smartphone app – Sports Injury Response – which provides guidance on how to deal with a range of …
Business Matters Ep 91 – Kevin McLaughlin & Cathal Cannon Read More »
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Buncrana-based Irish designer, Bernie Murphy, is Ciaran O’Donnell’s guest on this week’s Business Matters. Bernie worked at Fruit of the Loom for 21 years and set up her own business in 2017. She grew up in a family in which traditional sewing and knitting were valued skills, and at a time when the textile industry …
Business Matters Ep 90 – Bernie Murphy Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Mary Bradley, owner of Pat’s Pizza in Letterkenny. A member of the well-known Keeney family, Mary’s ambition from a young age was to own her own restaurant. As a young girl, she worked in the famous Fiesta Ballroom which was opened by her father, Phonsie, …
Business Matters Ep 89 – Mary Bradley Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Ian Harkin, co-founder and managing director of Lottie Dolls, and chairperson of Finn Harps Football Club. A native of the Twin Towns, Ian studied accountancy and business at LYIT. He established Lottie Dolls in 2012 and the locally-based company employs ten people. Since its launch, …
Business Matters Ep 88 – Ian Harkin Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Paddy Logue, owner of Logue’s Bar in Cranford and Chairperson of the Mulroy Drive Tourism Group. Paddy began working in the family business while still at school. He was assistant manager in the Carrigart Hotel for eight years before taking up a full-time position at …
Business Matters Ep 87 – Paddy Logue Read More »
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The success of Craoibhín Community and Enterprise Centre in Termon is the focus of this week’s Business Matters. Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to Mary Doherty, who has been manager of the centre for the last twelve years, about the turnaround in the fortunes of the centre. He also catches up with Cormac Coghlan, Community Operations Manager …
Business Matters Ep 86 – Mary Doherty, Cormac Coghlan & Neil Sullivan Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Brendan ‘Bradas’ O’Donnell, owner of the Glenties-based broadcasting and media company, Bradas Video Productions. After leaving Glenties Comprehensive School, Brendan worked in the local McDevitt’s Factory before embarking on a film production course in Tralee in 1996. In 2000 he set up his own company. …
Business Matters Ep 85 – Brendan ‘Bradas’ O’Donnell Read More »
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On the first Business Matters to be recorded outside of Ireland, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Peadar McFadden from Gweedore who is the manager of the 400-bedroom, four-star Double Tree by Hilton Hotel at Angel Kings Cross in London. The youngest of a family of seven, he started his career in the hospitality sector as …
Business Matters Ep 84 – Peadar McFadden Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to Pamela Kearney, Business In The Community’s North West Regional Coordinator, and Nuala McCool, business studies teacher at Gairmscoil Chú Uladh in Ballinamore, about Business in The Community’s ‘Saothar an tSaoil’ (World of Work) Programme which is being delivered to second-year students in partnership with Optum, through …
Business Matters Ep 83 – Pamela Kearney, Nuala McCool & Eamonn McFadden Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to Raphoe farmer, John Graham, about his decision to set up Ballyholey Farm Shop in 2014. Ciaran also speaks to Philip O’Kennedy, chairperson of Letterkenny Community Centre Committee, about the centre’s ambitious five-year business and strategic plan that was approved by the board at the end of …
Business Matters Ep 82 – John Graham & Philip O’Kennedy Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Seamus McMenamin, owner of Mantis Cranes Ireland, Mantis Cranes UK and McMenamin Engineering. Seamus left school at the age of 16 and worked for a local engineering firm for 14 years before setting up McMenamin Engineering in Killygordon in 1986. The downturn in 2008 prompted …
Business Matters Ep 81 – Seamus McMenamin Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by hotelier, Brian McEniff. The Bundoran native, who guided Donegal to its first All-Ireland senior championship title in 1992, reflects on the challenge of juggling a busy business life with his football commitments over many decades. He also talks about the admiration he has for his …
