Taking Care Of Business with Ronan Berry

Freshly crowned Chef of the Year, Anthony O’Connor of The Old Warehouse, joins Ronan to share his culinary journey, passion for local produce, and the real story behind the kitchen doors. Sinead Cooper of Serene Beauty & Wellness reveals how the ACORNS programme helped her turn a dream into a booming business—and why she wants more Midlands women to follow suit. Chris Hewitt of Biddy O’Dowds explains how a traditional Irish pub became a national digital innovator. And LOETB’s new ‘Back in Gear’ initiative offers real hope for former Fastway workers left in limbo.

Professor Felicity Kelliher of SETU has just been honoured internationally for championing Ireland’s micro-enterprises—and she’s calling for policies that reflect the real behaviour of small businesses. Chamber Ireland President Margaret Considine speaks to Ronan after addressing the European Parliament of Enterprises, highlighting the urgent reforms needed to restore European competitiveness. Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick shares the latest on the Fastway collapse, including what’s next for affected drivers and Midlands businesses. And we bring you the highlights, emotions, and celebrations from the 2025 Midlands 103 Hospitality Awards.

Why do so many SME projects stall after funding? Shannon Kearney of SquaredMap shares how Lean, digital tools, and AI can actually drive lasting change in your business. The team behind Playtown Tullamore celebrates a national award and reveals what’s next for their magical family experience. AwakenAngels CEO Clare McGee talks women-led investing, a £4M milestone, and how Midlands women can join the movement as founders or funders. Plus, Dr Alan Hore previews the upcoming MMC Accelerate event in Laois—and how modern construction methods could transform Ireland’s housing sector.

Midlands MEP Ciarán Mullooly warns that businesses and communities risk losing Just Transition funding if they don’t act fast and outlines what groups in Offaly, Longford, Westmeath and Laois must do now to protect their grants and local jobs. Brian Egan, founder of Midlands based Reactable AI and DeepPurple AI reveals how AI is levelling the digital playing field for Ireland’s SMEs. Benedicta Durcan of BnM and Paul Mahon of Watt Footprint join Ronan to discuss Accelerate Green, the programme scaling real sustainability businesses, creating high-skilled jobs, and putting Ireland at the forefront of climate solutions.

Neil Skeffington of Novelplast warns that Ireland’s soaring energy costs could drive manufacturing overseas, while Germany invests billions to protect its industries. But there’s hope—Paul Mahon of Watt Footprint explains how Irish businesses are cutting energy bills by up to 30% through smarter strategies. Liam Tutty of Dead Centre Brewing shares how his craft soda spin-off just struck Gold at Blas na hÉireann, and Breda Colgan of Salutem Advisory talks real-site safety, why culture matters, and how the CIF’s ‘Back to Basics’ campaign aims to save lives in construction.

From dereliction to regeneration — Athlone joins Ireland’s Living City Initiative. Architect Mel McGerr and businesswoman Rosie Boles share how design, heritage, and community can bring new life to the heart of the Midlands. Floor Store Direct is marking 20 years in business. Siobhan Smyth will discuss their pivot to digital, customer loyalty, and what’s next for this Irish success story Savoury Fare continues to expand, opening a new café at Tuar Ard Arts Centre in Moate. Co-owner Des Hennelly will talk about the big move, customer reaction, and his take on the return of the 9% VAT rate for hospitality. This October, Sean Downey of the Construction Industry Federation takes us Back to Basics, unpacking how leadership, culture, and simple safety practices can stop fatal falls from height on every construction site.

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.