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ThinkBusiness.ie

ThinkBusiness

ThinkBusiness.ie, powered by Bank of Ireland, has been created for Irish business owners and managers who are seeking information, resources and help on a range of business topics. It provides practical, actionable information and guidance on starting, growing and running a business. It offers guides, tools, templates, checklists and a wealth of other content tailored to meet the needs of Irish business owners and managers. It also showcases case studies, with insights, tips and advice from Irish start-up entrepreneurs and business owners. Bank of Ireland is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.URL: www.thinkbusinessTwitter: @thinkbusinessieLinkedIn: ThinkBusiness.ieFacebook: ThinkBusiness.ie

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S1 · E372
Yesterday · 25 min
Episode 372 - Gary Bradley, RS Ireland
Today on the ThinkBusiness Podcast, powered by Bank of Ireland, we’re joined by Gary Bradley of RS Ireland, one of the country’s best-known industrial parts and components suppliers. With roots stretching back almost 80 years as Radionics, the business serves everyone from electrical contractors and construction firms to hospitals, universities, tech and pharmaceutical companies. We discuss its next chapter: a major move from Rialto to a new purpose-built facility in Ballymount. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.
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S1 · E371
Wednesday · 9 min
Episode 371 - Susan Maher, Agri Development Manager, Bank of Ireland
Welcome to the ThinkBusiness Podcast. I’m John, and today we’re coming to you from the National Ploughing Championships. For many farmers in the southeast and the midlands, this summer was one of the toughest in years. Drought turned green fields brown. Cattle came indoors months early, and winter fodder was used up in July and August. The rain is back and so is the grass. Now farmers are counting the cost. My guest is Susan Maher of Bank of Ireland. We talk about the fodder and financial stocktakes farmers need to do before winter, and why Irish farms are better placed than most to weather a bad year. We also cover what investing for a less predictable climate looks like, and how the bank’s Enviroflex scheme rewards farmers for sustainable practices. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.
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S1 · E370
Monday · 35 min
Episode 370 - Laoise Mullane, Director of Workforce Consulting and AI Adoption Lead at PwC Ireland
Artificial intelligence is becoming a bigger part of working life in Ireland, but are employees getting the support they need to keep pace with change? According to PwC Ireland's latest Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey, AI adoption is rising, workplace transformation is accelerating and workers remain optimistic about their ability to learn new skills. Yet access to learning and development resources has fallen sharply, while cost-of-living pressures, burnout and growing workloads continue to weigh heavily on employees. Joining us today is Laoise Mullane, Director of Workforce Consulting and AI Adoption Lead at PwC Ireland. We'll discuss why a widening AI skills divide is emerging in workplaces, what differentiates employees who are thriving with AI from those struggling to keep up, and what employers need to do now to ensure technology investments deliver value for both businesses and their people. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.
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S1 · E369
October 9 · 25 min
Episode 369 - From the scullery to the skies - how locally-made Irish food and ingredients are making a global impact
This week we come to you from Dingle, County Kerry, and the 19th edition of Blas na hÉireann, the Irish Food Awards. Every October, hundreds of producers gather here, from one-person kitchens to established brands, alongside the retail buyers, chefs and judges who decide which of them goes home with gold, silver or bronze. Bank of Ireland is a sponsor of the Backyard @ Blas speaker space. Over the next half hour you'll hear from a beekeeper, a baker, a forager, a sauce maker, a bakery ingredients supplier and a man who puts Irish food on aeroplanes. They talk about tight margins, rising costs and wars that close shipping lanes. They also talk, again and again, about each other. And at the end of the podcast, you'll meet the winner of this year's Best Startup award, a chef who started out a year ago with just two products in two shops. At Blas I interviewed: Grainne Keneally from Elderberry Farm Produce Ian Mernagh from All About Nectar Florrie Purcell from The Scullery John Graham from Andrews Ingredients Graham Herterich from The Bakery by the Cupcake Bloke Matt McCabe from Subu Connect Sunny Joy from GoMeal, winner of Best Startup award sponsored by Bank of Ireland, as well as Best in County for Mayo and Best in Connaught Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.
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S1 · E368
October 5 · 31 min
Episode 368 - David Broderick, director, Small Firms Association
In this episode of the ThinkBusiness Podcast, powered by Bank of Ireland. we speak with David Broderick, Director of the Small Firms Association, about the current trading environment for Ireland's small businesses, the priorities SMEs want to see addressed in Budget 2027, and the practical steps business owners can take to strengthen resilience and drive growth. We also explore how initiatives such as MentorsWork are helping entrepreneurs adapt, develop new skills and navigate an increasingly complex business landscape. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.