Business Matters Ep 80 – Brian McEniff Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Feena McBride, founder of The Arty Fox which produces creative craft boxes for children. A teacher at Illistrin National School for 16 years, Feena took a career break in 2020 following the birth of her fourth child to devote more time to her business. Her …
Business Matters Ep 79 – Feena McBride Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to Kenneth Houston, founder of Unihacker – an online support programme offering a suite of courses designed to boost grades, and provide university students with the essential skills necessary for successful learning in higher education. Kenneth has recently returned home to Donegal after almost ten years teaching …
Business Matters Ep 78 – Kenneth Houston Read More »
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On this week’s show, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to Martin Harley, owner of Harley’s Cheers Bar in Ballybofey, and treasurer of the Donegal branch of the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland. A Fine Gael County Councillor for the Lifford/Stranorlar Municipal District, Martin is also vice-chair of Donegal ETB. The Frosses native has been a publican in the …
Business Matters Ep 77 – Martin Harley Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Denis Ferry, owner of Ferry’s Garage, and Leslie O’Donnell, owner of O’Donnell Crash Repairs, whose units are located at Lisnennan in Letterkenny. Both left school at the age of 14 and became close friends when Denis set up his garage at the Pinehill Industrial Estate …
Business Matters Ep 76 – Denis Ferry & Leslie O’Donnell Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to the Managing Director of McDaid’s Football Special in Ramelton, Seamus McDaid. The fourth generation to head up the well-known Donegal company, Seamus headed to Australia as a 20-year-old to work as an Australian Rules agent. A year later, he moved to New York for what was …
Business Matters Ep 75 – Seamus McDaid & Bairbre Uí Chathail Read More »
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On this week’s programme, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to columnist, photographer, and owner of The Cristeph Studio in Letterkenny, Brian McDaid. Brian has been taking photographs for over 40 years and took over the Cristeph Gallery, which was originally located on Port Road, back in 2002. Brian also served with the Letterkenny Fire Service for 27 …
Business Matters Ep 74 – Brian McDaid Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to Kristine Reynolds from Reynolds & Associates in Letterkenny, who was last week elected at President of Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce. Kristine worked in the family-owned News Yard and Timeless Gift Store in the Courtyard Shopping Centre for five years after completing her Leaving Cert, before moving …
Business Matters Ep 73 – Kristine Reynolds Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to co-owner of the Quay Restaurant in Donegal Town, and President of the Donegal Women in Business Network, Jo Daly, about the difficult times the restaurant sector is experiencing. Ciaran is also joined by Dungloe-based mechanical services contractor, Adrian Sweeney, who is also owner of Sweeney’s Homevalue …
Business Matters Ep 72 – Adrian Sweeney & Jo Daly Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the founder and CEO of Junk Kouture, Troy Armour. Junk Kouture is a television fashion competition for secondary school students where participants design, create and model fashion made from recycled items. Troy set up his first business – a technology company – in 1996, and …
Business Matters Ep 71 – Troy Armour Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to Mary Forde who has been running the Donegal DPD Depot with her husband, Gerard, since 2005, having taken over the business from her uncle, Charlie McDaid. It’s been a hectic 21 months at Depot 36 in Letterkenny which increased its drivers from 18 to 34 following …
Business Matters Ep 70 – Mary Forde & Michael Margey Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to John Willie McNulty from Ballybofey who set up JW McNulty Painting & Decorators Ltd in the seventies in Donegal, having served his time as an apprentice painter in Coventry. The family business is now headed up by John Willie’s son, Patrick, and John Willie is still …
Business Matters Ep 69 – John Willie McNulty Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to the CEO and founder of FitPink in Donegal Town, Jenni Timony. Ciaran is also joined by the Mayor of the Letterkenny and Milford District, Cllr Jimmy Kavanagh, to discuss the Letterkenny 2040 Draft Masterplan which is currently open for public consultation. Listen back here:
