InBusiness Recognition Awards 2018

4th December 2018 The Westin Dublin OFC_InRecog 2018.indd 1

28/11/2018 12:30

FC advert template.indd 1 246747_1C_Renault_JM_Chambers Recognition.indd 1

28/11/2018 21/11/2018 09:24 10:16

3

22

FINANCE PROVIDER TO MICRO BUSINESSES AND START-UPS Microfinance Ireland

LINCOLN EXECUTIVE SEARCH: Authentic Networking

OUTSTANDING ECONOMIC AGENCY TO IRISH BUSINESSES SBCI

5

23

RETAIL EXCELLENCE LloydsPharmacy

MICROFINANCE IRELAND: Changing Lives

AGENCY SUPPORT TO START-UPS AND SMES Skillnet Ireland

7

25

9

26

11

29

EXECUTIVE RECRUITMENT Lincoln Executive Search

TOURISM Fáilte Ireland BUSINESS BROADBAND Virgin Media Business COUNTY COUNCIL Fingal County Council FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS ADVISORY RBK LIFE ASSURANCE AND PENSION Zurich Insurance Ireland E-COMMERCE PayPal FLEET CAR Renault Kadjar ACCOUNTANCY FIRM KPMG SPECIAL MERIT New Ireland Assurance FINANCIAL SERVICES GRENKE Limited ACADEMIA COLLABORATION WITH INDUSTRY Trinity College Dublin

SBCI: Help When You Need it Most

LLOYDSPHARMACY: Going the Extra Mile

SKILLNET IRELAND: Leading the Way in Enterprise-Led Skills Development

13

FÁILTE IRELAND: Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands

15

VIRGIN MEDIA: Helping Customers Fulfil their Digital Potential

17

PAYPAL: ‘Tis the Season for Online Shopping

RENAULT: Peace of Mind

KPMG: Commitment to Innovation

NEW IRELAND: A Proud History

GRENKE LIMITED: Team Effort

31

TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN: Where Education Meets Industry

33

ENTERPRISE IRELAND: Record Employment

35

CATHERINE MORONEY, AIB: No Shortcuts to Success

SEMI STATE BODY Enterprise Ireland

FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL: Commitment to Business

BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR Catherine Moroney, AIB

19

37

BUSINESSMAN OF THE YEAR Ciaran Mulligan, Blue Insurance

RBK: Investing in Talent

CIARAN MULLIGAN, BLUE INSURANCE: Unique Offering

21

39

COMPANY OF THE YEAR Eversheds Sutherland

ZURICH INSURANCE IRELAND: Time to Act

EVERSHEDS SUTHERLAND: A Global Offering

The InBusiness Recognition Awards is an Ashville Media Group event in associatin with Chambers Ireland

InBUSINESS | Recognition Awards 2018

001_InRecog 2018_Contents.indd 1

1

30/11/2018 11:18

Expect commitment At Lincoln, we are united behind a single purpose: a unified commitment to helping leaders and organisations, succeed by releasing the full power and potential of their people.

Our years of hard work and experience connects us to an unrivaled network of opportunities, resources, market-focused insight and intuition. This means we work as smart as we do hard, and always find the right candidate for the right position.

Visit lincoln.ie today.

ACCOUNTING | FINANCIAL SERVICES | LEGAL | MARKETING | IT | CONSTRUCTION | HR

FC advert template.indd 1 246771_1C_Lincoln_JM_Chambers Recognition.indd 1

RECRUITING EXCELLENCE

28/11/2018 20/11/2018 09:26 09:51

LINCOLN EXECUTIVE SEARCH EXECUTIVE RECRUITMENT

AUTHENTIC NETWORKING InBUSINESS hears from Shay Dalton, Managing Director of Lincoln Executive Search, about why we are in one of the most difficult recruitment markets of recent times.

Q: How has 2018 been for Lincoln Executive Search?

A: 2018 has been an exciting year for us in Lincoln - firstly we celebrated a significant milestone in our business - a decade of recruiting excellence.

It’s also been a record year for Lincoln in terms of new business growth and increasing market share. Indeed, it has been a very busy year for the Irish employment market in general, as business confidence was high across most sectors and regions resulting in many organisations experiencing growth; growth that they feel will increase further into 2019.

This sentiment is also reflected in the economy with companies planning for growth, creating new jobs and ensuring that they retain their talent in an employment market that is becoming exceptionally competitive.

This year also provided us with the opportunity to collaborate with economist Alan Ahearne and produce an in-depth Salary and Employment Insights Report which completed a detailed analysis of the economic perspective for the forthcoming year as well as gathering insights into industry salaries, recruitment figures, and employer and employee perceptions gained from over 1,400 business and professionals in Ireland.

Q: What makes Lincoln Executive Search stand out from competition?

A: At Lincoln, this year we are celebrating 10 years of recruitment excellence and we continue to work in partnership with our clients across our specialist areas.

We strongly believe in authentic networking and being of service. With this in mind, our offer extends well beyond traditional contingency recruitment. White papers, commentaries, market information, networking introductions, consulting, podcasts, content and a series of thought leadership events all combine as complimentary services aimed at delivering true partnership in deed as well as word.

The foundation of the business is, however, excellent delivery with old fashioned values of manners and respect. We believe in excellence through understanding both the sector itself but also the real needs of our clients and candidates.

InBUSINESS | Recognition Awards 2018

IBRA_2018_Lincoln Recruitment_CP_AW.indd 3

Q: Are there any industry trends that are shaping your business right now?

A: Business and employee confidence is strong across the majority of professional services sectors and most regions in Ireland. Our experience is that Ireland is continuing to build its reputation abroad as a place to work or live, and we expect this trend to continue in 2019. However, this positive momentum has brought its own challenges, culminating in one of the most difficult recruitment markets of recent Shay Dalton, times, further clouded by Managing Director of Lincoln Executive Search Brexit-related uncertainty.

Recruitment remains high on the agenda for most organisations, but skills shortages in many areas have led to intense competition for skills, making strategic workforce planning essential for organisations this year.

Q: Your response to receiving the InBusiness Recognition Award for Executive Recruitment?

A: We are delighted to receive this award. In many ways the role of an executive search consultant is in the background, working confidentially but expertly on behalf of clients and executives so it feels counterintuitive to receive an award for this work but nonetheless it’s a great pleasure.

To be given the responsibility of finding an organisation’s next CEO or COO is huge but it’s work that I love. It gives you exposure to dynamic and progressive boards and an opportunity to career plan with some of Ireland’s top professionals.

We would like to thank all the organisations that have entrusted Lincoln with these mandates over the past 12 months which range from the DG of the GAA to the CEO of Galway Clinic and the CEO of Pieta House.

3

30/11/2018 11:23

www.microfinanceireland.ie

We’re supporting your dreams Need help to support your business?

Talk to us about our small business loans.

Or visit your Local Enterprise Office.

Roxana Boldizsar Owner & Tailor Roxxy Studio

Microfinance Ireland (MFI) benefits from a guarantee funded by the European Union under the programme for Employment and Social Inclusion (EaSI)

8655_DW_MFI_PressAds_FullPage_210x297_FA_(3mm bleed).indd 2 FC advert template.indd 1 246668_1C_Microfinance_JM_Chambers Recognition.indd 1

An Roinn Gnó, Fiontar agus Nuálaíochta Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation

23/05/2018 14:14 28/11/2018 12/11/2018 09:27 12:35

MICROFINANCE IRELAND

InBUSINESS catches up with Garrett Stokes, CEO of Microfinance Ireland to find out what sets this not-for-profit lender apart from competitors.

Q: How has 2018 been for Microfinance Ireland?

A: Microfinance Ireland (MFI) is enjoying another excellent year. 2018 will be a year of record growth in terms of application numbers. This highlights the ongoing need for microfinance supports such as MFI, for small businesses in Ireland, irrespective of the stage of the economic cycle.

MFI was established as part of the Action Plan for Jobs in 2012 and benefits from Government support provided through the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation. A key measure of our success is supporting job creation and sustainment.

The number of jobs supported has steadily grown year on year and 2018 will again show further excellent growth in the overall numbers of jobs supported, across the country.

Q: How would you describe the overall landscape for your sector at present?

A: While the economy is strong, there are still areas of the country not benefiting from the economic upturn, with higher unemployment levels in some areas over the national average. Certain demographical groups are similarly impacted. In these areas, trading is more difficult, and people can be less inclined to set up a business. There is also the uncertainty of Brexit. While the majority of our customers are not exporters, they may still be impacted by any downturn in the economy, decreases in consumer confidence and/or increases in the cost of raw materials etc.

Q: What makes Microfinance Ireland stand out from the competition?

A: Microfinance Ireland has a unique offering in the marketplace. Our mandate is to support microenterprises and start-ups that are struggling to get finance from banks and other commercial lenders.

