Down To Business

Starting this week we’re going to profile some of this year’s finalists in the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards in the run-up to the awards night on November 30th and look at some of the issues facing entrepreneurs. This week Bobby is joined by Helen Cahill from InvoiceFair and Justin Lawless of Intact Solutions.

Ballymaloe House is known the world over for its use of the freshest ingredients and its sustainable ethos. Bobby took a trip to east Cork to find out how things have been since things reopened following a challenging few years.

Necessity can be the mother of invention when it comes to a good business idea and Mary and Sophie Leahy, a mother-daughter duo, have one such story. Mary suffers from arthritis but still loves a glass of wine so using traditional corkscrews became a big problem. Sophie tried to find her an easy-to-use alternative and was shocked to find nothing on the market, so decided to create something to fill the gap and 'The Wine Opener' was born. They join Bobby to tell him more.

The language of finance has often been seen as a barrier, causing many to feel too intimidated to even begin to try and understand it. So how can we demystify the aspects of finance that we have never been able to grasp? Luckily Si Hussain, co-author of ‘The Finance Book: Understand the Numbers Even If You're Not a Finance Professional’ was on hand to chat with Bobby and clear up some of the more misunderstood terms we find in the financial world.

With Halloween just around the corner, we thought it would be the perfect time to get the thoughts of those in the business of all things ghosts, goblins, witches, and even pumpkins. Joining Bobby to discuss the business of Halloween is: Ronan O'Brien of The Costume Shop.ie. Caroline Whelan, Creator of Galway Patch. Karl O’Connor, Owner and Creative Director of The Nightmare Realm.

Earlier this week, the ECB announced a 0.75% increase in interest rate, the third increase this year. But will this move actually help tackle inflation and what does it mean for you and your wallet? Cliff Taylor from the Irish Times joins Bobby to discuss.

We know that the hospitality sector faced huge challenges during the pandemic and now that normality has largely returned to the sector, they now face the ever-present spectre of rising inflation. But what does this mean for menu prices and hotel room rates? Bobby is joined now by Gerardo Lario Rizo, Head of Hospitality Sector with Bank of Ireland to discuss.

Joining Bobby in the Executive Chair is Paddy Campbell of Bewleys Oriental Cafes & Campbell Catering.

Joining Emmet Oliver in the Executive Chair is Aidan & Hilary O’Shea of Otonomee.

When Carmel McConnell started delivering bags of food to a small number of schools in Great Britain, little could she have anticipated just how much her life was about to change. Carmel is the founder and ex-CEO of Magic Breakfast, and the author of the book: "Change Activist: Make Big Things Happen Fast”. She joins Emmet Oliver to discuss.

Musical trends come and go, record formats change, and once-hot bands are soon to be forgotten. But for many music fans, one thing remains the same - they choose record stores as a reliable source of new music releases. With the recent revival of vinyl we ask if the mood-music is changing in the record store business. Joining Emmet Oliver for this week's installment of Industry Review is: - Maurice Daly, Supply Manager at Zhivago Records - Ben O’Neill, Owner of Siopa Ceol in Dungarvan - Eoife Clarke, Operations Supervisor at Golden Disc

The World Federation of Advertising connects the world's biggest brand owners in more than 60 markets, bringing together tens of thousands of brands at local level. Together, they create a global network that offers a unique source of leadership, expertise, and inspiration. Every year there is a dedicated conference for all of the National Association Councils (NAC’s) around the world and this year Stephan Loerke, CEO of the World Federation of Advertisers is leading the conference right here in Dublin. He joins Emmet Oliver to discuss.

Liz Truss’ resignation has caused chaos across the pond with the Tories struggling to unify its members. With a general election looming, what could this mean for the UK? Emmet Oliver is joined by political scientist, Sir John Curtice to discuss.

Neil Delamare is Ireland's most recognizable comedians and Dave Moore is one half of one of the country's most popular radio show "Dermot and Dave". Together they had launched their podcast ‘Why Would You Tell Me That’. They joined Bobby on the show to discuss.

They might not be able to make your worries or high energy bills disappear, but certainly they can bring more entertainment to your life. If you’re bored with dull corporate events or want two newlyweds' families to break the ice at the wedding, consider hiring a magician. So, time to put the cards on the table and ask what the secret trick is behind magicians' industry in Ireland. Joining Bobby for this week's Industry Review are three magicians: Yvan Zimmerman - magician and co-owner of Party Wizz, and online booking platform for entertainers, Paul “Rua” Gleeson - magician and Genie Mackers - magician and co-owner of JD Magician.

Joining Bobby for this week edition of an Executive Chair is Teresa Arbuckle, the CEO of Beko for UK and Ireland.