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On this week’s podcast, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Barry Harper, the founder and CEO of the Letterkenny-based software company, The Nvolve Group. Having lived in the UK, Germany and Australia, Barry set up Nvolve in 2005 and his company also has offices in the UK, the US and India. Nvolve’s global contracts include Coca …
Business Matters Ep 67 – Barry Harper Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Brian Sweeney, Managing Director of The Swilly Group and The Business Hub on Business Park Road in Letterkenny. After qualifying as an electronic engineer, Brian worked with the Swedish company, Ericsson, for six years before joining the family business on a full-time basis in 2003. …
Business Matters Ep 66 – Brian Sweeney Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to co-owner of Browne’s Gala Stores in Letterkenny and Manorcunningham, Philip Browne. Ciaran also looks ahead to the science event with a difference taking place in Narin and Kilclooney on November 10th, 11th, and 12th with STEAM’s Client and Schools’ Engagement Executive, Sinead McGleenon. Listen back here:
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to the CEO and founder of Mosaic Digital Solutions for Early Education, Avril McMonagle. And for October’s Backing Business Segment, Ciaran is joined by Economic Development Officer with Donegal County Council, Steven Perry. Listen back here:
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Paul Hannigan, President of Letterkenny Institute of Technology which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Paul has been in charge since 1998 and has witnessed many changes at the college which contributes an estimated €100 million to the local economy annually. Listen back here:
The post Business Matters Ep 63 – Paul Hannigan appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the owner of Emerald Guitars in St Johnson, Alistair Hay. A six-month stay in the US in 1994 was to prove life-changing, and four years later Alistair made his first guitar from carbon fibre. He currently employs a team of 34 and has plans to …
Business Matters Ep 62 – Alistair Hay Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Tanya McCole from Ardara who is one of Ireland’s most talented singer-songwriters. Her career was very much on an upward trajectory when Covid-19 hit in March 2020 – and all her best-laid plans were placed on hold. And for September’s Backing Business Segment, Ciaran speaks …
Business Matters Ep 61 – Tanya McCole & Michael Tunney Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to Letterkenny barber, Gerry McKeever. Gerry has been self-employed since 1985 and has just published his first book, Benocracy – Democracy’s Last Chance. Ciaran also talks to Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce CEO, Toni Forrester, about an annual awards ceremony with a difference this year. Listen back here:
The post Business Matters Ep 60 – Gerry McKeever & Toni Forrester appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Mairtin Kelly, owner of Kelly’s Centra Store at the Mountain Top in Letterkenny which is celebrating ten years in business. A proud Galway man, Mairtin has been working in retail for over 30 years, having started in the Londis store in Ballinasloe at the age …
Business Matters Ep 59 – Mairtin Kelly Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Letterkenny businessman and former Letterkenny Chamber President, Gary Cooney. Gary opened Gary’s Pet World on Letterkenny’s Pearse Road in 1993. He has since set up Cooney’s Home Interiors, Cooney’s Home & Garden, Petworld.ie and MotoWorld. Listen back here:
The post Business Matters Ep 58 – Gary Cooney appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to Martin and Steven O’Reilly from Ballybofey who have both taken time out from their teaching careers to focus full time on their business, O’Reilly Sports, which they set up three years ago. Ciaran also talks to Larissa Feeney, founder of the award-winning company, Accountant Online.ie, who …
Business Matters Ep 57 – Martin O’Reilly, Steven O’Reilly & Larissa Feeney Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the manager of the folk village in Glencolmcille, Margaret Rose Cunningham. The brainchild of the late Fr James McDyer, Glen Folk Village was set up in 1967 with the aim of providing much-needed employment in an area that was struggling economically. Last week, the folk …
Business Matters Ep 56 – Margaret Rose Cunningham Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to Enda Nicholls, owner of the Arena 7 Entertainment Complex in Letterkenny. After working in the Mount Errigal Hotel, Enda moved to America in 1997 where he worked as a barman for three years for Falcarragh native, Danny Doohan. On his return, he opened the Oasis Bar …
