Taking Care Of Business with Ronan Berry

Taking Care of Business with Ronan Berry - a Budget 2026 Special.

With Budget 2026 on the horizon, TD John Clendennen outlines the findings from Fine Gael’s Backing Business survey—and what’s needed to ease pressure on Ireland’s SMEs. Mullingar’s Ray Carolan shares his journey from building Lakeland Kayaks to helping businesses thrive online through WebFizz. Rosanna Irwin of Samsú reveals how LEO’s Grow Digital Voucher helped her transform burnout into a streamlined, screen-free retreat brand. And Joe Wynne brings the latest on K Buggy Coaches’ recruitment drive and training partnership with Wynne’s School of Motoring.

Westmeath food is on the rise — meet Blas na hÉireann finalists Eimear Nally of Bonny Bo and Peter Pavlov of Barbavilla Dairy, and hear from Michael Ward on plans for a new Food Hub in Mullingar that could transform the county’s food future. From bourbon barrels to rum-finished warmth — discover Flynn's Irish Whiskey, a small-batch blended triple-distilled whiskey inspired by former postman Paddy Flynn from Cloghan. From bar floor to breakthrough tech — Bua Nua’s John Mulvihill reveals how his all-in-one hospitality app is cutting chaos and powering the next wave of Irish food and drink innovation.

Taking Care of Business Live from the National Ploughing Championship 2025

Birr is building its future—Barry Kennedy shares how the Birr 20:20 Vision is reigniting its Business Pillar and aligning with tourism to bring bold ideas to life. Aubrey Nuzum of Portlaoise-based Aubren reveals how their award-winning tech is cutting energy use and making waves globally. Bernie Everard and Ann Marie Feighery preview what’s cooking in the Midlands Flavours marquee at this year’s Ploughing Championships. And John Cusack celebrates 30 years of the Bridge Shopping Centre, from Gay Byrne’s ribbon-cutting to 90 million visitors and counting.

John Logan of JHL Engineering shares how his Athlone-based firm is making global moves—and why collaboration through the Engenuity network and NI Manufacturing Expo is vital for Midlands growth. Enda Corneille of the Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce explains why Irish exports to the Arab world are booming despite global trade pressures. And Margaret Edghill of Mount Briscoe Organic Farm invites us to HedgeRow Fest, a celebration of food, music, and rural creativity coming to Offaly this September.

From glamping farms to riverside retreats, Mary Hensey, Aidan Shorthall, Richard Kennedy, and Johannes Bulfin reveal how EU Just Transition funding is fuelling a fresh wave of tourism innovation across Offaly. Ballykilcavan Brewery’s David Walsh-Kemmis unveils their mischievous new Gatecrasher IPA—just in time for Electric Picnic—and explains why you definitely shouldn’t sneak it in. And Eoghan Kenny of The Compliance Team introduces 3Be | Wizard, a smart tech solution turning risk and regulation into a competitive edge for businesses at home and abroad.

With fraud up 73%, Detective Fran Hoban of the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau outlines how cybercriminals are targeting SMEs—and what your business can do to stay safe. Glosna House founder Marie Byrne speaks out on the importance of boundaries in wellness, calling time on toxic behaviour in the industry. And Brendan Kelly of Bord na Móna explains how the former peat giant is now leading the charge in renewables—and hiring for Ireland’s green future.

From painting houses in Dublin to ringing the NASDAQ bell—Gareth Sheridan, CEO of Nutriband Inc. and now a Presidential hopeful, shares the extraordinary highs and brutal lows of building a multi-million-dollar business. In a no-holds-barred chat with Ronan Berry, he opens up about regulatory battles, near-collapse, and the mission to fight opioid addiction through groundbreaking drug-delivery tech. It’s a story of grit, global ambition, and coming full circle.