Andy O’Donoghue is our Tech Guru and he joined Bobby to talk about why Elon Musk is actually a proper Entrepeneur who makes things right.

Jim Steel the author of ‘Unashamedly Superhuman’ joined Bobby today to discuss about how to be better at everything.

Bobby visited Irelands' Favorite Roast Competition this week and he tried to find out how to make country's most beloved dish and who does it best. The competition, in association with Knorr, celebrates the best of roast dinners prepared and served to customers by venues right across the country.

Brian Ahearn is the Chief Influence Officer at Influence PEOPLE, LLC. A dynamic international keynote speaker, trainer, coach and consultant, he specializes in applying the science of influence and persuasion in everyday situations. He joined Bobby to discuss the power if influencing.

This might make your mouth watering. From the giant, international franchises, to niche, artisan restaurants. Irish delivery pizza market is growing, just like a well-done dough. But who will grab the biggest slice of it? Joining Bobby for this week's Industry Review are three pizza delivery market industry representatives: Shane Crilly, the founder of Basewood Pizza, Scott Bush, CEO of Dominos for Ireland and UK market Mick Ryan, owner of the Dublin Pizza Company.

Both the economic and political situation in the UK could be easily described as chaotic over the last few weeks. Our regular UK Correspondent is renowned economist David Smith of the Sunday Times and we haven’t spoken to him since the Summer so we’ve a lot to catch up on!

26-year-old Aisling Tuck is the founder of Naked Bakes, the handmade plant-based cookie dough, and Oh Happy Treats, a vegan bakery. Aisling created them specifically to plug a gap in the market for plant-based cookies that taste just as good as the real thing, and she joined Bobby on the show.

Joining Bobby for this week edition of an Executive Chair is Elizabeth Crabbil, CEO of CIE TOURS.

Philip King shot to fame in 1980 when he became the frontman of the great Irish band Scullion. Since then, he has gone on to even greater success as a filmmaker and producer, winning an Emmy for 'Bringing It All Back Home' in 1988. For a Cork man, he has found his home in Dingle where he has successfully produced Other Voices for the last 20 years. He joins Bobby to discuss.

Joining Bobby in the Executive Chair is Managing Director of Dingle Distillery and the Porter House Group, Elliot Hughes.

Neven Maguire joined Bobby to talk about the special quality that Dingle has to offer, the incredible array of produce available in Ireland in general, and the importance of buying local whenever possible. Jim Garvey also stopped by to take about the success of his business, the Garvey Group, and how things have bounced back after the pandemic.

Coming to you from Dick Mack's Pub in Dingle, for the Blas Na hEireann Food Awards and Dingle Food Festival, Bobby looked into the realm of food journalism and where we stand as a food destination as a whole with: - Caroline Hennessy - Food writer, broadcaster & author - Ali Dunworth, Food Journalist & consultant - Patrick Hanlon and Russell Alford aka The Gastrogays

To find out a little bit more about what Dingle as a foodie's destination has to offer, Bobby paid a visit to a few places around the town. He spoke to: - Mark Murphy from The Little Cheese Shop Dingle - Sean Murphy of Murphys Ice Cream - Justin Burgess co-owner of Bean in Dingle

Michael Healy-Rae is one of the most recognizable faces in Irish politics - the scourge of some green politicians and champion of rural Ireland in equal measure. He joined Bobby to discuss his political career and the incredible offerings available in Dingle and co. Kerry in general.

Bobby was broadcasting out of Dick Mac’s Pub for Blas na hÉireann The Irish Food Awards & The Dingle Food Festival 2022. He was joined by the man behind it all Artie Clifford who is the Chairperson of the Awards plus the Supreme Winners of the Awards, Bart Pawlukojc of Aran Bakery in Kilkenny.

Bobby visits the Local Enterprise Village at the National Ploughing Championships; with thanks to The Local Enterprise Offices-Support for new and growing businesses in Ireland.

With a cost of living crisis in full swing next week’s budget promises to bring some serious assistance to struggling citizens. But will it go for enough or will it go too far. Bobby was joined by Economist Dan O’Brien to discuss.

It’s almost a cliché at this stage to talk about the growth in Digital Payments. In a seemingly very short space of time we seem to be paying for more and more things digitally. Bobby was joined by Conor Quirke who is the BOI Payment Acceptance Manager for Ireland.

Joining Bobby Kerr in the Executive Chair this week is Eoin McGettigan, CEO Port of Cork.

For this week episode of Industry Review Bobby was joined by three representatives of endurance events.