Business Matters Ep 55 – Enda Nicholls Read More »
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On this week’s podcast, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to Tommy Gallen, owner of The Villa Rose Hotel and Jackson’s Hotel in Ballybofey who recently purchased An Chúirt Hotel in Gaoth Dobhair. And joining Ciaran for this month’s Backing Business segment is Mairead Carlin, Assistant Training Centre Manager with Donegal ETB in Letterkenny. Listen back here:
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell focuses on Letterkenny’s Cathedral Quarter and the role the project is having in helping businesses on Church Lane. Ciaran talks to Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter Secretary, Donnan Harvey. He also speaks to business owners along Church Lane – David Faughnan of Universal Books, contemporary knitwear designer and owner of …
Business Matters Ep 53 – Letterkenny’s Cathedral Quarter Special Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Mary Kara, mindfulness and meditation practitioner, and owner of Donegal Mindfulness and Angel’s Cove in Ballybofey. A near death experience in 2010, and a Late Late Show interview with Sister Stan from The Sanctuary in Dublin in 2016, prompted Mary to set up her own …
Business Matters Ep 52 – Mary Kara Read More »
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On this week’s programme, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to Seamus McLaughlin, director at iMotors, formerly known as Inishowen Motors, which recently celebrated 50 years in business. Seamus explained that plans for a major extension at the dealership at Drumkeen are at an advanced stage. Listen back here:
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by owner of Huku Balance in Creeslough, Cathal Sheridan. A keen surfer, Cathal explained that his balance-board production company started out initially as a hobby. Listen back here:
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On this week’s podcast, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to Clare Ryan, co-founder and CEO of ITUS Secure Technologies who work with small and medium sized business to protect them from cyber-attacks. ITUS also help educate businesses on cyber threats which rose significantly during the pandemic. Ciaran also talks to Emmet Rushe, owner of Rushe Fitness in …
Business Matters Ep 49 – Clare Ryan & Emmet Rushe Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Elaine Nicholls, human resources and career development consultant who’s based in Letterkenny. Elaine has spent the last 30 years working with businesses, and with people in all phases of their job life cycle – from those deciding on career choice, promotion and career change to …
Business Matters Ep 48 – Elaine Nicholls Read More »
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On this week’s podcast, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to Martina Rafferty, General Manager of the Waterfront Hotel in Dungloe, about the reopening of the four-star hotel which has been closed since January. Martina heads up a team of 60 at the hotel which has 49 bedrooms. Plans are at an advanced stage to add 15 …
Business Matters Ep 47 – Martina Rafferty Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to Michael O’Donnell, Managing Director of Atlantic Treasurers in Killybegs. Set up in 2010, Atlantic Treasures was recently named winner of the SFA National Small Business Awards for sustainability. Joining Ciaran for this week’s Backing Business segment is Anne Marie Conlon, Head of Economic Development with Donegal …
Business Matters Ep 46 – Michael O’Donnell and Anne Marie Conlon Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to estate agent, Boyd Robinson, director at Robinson’s Estate Agents in Letterkenny and Dunfanaghy, and Annette Houston, CEO of FM Services Group and Bright Academy. And for this week’s Backing Business segment, Ciaran will be joined by Letterkenny Institute of Technology’s Head of Business, Michael Margey.
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by Patrick Gildea, owner of Patrick Gildea Hairdressing and Beauty in Letterkenny. Patrick looks back on his 35 years in the industry and talks about opening up his business again after the country’s third and longest lockdown. Listen back here:
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell will be talking coaches, tours and cruises with James McGinley, owner of the McGinley Travel Group based in Magheraroarty. And for the weekly Backing Business segment, Ciaran will be checking in with Michael Tunney, Head of Enterprise at the Donegal Local Enterprise Office.
