The SME Community Podcast

If you are wondering where to start with AI, or what it’s all about, this is the episode for you. Aisling talks to Geraldine Magnier of Idiro Analytics, pioneers of AI and analytics for over 20 years.   From crafting an AI policy, ethical considerations, to integration strategies, we've got you covered. Unravel the nuances of managing AI responsibly and ethically, ensuring that your venture not only thrives but also stands as a beacon of trust and innovation. Learn more about Geraldine and Idiro Analytics at https://idiro.com/You can reach LEO Tipperary on localenteprise.ie Tipperary, or get in touch with them at their base in Clonmel, @TipperaryLEO or https://www.localenterprise.ie/Tipperary/ You can talk to us using at https://thebusinessfairy,ie, on Twitter or Instagram @tbfcentral using the #SMECommunityPodcast 

Imagine if you were considering exporting and could do it without the hassle of customs, flights or ferries?  A whole export market is available to Southern based businesses via Northern Ireland - and you may even be eligible to get help to access it!In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of business collaboration and cross-border trade. Our spotlight is on an organisation that plays a pivotal role in fostering partnerships and driving economic growth in Ireland and Northern Ireland.   Join us as we delve into the realm of Intertrade Ireland, an innovative agency that champions businesses and encourages cooperation across borders.  Aisling talks to Anne-Marie McAteer who is the manager of the Inter Trade Ireland Acumen programme and Janet Toal who is the Manager for the Intertrade Ireland Innovation programmes, Innovation Boost and Boost B2B. You can learn more about Intertrade Ireland at https://intertradeireland.com/ You can follow them on Twitter @ Inter_TradeYou can reach LEO Tipperary on localenteprise.ie Tipperary, or get in touch with them at their base in Clonmel, via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @LEOTipperary. You can reach the TBF podcasting production team, at thebusinessfairy.ie, or on Facebook (@TheBusinessFairyDigitalMarketingAgency) Twitter or Instagram @tbfcentral using the #SMECommunityPodcast. Production Team:Presenter;  Aisling  Hurley Research:  Jane FarrellSound Engineer:  Derry Luttrell

In this episode Aisling discusses the Trading Online Voucher (TOV) with Alan O’Meara of Al Media.  With €2500 funding available to jumpstart your business online, what’s the best use of the voucher, how do you get it and the questions you should be asking of your web developer.Alan launched his own business 14 years ago having worked previously as a consultant/trainer with IACT (Irish Academy of Computer Training), Web Intellect and Interactive Avenue.  He has extensive knowledge on training and advising businesses with their Digital Marketing needs.  Alan currently delivers the TOV workshop for LEO Tipperary.*Funding is available only for Irish based businesses.  Contact your local LEO to find out more and see if your business is eligible.  https://www.localenterprise.ie/Tipperary/Training-Events/https://www.localenterprise.ie/Tipperary/Financial-Supports/Trading%20Online%20Voucher%20Scheme%20for%20Small%20Irish%20Businesses/  You can get in touch with Alan at almedia.ie.  You can reach LEO Tipperary on localenteprise.ie Tipperary, or get in touch with them at their base in Clonmel, @LEOTipperary.  You can talk to us using on Twitter or Instagram @tbfcentral using the #SMECommunityPodcast 

There has been an explosion in quality food production in the Tipperary region in recent years.  This is due to the availability of excellent raw materials that thrive across the rolling hills and greenery of the premier County.  In this episode Aisling talks to Veronica Molloy of Crossogue Preserves, Shannon Forrest from Rivesci and Kylie Magner from Magners Organic Farm and Mobile Hen.  The food producers talk about growing their business through LEO supports, being nurtured by the Tipperary Food Producers organisation and the Supervalu Food Producers Programme.   Learn how Veronica grew to have a range of 250 products, how Shannon ended up on Facebook’s European small business campaign and how self confessed soil nerd Kylie is determined to produce nutritionally dense food with high welfare that has a positive impact environmentally and socially.Veronica Molloy - https://crossoguepreserves.com/Shannon Forrest - https://rivesci.ie/Kylie Magner - https://www.magnersfarm.com/Tipperary Food Producers Network - https://www.tipperaryfoodproducers.ie/Supervalu Food Academy - https://supervalu.ie/real-people/food-academy-programme.You can reach LEO Tipperary on localenteprise.ie Tipperary, or get in touch with them at their base in Clonmel or follow them on Twitter @LEOTipperary.  You can talk to The Business Fairy on Twitter or Instagram @tbfcentral using the #SMECommunityPodcast 