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S1 · E367
October 2 · 13 min
Episode 367 - Mark Glennon, Agri Development Manager, Bank of Ireland
At the recent National Ploughing Championships, Mark Glennon, Bank of Ireland’s agri development manager for the northern half of the country, describes how the year has gone, the demographic challenge facing Irish farming, what the Bank can do to ease succession, and how automation and AI can help farmers. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.
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S1 · E366
September 30 · 33 min
Episode 366 - Dr Tom Cryan, Medical Director, Therapie
In this episode of the ThinkBusiness Podcast, powered by Bank of Ireland, I speak with Dr Thomas Cryan, Medical Director at Thérapie Clinic, Europe's leading medical aesthetics group. Fresh from securing first place in the prestigious global Maurício de Maio Mentorship Programme, Dr Cryan joins us to discuss the importance of clinical excellence, continuous learning and patient safety in modern healthcare. We also explore Thérapie Clinic's remarkable growth from an Irish-founded business into an international leader with 86 clinics across Ireland, the UK and the US. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.
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S1 · E365
September 28 · 35 min
Episode 365 - Maxine Hyde, general manager, Ballymaloe Foods
Today we’re joined by Maxine Hyde, the second-generation leader of Ballymaloe Foods, one of Ireland’s best-known food brands. Built on the legacy of her grandmother Myrtle Allen and founded by her mother Yasmin Hyde in 1990, Ballymaloe Foods has grown from a single relish recipe into a thriving business employing 70 people and producing a wide range of sauces, relishes and condiments. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.
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S1 · E364
September 25 · 34 min
Episode 364 - Barry Cullen, Head of Sales, Silver Hill Duck
From a family farm in County Monaghan to one of Ireland's most successful food exporters, Silver Hill Duck has built a reputation for quality that stretches far beyond our shores. In an industry facing rising costs, changing consumer tastes and increasing pressure to innovate, the company continues to invest, grow and compete on the global stage. " "My guest today is Barry Cullen of Silver Hill Duck. Just ahead of the 2026 Blas na hEireann in Dingle, we'll be talking about the company's latest expansion plans, the challenges and opportunities facing Irish food producers, the importance of sustainability and innovation, and what it takes to build an enduring family business in a rapidly changing world. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.
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S1 · E363
September 23 · 34 min
Episode 363 - Alan Tyrrell, CEO, The Reputations Agency
How much is your company’s reputation really worth? In an age where trust can be won or lost in a matter of moments, reputation has become far more than a branding exercise. It is a critical business asset that impacts customer loyalty, talent attraction, investment decisions, resilience during crises and, ultimately, the bottom line. On this episode of the ThinkBusiness Podcast, we sit down with Alan Tyrrell, CEO of The Reputations Agency, to explore why reputation is now one of the most valuable metrics business leaders can track. We discuss what reputation data can reveal about a company's performance, how Irish businesses compare against their peers, the warning signs of reputational risk, and why employee sentiment is becoming an increasingly important measure of organisational health. We'll also delve into the Ireland Reputation Index, uncover what separates the country's most trusted businesses from the rest, and examine how reputation can become a powerful driver of growth in an increasingly competitive and AI-driven world. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.
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S1 · E362
September 21 · 25 min
Episode 362 - Colette Shirley from Bank of Ireland and Caroline Ashe Brady from KORE Group
The latest ThinkBusiness Podcast explores what sustainability looks like when it moves beyond ambitious targets and becomes part of everyday business decision-making. It features Caroline Ashe Brady, Commercial Director at KORE Group, founder of KORE Retrofit, Chairperson of the Passive House Association of Ireland, and one of Ireland's leading voices in sustainable construction, and Colette Shirley, Director of Sustainability at Bank of Ireland. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.
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S1 · E361
September 16 · 25 min
Episode 361 - Jussi Lystimäki, CEO, Swappie
Today we speak with Jussi Lystimäki, the CEO of refurbished smartphone specialist Swappie, about how the business achieved its first full year of profitability, reaching €2.5 million in 2025 as well as his links with Ireland through the acquisition of Done Deal. We also examine why Irish consumers are Europe’s biggest smartphone hoarders, with 69% keeping unused devices at home, and what that means for the growing circular tech economy. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.