The post Business Matters Ep 43 – James McGinley & Michael Tunney appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to Garrett Harte of Harte Media who will lead out on Tech North West Skillnet’s mentoring programme for tech company owners in the region, and Daithi Ramsay, box office and marketing manager at An Grianán Theatre in Letterkenny, who looks back on his 22 years at the …
Business Matters Ep 42 – Garrett Harte, Daithi Ramsay & Deirdre McColgan Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to the Head of Economic Development with Donegal County Council, Anne Marie Conlon and the job-seeking couple based in Creeslough, Peter and Mairead Collett. And for this week’s Backing Business segment, Ciaran is joined by Letterkenny Institute of Technology’s Head of Business, Michael Margey.
The post Business Matters Ep 41 – Anne Marie Conlon, Peter & Mairead Collett and Michael Margey appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to Joe Devenney, co-founder of Crolly Distillery which produced its first casks of single malt whiskey last year, and Letterkenny Community Centre’s Management Committee Chairperson, Philip O’Kennedy, who speaks about the ambitious redevelopment plans for the well-known facility on Pearse Road. Joining Ciaran for the Backing Business …
Business Matters Ep 40 – Joe Devenney, Philip O’Kennedy & Michael Tunney Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters podcast, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to Frankie Veldman, owner of Errigal Training Centre in Falcarragh which recently received approval from the Global Wind Energy Organisation to deliver all five modules of the basic safety training programme. And for this week’s Backing Business Segment, Ciaran is joined by Donegal ETB Course Recruitment …
Business Matters Ep 39 – Frankie Veldman & Tara McGuire Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters podcast, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to SITA’s Location Lead in Letterkenny, Vincent Kennedy, about the company’s plans to create 55 new jobs at its base on Business Park Road. And for this week’s Backing Business Segment, Ciaran is joined by Donegal County Council’s Head of Economic Development, Anne Marie Conlon.
The post Business Matters Ep 38 – Vincent Kennedy & Anne Marie Conlon appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
On this week’s Business Matters Ciaran O’Donnell talks to Manus Gallagher, owner of Mannies Bar in Convoy. He’s the third generation Manus Gallagher to run the well-known establishment, having taking over the business in 1997. Ciaran also speaks to Bernard Gallagher who set up CMB Signs in Letterkenny in 2007 and currently employs eight people. …
Business Matters Ep 37 – Manus Gallagher, Bernard Gallagher & Michael Margey Read More »
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In the second of a two-part series featuring Donegal companies that have benefitted from Udaras Na Gaeltachta’s Trading Online Initiatives, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to Marian Sweeney, owner of Jeem Design and Atlantic Memorials in Dungloe, and Gweedore-based Caitlín Nic Gabhann, founder of www.irishconcertinalessons.com And in the Backing Business segment, Ciaran speaks to Michael Tunney, Head …
Business Matters Ep 36 – Marian Sweeney, Caitlín Nic Gabhann & Michael Tunney Read More »
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In the first of a two-part series featuring small and micro Donegal gaeltacht enterprises that have benefitted from Udaras Na Gaeltachta’s Trading Online Initiatives, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to Neil Ferry, owner of Donegal Copper Craft in Meenacladdy, and Noreen Harding from the family-run Pixalili company in Downings. And in the first of our new Backing …
Business Matters Ep 35 – Neil Ferry, Noreen Harding & Donna McDade Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters Podcast, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to Tirconaill Tribune editor, John McAteer. After working on a freelance basis with the Donegal News for twenty years, John McAteer and his business partner, Francis Diver, set up the Tirconaill Tribune newspaper in February, 1991. Thirty years and almost 1,300 editions later, John says the …
Business Matters Ep 34 – John McAteer Read More »
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On this week’s podcast, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to Letterkenny-based illustrator and graphic harvester, Ruth Graham. After studying illustration in Cornwall, Ruth took up a number of jobs on her return to Donegal before becoming self-employed in 2015. Ciaran also speaks to Helen Nolan, co-founder and CEO of Spraoi Agus Sport – the award-winning social enterprise …
Business Matters Ep 33 – Ruth Graham & Helen Nolan Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters podcast, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to business advisor, Siobhan Grant and Donegal’s Head of Enterprise, Michael Tunney. Siobhan Grant is owner of Grant Connections – a consultancy firm that specialises in helping small businesses which she set up in 2006. Siobhan is also Network Manager for Tech North-West …