As a not-for-profit lender, we can take a greater level of risk than commercial lending providers. Our lending is unsecured, our rates are affordable, not priced to risk and we have no fees or charges. As we operate a fixed interest rate model, repayments are not subject to fluctuation and this gives our customers certainty throughout the period of the

InBUSINESS | Recognition Awards 2018

005_InRecog 2018_Microfinance Ireland.indd 5

FINANCE PROVIDER TO MICRO BUSINESSES AND START-UPS

CHANGING LIVES

Garrett Stokes, CEO of Microfinance Ireland

loan. Our approach is very hands-on and supportive throughout the application process and beyond. In addition to providing loans we also fund the cost of mentoring services, which are delivered through the Local Enterprise Office Network, to our approved loan applicants.

Q: Your response to receiving the InBUSINESS Recognition Award for Finance Provider to Micro Businesses and Start-ups?

A: We are delighted to have received this award.

As a small not-for-profit lending organisation, it is wonderful for our team, board and stakeholders to get such a strong acknowledgement of the work we do across Ireland, supporting small indigenous businesses and helping them to start up or expand.

The majority of these businesses are very small but they are the lifeblood of their communities, bringing services, products and employment to their areas and without them many communities could fail. Many of these businesses struggle to access funding through commercial providers and this is the critical role MFI plays, supporting these businesses and job creation, acting as a catalyst for “changing lives�, returning people to employment and helping people fulfil their business dreams.

5

30/11/2018 11:55

Brexit Loan Scheme Who can apply?

To be eligible, a business must meet the following criteria: 1.

2.

3.

Be a viable business with up to 499 employees (SMEs and small mid-caps); Be Brexit impacted; Meet the scheme criteria (Brexit related criteria and InnovFin criteria).

Key features of the Scheme €25,000 to €1,500,000 per eligible enterprise; Maximum interest rate of 4%; Term ranging from 1 year to 3 years; Unsecured loans up to €500,000; Optional interest-only repayments provided at the start of the loans.

Loans can be used for Future working capital requirements to fund innovation, change or adaptation of the business to mitigate the impact of Brexit.

www.sbci.gov.ie | info@sbci.gov.ie | www.twitter.com/sbcireland linkedin.com/company/strategic-banking-corporation-of-ireland

FC advert template.indd Recognition.indd 1 1C_SBCI_JM_Chambers 1 7797_SBCI_Brexit_Loan_Scheme_Advert_A4.indd 1

28/11/2018 27/11/2018 09:58 13/08/2018 09:29 11:34

SBCI

Nick Ashmore, CEO, tells InBUSINESS how the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland is tackling the uncertainty of Brexit and supporting Irish businesses.

Q: How has 2018 been for SBCI? A: In 2018 the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) launched its latest risk sharing product, the Brexit Loan Scheme - a €300m Government initiative to support Brexit impacted Irish businesses.

The Scheme has received more than 300 eligibility applications since it was launched by the Irish Government in March.

The Scheme covers loans ranging from €25,000 to €1.5m, with loans of up to €500,000 being unsecured, and has a maximum interest rate of 4%.

This has added to the SBCI’s continued support of lower cost lending for SMEs, through its non-bank on-lender partners in 2018, ensuring the discount is passed on to the end-user SME. Q: What would you say were your ‘key wins’ this year?

A: In engaging directly with Brexit-impacted businesses during the Brexit Loan Scheme eligibility process, the SBCI has been able to gather information that helps us to understand the challenges that SMEs face in accessing finance.

This information can now be used to help identify SMEs’ needs well into the future and ensure the SBCI is meeting those needs with appropriate schemes and products.

Furthermore, the announcement of the Future Growth Loan Scheme in Budget 2019, which will bring long-term guaranteed funding into the Irish market next year, is a significant development in allowing Irish businesses access to long term investment finance.

Q: Are there any industry trends that are shaping your business right now?

A: Brexit is weighing on investment decisions at the moment and the introduction of the Future Growth Loan Scheme in 2019 will go some way towards addressing this issue. This Scheme will make up to €300m of loans available, with a term of 8-10 years, to eligible Irish businesses including primary agriculture to support strategic long-term investment in a post Brexit environment.

InBUSINESS | Recognition Awards 2018

IBRA_2018_SBCI_CP_AW.indd 7

Q: What are the main challenges you face?

A: SBCI has been very successful in ensuring that the benefits we offer have been well spread throughout Ireland, with 85% of loans going outside Dublin and with a generally broad spread throughout all regions of the State.

However, we are always keen to continue engagement with more SMEs, to ensure they are informed about the various types of finance available to them.

OUTSTANDING ECONOMIC AGENCY TO IRISH BUSINESS

HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST

Q: Your response to receiving the InBUSINESS Recognition Award for Outstanding Economic Agency To Irish Business?

A: The SBCI is delighted to receive this award in recognition of its work with Ireland’s SMEs and we look forward to continuing to support Irish SMEs to grow and scale-up their businesses into the future.

Nick Ashmore, CEO of SBCI

7

29/11/2018 15:36

Say hello to the people that know

Drop in for expert advice in Health & Wellbeing, Heart Health, Children’s Health, Asthma, Skin Care and more.

lloydspharmacy.ie

FC advert template.indd 1 246750_1C_Lloyds_JM_Chambers Recognition.indd 1

28/11/2018 21/11/2018 09:31 09:57

LLOYDSPHARMACY RETAIL EXCELLENCE

GOING THE EXTRA MILE InBUSINESS speaks to Pat Watt, Director of LloydsPharmacy, about the importance of customer care and choice.

Q. How has 2018 been for LloydsPharmacy?

A: 2018 has been a really positive year for LloydsPharmacy, our brand awareness and consideration has increased considerably and our overall advice led value proposition and in-store experience is really resonating with Irish consumers.

Q. What would you say were your ‘key wins’ this year?

• Our new advertising campaign reinforces the expert health care and advice from the LloydsPharmacy teams supported by the tagline “Say hello to the people that know”– this clearly places our colleagues at the heart of our brand and customer experience.

• Our creative has performed very well in research ahead of industry benchmark norms on key criteria Propensity to purchase, Distinctive, Believable, Relevant, and Appealing.

• We have rolled out of new services - Skin analysis machine, Cardiovascular Age machine, 24 Hour Blood Pressure; and significantly expanded our existing services including our Flu vaccination service, our Change Your Health Direction programme, and our free Asthma Clinics to assist asthma patients with inhaler techniques and medication compliance.

Q. What emphasis do you place on customer care at LloydsPharmacy?

A: Our brand essence is health experts who genuinely care, so customer care is at the heart of everything we do in our interactions with our customers and patients. This is supported by our comprehensive training programme for our colleagues to ensure they have the capability and confidence to consistently deliver on this promise. We also seek to go the extra mile for our customers – for example, we have a prescription collection and delivery service to facilitate elderly and sick patients who cannot get to one of our Lloydspharmacies.

empathy – our recruitment, training, and brand values help to instil this philosophy.

• Expertise and training - 17000 annual training hours each year, more than any other pharmacy chain to ensure advice/support to customers • We have excellent products and services in every store across our network of LloydsPharmacies that offer more choice.

Q. Any news or expansion plans for 2019 that you can share with us right now?

A: We will be launching a customer loyalty programme, increasing our media presence, focussing on continuously improving our in-store customer experience and product offering, and further expanding our range of services and retail footprint.

Q. Your response to receiving the InBUSINESS Recognition Award for Retail Excellence?

A: We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award which is fantastic recognition for the massive effort that our colleagues put in right across Lloyds Pharmacy each and every day to deliver a consistently excellent customer and patient experience, and I would like to thank each and every one of them for their hard work and commitment, they really deserve this award.

Pat Watt, Director of LloydsPharmacy

Q. What makes LloydsPharmacy stand out from competition?

• Friendly, approachable and knowledgeable colleagues who really care about their customers and handle every interaction with professional care and genuine

InBUSINESS | Recognition Awards 2018

009_InRecog 2018_LloydsPharmacy.indd 9

9

29/11/2018 16:49

Enterprise-led skills development

60+ Networks

Through our innovative learning networks, Skillnet Ireland is shaping the future of workforce development, workforce planning and workforce innovation in Ireland.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

skillnetireland.ie Skillnet Ireland is funded from the National Training Fund through the Department of Education and Skills.

FC advert template.indd 1 246683_1C_Skillnet_JM_Chambers Recognition.indd 1

28/11/2018 21/11/2018 09:33 10:02

SKILLNET IRELAND

Paul Healy, Chief Executive of Skillnet Ireland tells InBUSINESS that the key to thriving in the modern work environment is to invest in the resilience, adaptability and future skills of your workforce.

A

s a nation, we draw a significant competitive strength from our workforce. Skills supply to enterprise is met, in various parts, through outputs from Ireland’s higher and further education system, our labour activation infrastructure and immigration. However, for the greatest part the skills that power Ireland’s economy are derived from within employment.

Skills are highly dynamic and vulnerable to erosion, meaning a persistent focus must be maintained on workforce development. Advances in technology, shifting consumption patterns, changing demographics, and a multitude of competitive and geopolitical forces - the precise impacts of which are not yet known - are constantly driving new skills requirements for employers.