In this episode Aisling talks to Conall O’Morain about the PR game, his work at the Media Group and his journey to becoming an Irish national broadcasting legend and advocate for small businesses.  Conall was RTE’s first ever Business Correspondent.   He then took a hiatius - spending 8 years as a stockbroker before returning to broadcasting The Sunday Business Show on Today FM for thirteen years.   Since September 2020 he has co-hosted That Great Business Show podcast with Ireland rugby legend and entrepreneur, Jamie Heaslip.  Along the way he has sat at boardroom tables with Goldman Sachs and had a ring side seat for the incredible business battle between titans Tony O’Reilly and Denis O’Brien.   An initiative of Tipperary Local Enterprise Office.#TheSMECommunityPodcastYou can find Tipperary Local Enterprise Office on Twitter at @TipperaryLEOPresented by Aisling HurleyProduced by The Business Fairy Digital Marketing Agency Ltd. (https://thebusinessfairy.ie)Twitter:  @tbfcentralContact That Great Business Show podcast on Twitter @TeamGBS1You can get in touch with Conall via Twitter  on @ConallOM or via his website at mediagroup.ie.

Learn how some businesses are focusing on sustainability, turning their business environmentally friendly and even venturing into the circular economy.This episode Aisling is joined by Noel Heffernan, EaPI & Chairperson of Tipperary Green Business Network.  Noel is the founder of EaPI, based in Cahir, Co. Tipperary. He works with clients giving management support, training, and independent auditing. The focus is on reducing resource and other costs across all aspects of running a business to reduce negative impacts on the environment and improve efficiencies.  He has worked across various sectors, principally the dairy and meat industries with experience in production management, food safety and quality, R&D, environmental improvement, H&S, training, and LEAN.She is  also joined by Michael McEniry, the Director, NRGE.  Based in Lattin, Co. Tipperary. NRGE is involved in the compliance management of more than 30 EPA licensed Pig and Poultry facilities. Projects include the recovery of the manure produced on the facilities as organic fertilizer with the necessary reporting, record keeping environmental management. NRGE also recovers sludges from food processors recovering it as fertilizer. The company has been involved in the development of the Anaerobic Digestion sector for the past 15 years.  You can get in touch with Noel at tgbn.ie  You can reach Michael on nrge.ieYou can reach LEO Tipperary on localenteprise.ie Tipperary, or get in touch with them at their base in Clonmel, @TipperaryLEO.  You can talk to us using on Twitter or Instagram @tbfcentral using the #SMECommunityPodcast 

BREXIT …... less than 50 days to go and counting….. Boris Johnson is self isolating so we have another added wrinkle.  The main issues outstanding seem to be Fisheries, governance and ensuring a level playing field according to Minister Simon Coveney.  The UK chief negotiator David Frost says ‘they’re not in a good place’ ……Meanwhile the rest of us wait…. *This episode was recorded on the 21st of November 2020 as BREXIT negotiations were still ongoing.This episode I am joined by Ronan McDonnell of The Logistics Consultants.  They specialise in all aspects of logistics and supply chain management. He has extensive consulting experience with exporters across the island of Ireland, providing advice in relation to various transport modes, import/export procedures, inventory management, etc.  Since 2017, he has worked with agencies including InterTradeIreland, Enterprise Ireland and LEO’s on Brexit initiatives, assisting a diverse range of companies preparing for the post-Brexit environment. You can get in touch with Ronan at  www.thelogisticsconsultants.comYou can reach LEO Tipperary on localenteprise.ie Tipperary, or get in touch with them at their base in Clonmel or follow them on Twitter @TipperaryLEO.  You can talk to The Business Fairy on Twitter or Instagram @tbfcentral using the #SMECommunityPodcast or https://thebusinessfairy.ie

