Down To Business

Bobby is joined in the Executive Chair this week by Rory O’Hanlon, CEO of NetZero Group.

During the week, Bobby was at an event all about food trends called ‘Table to Tech’, organised by the Irish Food Service Alliance. There, he chatted to Simon Stenning, Food Futurist and Doug McMaster of ‘Silo’, which is a zero-waste business.

One of the consequences of the Middle East war is the way Dubai and the wider Emirates region have fallen off an economic cliff. From its status as the premium airline hub to trying to attract world-class sporting events, the war has disrupted the Emirati economy at lightning speed. We also know that many Irish people have decided to make the Gulf region their home while building their careers. So what is it like for them as the war enters its fourth week? Paul Kearns is an Irish journalist based in the region, and he joins Bobby to discuss.

For this week’s Industry Review, we’re taking a closer look at Ireland’s coffee sector through the lens of engineering and operations. These are the men and women who keep the country caffeinated day in and day out, 365 days a year. From how coffee is delivered and scaled across national networks, to the know-how that powers machines, this is the side of the coffee business most customers never see, but one that’s critical to every cup. Joining me now to discuss are: ● Ronan McCullough, Insomnia Coffee National Account Manager ● Anthony Buggy, Director of PVI Engineering ● Paul Flanagan, of P.F. Coffee Services

Joining Bobby to go through the main business stories from the Saturday papers are Kathleen Gallagher, Markets Correspondent with the Business Post & Lorcan Allen of Keating and Associates.

Now in its 30th year, Rugs.ie has gone from strength to strength, expanding its horizons to include an extensive website filled with a variety of high-quality products. Phoebe Holland, MD of Rugs.ie joins Bobby to discuss.

Art Evolve is Ireland's newest contemporary art fair, set for its 2nd year in Dublin at the RDS from March 27th to 29th. Bobby went out and about to find out what the dos and don'ts are when it comes to buying art.

We all know life is all about choices. Those sliding door moments when we find our lives changing direction for any number of reasons, explained or not. Johan Depraetere thinks these moments can be deeply enriching and that life isn’t like a box of chocolates but more like a bag of gummy bears. He joins Bobby to chat about his new book, Pick Your Gummy Bear: Lessons from my biggest life choices.

Joining Bobby in the Executive Chair this week is Maurice Pratt, Chairman at Uniphar Group.

We have a long and proud history of furniture making in Ireland - much of it defined by a balance of heritage and contemporary design. With craftspeople across the country shaping this distinctive identity, Bobby thought for this week’s Industry Review, he’d look to find out more about this fascinating line of work. Joining Bobby to discuss is: ● Dave Pettigrew of Irish Woodcraft in Meath ● Tricia Harris of Studio Harris from Killarney ● Paul O’Brien, Furniture Designer and Maker at Modet

O’Flaherty Stone has been shaping, carving & creating stone for generations. Bobby took a trip out to their Wicklow workshop to find out all about the business.

Sean Blair is the author of the new book ‘Systems Synergy: Developing Human Intelligence That AI Cannot Replace’. He joins Bobby to tell him all about it.

This week saw a report that was looking at the future of Irish industrial policy and its reliance on FDI. Bobby is joined by John Fitzgerald, Adjunct Professor of Economics at TCD, to discuss.

JP Wright is an award-winning voice actor with over 15 years of experience across TV, radio, gaming and advertising, working with global brands like Netflix, Nintendo and Sky Sports but he’s recently captured Irish audiences online with his viral GTA-inspired character, Longford Larry. He joins Bobby to chat about his career.

Joining Bobby in the Executive Chair this week is Rory King, Founder of Rory’s Travel Club.

Joining Bobby to go through the main business stories from the Saturday papers are Ciara McDonagh of Healy Communications and Declan Ralph of BWG Foods.

It’s Super Saturday in the 2026 Guinness Six Nations, and the championship race is down to the wire. Ireland’s campaign has swung from challenge to opportunity, with a win against the Scots needed to give us a glimmer of hope to clinch the title. Joining Bobby to break it all down is former international front‑row legend Shane Byrne.