While technological disruption is not new, it is moving at an alarmingly fast pace. Artificial intelligence and automation are moving into areas not seen before.

Now is the time to invest in the uniquely human skills of strategic thinking, leadership, commercial awareness, collaboration, communicating and influencing, and forming relationships across the workforce. These are the skills that will become more prized in the future.

Compounding this issue, skills shortages remain a widespread challenge for industry with gaps now emerging in major areas of the economy, such as construction, agriculture, transport and hospitality, and more acutely in advanced manufacturing and information communications technology (ICT).

With skills gaps and global disruptors driving skills requirements, it is more important now than ever to invest in upskilling to ensure the resilience, adaptability and future skills of the Irish workforce.

Skillnet Ireland is the national agency responsible for the promotion and facilitation of in-employment training. Through our 60+ Skillnet learning networks, we work with 15,000 private firms to provide training to over 50,000 workers each year. We also play an important role in maintaining a supply of new and future skills by facilitating a collaboration between

InBUSINESS | Recognition Awards 2018

011_InRecog 2018_Skillnet.indd 11

AGENCY SUPPORT TO SMES AND START-UPS

LEADING THE WAY IN ENTERPRISE-LED SKILLS DEVELOPMENT enterprise, higher education institutes and industry training providers to develop new programmes that address future skills needs.

We have deep roots with enterprise in Ireland working with over 50 industry partners, including several Chambers nationwide. We place a high value on our relationship with Chambers Ireland and being recognised for Best Agency Support to Start-ups and SMEs at the InBUSINESS Recognition Awards is a great honour for us.

It reflects not only the work of the Skillnet Ireland team, but that of our network managers, our industry representative bodies and the Skillnet steering groups that drive the success of each Skillnet learning network to help businesses in Ireland to increase their competitiveness.

Looking ahead to 2019, if there’s one thing for certain in our fast-changing complex world it’s this; success depends on enhancing the capacity and capability of our workforce to perform beyond what they thought possible. The simple and most effective way to achieve this is through in-employment training.

For further information visit www.skillnetireland.ie

Paul Healy, Chief Executive of Skillnet Ireland

11

29/11/2018 16:49

Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands

yours to uncover

Lough Derg Blueway, Swimming, Ballycuggaran, Killaloe, County Clare

246795_1C_Failte Ireland_JM_Chambers Recognition.indd 1

www.discoverireland.ie 28/11/2018 12:10

FÁILTE IRELAND TOURISM

IRELAND’S HIDDEN HEARTLANDS Paddy Mathews, Head of Operations, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, talks to InBUSINESS about Fáilte Ireland’s newest regional experience brand.

F

áilte Ireland’s newest regional experience brand, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, was unveiled in April this year. The new brand complements Fáilte Ireland’s other key regional experience brands - the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East and Dublin - completing the jigsaw for tourism in Ireland with all areas of the country now served by one or other of our regional experience brands.

Covering the ‘heart’ of the country, from Leitrim down to Lough Derg and extending through Longford, West Cavan, Roscommon, East Galway, East Clare, as well as parts of Westmeath, Tipperary and Offaly, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands brings to life the Midland’s rich natural assets including its many lakes, waterways, woodlands and distinctive landscapes, leveraging a growing tourism trend for soft activities, by encouraging visitors to be ‘active in nature’.

The brand elements including the name, logo and what the brand stands for were developed following extensive research with consumers in Ireland, US, UK, Germany and France. Over 10,000 consumers were interviewed in the process giving Fáilte Ireland great insight and confidence that Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands has the potential to be both appealing and motivating to visitors.

In July, we launched our first domestic marketing campaign for Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. The multimedia brand awareness campaign worth €1m ran on TV, outdoor, radio and digital channels, and revolved around the creative idea ‘Yours to Uncover’. Focusing on themes of discovery and exploration, the campaign featured natural gems across the region, including the Beara Breifne Way; Roscommon’s Lough Key; the hills and woodlands of Drumshanbo in Leitrim; Lough Derg in Portumna, Co. Galway; as well as Lough Oughter in Cavan and the River Shannon flowing through Athlone Town in Westmeath, with every county in the region featured within the campaign.

Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands is considered to be at an early stage of development as a tourism destination and our core priority now is to work with a wide range of stakeholders, tourism groups, industry and communities across the region to improve visitor

InBUSINESS | Recognition Awards 2018

013_InRecog 2018_Failte Ireland.indd 13

orientation, visitor experiences and business networks, with a target to grow the visitor economy by 3% year on year. The two central spines of the region are the River Shannon and the Beara Breifne Way, and we are focusing on how those two major assets can be developed to bring visitor experiences of scale to the region.

We will continue to market the region to the domestic market with a Paddy Matthews, dedicated summer 2019 Head of Operations, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands domestic marketing campaign and to the international market with an ongoing programme of international publicity and media visits to the region.

Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands will also be introduced to international buyers at Meitheal in April 2019.

We are delighted to receive the Best in Tourism award at the InBUSINESS Recognition Awards 2018.

The region has great natural and cultural assets upon which tourism can be developed and we believe the Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands brand can really transform the offering over the coming years, driving growth in the visitor economy for the benefit of all in the region.

13

30/11/2018 11:24

AWARD WINNINGLY BRILLIANT

1800 940 980 businesssales@virginmedia.ie virginmedia.ie/business /VMBusinessIreland /VMBusinessIE /company/virgin-media-business-ireland

VM_B2B_Public Sector Award Advert A4_nologo.indd 1 FC advert template.indd 1 246518_1C_Virgin Media_JM_Chambers Recognition.indd 1

20/11/2018 15:38 28/11/2018 21/11/2018 09:42 10:21

VIRGIN MEDIA BUSINESS BROADBAND

HELPING CUSTOMERS FULFIL THEIR DIGITAL POTENTIAL Aidan D’Arcy, Head of Business Division at Virgin Media Business Ireland outlines how Virgin Media Business delivers ultrafast broadband which benefits small businesses, connects communities and stimulates local economies.

E

very business deserves the best business service. That’s why Virgin Media Business makes no apology for our superior leadership, technological innovation, customer service and knock out products that are differentiated by our innovation and creativity.

Today, businesses can enjoy speeds of up to 10Gbps or more, meaning they can go about their day-to-day work and grow their enterprise with confidence in having great digital connectivity.

Virgin Media Business can make this claim because of Project Lightning. This is the single biggest private investment in Ireland and the UK’s digital infrastructure in more than a decade, connecting communities and delivering economic benefits to many citizens and businesses.

We are the only business to offer free public Wi-Fi as part of our Project Lightning build so the local community can experience our ‘lightning’ speeds for free. After all, better connectivity can transform the way small businesses operate and the services they provide, allowing them to seize the chance to become digital leaders.

Virgin Media Business without question raises the bar for business broadband with speeds of up to 400Mbps available to all SMEs. Not only that, we have packages that include unlimited calls, an ultra-modern router and business-class service level agreement, with bundles to help you boost productivity across the board.

It doesn’t just take investment, hard work and good business sense to succeed in this market It is also essential to have a great team behind the service.

We have for many years been the champions of small business. Our people bring it to life. We know how important it is for Irish small businesses to thrive in this evolving digital economy. They should have the technical ability and capacity in place so they can focus on development and growth.

Virgin Media Business works with each customer to enable them to fulfil their digital potential - offering them all the speed they need to achieve success.

InBUSINESS | Recognition Awards 2018

015_InRecog 2018_Virgin Media.indd 15

DON’T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT….

Positive customer feedback helps Virgin Media Business measure its success.

• Jim Hughes, CEO of Innovate said: “[Our] partnership with Virgin Media Business and Cisco, uniquely positions us in the market to provide rapid and resilient SD-WAN network connectivity and cloud solutions to business customers to support their digital transformation. Together we are transforming technology to unlock their business growth.”

• Tina O’Reilly, Producer of Other Voices, added: “We are delighted to partner with Virgin Media, who’s broadband service in Ballina enables us to live stream the St. Michael’s Church performances to big screens in many of the Music Trail venues.

Demand for Church tickets far outweighs capacity, so the Virgin Media live streaming means our festival community can pull up a chair, have a pint and enjoy every note from the Church as it happens.”

• Joe Persechino, Commercial Operations Director, EMEA – New Markets & Product, GSA Ireland said: “Students tell us that high-speed, reliable internet provision is one of their top priorities, which is why we’ve chosen Virgin Media as our partner to supply broadband and Wi-Fi to our first five residences across Dublin. The smart door entry systems which form part of the contract will also ensure the security of those living with us.”

Aidan D’Arcy, Head of Division, Virgin Media Business Ireland

15

29/11/2018 16:47

When it comes to supporting business in Fingal we even take care of the little details.

FC advert template.indd 1 246717_1C_Fingal_JM_Chambers RAB18.indd 1

28/11/2018 22/11/2018 09:43 10:15

FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL COUNTY COUNCIL

COMMITMENT TO BUSINESS Paul Reid, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, tells InBUSINESS about the Council’s work over the past year, its plans for the future and gives his response to being recognised in the County Council category at this year’s awards.