How did a lady from Capetown end up in Tipperary and how did a transition year student enterprise turn into a real business that ended up doing business with one of the biggest farming conglomerates in the world?  Bronwyn April travelled from Cape Town South Africa to work on the Student Enterprise programme being run by LEO Tipperary.  Bronwyn’s background is in Social work, working specifically within the youth development sector in Southern Africa. Experience linked to this role, include working with young entrepreneurs from marginalised communities in Cape Town and supporting their personal development and wellness on their entrepreneurial journey.  Working within the University of Cape Town she formed part of the team responsible for planning, coordinating and implementing the Student Entrepreneurship Week programme on campus. J & D Engineering was founded by two teenagers, Jack O’Meara and Daniel Ruddy.  The business started as part of a project on the Student Enterperise Programme and is now a real business that counts Glanbia as one of their stockists.  You can find out more about the Student Enterprise Programme by contacting LEO Tipperary on Twitter @TipperaryLEO.  You can reach Handy Hose Holder on Instagram @handyhoseholder and Twitter @hosehandy - handyhoseholder@gmail.com.You can chat to us on @TBFCENTRAL   or email us info@tbf.ieUsing the #TheSMEcommunitypodcast

Did you know you could be sitting on a goldmine within your business in the form of unregistered Intellectual Property?  It’s not as hard as you think to register IP (yes, really).  In this episode Aisling talks to the IP and brand master that is Liam Birkett.  Liam has had a vast career in  Intellectual Property, design, marketing, sales and P R.  His company was responsible for the corporate identities, product and brand creation plus marketing initiatives for both blue chip companies and SMEs in Ireland and internationally.  Liam is a consultant expert to the European Commission Framework Programme and a past president and Fellow of the Institute of Designers in Ireland.  Learn about the different mechanisms for IP registration, what sort of ideas qualify and how to turn the whole thing into a brand story and PR exercise. If you have an idea you’d like to talk about you can reach Liam Birkett via LEO Tipperary or  via his email (mentioned in the podcast).  You can reach LEO Tipperary on localenteprise.ie Tipperary, or get in touch with them at their base in Clonmel, via Twitter or Instagram @LEOTipperary. You can talk to the podcasting team at The Business Fairy Digital Marketing Agency on Twitter or Instagram @tbfcentral using the #SMECommunityPodcast. 

Rosemary Kearney - making GDPR accessibleA ruling in the European Court of Justice last week means the companies could now be liable for passing information to Facebook via the Facebook like button on their website (yes really).  What are the implications of this and how does a small business cope with GDPR.  If you are not sure what GDPR is or what you are really supposed to do, this is the podcast for you. Rosemary Kearney is the founder of RMDK Consultancy which specialises in everything GDPR and data protection related.  This includes bespoke, specialist data protection services for SME’s to develop and maintain robust data protection policies, practices and structures.    She spent nearly 20 years working in the Community and Voluntary sector, first as a front-line worker and then in management to support those most vulnerable in society.   She was drawn to specialise in data protection as a specialty due to its strong grounding in human rights legislation.   You can contact Rosemary  via her website which is http://www.rmdkconsultancy.ie/ or via the company Twitter account @rmdkconsultancyThis episode is a special edition produced by The Business Fairy Digital Marketing Agency.  You can reach us on https://thebusinessfairy.ie or chat to us on our social media platforms @tbfcentral using the #TheSMECommunityPodcast

Ever wondered what is Qualitative research and how it works to inform companies such as Kellogs, Cadburys and Yakult?    Meet Robin Challis, the man who has conducted research for each of these companies.  Robin is a specialist in qualitative market research.   Along the way learn how voodoo became the value proposition for a rum company and what Aisling’s curry and chips dinner says about her!Qualitative Research is primarily exploratory research. It is used to gain an understanding of underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations. It provides insights into the problem(s) or helps to develop ideas, or hypotheses, for potential quantitative research.You can contact Robin at twitter -@qualitative.ie and Aisling at @tbfcentral.

