ThinkBusiness.ie

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Episode 352 - Denise Charlton, CEO, Community Foundation Ireland

Community Foundation Ireland has quietly reshaped Irish giving since 2000, channelling €200 million into communities across the country while building a model built on data, trust and long-term partnership. In this episode, CEO Denise Charlton joins the ThinkBusiness Podcast to explore how strategic philanthropy works in practice, from backing causes before they find public support to helping a new generation of wealthy families think through purpose, legacy and impact. She discusses Ireland's unique culture of anonymous giving, the rise of donor-advised funds, and what policy change could unlock the next chapter of Irish philanthropy. 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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Episode 351 - Matthew Coffey, co-founder of SQUID Loyalty

Welcome to the podcast. Today I'm joined by Matthew Coffey, co-founder of SQUID Loyalty, the Irish tech company on a mission to make customer loyalty simpler and more effective for businesses and consumers alike. What started as an idea between two engineering students has grown into a platform used by thousands of businesses across multiple international markets. We'll discuss entrepreneurship, customer engagement, the future of loyalty programmes, scaling a startup from Ireland, and the lessons Matthew has learned building a fast-growing technology company. 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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Episode 350 - Getting ideas off the ground with AI

Welcome to the latest ThinkBusiness Podcast, powered by Bank of Ireland. As AI rapidly moves from buzzword to business tool, many SMEs are still asking the same question: where do you start, and how do you turn AI into something that delivers real value? As Google and Bank of Ireland join forces to provide 10,000 Google AI Professional scholarships to Irish SMEs at no cost, we speak with Kira Brakhage, AI specialist at Google, about how small businesses can use tools like Gemini Notebook to work smarter, save time, and unlock new insights from the information they already have. From turning meeting transcripts into instant action plans and accelerating staff onboarding, to conducting low-cost market research and transforming documents into engaging audio content, Kira shares practical, real-world applications that SMEs can put into practice straight away. She also addresses one of the biggest concerns for business owners today: how secure sensitive company data is when using AI-powered tools. 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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Episode 349 - Paul Turley, general manager, ServiceNow Ireland

Today we’re tackling a problem that every consumer and every business leader can relate to: why is customer service still so frustrating in an age of AI, automation and digital transformation? Despite years of investment in technology, new research from ServiceNow reveals that Irish consumers are losing an astonishing 284 million hours every year dealing with customer service issues. Even more striking, nearly half of consumers say they would switch brands after just one poor customer service experience. So what’s going wrong? Why are businesses still struggling to deliver seamless customer experiences? And with AI dominating boardroom conversations, are companies focusing on the right solutions—or simply adding more complexity to already broken processes? To help us unpack these questions, I’m joined by Paul Turley from ServiceNow, a company at the forefront of helping organisations modernise customer service and employee experiences through digital workflows and AI-powered solutions. In our conversation, we’ll explore why customer service remains one of the biggest pain points for consumers, the common mistakes organisations are making in their AI and customer experience strategies, and the practical steps businesses can take to improve service without committing to massive technology budgets. 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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Episode 348 - Martina Calvey, co-founder, Hello Good Life

By 2030, more than one in three people in Ireland will be over the age of 50, while the number of people aged 65 and over is expected to exceed one million. As Ireland's population ages, the need for stronger community connections, health supports and wellbeing services has never been greater. In this episode, we speak with Martina Calvey, founder of Hello GoodLife Ireland, a Mayo-founded social enterprise that is building a nationwide network of health and wellbeing hubs designed to help people stay active, connected and independent as they age. Martina explains the inspiration behind the business, the challenges and opportunities presented by Ireland's demographic shift, and why she believes communities hold the key to healthier, happier ageing. 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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Episode 347 - Neil Bowden, Europe AI lead, Dell

Artificial intelligence promises to transform how businesses operate, but with so much hype surrounding the technology, many organisations are still asking a simple question: where does AI genuinely deliver value? In this episode, we speak with Neil Bowden, EMEA AI Lead at Dell Technologies, about how Irish businesses can take a pragmatic approach to AI adoption. From identifying real-world use cases and measuring ROI to avoiding costly mistakes and unnecessary spending, Neil shares practical advice for organisations looking to make smarter AI investments. Whether you're an SME exploring your first AI project or a larger enterprise refining your strategy, this conversation cuts through the noise to focus on what really matters: achieving meaningful business outcomes with AI. 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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Episode 346 - Richard Meehan, CEO of Velico

Today, we’re joined by Richard Meehan, CEO of Velico, the Boston-founded medtech company that has established its international headquarters in Ireland and is developing a groundbreaking dry plasma manufacturing system that could transform emergency trauma care around the world. From ambulances and military operations to mass casualty response, Velico’s technology enables blood centres to produce spray-dried plasma that can be rehydrated within minutes when every second counts. With recent support from the French military—a global leader in dried plasma production—the company is gaining international recognition for its innovative approach. In this episode, Richard shares his journey from leadership roles across FMCG, real estate and ICT into the fast-moving world of MedTech, discusses the challenges and opportunities of scaling a healthcare technology company internationally, and explains why Ireland is playing a central role in Velico’s global growth strategy. 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.

Episode 345 - The Address Collective reserves strong foundations for future growth

Welcome to the latest ThinkBusiness Podcast. Today we’re diving into the story behind one of Ireland’s most dynamic hospitality brands –The Address Collective. Founded during the pandemic and rapidly scaled across Ireland and into the UK, the group represents a new model of design-led, experience-driven hospitality. Joining me today are Cian McGettigan, part of the family behind The Address Collective, and Gerardo Larios Rizo, Head of Hospitality Sector at Bank of Ireland. We’re starting with a really interesting angle –what it means to build and scale an intergenerational family business –before moving into growth, rebranding, and the wider outlook for hospitality in 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.