Q: Looking back, how do you view 2018?

A: It’s been another successful year for us. We have continued to build on the progress made over the last few years. Housing is still a very important priority for us and we are on schedule to deliver the 2018 social housing target set by Government which was a bigger number than our previous three year target. The private construction sector in Fingal continues to grow and we have 72 active sites across the county which will deliver over 12,000 housing units. On the business front, we continue to attract top companies and jobs to Fingal and the Government’s decision to proceed with MetroLink out to Dublin Airport and Swords is a major boost for the area. We have also seen existing businesses, who are looking to expand their operations in Ireland, have a good look around at all the options open to them and then decide that Fingal is still the best location for them and their staff. That’s a major vote of confidence in what we are doing.

Q: In what ways is the Council supporting Fingal businesses?

A: We support business on a number of levels and that has allowed us to achieve record employment numbers with 95,000 people now employed across the county. Through our Economic Development and Enterprise Strategic Policy Committee we have set up the Fingal Skills Strategy to help the long term sustainable growth of businesses in the county. There will be over 94,000 vacancies to be filled over the next seven years and we have devised action plans in conjunction with the relevant stakeholders to address this and match skills supply with demand. We recently appointed a new Director of Economic Enterprise and Tourism Development, Emer O’Gorman, and she will be working on a number of business initiatives over the next few years.

Q: What impact is the Local Enterprise Office having?

A: We have a very proactive Local Enterprise Office in Fingal and it has become a valuable partner to its 192 client companies. Those companies already employ 831 people and another 240 jobs will be created

InBUSINESS | Recognition Awards 2018

017_InRecog 2018_Fingal County Council.indd 17

Paul Reid, Chief Executive, Fingal County Council

over the next 36 months. These are small firms and they are the lifeblood of the Fingal economy so the support they get from LEO in the form of grants, mentoring and training is vital in helping them to realise their potential and ultimately create jobs within their local communities.

Q: Your response to winning the InBUSINESS Recognition Award for Best County Council?

A: Recognition for what we are doing day in, day out, as a Council is always appreciated and particularly when it is for our contribution to business as it an important part of what do. We need a strong business community to create jobs and stimulate the local economy and within Fingal County Council we are fortunate to have a very dedicated staff who deserve great credit for the work they do.

17

29/11/2018 14:52

Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers

In 2018 we celebrate 60 years in business, having grown to a practice of c.200 highly skilled professionals based in the Midlands and Dublin.

We are proud to have retained our core values, providing responsive, relevant and practical advice with client relationships at the centre.

We’re by your side

FC advert template.indd 1 246707_1C_RBK_JM_Chambers Recognition.indd 1

Contact us: David Gleeson Managing Partner W: www.rbk.ie E: info@rbk.ie T: (01) 6440100

RBK.ie

28/11/2018 20/11/2018 09:45 09:43

RBK

InBUSINESS catches up with David Gleeson, Managing Partner, RBK and hears how the firm has benefited from expansion in the Dublin market.

Q: How has 2018 been for RBK? A: 2018 has been very positive. We have achieved growth in excess of 10 per cent in the last year as we continue to grow our client base and increase our service offering.

Q: What would you say were your ‘key wins’ this year?

A: We are continuing to expand our client base and achieved a number of notable wins of Irish indigenous businesses and new client wins who are in the FDI sector.

Q: What services have been most in demand this year?

A: All our services across the board continued to grow, with transactional services, corporate finance, tax advisory and consultancy services showing the most growth. We are benefiting from our expansion in the Dublin market and having a very active client base looking for additional services as they grow their businesses.

Q: How would you describe the overall landscape for your sector at present?

A: The Irish accountancy market in 2018 has continued to experience growth, particularly audit, tax, business advisory and transactional services.

The ongoing recovery in the general environment is an underlying driver for this growth. In the mid-market, firms are seeking mergers as a means of growth. A number of smaller firms are making the decision to exit the regulated market because of increased regulation, particularly audit.

Q: What are the main challenges you face?

A: The growth in demand for services in the accountancy market has seen an increase in demand for talent both at graduate and qualified levels. Finding enough of the right skills and talent is the biggest challenge facing the accountancy profession. Despite these challenges in the labour market, we have continued to invest heavily in talent, having recruited a significant number of new hires.

InBUSINESS | Recognition Awards 2018

019_InRecog 2018_RBK.indd 19

FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS ADVISORY

INVESTING IN TALENT Q: What makes RBK stand out from competition?

A: RBK have a unique business service offering in that we are a ‘People First’ organisation with a minimum of two senior contacts dedicated to each client. We pride ourselves in having a caring ethos and a focus on the personal and business interests of business owners/entrepreneurs and their families.

Q: Any news or expansion plans for 2019 that you can share with us right now?

A: We have plans to further expand and copperfasten our position as Ireland’s largest independent branded accountancy firm. We are actively recruiting staff – whether that’s in corporate finance, taxation or audit personnel – so that we can continue to improve our service offering to the marketplace.

Q: Your response to receiving the InBUSINESS Recognition Award for Best Financial and Business Advisory Company?

A: We place a very high value on our involvement with the various Chambers of Commerce we work with throughout the country and being recognised as the Best Financial & Business Advisory firm is a great honour for us, particularly for our talented team David Gleeson, Managing Partner, RBK who work to provide a first-class service. We’d also like to thank our clients for their business and providing us with the opportunity of working with innovative and forward thinking business leaders.

19

29/11/2018 14:53

3310_Future_Ready_Ad_A4 Facing) PA 3120 FC advert template.indd 1 (Curtomer 246549_1C_Zurich_JM_Chambers Recognition.indd 1 1118.indd 1

09/11/2018 09:47 11:32 28/11/2018 20/11/2018

ZURICH

InBUSINESS catches up with Joe Creegan, Head of Corporate Life and Pensions, Zurich to find out about the pension landscape in Ireland and why companies need to makes changes sooner rather than later.

Q: How has 2018 been for Zurich?

A: In 2017 we had our best year ever in terms of new business and for 2018 it’s looking like a very strong performance for both our corporate and retail businesses. Our corporate business focuses on companies and their employees – that is retirement provision and providing protection in the event of death or disability. Over the last number of years, we’ve grown our market share and we are now the second largest life company operating in the corporate market and the largest life company in the broker market. We’ve built that on the back of our consistently strong investment performance customer focus, market leading products and our service offering.

Q: Are there any industry trends that are shaping your business right now?

A: What we’re seeing now is an improvement in employment levels. The unemployment rate is down to its lowest level since before the financial crisis so that’s feeding into our business. We’re seeing a lot more employees joining their staff pension scheme, and we’re seeing more employees being included in group protection schemes, be it for death, accident or ill health.

Q: How would you describe the overall landscape for your sector at present?

A: We find ourselves in very interesting times with lots of legislative development on the horizon and many challenges facing the Irish workforce. There are a number of challenges for retirees of the future which the Government and the pensions industry is striving to address; one is that not enough people are participating in supplementary or private pensions. They’re solely relying on the State pension, which they might find less valuable when they reach retirement age. We need to get those people into some form of supplementary pension. The Government’s recent pension proposal to introduce auto-enrolment is a step to address this challenge. However, the bigger challenge could be addressing adequacy of pension contributions. Since the crisis in 2008, many people have not joined a pension scheme or they have ceased to contribute to a pension.

InBUSINESS | Recognition Awards 2018

021_InRecog 2018_Zurich.indd 21

LIFE ASSURANCE AND PENSIONS

TIME TO ACT We’ve lost a decade during which pension coverage has been falling. It’s effectively going to be another ten years from now before we get back to sufficient levels of pension coverage. There are a lot of people in the workforce now who will never see the benefits of autoenrolment and so our message to companies is not to wait until auto-enrolment commences, but to set up a scheme for employees now, and get to the higher levels of contribution proposed under auto-enrolment, sooner rather than later.

Q: Any news or expansion plans for 2019 that you can share with us right now?

A: We continuously enhanceand develop our product offering to meet the changing demands of our customers and in particular, we are focused on improving our communication platform to improve customer engagement and understanding of financial products. We’re using technology creatively to highlight the importance of thinking long term when it comes to saving for retirement.

Joe Creegan, Head of Corporate Life and Pensions, Zurich

Q: Your response to receiving the InBUSINESS Recognition Award for Life Assurance and Pensions?

A: We are delighted to receive this award again in 2018. Zurich has a long tradition in the Life and Pensions market in Ireland spanning 40 years. We are a market leader in the provision of group retirement and protection benefits for employees working for many of Ireland’s larger employers. At Zurich, we provide retirement savings across the whole spectrum of workers, whether self-employed and running their own business or employed and working in small to large enterprises. We have a range of pension and investment fund options with different characteristics depending on whether people want a secure investment or an investment with more risk attached.