Last week Bobby Kerr was in Austin and New York for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Annual CEO Retreat. One piece he didn’t get to bring was his chat with the Rigney brothers. Pat Rigney is the man behind the wildly successful Gunpowder Gin from the Shed Distillery and has chatted to use many times before. It turns out his brother Vivian who lives in New York has lived a pretty intense life himself.

In this second hour of the 2022 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Annual CEO Retreat brought to you all the way from Austin, Texas & New York City, Bobby speaks to the Secretary of State for Texas, John Scott, about his love of all things Irish. John N. Doggett, Professor of Instruction at the McCombs School of Business of The University of Texas at Austin joins Bobby to chat about how the notion of "success" has changed over the last number of years. Bobby takes a trip to the New York Stock Exchange, and speaks to three of this year's EY Entrepreneur finalists - Evelyn Kelly of Orphan Drug Consulting; Greg Bradley, CEO of BLK BOX Fitness; and Lulu O'Sullivan, Chief Executive, and founder of GiftsDirect.com - about hiring and keeping the right people in your business. And finally, in this week's Executive Chair, Bobby is joined by Mark McClain, CEO, and Founder of SailPoint.

All week Bobby and the Down to Business team were in Austin, Texas, and New York City for the annual EY Entrepreneur of the Year CEO Retreat. You’ll be hearing from the former American football and baseball player, Quan Cosby, who now works as a business advisor and has some terrific insights into the parallels between high-performance sports as well as Mellie Price, a widely respected thought leader on disruptive innovation & Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of Texas at Austin about the history of business in the city. You’ll also be hearing from some of this year’s EY Entrepreneur finalists - Mainline CEO, Jamie O'Rourke; BioAtlantis CEO, John T. O'Sullivan; Colette Twomey, Co-Founder of Clonakilty Blackpudding; and Jenni Timony of FitPink Fitness - and the issues facing them during a post-pandemic landscape and much, much more.

Joining Emmet Oliver in the Executive Chair this week is Ken Robertson, Founder and CEO of 'The Tenth Man'.

Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed by e-mails arriving long after you should have finished work or are you in way too many WhatsApp groups at work? Are you Crazy Busy? Thijs Launspach is a teacher in 'The School of Life' in Amsterdam and the author of 'Crazy Busy: Keeping Sane in a Stressful World'. He joins Emmet Oliver to discuss.

With so much talk around construction in Ireland at the moment we thought we might find out a little bit more about the design process that goes into the homes, offices, and commercial buildings we interact with on a daily basis. Joining Emmet Oliver for this week’s Industry Review are three architects: ● John Dorman, Director at Dorman Architects ● Courtney McDonnell of Courtney McDonnell Studios ● Gráinne Dunne of Co-Director Studio Red Architects

Pat Drinan is the founder of Cork-based 'HomeHak', which provides a secure means by which homeowners and tenants can connect with one another. HomeHak offers built-in security with Stripe Identity. Pat joins Emmet Oliver to tell him more.

Perhaps the most famous business encounter the Queen had when she came to Ireland in 2011 was when she visited Cork’s Fabled English Market. One of the people she met that day was Pat O’Connell, a fishmonger of note. Pat joins Emmet Oliver to discuss the experience and reflect on the impact of the Queen's visit to Ireland.

Next week, Down to Business will be bringing you the show from Austin, Texas, and New York as part of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Annual CEO Retreat. Emmet Oliver is joined by Roger Wallace who is the Partner Lead for the Programme at EY to find out what we might expect.

Joining Bobby in the Executive Chair is Andrew Lynas, MD of Lynas Foodservice

Salma Shah runs her own certified coach training programme with clients ranging from 'Reuters' to the UK’s 'Teenage Cancer Trust', and with all that experience, she has just written a new book 'Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging in Coaching: A Practical Guide'. Salma joins Bobby to tell him all about it.

There are few things that sound more appetizing than a sausage sizzling away in a frying pan. They’re a staple of so many households around Ireland, and indeed the world, and so for this week’s ‘Industry Review,’ Bobby thought he’d speak to three sausage specialists to find out about this cherished food staple. Joining Bobby is: - Jane Russell of Jane Russell's Handmade Sausages in Kildare - Barry John Crowe of Barry John Sausages in Cavan - Peter Whelan of The Whole Hoggs in Meath

A constant refrain lately is ‘Why is Ireland so expensive?'. Economist Cormac Lucey says much of it can be explained by the 'Big Mac' - he joins Bobby to discuss.

Bobby was out & about in Sandycove, Co. Dublin, where he met up with Waterford-based entrepreneur Frances O’Reilly, who is the brains behind 'DogDry', a brand new super absorbent dog drying coat for wet dogs.