In this episode designer Victoria Mary Clarke talks art, how she was inspired by friend Johnny Depp and fashion designer Bella Freud, hanging out in kiddies art departments and dealing with depression.  A deeply honest and inspirational account of going from depression to designing wearable art for a successful and growing business.  Strap in and hit the play button. You can reach Victoria on https://victoriamaryclarkeangels.com and on Instagram at @victoriamaryclarke.  This episode is a special edition produced by The Business Fairy Digital Marketing Agency.  You can reach us on https://thebusinessfairy.ie or chat to us on our social media platforms @tbfcentral using the #TheSMECommunityPodcast

Today we are celebrating women in business for International Women's Day 2020, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. To close off Enterprise Week here in Tipperary, we're celebrating women's achievements with some absolutely amazing female entrepreneurs. We have Marriane Murphy Cooney, a fashion designer, Geraldine Gleeson who runs Diesel Injectors Services in Cashel and Martina Hennesy, mortgage advisor turned tech entrepreneur. Listen today and close out Local Enterprise Week with a bang!For the latest in business news, training and mentoring available for businesses located in County Tipperary visit: https://www.localenterprise.ie/Tipperary/Ask your Google Assistant or Alexa for the news from Tipperary Local Enterprise Office.Twitter: @leotipperaryFacebook: Facebook.com/localenterpriseofficetipperaryProduced by TBF Digital Marketing Agency

You may have heard us mention the LEAN programme in episode 1 and wondered what it is.  The original LEAN model was developed from the 1930's  Toyota system 'the Toyota way' or Toyota Production System.  Toyota were the first to look at ways to maximise efficiency in the. manufacturing process.In this episode we talk to the Queen of LEAN, Allyson English from JigsawVAE Consulting.  Learn what the LEAN system is, how it is used by all size firms from micro to SME and how it has saved thousands of euros for those businesses who have implemented it. You can get a copy of the book mentioned in the podcast, 'LEAN Implementation in Micro and Small Enterprises Book of Cases 2020', from your local Enterprise Office or order online from Enterprise Ireland.For the latest in business news, training and mentoring available for businesses located in County Tipperary visit: https://www.localenterprise.ie/Tipperary/Ask your Google Assistant or Alexa for the news from Tipperary Local Enterprise Office.Twitter: @leotipperaryFacebook: Facebook.com/localenterpriseofficetipperaryProduced by TBF Digital Marketing Agency

Most people have a vague awareness of economics but we don't think about it on a daily basis, or how it impacts our lives.  Say the word 'economists' and people's eyes tend to glaze over.  Well not anymore.  In this podcast two economic giants (Jim Power Chief Economist at Aviva Ireland and Patrick Mullane Senior Economist with the Bank of Ireland) bring economics to life.  Learn what an economist does, what the outlook for Tipperary and Ireland is and what you should be focusing on for your business to future-proof it in the short term. For the latest in business news, training and mentoring available for businesses located in County Tipperary visit: https://www.localenterprise.ie/Tipperary/Ask your Google Assistant or Alexa for the news from Tipperary Local Enterprise Office.Twitter: @leotipperaryFacebook: Facebook.com/localenterpriseofficetipperaryProduced by TBF Digital Marketing Agency

Today countless new innovative business models are emerging with entirely new industries forming as old ones crumble.  Upstarts are challenging the old guard, some of whom are really struggling to re-invent themselves.  One tool used to help with all of this is the Business Model Canvas.  In this episode Aisling chats to Rosemarie Ward and Aidan Shine of South East BIC about their Business Model Canvas workshop, and how the business model works for small business owners.  We also talk to female entrepreneur Marian Kennedy of A New Mum and how she used the canvas to pivot her business to success.  For the latest in business news, training and mentoring available for businesses located in County Tipperary visit: https://www.localenterprise.ie/Tipperary/Ask your Google Assistant or Alexa for the news from Tipperary Local Enterprise Office.Twitter: @leotipperaryFacebook: Facebook.com/localenterpriseofficetipperaryProduced by TBF Digital Marketing Agency

In this episode, Aisling talks to Assistant Head of Enterprise Ita Horan and Training Co-ordinator Madeline Ryan of Tipperary Local Enterprise Office. If you've ever wondered what Enterprise Week is, and what it can do for your business, this is the episode for you! You will also learn about the services and help available to your business year-round. Your local LEO is your one stop shop for help and advice in starting and scaling a business. For the latest in business news, training and mentoring available for businesses located in County Tipperary visit: https://www.localenterprise.ie/Tipperary/Ask your Google Assistant or Alexa for the news from Tipperary Local Enterprise Office.Twitter: @leotipperaryFacebook: Facebook.com/localenterpriseofficetipperaryThis podcast is produced by TBF Digital Marketing Agency