21

29/11/2018 14:54

PAYPAL E-COMMERCE

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR ONLINE SHOPPING With great opportunity comes even greater challenges for Irish retailers at this time of year.

I

t’s the busiest shopping time of the year.

Unfortunately for Irish retailers, they have found themselves competing not only with each other but an ever-increasing number of online retailers around the world.

However, online shopping also presents an enormous opportunity to Irish businesses who must find a way to ward off competition from international retailers and persuade consumers to make their purchase with them, either in-store or online.

PayPal has found that the number of Irish consumers shopping at international online stores exceeds the number of domestic online shoppers in Ireland. The company collaborated with Ipsos and conducted a study that found that some 2.2 million Irish consumers made a purchase from an overseas website in the last 12 months, compared to 2.1 million domestic online shoppers. In fact, Irish online consumers are the biggest international shoppers worldwide, with a larger proportion (84%) shopping overseas than all 30 other countries surveyed.

The Global Cross Border Commerce Report found that Irish online shoppers spent €2.7bn overseas in the past 12 months. Almost half-a-million people – 19% of all online shoppers – solely bought from websites outside of Ireland.

Lower prices, more product variety and affordable shipping were some of the main drivers behind Irish shoppers choosing to buy from the top three import markets (UK, USA and China). Irish online shoppers were also deterred from shopping on domestic websites due to delivery fees and return shipping costs.

Louise Phelan, PayPal’s Vice President for Continental Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “While our new research suggests Irish consumers prefer shopping from overseas websites, it also shows Irish businesses that there’s still so much to play for. In just two years’ time, e-commerce is going to be worth over €10bn in Ireland.

Irish businesses have a tremendous opportunity in front of them to attract more customers and increase their online sales.

“The biggest barriers discouraging Irish consumers from shopping domestically are delivery fees and return shipping costs. We launched our Refunded Returns Service to address this. We cover the cost of return

22

022_InRecog 2018_PayPal.indd 22

shipping for online shoppers who use PayPal, saving consumers and businesses up to €30 per return. It’s one of the many ways we’re working hard to help Irish businesses compete online, both at home and internationally.”

And, the opportunity for retailers has never been so great, as online spending continues to burgeon. Irish consumers’ total online spend is currently growing at around 20% year-on-year, giving local businesses the opportunity to gain a larger stake of the expanding e-commerce market. Our study forecasts that Irish consumers will spend €7.8bn online this year, and up to €10.1bn by 2020.

PayPal’s research shows that mobile payments are rapidly growing in Ireland as more shoppers make purchases on-the-go. Two-thirds (65%) of those surveyed shopped using a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, in the last 12 months. The research estimates that mobile spending in Ireland will grow by 61% in 2018 to €2.8bn.

Louise Phelan said: “It’s all about putting yourself in your customer’s shoes and understanding how to turn a browser into a buyer. For example, the number of Irish consumers making a purchase on their mobile is growing at such a phenomenal rate that having a mobile-friendly website is no longer optional – it is absolutely vital for the future of any business.”

With the busiest shopping time of the year in full swing, Irish retailers are facing increased competition from international retailers but they are also faced with a huge opportunity to attract new customers and thrive in the marketplace. They just need to take it.

Louise Phelan, PayPal’s Vice President for Continental Europe, Middle East and Africa

InBUSINESS | Recognition Awards 2018

30/11/2018 11:26

RENAULT FLEET CAR PROVIDER

PEACE OF MIND InBUSINESS catches up with Paddy Magee, Country Operations Director, at Renault Ireland to find out what sets the Renault Kadjar apart from competition.

Q: Tell me a bit about the Renault Kadjar?

A: The Renault Kadjar is a fantastic all-rounder, with comfort and space for the entire family, wrapped in an imposing and stylish body. For 2019, we have a wider range than ever, with powerful new petrol engines and efficient diesels. What sets the Renault Kadjar apart from the competition is the spec – every version in the 2019 Renault Kadjar line-up comes with 7” touch screen, Android Auto®/Apple CarPlay®, climate control, auto lights and wipers and alloy wheels.

Q: Why makes the Renault Kadjar an excellent choice for businesses?

A: The most important thing in any car choice is to look after the driver. Kadjar’s comfort and generous equipment makes sure everyone’s happy. When it comes to total cost of ownership, Renault Bank’s affordable finance and efficient 1.5 dCi engine means Kadjar is an established winner. And finally, peace of mind – our 5 year warranty is backed by an exceptional network of professional dealerships throughout Ireland.

our dealer network is exceptional – for sales, finance and aftersales, the teams in our dealerships are professionally dedicated to ensuring customer satisfaction.

Q: Your response to receiving the InBUSINESS Recognition Award for Best Fleet Car? A: It’s a great reward for Renault Ireland. For me, it’s fantastic to see the Renault Kadjar recognised as the great car it is, but I also see this as a recognition of the benefits of doing business with Renault in Ireland. The team - in Renault Ireland, Renault Bank, and the dealer network - is focussed on ensuring that all customers are able to buy the great value vehicle that’s right for them, and that they can own and operate that vehicle as conveniently and affordably as possible over its lifetime.

Q: How has 2018 been for Renault?

A: 2018 has been a fantastic year for Renault Group in Ireland. It has been the final year of our five year plan, and during the course of that five year plan, we have seen Renault Group growing at 113%, compared to 68% for the market.

Q: What makes Renault stand out from competition?

A: Our design team has done a remarkable job of ensuring that Renault cars have an instantly recognisable look, while giving each car a very distinctive look of its own. We also focus on making our cars a pleasure to live with. The vast majority of Renault models feature touch screen multimedia, hands free key-cards, and automatic lights and wipers. In addition, a five-year warranty and excellent fuel consumption give customers peace of mind and keep costs down throughout ownership. Having our own bank, with a branch in every dealership, means we can tailor finance solutions to suit the cash flow of every private and business customer. And finally,

InBUSINESS | Recognition Awards 2018

023_InRecog 2018_Renault.indd 23

23

30/11/2018 11:30

FC advert template.indd 1 246641_1C_KPMG_JM_Chambers Recognition.indd 1

28/11/2018 27/11/2018 09:48 09:42

KPMG ACCOUNTANCY FIRM

COMMITMENT TO INNOVATION InBUSINESS catches up with Shaun Murphy, Managing Partner of KPMG in Ireland, to find out what makes KPMG the clear choice for Irish business.

W

e are very honoured to receive the InBusiness Accountancy Firm award for the second year in a row. We have great teams who seek to make a difference and I am very proud of the outstanding opportunities and market leading training that is part of a career with KPMG. We work with many great businesses across Ireland from our offices in Dublin, Belfast, Cork and Galway.

Our clients range from household names who have chosen Ireland as an attractive base to access the European market to dynamic, fast growing family and privately owned companies. They differ by size and sector but they all possess a single minded determination to succeed and most particularly, a commitment to innovation. We support such innovation both on a day to day basis through our work with our clients and through the various awards

and mentoring programmes we invest in. We are also Ireland’s largest recruiter of graduates and we are very proud of the tremendous exam results achieved by our people. Furthermore, we are committed to citizenship and CSR programmes and have been recognised for the positive difference our award winning activity has made to the communities in which we operate.

We also value our involvement with the Chambers of Commerce and their members throughout Ireland. It reflects the success of our clients and the commitment of our people. We believe that the quality of the insights and advice we deliver to our clients makes us the clear choice for Irish business. We look forward to 2019 and working with Irish businesses in every sector as they navigate the challenges and seek out opportunities in the year ahead.

Shaun Murphy, Managing Partner of KPMG in Ireland

InBUSINESS | Recognition Awards 2018

025_InRecog 2018_KPMG.indd 25

25

30/11/2018 11:31

NEW IRELAND SPECIAL MERIT

A PROUD HISTORY Supporting customers, remaining easy to do business with in an ever-changing world, offering excellent value to customers and delivering consistently brilliant propositions and service is the secret to New Ireland Assurance’s 100 year success.

Q: Congratulations on celebrating 100 years in business. How has 2018 been for New Ireland Assurance?

A: It has been a very special year for us, reflecting on our proud 100 year history of looking after customers and communities in Ireland. We are also investing significantly to transform our business - to ensure we continue to serve customers brilliantly, deliver strong sustainable growth and remain relevant for the next 100 years. One of the many high points of the year was our Centenary Gala dinner. We were joined by Michael D’Arcy, Minister of State for Financial Services and Insurance, Francesca McDonagh, CEO of Bank of Ireland, a number of sporting celebrities, customers, brokers and colleagues - past and present – including descendants of MW O’Reilly, company co-founder and first managing director of New Ireland, for what was a really memorable night.

Q: Looking back on the past 100 years, what would you say were your ‘key wins’?

A: 100 years ago when New Ireland was founded, the focus was all about investing Irish savings in Irish industry and business, supporting jobs and helping the Irish economy grow. The company played a role in strengthening and rehabilitating the social, economic and cultural resources of the people of Ireland. Funds were largely invested in industries where native Irish materials were used, as well as government and municipal stocks. 100 years on, we are still very much focussed on helping families and businesses in Ireland to be financially confident and secure.