Joining Bobby in the Executive Chair this week is Richard Tierney, CEO of the St Patrick’s Festival.

We all know we need to buy and use sustainable products, but our wallets also guide us. Bobby speaks to the co-author of a new book that says sustainability programmes often fail because of this. Goutam Challagalla, co-author of ‘Clean Winners: Sustainability Strategy That Puts Customers First’, joins Bobby to discuss.

Joining Bobby to chat about what the oil crisis means for Irish consumers is the Deputy Business Editor at The Sunday Times Ireland.

Glamping and outdoor experiences have become big business in recent years, as more people look for ways to disconnect from busy lives and reconnect with nature. From luxury tents and unique outdoor accommodation to premium outdoor gear and equipment, the “great outdoors” economy continues to grow. To discuss, Bobby is joined by: ● Wendy Riordan, Owner of Pitched Perfect ● John Brennan, Managing Director of Dromquinna Manor ● Ken Costigan, Co-Owner / Co-Director of Great Outdoors & Columbia Store Dublin

Dublin has recently been ranked among the most congested cities in the world by the TomTom Traffic Index, which is a surprising statistic for a capital city the size of Dublin. But the real question for business is not just traffic but what that congestion means for the economy of the city. Joining Bobby with some interesting suggestions is Planning Expert, Conor Skehan.

Joining Bobby to go through the main business stories from the Saturday papers are Joan Mulvihill, Digitisation Expert and artist & Bob Hoffman of Vista Executive Search.

For this week’s Industry Review, we’re stepping into the world of craftsmanship and the precise, hands-on art of shoemaking and repair. Bobby is joined by two skilled shoemakers and one experienced cobbler to talk about what it really takes to build and rebuild quality footwear in Ireland. ● Michael Walsh, Marketing Director with Dubarry of Ireland● Michael Tutty of Tuttys Shoemakers, Naas, Co. Kildare ● Isaac Jackman, of ‘Isaac Jackman Shoe Repairs’

Financial markets are still reeling as the US & Israel’s war on Iran continues, sending oil prices higher and stock markets tumbling, and Irish shares caught in the crossfire. To unpack what this could mean for inflation, interest rates, and the wider economy, Bobby is joined by Business Editor at the Irish Independent, Donal O’Donovan & economist Jim Power.

Joining Bobby to go through the main business stories from the Saturday papers are Susan HayesCulleton, presenter of Taking Stock here at Newstalk, and Ronan Reid of Cantor.

Joining Bobby in the Executive Chair this week is Alan Coleman, Chief Product Officer of Plume Design.

Bobby took a trip to the foothills of the Sugarloaf in Co. Wicklow to check out one of the country’s best garden centres, Outdoorliving.

Helan Wada, author of ‘Human Wise: How to lead from within and sell with confidence’, knows today’s managers are under multiple types of pressure from shareholders, market sentiment, and their own expectations of what being a manager is. Her solution is simple - remember you are a human with feelings. She joins Bobby to chat about it all.

Bobby took a trip to Silver Works on Drury Street in Dublin city centre to get to grips with the ins and outs of jewellery making.

Kingsley Aikins, CEO of the Networking Institute and author of Networking Matters: The Power of Human Connection, joins Bobby to chat about the transformative power of networking, the ‘glue’ that makes everything happen.

It's been eight days since the US Supreme Court struck down President Trump’s tariff regime in its entirety, but how has the market reacted? Bobby is joined by Paul Sommerville of CEO Sommerville Advisory Markets to try to make sense of the past week.

Joining Bobby ot go through the main business stories from the Saturday papers is Linda Daly, Business Reporter with the Sunday Times & Robert Whelan of Rockwell Finance.

Joining Bobby in the Executive Chair this week are Tom O’Connor & Leo Crawford of the Petal Group.