Business Matters Ep.32 Siobhan Grant & Michael Tunney Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters Podcast, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to well-known pharmacist, Tom Murray, who opened his first pharmacy in Ramelton in 2001. He has since opened chemists in Castlefinn and Convoy. Born in Coventry, Tom moved to Ireland in the nineties and worked as a manager with the Lloyds and Boots companies before becoming …
Business Matters Ep 31 – Tom Murray Read More »
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On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to John McNulty from Kilcar who is owner of the Mace store in Stranorlar and owner of the Sean Ostan Guesthouse in Carrick. John has been self-employed in the retail sector since 2000, having previously worked for two years in the insurance industry after studying business at …
Business Matters Ep 30 – John McNulty & Clive Wasson Read More »
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Ciaran O’Donnell’s guest on this week’s Business Matters podcast is Michael Margey who is President of the Letterkenny Chamber and head of the business faculty at LYIT. It’s a busy time for Michael as he outlines to Ciaran:
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Ciaran O’Donnell’s guest on this week’s Business Matters podcast is Denis Sheridan, director of DS Environmental Services based in Kilmacrennan. After leaving school in 1974 aged 14, Denis worked as a shop boy, a petrol pump attendant and a tanker helper with Donegal Creameries, before emigrating to Australia in 1983 where he secured employment as …
Business Matters Ep 28 – Denis Sheridan Read More »
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In this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to Vinny McGroary, Donegal ETB Training Manager, about how Donegal ETB’s Further Education and Training (FET) Service is helping businesses across the county to upskill and reskill staff in these challenging times through a variety of funded and training opportunities. Ciaran also talks to financial advisor, David …
Business Matters Ep 27 – Vinny McGroary & David Daly Read More »
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In this week’s podcast, John Breslin talks to Michael Tunney, Head of Enterprise at Donegal Local Enterprise Office – the essential resource for small businesses in Donegal. John also speaks to Ballybofey teenager, Niamh Gallagher, who has started her own clothes range company. Niamh currently has 70,000 followers across social media.
The post Business Matters Ep 26 – Michael Tunney & Niamh Gallagher appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In this week’s podcast, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to Paul Herrity, Delivery Service Manager with An Post in Letterkenny, about an extremely busy 2020 for himself and his team of 80 staff at their depot at Carnamuggagh. Ciaran also talks to Finn Harps Commercial Manager, Aidan Campbell, about recent calls from Donegal Sinn Féin TD, Pearse …
Business Matters Ep 25 – Paul Herrity & Aidan Campbell Read More »
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In this week’s podcast, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to Eleanor Hanna, general manager of Hanna Hats in Donegal Town, about her 25-year association with the famous family business which is producing around 2,000 caps per week. Ciaran also talks to Mark Doherty, managing director of Century Cinemas, Backstage Bar & Grill and Century Play in Letterkenny …
Business Matters Ep 24 – Eleanor Hanna & Mark Doherty Read More »
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In this week’s podcast, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to Letterkenny-based accountant, Conall Dunne, about his new business, Easy Customs Limited (easycustoms.ie) which provides an independent and confidential service for businesses looking to outsource their customs compliance. Ciaran also speaks to Greg McCann, Executive Director and Head of FinTrU North West, about the company’s seventh financial services …
Business Matters Ep 23 – Conall Dunne & Greg McCann Read More »
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In this week’s podcast, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to Cork financial advisor, David Daly, who could be the vital link for people from Donegal and the North West looking to recoup large amounts of money lost on Spanish property. Ciaran also talks to Letterkenny gym owner, Neil Barrett, about pulling up the shutters again at his …
Business Matters Ep 22 – David Daly & Neil Barrett Read More »
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In this week’s podcast, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to solicitor and mediator, Brian McMullin, whose firm opened a new office in Killybegs earlier this year. Originally from Stranorlar, Brian has been practicing for almost 30 years.