We believe that companies that last 100 years are the ones that have understood what customers want, that address their needs and evolve appropriately with them over time. I am proud that my predecessors and my current and former colleagues managed to successfully navigate a changing and often challenging landscape, to deliver brilliantly for customers and to create an institution we can all be proud of today.

26

026_InRecog 2018_New Ireland.indd 26

Today we have a national presence, with over 500,000 customers.

We are the only Irishowned bancassurer in Ireland, part of the Bank of Ireland Group, a 255year old Irish institution whose purpose is to enable customers, colleagues and communities in Ireland to thrive.

This business is all about trust and relationships.

One of the great things about New Ireland is the Michael Murphy, focus on partnership Managing Director of New Ireland Assurance and the very strong relationships we have fostered over the years with business partners, brokers and customers. This has been critical to our success.

Q: What are the main challenges you face?

A: We are in a mature, established industry operating in a rapidly-changing world. The expectations of customers and the way they want companies to interact with them are changing rapidly. We must evolve our business to preserve what has made us successful for the last 100 years but also to change to meet the current and future needs of different customers in an ever-changing world.

The importance of high quality financial advice will be more important than ever. We are looking to be a digitally-enabled people business, using state of the art technology and solutions to support financial advisors and brokers to deliver high quality advice to customers. This will ensure we meet the advice needs of our customers in a way that works for them as individuals and enables them to make the right choices to meet their future financial needs.

Life and Pensions is a long-term business and customers need to be confident about the service

InBUSINESS | Recognition Awards 2018

29/11/2018 14:58

NEW IRELAND

Q: What is the secret to success and longevity in today’s market?

A: Being part of an iconic Irish organisation such as Bank of Ireland, and one that shares our purpose of enabling Irish customers, colleagues and communities to thrive is something that is very important to us.

Our customers know that as a financial services group we are committed to Ireland and that we will be here for them when they need us over the next 100 years.

Our focus is on understanding our customers’ needs and investing to be easy to do business with, offering good value to customers and consistently delivering excellent service when our customers need us. To give you some examples of this:

best possible ongoing service to their clients. We are investing in a Digital Advice Platform that will provide brokers and financial advisors with the opportunity to give start to finish financial advice in real time. We are planning on bringing this to market early next year.

Corporate pensions have been identified as a core area of focus, development, investment and growth.

This is an area of real and urgent customer need, an area that is complex and requires simplification and with auto-enrolment likely in 2022, the market needs New Ireland to be ready and brilliant. We believe that this will be achieved in 2019. We have an experienced, award-winning group pensions team of over 100 staff and we will be looking to grow this business significantly in the coming years.

SPECIAL MERIT

levels and ongoing support they will receive. There is also a real need for ongoing advice as circumstances change and the needs of customers evolve. It will be critical to have technology and service platforms that allow customers to speak to an agent, to self-serve or to access ongoing financial advice in a way that suits them.

We have successfully faced many challenges and changes as an organisation over the last 100 years. I am confident that as long as we continue to invest in our business and focus on delivering what is important to our customers, we will successfully navigate these challenges and be a market leader for the next 100 years.

Q: Your response to receiving the Special Merit Award at this year’s InBUSINESS Recognition Awards?

A: We are absolutely thrilled and honoured to receive this award. From concept to when New Ireland was founded, a number of notable names were involved in the early days, with Michael Collins and Eamon De Valera playing a part. Very few other insurance companies globally can trace its roots to the origin of the State.

Today, New Ireland is looking to the next 100 years with confidence and a clear purpose to enable customers, colleagues and communities to thrive by investing Ireland’s money, protecting Ireland’s families and businesses and securing Ireland’s future.

ver the last five years we paid more than €500m O in protection claims to help customers and their families at critical and sensitive life moments – providing support when it is most needed; We currently invest more than €2bn in Irish businesses and property, consistent with the original aims of the organisation; We are working with businesses to provide solutions to the rising cost of defined benefit pension schemes, while also ensuring their employees can live healthy, fulfilling lives post-retirement; We are focusing on financial education and wellness for Irish consumers as well as promoting social issues such as the challenges of parents returning back to work; We are focused on the wellbeing and development of our colleagues. Having a happy, healthy, energised workforce is critical to being customerfocused and delivering brilliantly.

Q: Any news or expansion plans for 2019 that you can share with us right now?

A: We believe in harnessing digital technology that will empower brokers and financial advisors by supporting them to deliver financial advice in the future, whilst also supporting them in delivering the

InBUSINESS | Recognition Awards 2018

026_InRecog 2018_New Ireland.indd 27

Pictured here are (l-r) Michael Murphy, Managing Director of New Ireland Assurance, Francesca McDonagh, Bank of Ireland CEO, Colette Filer, granddaughter of MW O’Reilly, the first managing director of New Ireland Assurance, and her son John Filer.

27

29/11/2018 14:59

BEST FINANCIAL SERVICE COMPANY IN IRELAND 2018

MANY THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS AND CUSTOMERS WHO MADE THIS POSSIBLE

www.grenke.ie

FC advert template.indd 1 246755_1C_Grenke_JM_Chambers Recognition.indd 1

WE FINANCE YOUR BUSINESS

28/11/2018 20/11/2018 09:49 13:02

GRENKE FINANCIAL SERVICES

TEAM EFFORT InBUSINESS catches up with Justin Twiddy, MD GRENKE Limited, who is gearing up for GRENKE’s 15-year anniversary in Ireland.

Q: How has 2018 been for GRENKE? A: 2018 has been a great year for GRENKE. Internationally we celebrated our 40 year anniversary and expanded into over 31 countries. Locally, we have doubled the sales force and business has been very buoyant for us, from engaging with new customers and partner suppliers to expanding our product offering. Business has been growing steady because of this and we are very pleased with our leading position in the marketplace as 2018 comes to a close.

Q: What would you say were your ‘key wins’ this year?

A: The launch of our new website along with the GRENKE SigningApp were significant milestones for us and both have been very well received in the marketplace, in addition the expansion of our asset range, particularly in the area of technology. Our invoice finance arm has also continued to strengthen its presence in the Irish market hiring three regional sales people. A big win for us has been the market’s realisation that our technology based platform makes invoice payments and management so much more flexible, efficient and manageable.

Q: How would you describe the overall landscape for the financial services sector at present?

A: Overall, we feel the market is buoyant with 2018 showing great business expansion locally across all sectors. There has been increased competition in the marketplace which we welcome as it is allowing customers realise there are alternative forms of finance available to them outside of the traditional pillar banks. This hasn’t always been the case for Irish SMEs. Q: What are the main challenges you face?

A: As with many Irish businesses, the uncertainty of the impact of Brexit is a concern, not so much for ourselves as a service based industry but more so for our customers - especially those that export to the UK and Europe. However, having spoken with customers in those areas, they are gearing up and managing their businesses and turning the Brexit challenge into an opportunity to diversify into new areas and territories.

InBUSINESS | Recognition Awards 2018

029_InRecog 2018_Grenke.indd 29

Q: What makes GRENKE stand out from competition?

A: Simply put; the team! We really do strive to give the personal, fast, efficient service we talk about. We pride ourselves on our people. In Ireland, especially, people do business with people – it builds trust and confidence and that is key for us.

In addition, our back-end systems and the fact that we have our own bank mean we can turn around finance decisions in 20 minutes, cover 100% of the asset, pay the supplier, or, in the case of invoice finance, fund your invoice within 24hours.

Q: Any news or expansion plans for 2019 that you can share with us right now?

A: 2019 is our 15-year anniversary in Ireland, which is a significant and exciting milestone for us to celebrate with our customers, suppliers and staff. We will continue to grow and streamline the business locally as we have done year-on-year. As a result of our growing teams, we are expanding our office space and are always challenging ourselves to work with new and developing businesses across all sectors We are also launching a new single invoice funding facility called “Cashflow Optimizer” which will be a great addition and very much suit and work for the marketplace.

Q: Your response to receiving the InBUSINESS Recognition Award for Financial Services?

A: We are delighted and honoured to be receiving this award. It is a great refection on our team’s hard work and effort over the past 14 years. From a small team of four to now a local workforce of over 50+, we really feel that receiving this award validates our commitment and work ethic locally.

Justin Twiddy, Managing Director, Grenke Limited

29

29/11/2018 15:01

FC advert template.indd 1 246652_1C_Trinity_JM_Chambers Recognition.indd 1

28/11/2018 27/11/2018 09:50

TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN

Trinity College Dublin’s Office of Corporate Partnership & Knowledge Exchange is committed to supporting industry, having built up strong relationships with industry stakeholders and agencies.

F

rom SMEs to MNCs, short-term projects to long-term collaborations, Trinity College Dublin works with industry stakeholders and agencies to share infrastructure and expertise, tackling industry-relevant research challenges.