The retail landscape and customer behaviours, both online and in stores, have dramatically shifted over the past few years, placing significant demands upon retailers. They are having to innovate faster and increase buyer engagement while also finding significant operational efficiencies and addressing sustainability goals. This episode is a special edition in advance of the Retail Symposium being held in March by Tipperary County Council as part of Enterprise Week.   In this episode Aisling is  joined by Eimear Dwan who is the recently appointed marketing manager for the Crescent Shopping Centre in Limerick. Prior to this, she worked for Brown Thomas Arnotts as marketing executive over Fashions and Accessories. She has an honours degree in ‘Marketing & Management’ from TUS and a Master’s Degree from University of Limerick.  Still only in her twenties, Eimear is the youngest ever marketing manager appointed to The Crescent Shopping Centre. You can reach LEO Tipperary on localenteprise.ie Tipperary, or get in touch with them at their base in Clonmel, @TipperaryLEO. You can learn more about The Crescent Shopping Centre at: https://crescentshoppingcentre.ie/inspiration/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/crescentshoppingcentre/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crescentshoppingcentreYou can talk to the TBF Digital Agency production team on Twitter or Instagram @tbfcentral using the #SMECommunityPodcast or at https://thebusinessfairy.ieProduction TeamLEO Tipperary Team:  https://www.localenterprise.ie/Tipperary/Madeline Ryan Ita HoranTBF Production Team:https://thebusinessfairy.ieResearch & Host  Aisling Hurley Sound Engineer Derry Luttrell

2023 has been designated European Year of Skills by the EU Commission. In advance of the LEO Tipperary event on Thursday the 15th of November - How to Grow Local Talent, Aisling speaks with Sinead Heneghan of Landdi.ie about a huge issue amongst the SME community -  which is attracting and retaining talent.  Currently three in four EU companies have difficulty in sourcing workers with the skills the organisation needs, which is leading to prolonged and chronic shortages of the skills required to deliver on the organisation’s strategic objectives. Learn about the changing workforce, the design of work, funding for training and the hidden workforce available to small businesses.You can reach Sinead at: https://www.landdi.ie/ , Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LandDInstitute, https://www.instagram.com/landd_institute/You can reach LEO Tipperary on localenteprise.ie Tipperary, or get in touch with them at their base in Clonmel, @TipperaryLEO or https://www.localenterprise.ie/Tipperary/You can talk to us using at https://thebusinessfairy,ie, on Twitter or Instagram @tbfcentral using the #SMECommunityPodcast Mentioned in the podcast:Molly Madra:  https://cardsbymollymadra21.ie/Inclusion Ireland: https://inclusionireland.ie/resource-hub/

You may have read the title of this podcast and wondered whether it was the pod for you, or even groaned.  Let’s face it none of us really enjoy pouring over the book-keeping but trust us, by the end of this episode you will look at financials in a completely different light and you will actually enjoy it.  You will also learn about how one business turned 100k into 9.9 million.Today Aisling meets Sir Steven Wilkinson, founder and CEO of Good & Prosper.  Steven has been involved in business finance and investment for the best part of 30 years having started working for Merrill Lynch Investment Bank in Munich, Germany in 1987 at the tender age of 24. Good & Prosper is an advisory and investment company through which Steven acts as a thinking partner for business leaders and owners, supporting them as a generalist business expert across the fields of finance, leadership and culture.   Good & Prosper is also a knowledge platform, teaching finance to entrepreneurs with a focus on Small & Medium sized businesses.  You can learn more about Steven at  https://www.goodandprosper.com/ or email him on steven@goodandprosper.com.  You can follow him on Twitter @SKNWilkinsonYou can reach LEO Tipperary on localenteprise.ie Tipperary, or get in touch with them at their base in Clonmel, via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @LEOTipperary. You can reach the TBF podcasting production team, at thebusinessfairy.ie, or on Facebook (The Business Fairy Digital Marketing Agency), Twitter or Instagram @tbfcentral using the #SMECommunityPodcast. Production Team:Presenter;  Aisling  Hurley Research:  Jane FarrellSound Engineer:  Derry Luttrell