The post Business Matters Ep 21 – Brian McMullin appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
For this week’s podcast, Ciaran O’Donnell travels to Lifford to talk to Richard and Wendy Starrett about an award-winning year on their 160-acre dairy farm. Ciaran also drops in to The Kitchen on Letterkenny’s Main Street and speaks to Pat Brady about keeping the family business open in challenging times.
The post Business Matters Ep 20 – Richard Starrett, Wendy Starrett and Pat Brady appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
For this week’s podcast, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to Milford native, Brendan McBride, who decided to train as a business executive coach in 2006, after 20 years in sales and marketing roles with leading brand names. He also talks to Deirdre Bradley, Chairperson of the Carndonagh Traders’ Association and owner of Deirdre’s At The Diamond, about …
Business Matters Ep 19 – Brendan McBride & Deirdre Bradley Read More »
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For this week’s podcast, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to Malachi Eastwood, CEO of Gartan Technologies – a software company based in Letterkenny which the Belfast native set up with Peter Cunningham in 2001. Gartan Technologies specialise in time management solutions for the emergency services in Ireland, the UK and Australia.
The post Business Matters Ep 18 – Malachi Eastwood appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
For this week’s podcast, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to Donegal Women in Business Network President, Jo Daly, who is co-owner of the Quay West Restaurant in Donegal Town, about her 33 years in Donegal. Ciaran also speaks to Letterkenny businessman, John Watson, who recently opened his new Watson Hire store at Lisnennan after a fire destroyed …
Business Matters Ep 17 – Jo Daly & John Watson Read More »
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In this week’s podcast, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to James and Moira Doherty, owners of Sliabh Liag Distillery in Carrick, who have secured significant funding from investors for the new distillery in Ardara which is due to begin production next year. Ciaran also talks to former fisherman and carpenter, Mark Bolton, who set up Bolt-On, the …
Business Matters Ep 16 – James Doherty, Moira Doherty & Mark Bolton Read More »
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For this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to Sligo native, Michael Boyd, who moved to Letterkenny to take up the role of HR manager at IMED in 1990. Nine years later, he set up Boyd HR. Ciaran also talks to Stephen Seawright, Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway Manager, about Donegal Connect 2020 which was held …
Business Matters Ep 15 – Michael Boyd & Stephen Seawright Read More »
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For this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to Karl Bonner who set up set up FishDish which produces natural dogs snacks, after completing a feasibility study supported by Udarás na Gaeltachta which explored the potential of adding value to seafood for the pet food industry. Ciaran also talks to podcaster, vlogger and founder of …
Business Matters Ep 14 – Karl Bonner & Joanne Sweeney Read More »
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For this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to hair salon owner, Catriona O’Donnell, who is marking 25 years in business in Letterkenny by relocating to a new, purpose-built premises at 95 Lower Main Street. Ciaran also talks to former director of the Mary From Dungloe Charlie Boyle, who set up Customer Service Excellence Ireland …
Business Matters Ep 13 – Catriona O’Donnell & Charlie Boyle Read More »
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For this week’s edition of Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to Luke and Amelia Skinnader who set up a company to produce a funky and unique range of bandannas for head piece lovers and cancer warriors after Amelia was diagnosed with cancer. Ciaran is also joined by Garrett Harte, former editor-in-chief of Newstalk radio station …
Business Matters Ep 12 – Luke Skinnader, Amelia Skinnader & Garrett Harte Read More »
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For this week’s edition of Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to Aidan Friel, co-owner of the award-winning Narrow Quarter Bistro and Coffeehouse in Kerrykeel. Ciaran also catches up with Eamonn McFadden, founder of Glass Mountain Digital Media in Creeslough.