The college’s Office of Corporate Partnership and Knowledge Exchange (OCPKE) supports both industry engagement and the commercialisation of Trinity research. The office reaches out to the business community in order to develop partnerships which enable industry to benefit from quality teaching, research and infrastructure within Trinity.

“The team here tries to help researchers and academics go from idea generation to making an impact,” says Dr Chris Keely, Senior Business Development Manager, OCPKE. Dr Keely brings 20 years of experience working with technologyfocused multinational and indigenous companies, in the areas of new business generation, industry and academic engagement. In his current position at Trinity, he champions and is responsible for the successful delivery of the college’s industry strategy – enabling and supporting the linking and commercial exploitation of academic research with industry. “I head up the research business team, which means helping companies to come and work with our researchers,” he explains. “Our ethos is to try and connect companies to the best set of researchers possible, both in Trinity and externally as well.”

WORKING BOTH WAYS The benefit for companies engaging with Trinity in this manner is that they can access a level of expertise and innovation that might otherwise be unavailable to them. However, the benefits extend beyond the companies themselves, as they too bring something to the table. “There’s a lot of engagement schemes which enable, for example, internships, where we place students in companies for maybe six months,” says Dr Keely. The college runs what it calls a Researcher in Residence programme, where a company puts researchers into the college’s labs to work hand-in-hand with Trinity professors in

InBUSINESS | Recognition Awards 2018

031_InRecog 2018_Trinity.indd 31

developing common ideas or solving some of the company’s challenges. Schemes such as this are of great benefit to both the college and industry.

Dr Keely’s team at Trinity have a strong industrial network, making forming relationships with companies that bit easier. “All the team in my office come from an industry background,” he says. “We have a lot of relationships built on previous engagements. We’d also work with, for example, Enterprise Ireland and IDA in identifying and meeting companies as well.”

Ireland has a strong national base of companies with Dr Chris Keely, Senior Business which Trinity can engage, but Development Manager, the university does also look Trinity College Dublin’s, overseas and reaches out to OPKE international companies.

ACADEMIA COLLABORATION WITH INDUSTRY

WHERE EDUCATION MEETS INDUSTRY

SPIN-OUTS Trinity has produced more spin-outs than any other Irish university, many of which have grown to be leading companies. Trinity now accounts for one-fifth of all spin-out companies from Irish higher education institutions. In the last five years alone, Trinity has created over 38 campus companies across all the main sectors of medical devices, pharmaceutical and ICT. Trinity has been heavily involved in the new innovation district area in the Grand Canal Docks, with one campus already located there and another planned. The college is looking to expand on its strong relationships with industry, but always in such a way as to remain conscious of research fundamentals.

“Trinity is really about delivering excellence in research and translating this to industry through targeted relationships,” Dr Keely concludes.

31

29/11/2018 15:01

Markets won’t wait.

So your innovation can’t either.

The new Agile Innovation Fund Responding to the threats and opportunities posed by Brexit demands innovation.

Enterprise Ireland’s new Agile Innovation Fund allows companies to access up to 50% in support for product, process or service development projects with a total cost of up to €300,000 – with fast-track approval.

So you can engage in the innovation activity necessary to make your international growth ambitions reality.

Up to 50% of funding available for R&D projects

< €300,000

ONLINE APPLICATION

To apply or for more details, visit: globalambition.ie/agile #GlobalAmbition

FC advert template.inddIreland_JM_Chambers 1 246756_1C_Enterprise Recognition.indd 1 EI_Chambers_210x297_Tactical_FA.indd 1

28/11/2018 23/11/2018 09:56 14:53 21/11/2018 17:04

ENTERPRISE IRELAND SEMI STATE BODY

RECORD EMPLOYMENT Paul McKeown, Chief Financial Officer, Enterprise Ireland, chats to InBUSINESS about job growth and recovery in Ireland and the challenges of Brexit.

Q: How has 2018 been for Enterprise Ireland and its clients/ What would you say were your ‘key wins’ this year?

A: At the beginning of the year, Enterprise Ireland reported the creation of 19,332 new jobs by Enterprise Ireland backed companies in 2017. 209,338 people are now employed in companies supported by the agency. This is the highest total employment achieved in the history of the agency.

Furthermore, in July this year, Enterprise Ireland announced that its clients recorded export sales of €22.71bn in 2017, representing a 7 per cent increase on 2016. This is the highest level of export sales recorded in the history of the agency and the eighth-consecutive year of clients’ export growth.

Q: How would you describe the overall business landscape in Ireland at present?

A: 2017 represented another year of strong performance by our client companies who now employ over 209,000 people and are a barometer of the robust health of Irish businesses. Despite the challenge and uncertainty created by Brexit, Irish companies have continued to grow their global exports, supporting strong job creation across all of the regions of Ireland.

Q: What are the main challenges you face?

A: As Brexit negotiations progress, significant challenges remain for Irish companies. Enterprise Ireland is advising Irish exporters to prepare and to take action now. This will be good for their businesses, irrespective of the outcome of the negotiations. Enterprise Ireland is actively supporting Irish companies to respond to the challenges and opportunities posed by Brexit, to prepare for Brexit and to take the necessary steps to ensure they are more innovative, competitive and market diversified to see in the challenges ahead.

InBUSINESS | Recognition Awards 2018

IBRA_2018_Enterprise IrelandI_CP_AW.indd 33

Paul McKeown, Chief Financial Officer, Enterprise Ireland

Q: Any news or expansion plans for 2019 that you can share with us right now?

A: Enterprise Ireland’s Corporate Strategy 2017- 2020 ‘Building Scale, Expanding Reach & Delivering Global Ambition’ is about inspiring and driving the scale of Irish enterprises globally.

We have set strategic ambitions to increase client exports by €5bn to €26bn per annum by 2020 and to support our clients in the creation of 60,000 new jobs.

Q: Your response to receiving the InBUSINESS Recognition Award for Semi State Body?

A: We are delighted and honoured to receive the InBusiness Recognition Award for a Semi State Body. This means a great deal for the agency and all the staff based both here in Ireland across the nine regional offices and within the 33 overseas offices who work tirelessly to promote our client companies and Irish exports overseas in international markets. This is a wonderful acknowledgement of all the achievements as a result of the hard work throughout the year.

33

30/11/2018 10:22

BRAVE DREAMS BIGGER KINGS OF CONNEMARA SHELLFISH EXPORTERS

WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE BACKING BRAVE

The featured customers received a gratuity. Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. Is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

FC advert template.indd 1 246693_1C_AIB_JM_Chambers Recognition.indd 1

28/11/2018 23/11/2018 09:51 14:57

CATHERINE MORONEY - AIB

Catherine Moroney, Head of AIB Business Banking, talks to InBUSINESS about what it takes to make it to boardroom level and how AIB is assisting customers in preparing for Brexit.

Q: How has 2018 been for AIB? A: This year has seen continued strong performance in the economy and AIB’s performance reflects this. In July, AIB announced new lending of €5bn across business, mortgages and corporate - this is a strong indicator of productive investment growth in Ireland. Our continued investment in the business is also evident, with a 43% rise in our mobile banking business and an increase in customers using digital services. At the centre of our strategy is our focus on offering customers choice and ease of access, which is people led and digitally enabled.

Q: How would you describe the overall landscape for your sector at present?

A: The economic outlook remains strong for banking and for Ireland, notwithstanding headwinds such as pressures of full employment, infrastructure demands and International developments including Brexit.

In the banking sector generally – I would describe it as stable with strong capital underpinning the sector. In terms of the competitive landscape, in particular in payments and in digital delivery, there is a phenomenal pace of innovation which continuously improves accessibility, transparency and efficiency for customers.

Q: What are the main challenges you face?

A: One of our key areas of focus now is to ensure we assist customers successfully through Brexit. Less than 6% of business customers surveyed by AIB have ‘formal Brexit plans’ in place, with 22% of them having already cancelled or postponed investment plans and a further 20% are now reviewing investment plans in ROI. To help businesses prepare, AIB have launched a Brexit Ready Check - an online tool where a business owner can answer a series of questions and receive a personalised report providing them with suggested courses of action and options to help them prepare. Businesses can also talk to any of AIB’s 26 Brexit advisors nationally, or to their AIB relationship manager and our treasury team to obtain more specific assistance about other Brexit supports we have available.

InBUSINESS | Recognition Awards 2018

035_InRecog 2018_AIB.indd 35

BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR

NO SHORTCUTS TO SUCCESS Q: What advice would you have for young, ambitious people looking to make it to boardroom level?

Firstly – focus on your strengths. Too often there is a focus on ‘development gaps’ and whilst these are important if they are people skills that you need to hone and develop over time, when it comes Catherine Moroney, Head of AIB Business Banking to leveraging your abilities, the critical thing is to work in a field that you love. Then you will thrive and have the time and energy to develop the general management and interpersonal skills you need to perform at board level.

Secondly, in order to make it to boardroom level, you must continuously work on developing your knowledge and wisdom. I call it the ‘inch by inch’ process - decide what area of strength you are developing and work on it, an inch a day – don’t put it off, stay curious, keep learning.