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S1 · E360
September 9 · 26 min
Episode 360 - Maaike Terwindt, AI Specialist for Europe at Google
Hello and welcome back to the latest ThinkBusiness Podcast, powered by Bank of Ireland. Today we speak with Maaike Terwindt, AI Specialist for Europe at Google, about how Gemini, Gems and AI agents are reshaping the way SMEs work. From boosting productivity and automating routine tasks to unlocking new growth opportunities, she explains how businesses can put practical AI to work today. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.
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S1 · E359
September 7 · 29 min
Episode 359 - Deborah Kelly, Partner and Head of Corporate at Addleshaw Goddard Ireland
Hello and welcome back to the latest ThinkBusiness Podcast, powered by Bank of Ireland. Today we're exploring one of the biggest challenges facing Irish family businesses: succession planning. Joining us is Deborah Kelly, Partner and Head of Corporate at Addleshaw Goddard Ireland, who shares practical advice on preparing for leadership transition, avoiding common pitfalls, and building a business that thrives for generations. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.
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S1 · E358
September 2 · 24 min
Episode 358 - Fergal Brosnan, CEO, RDI Hub
Hello and welcome back to the latest ThinkBusiness Podcast, powered by Bank of Ireland. Today we speak with Fergal Brosnan, CEO of the RDI Hub in Kerry, about building a world-class innovation ecosystem in Ireland's south-west. We explore AI opportunities for entrepreneurs, the new AI Gateway initiative, developing regional talent, and how businesses can thrive in the AI age. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.
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S1 · E357
August 31 · 33 min
Episode 357 - Ciaran Marron, founder, Activ8 Solar Energies
We speak with Ciaran Marron, the founder of Activ8 Solar Energies, one of Ireland's leading solar and renewable energy companies. From launching a business before solar power became mainstream to helping thousands of homes and businesses cut costs and reduce emissions, our guest has witnessed first-hand the transformation of Ireland's energy landscape. We discuss the growth of the renewable energy sector, the challenges of scaling a business in a rapidly changing market, the role of technology and battery storage, and what Irish SMEs can do today to become more energy efficient, resilient and sustainable in the years ahead. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.
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S1 · E356
August 27 · 29 min
Episode 356 - Lorraine Heskin, founder and CEO of Gourmet Food Parlour
Today, we're joined by one of Ireland's most successful hospitality entrepreneurs, Lorraine Heskin, founder and CEO of Gourmet Food Parlour. What began as a 25-seater café in Dún Laoghaire in 2006 has grown into a business serving more than seven million customers, generating over €20 million in annual revenue, employing more than 320 people and operating 11 locations across Ireland. Along the way, Gourmet Food Parlour has become a major player in catering, events and sports nutrition. Lorraine joins us to discuss entrepreneurship, resilience, leadership, scaling a business over two decades, and what's next for one of Ireland's best-known hospitality brands. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.
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S1 · E355
August 25 · 27 min
Episode 355 - Padraic O’Kane, co-founder of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic
Today's guest is Padraic O’Kane, the driving force behind one of Ireland's most successful international sporting events, the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. What began as an ambitious vision to bring American college football to Dublin has evolved into a major annual event that attracts tens of thousands of visitors, generates significant economic impact and showcases Ireland on a global stage. We'll discuss the entrepreneurial journey behind the Classic, the challenges of building a transatlantic sports brand, the power of partnerships and why major events like this can deliver lasting benefits for Irish tourism, business and international reputation. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.
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S1 · E354
August 20 · 35 min
Episode 354 - Tim Grant, executive chair, TensorX
Artificial intelligence is transforming how businesses operate, but as adoption accelerates, questions around data control, privacy and digital sovereignty are becoming increasingly important. My guest today is Tim Grant, Executive Chair of TensorX, the Irish company building sovereign AI infrastructure for Europe following an €8m funding round. We'll discuss why businesses want their AI data to stay within European jurisdiction, what digital sovereignty really means, and whether Europe can build its own trusted AI future. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.
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S1 · E353
August 18 · 30 min
Episode 353 - Sharon Mooney and Peter McPartlin, co-founders, MarkGo
In this episode of the ThinkBusiness Podcast, we speak with MarkGo founders Peter McPartlin and Sharon Mooney about how AI is helping level the playing field for SMEs and start-ups that cannot afford expensive marketing agencies or senior consultants. We discuss the biggest marketing challenges facing growing businesses, the rise of AI-powered strategy, common mistakes founders make, and why many companies struggle to turn ambition into action. It is a practical conversation packed with insights for entrepreneurs looking to grow smarter and faster in a competitive marketplace. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.
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Showing 1–20 of 38 episodes