The post Business Matters Ep 11 – Aidan Friel & Eamonn McFadden appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
For this week’s edition of Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to Toni Forrester who has been Chief Executive Officer with Letterkenny Chamber since 2008. He also talks to Jo Collins of Sales Performance who will deliver two free online workshops on sales recovery to Donegal businesses over the next two Tuesdays.
The post Business Matters Ep 10 – Toni Forrester & Jo Collins appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
For this week’s edition of Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell speaks to Brendan McAteer, owner of County Seat on Letterkenny’s Main Street about a back-to-school run-in with a difference as families gear up for a new school year. He also talks to award-winning accountant, Larissa Feeney, who established Accountantonline.ie in 2015, about taking on the role …
Business Matters Ep 9 – Brendan McAteer & Larissa Feeney Read More »
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For this week’s edition of Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell spoke to International Fund for Ireland Chairman, Paddy Harte. The International Fund For Ireland was established in 1986 and has invested 914 million euro in 6,000 projects. It’s been a challenging 18 months for the IFI since his appointment in March in 2019.
The post Business Matters Ep 8 – Paddy Harte appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
Business Matters Presenter Ciaran O’Donnell In this week’s edition of Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to Willie Cremen, a director of Filligans, the Glenties-based producers of jam, marmalade and chutney. Willie explains how the business, set up by Sarah and Philip Moss 33 years ago in the family kitchen, has continued to expand. Filligans currently …
Business Matters Ep 7 – Willie Cremen & Evelyn McGlynn Read More »
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Business Matters Presenter Ciaran O’Donnell In this week’s edition of Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to Anthony Kernan, Managing Director of the Kernan Retail Group which has outlets in Letterkenny, Bundoran, Ballyshannon, Drumkeen and Ramelton, and employs around 230 people. A former professional soccer player with Wolves in the top flight, serious injury ended his …
Business Matters Ep 6 – Anthony Kernan Read More »
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In this week’s edition of Business Matters, Annette Houston, Managing Director of FM Services Group, talks to Ciaran O’Donnell about how the lessons of the last recession, and her decision to complete a Masters Degree in Leadership and Innovation at Letterkenny Institute of Technology, have helped sustain her business. Ciaran also speaks with Johnny McGuinness …
Business Matters Ep 5 – Annette Houston / Johnny McGuinness Read More »
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In this week’s edition of Business Matters, Niall Doherty, chief financial officer with Circle of Light, reveals the health-fueled drinks his company have developed after ten years of research will soon be on the supermarket shelves. Also joining Ciaran O’Donnell is Michael MacGinty, owner of MEANit, the Letterkenny-based web design agency, who explains the workings …
Business Matters Ep 4 – Niall Doherty / Michael MacGinty Read More »
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In this week’s edition of Business Matters, Bus tour operator, Joe Mangan, tells Ciaran O’Donnell he’s optimistic about the future as the country continues to ease its way out of lockdown. Ciaran also speaks to Anne Harkin, Manager of Raphoe Livestock Mart, about her 31 years at the heart of one of the county’s premier …
Business Matters Ep 3 – Joe Mangan / Anne Harkin Read More »
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In this week’s edition of Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to Dearbhla Kelly, Enterprise Engagement Officer with Donegal ETB about education and training supports for local businesses, including Skills to Advance. He also speaks to Marjorie McDaid of MDM Embroidery in Clonmany who was the driving force behind the Inishowen Mask Makers during lockdown.
The post Business Matters Ep 2 – Dearbhla Kelly / Marjorie McDaid appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
In the first edition of Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell talks to Letterkenny hotelier, Terry McEniff about reopening after 15 weeks of closure. He also catches up with Donegal native, Sean McEwen, a senior executive in the pharmaceutical industry currently based in Chicago.
The post Business Matters Ep 1 – Terry McEniff / Sean McEwen appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.