Thirdly, keep taking on opportunities to grow, step forward and stretch yourself. Ask for help from those whom you know are more experienced.

Build strong relationships as you go. If you want to operate at board level, others keep score of the type of people leader that you are. There are no short cuts to building your reputation.

Q: Your response to receiving the InBUSINESS Recognition Award for Businesswoman of the year?

A: Initially – surprise, followed quickly by genuine delight. What an honour – thank you! I do believe there is no such thing as an ‘individual award’. I work with a terrific team of people, both within AIB and in the wider business community, for example through my involvement with the committed people involved in Dublin Chamber of Commerce.

35

29/11/2018 16:32

2 Year Home Insurance Discount for InBusiness Readers

Blue Insurance is offering all InBusiness readers €25 off all 1 and 2 Year Home Insurance Policies. To avail of this offer, simply book online at www.blueinsurance.ie or call 0818 484 484 quoting the promotional code: BlueHome25Chambers ADDITIONAL INSURANCE PRODUCTS FROM BLUE INSURANCE: 2 Year Car Insurance

Gadget Insurance

Travel Insurance

0818 484 484

|

Car Hire Excess Insurance

BlueInsurance.ie

*€25 Discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Discount code valid until 31st July 2019.

Blue Insurance Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

FC advert template.indd 1 246764_1C_Blue Insurance_JM_Chambers Recognition.indd 1

28/11/2018 21/11/2018 09:52 10:28

CIARAN MULLIGAN - BLUE INSURANCE BUSINESSMAN OF THE YEAR

UNIQUE OFFERING InBUSINESS catches up with Ciaran Mulligan, Managing Director, Blue Insurance, to hear about the changes taking place at Blue Insurance as well as plans for the future.

Q: How has 2018 been for Blue Insurance?

A: 2018 has been another good year for Blue Insurance with continued excellent growth. Key products such as Travel, Gadget, Car Hire Excess continues to grow strongly. Home & Motor products are also performing well. You are probably aware Blue Insurance was acquired by Cover-More, the travel insurance business of Zurich Insurance Group in October of this year.

Q: How would you describe the overall landscape for your sector at present?

A: The landscape for intermediaries is good but there are tough challenges. One of the big challenges is from insurers selling direct and not offering intermediaries equivalent rates. Regulation is another big challenge with a lot of time spent implementing new EU wide regulations. Brexit continues to be at the forefront of our minds especially as Blue Insurance trades in both Ireland and the UK. In addition to trading concerns, intermediaries have to ensure their underwriters/MGAs are able to underwrite risks in Ireland should a No Deal/Hard Brexit occur.

Q: How has your role changed over the past 12 months?

A: My focus for the past year has been to finalise the sale of Blue Insurance while continuing to grow the business. Considering the growth achieved in 2018, I think both my management team and I have done a really good job.

Ciaran Mulligan, Managing Director, Blue Insurance

Q: What makes Blue Insurance stand out from competition?

A: I think we are unlike any other broker in the market. We innovate and are proactive in everything we do. We like to be first out into the market with a product and our marketing strategy has been very successful over the years. Procurement is always at the forefront of our minds when negotiating deals.

Q: Any news or expansion plans for 2019 that you can share with us right now?

A: The launch of Life and Pensions will be a key priority. In addition, the introduction of two year policies on some of our niche products. And European expansion!

Q: What is your business motto?

A: Our business motto is to offer simple, reliable, affordable & trustworthy insurance product and to treat all customers with respect and fairness.

Q: What advice would you have for young, ambitious people looking to make it to boardroom level?

A: Never give up! Innovation is the key to success.

Look for opportunities and go for it. If the company you are working in doesn’t support you, move job!

Q: What are the main challenges you face?

A: Depending on the outcome of Brexit, this could certainly be a big challenge for us in early 2019.

Given the current economic boom in Ireland, recruiting and retaining employees is a big challenge, especially those in the IT sector.

Q: Your response to receiving the InBUSINESS Recognition Award for Businessman of the year?

A: I’m absolutely delighted and humbled to receive this award. As you know one person alone doesn’t make a company successful, so I will gladly dedicate this award to all my amazing team in Blue Insurance.

InBUSINESS | Recognition Awards 2018

037_InRecog 2018_Blue Insurance.indd 37

37

29/11/2018 16:32

A place in Europe Guiding your business through Brexit A foothold in Ireland offers a pro-business economy and a continued presence in Europe.

Eversheds Sutherland offers you legal excellence worldwide, across 66 offices in 32 jurisdictions, through a single point of access in Dublin, for a unique geographical presence that allows us to understand your business needs and risks.

As the EUâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;UK Trade Agreement negotiations unfold, you can depend on us to keep you ahead of the twists and turns.

Our Brexit Group is here to help your business be aware of the opportunities, while avoiding any pitfalls, that arise.

For further information, contact: Alan Murphy Managing Partner +353 1 6644 289 alanmurphy@eversheds-sutherland.ie Sean Ryan Chair, Brexit Group +353 1 6644 207 seanryan@eversheds-sutherland.ie

eversheds-sutherland.ie

FC advert template.indd 1 246756_1C_Eversheds_JM_Chambers Recognition.indd 1

28/11/2018 23/11/2018 09:53 14:50

EVERSHEDS SUTHERLAND COMPANY OF THE YEAR

A GLOBAL OFFERING Alan Murphy, Managing Partner at Eversheds Sutherland, Dublin, talks to InBUSINESS about what gives Eversheds Sutherland a superior edge and shares plans for the future.

Q: How has 2018 been for Eversheds Sutherland?

A: 2018 has been a great year for us. Across Eversheds Sutherland Europe, our Dublin and Belfast offices are two of the star performers. We have seen strong growth across multiple practice areas such as in our corporate division including data protection, cyber security, taxation, litigation and real estate.

We also saw significant growth in our regulatory consultancy division with some big account win and some exciting projects on the horizon.

We recruited Deborah Hutton to head up the expansion of our asset management & regulatory practice in Ireland and Katy Smyth joins us as consultant in aviation finance & leasing. Our data privacy and IP team led by partner Marie McGinley have had an incredibly busy 12 months dealing with GDPR related work. We see this as one of our major growth areas in 2019.

Q: What are the main challenges you face today?

A: Our challenge is to stay ahead of client needs at all times across all sectors and to leverage the international expertise of our colleagues based in the Eversheds Sutherland offices around the world to maximum effect. Increasingly, Irish-based clients are demanding an international offering and we are perfectly and uniquely positioned to deliver on that.

With Ireland as a hub for multi nationals and now with Brexit, we anticipate more international firms will establish a position here. However, our mature market knowledge sets us apart.

Brexit will of course pose major challenges for all of us over the coming few years. Through our Dublin-based high level Brexit group we are offering businesses a unique Brexit advisory and support service drawing on the expertise of our international colleagues and our multidisciplinary Belfast-based team. Our clients are very pragmatic and we are working closely with them on how to future proof their businesses and to anticipate, as best we can in these uncertain times, whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ahead.

The position with the Irish Border and cross border trade with Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK has created significant business uncertainty. With

InBUSINESS | Recognition Awards 2018

IBRA_2018_Eversheds_CP_AW.indd 39

our multi-disciplinary office in Belfast we are uniquely placed to provide a bespoke and exceptional service to businesses based on both sides of the Irish border.

Q: What makes Eversheds Sutherland stand out from competition?

A: Eversheds Sutherland is the only full service international law firm Alan Murphy, Managing in Ireland offering an Partner at Eversheds Sutherland all-Ireland and global presence with 66 offices in 32 jurisdictions, including world class legal excellence across six key US locations with approximately 400 lawyers, providing legal services to a global client base. With 2,400 lawyers worldwide representing 72 of fortune 100 and 61 of the FTSE 100, no other law firm in Ireland can offer your business access to this level of support on both sides of the Atlantic.

Q: Any news or expansion plans for 2019 that you can share with us right now?

A: Our Belfast team is going from strength to strength and we anticipate further growth in that office in 2019. Mathew Howse joined the Belfast team earlier this year to enhance our litigation practice and he has already made a big impact.

Q: Your response to receiving the InBUSINESS Recognition Award for Company of the Year?

A: We are delighted and honoured to receive this award. We know that we have something very special at our firm but to get this award is a very nice acknowledgement of the hard work of the firm on behalf of clients in 2018. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lovely way to cap off a great year.

39

29/11/2018 15:05

For more information on New Ireland Assurance and our financial solutions talk to your Financial Broker or Advisor, or go to newireland.ie Offices nationwide: Dublin | Cork | Galway | Kilkenny | Limerick | Sligo New Ireland Assurance Company plc is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

A member of Bank of Ireland Group.

FC advert template.indd 1 246697_1C_New Ireland_JM_Chambers Recognition_V2.indd 1

28/11/2018 10:19 10:17

IBC_InRecog 2018.indd 1

28/11/2018 12:37

OBC_InRecog 2018.indd 1

28/11/2018 12:31