For this week’s Industry Review, we’re focusing on one of Ireland’s most important sporting and economic sectors - horse racing - and asking how the industry is faring at a pivotal time. Joining Bobby to discuss is:Michael Moloney, CEO at Galway RacecourseSuzanne Eade, CEO at Horse Racing IrelandRoss O'Sullivan, Racehorse Trainer from Greenhills, Co. Kildare

Bobby was out & about in Simmonscourt at the 2026 Hardware Show, where he spoke to a few people spearheading innovation and shaping the future of hardware and tools.

Bobby is joined by veteran broadcaster & journalist Matt Cooper to chat about his book ‘Dynasty: Scandals, Triumph, Turmoil and Succession at the Heart of Dunnes Stores’.

Conor Lynch is a digital innovator, educator and entrepreneur, and he has just launched his new book ‘Learn Earn Own: Learn More. Earn More. Own More’. He joins Bobby in studio to discuss.

Joining Bobby in the Executive Chair is Ursula Kelly, Managing Director at Cormac Tagging.

Joining Bobby to go through the main stories from the Saturday papers is Caroline Reidy, Head of HR Solutions with NFP & Ciaran Hancock, Business Editor with the Irish Times.Bobby also spoke with Chief Economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs and Columnist with The Currency, Dan O’Brien, about the US Supreme Court striking down President Trump’s sweeping emergency tariffs.

For this week’s Industry Review, Bobby delves into the world of sound engineering and sound production. As Ireland continues to be at the forefront of some of the biggest creative industries around the world, Bobby speaks to three people in different areas about how it has evolved and the challenges for the future.CEO of Windmill Lane Recording Studios, Naomi MooreFounder and CEO of Gorilla Post Production, Barry ReidSound Engineer and Designer at Blast Audio, Will Farrell

For this week’s Industry Review, we’re talking about the business and future of graphic design - exploring how brands are built, how creative decisions get made, and what separates good design from design that actually works.Bobby is joined by three leading figures from across the industry:Brian Nolan, Founding Partner of Detail. Sinead Lawlor, aka Designer G, is a Freelance Graphic DesignerKeith McGuinness, Creative Director at Red&Grey

Bobby was out & about this week at the Hospitality Expo 2026 where he got a sense of the hospitality sector & chatted to the likes of TV Chef and Tallaght native, Anna Haugh.

Joining Bobby in the Executive Chaor this week is John O'Neill, CEO & Co-founder of SeatFair.

Magnum Ice Cream reported its first full-year results since its December demerger from Unilever, but posted a disappointing 3% drop in sales volumes in the fourth quarter but is it down to the widespread use of GLP-1 drugs? AJ Bell's Investment Director, Russ Mould joins Bobby to discuss.

The Giant is a cutting-edge visitor attraction concept consisting of three shapeshifting 15-60 meter tall LED-clad statues with moveable arms and heads. It is spearheaded by Irishman Paddy Dunning, who chats to Bobby about it all.

Bobby is joined by Stephen O’Leary, founder of Olytico & Louisa Meehan of Woodview HRM to go through the big business stories from the Saturday papers.

Bobby is joined by Anne-Maartje Oud, author of 'What To Do If...?: How to Handle Any Situation at Work and Come Out Winning'.

For this week’s Industry Review, we turn to the business of wellness, speaking to three operators about building and running spa and wellbeing spaces, the pressures behind the scenes, and how the sector is evolving in a competitive service market. Joining Bobby to discuss is: ● Adrienne Stewart, Founder of hotelandsparesorts.com / Director at Powerscourt Springs Health Farm & Owner at Rainforest Spa in Summerhill House Hotel, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow ● Tara de Courcey, Director of Spa & Wellness at Cashel Palace Hotel ● Eileen Fleming, Co-owner of The Buff Day Spa

To go through the main stories from the Saturday papers, Bobby is joined by Susan HayesCulleton aka The Positive Economist and presenter of Taking Stock, as well as Doug Keatinge from Avolon.