Taking Care of Business with Ronan Berry August 5th 2025

From a garage in Westmeath to the world stage—David Corcoran of Soltec shares how his company is pioneering green innovation in hazardous waste recovery and representing the Midlands as an EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist. LOETB’s Gráinne McGrath introduces a new TY agri course showing teens they can earn (and learn) more in the milking parlour than the coffee shop. Plus, Professor John Wells of SETU returns to explain how Ireland is leading a major EU push to digitally upskill Europe’s strained healthcare systems.

From trade talks to Cantabrian coastlines — Minister Peter Burke outlines Ireland’s response to global tariff threats and explains how international trade missions aim to open new doors for Midlands SMEs. We meet two Midlands women launching a unique relocation business in Northern Spain, and Professor John Wells of SETU reveals how Ireland is leading the digital upskilling of Europe’s healthcare workforce. Plus, IRHA President Ger Hyland demands fairness for Irish hauliers facing millions in cross-border levies.

Breda Dooley of Matrix Recruitment breaks down the rise of contract work—and why women and over-50s are at the forefront of this shift. In Mullingar, vet David Fagan brings pet care to your doorstep with his new home service. And FRS Co-op CEO Colin Donnery reveals how their partnership with Bluebird Care is transforming how Ireland recruits for homecare, nationwide.

Mary Gardiner of The Yoga Picnic explains how her Midlands festival is combining yoga, local enterprise, and tourism to foster connection and wellbeing. Des Hennelly reflects on Savoury Fare’s 30-year journey from a single café to a beloved food brand—and how they’ve weathered challenges along the way. Plus, Seanie Morris of Laois County Council reveals how a new STEM initiative is helping children with autism explore science through hands-on, inspiring experiences.

How can SMEs work smarter, not harder? Lean and digital consultant Joe Connaughton shares how small changes in process and mindset can lead to big business breakthroughs. What’s fueling Ireland’s fastest-growing business lender? Capitalflow CEO Ronan Horgan joins us to talk €1bn in loans, 50% workforce growth, and how new Central Bank approval opens the door to car finance, buy-to-let mortgages, and more. Can rural hospitality make a comeback? Richard Heighton of Newcastle House Hotel shares how this Ballymahon landmark is welcoming guests again—and his take on tourism trends, VAT rates, and what’s next for Ireland’s hotel sector.

Mary Gardiner of The Yoga Picnic explains how her Midlands festival is combining yoga, local enterprise, and tourism to foster connection and wellbeing. Des Hennelly reflects on Savoury Fare’s 30-year journey from a single café to a beloved food brand—and how they’ve weathered challenges along the way. Plus, Seanie Morris of Laois County Council reveals how a new STEM initiative is helping children with autism explore science through hands-on, inspiring experiences.

Can Midlands SMEs scale in an uncertain world? Kilbeggan’s Philip Gardiner of Foresight Group shares how local firms are navigating funding, succession, and long-term resilience. Glenisk’s Kate Malone introduces a high-protein dairy range that blends performance with sustainability. And one year in, Aishling Jones and Dylan Hyland of Hot-Shot Coffee reveal what it really takes to start—and grow—a café in rural Ireland.

Enterprise Ireland’s Conor O’Donovan shares what Ireland’s start-up founders are really saying on the Founders Listening Tour—and why the Midlands has a key role to play. Ibec’s Meadhbh Costello makes the case for ramping up public investment in R&D to secure Ireland’s economic future. Plus, Paul Bell joins Ronan to remember the late Christy Maye, a mentor and friend who left a lasting legacy. And we wrap up with highlights from the Midlands 103 Customer Service Awards 2025.

Taking Care of Business with Ronan Berry June 3rd 2025

This week, Dermot Smyth takes us through DTS’s journey from humble beginnings in Offaly to becoming a global name in sterilisation validation. Safety expert Breda Colgan lays out what rising workplace injury fines and a growing number of HSA inspectors mean for your business. And at MojoFest 2025, Helena Brunkman of Clipsk explains how her app is making pro-level video editing accessible to everyone—with help from Midlands 103’s Zoe Ryan.