In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore has been looking at a west Donegal business that continues to prosper and expand. Donegal Shores Hygiene & Catering dates back to 1990, and supplies hygiene systems and catering equipment, and stocks over 10,000 lines of product from toilet rolls to crockery, from kitchen utensils to washing up liquid, […]
In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore finds out about hundreds of jobs on offer at Vertiv, which has factories in Letterkenny, Burnfoot and Derry, and also hears from Ballybofey man Aiden Thompson and his new business venture The Mind Maze. First up, Vertiv is undertaking a major recruitment drive with hundreds of positions on offer.
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore has been speaking with Karoline Sweeney, Managing Partner of Castle Grove Country House Hotel, just outside Letterkenny, who recently became the President of Letterkenny Chamber. They talk about her role as Chamber President and her main objectives for the year ahead, plus her thoughts on the tourism and
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore has been finding out about Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, how millions of euro’s worth of energy is being wasted each year – but this could change – and also the challenges facing the construction industry due to increased oil and gas prices. Up first, Chris has been speaking with
In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore pays a visit to the office of Print Supplies in Frosses to interview its founder and owner Dermot Doherty. Managing printing for your business or organisation shouldn’t be overly time consuming, or even frustrating, and it doesn’t need to be complicated. Print Supplies provides solutions that save you
Business Matters – EP 289: Dermot Doherty of Print Supplies in Frosses Read More »
In this week’s programme, Chris Ashmore begins with some interesting thoughts from Tomás Ó Síocháin, the CEO of Údarás na Gaeltachta, who firmly believers that Gaeltacht areas could find themselves having to manage in influx of people. Next up there’s up update on new car registrations in Donegal. And then Chris speaks with Brendan Mulry, a
In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore talks with Mairtin Kelly, originally from Galway, but who now lives just outside Letterkenny, and who many listeners will know from his days at Kelly’s Centra and Diner at the Mountain Top in the town. He bought the store back in 2011, and developed it into a thriving
On Business Matters this week Chris Ashmore speaks with finance expert Dan Malone about how savers should shop around to get better interest rates, and finds out more about the recently launched savings comparison website, honest.ie Ireland is a nation of savers, but many people are getting paltry interest rates on their deposits. Dan explains
On Business Matters this week Chris Ashmore has been finding all about how a Donegal oyster producer who is using AI to monitor oyster health with support from Enterprise Ireland, ATU Donegal and Board Iascaigh Mhara. Lee Hunter, a marine biologist and owner of Oisirí Oileán Cróine Teoranta in Dungloe Bay, has created the system, known
On Business Matters this week Chris Ashmore looks at a Donegal company that looks set to play a major role in helping to solve underground issues that ultimately can affect millions of people. Underneath our cities, towns and villages and reaching into rural areas too there is an enormous network of pipes, of water mains,
In this week’s programme Chris Ashmore finds out more about Emerald Education which is based in Bundoran. A mum of three daughters, Elaine Lingard wanted them to get the best from her. She left the school system having been a teacher and started tutoring, giving her also a better work-life balance and more time with
Business Matters, Ep 282: Elaine Lingard of Emerald Education Read More »
On Business Matters this week Chris Ashmore looks at a great Donegal success story. He’s been speaking with two brothers who started out selling bobble hats to local sports teams, and who are now presiding over an expanding and thriving business that is now employing more than 30 people in Ballybofey and which is also
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore speaks with coaching psychologist and well-being specialist Anna Marie Brosi. She will be speaking at a Business Leadership Breakfast being hosted by Letterkenny Chamber in the Century Complex in the town on Friday, January 30th, where the theme will be Strategies to Thrive. Chris has been finding out
On Business Matters this week, I’ll be finding out about how people living in Ireland can avail of a UK pension – even if they only worked for a year in the North or in Britain – and also hearing about the supports and grants available through the Local Enterprise Office. Many people in Donegal
On Business Matters this week Chris’s Ashmore’s guest is Dr. Siobhan Murray, the founder of Blue Poppy Dentistry and Orthodontics. A native of Omagh and a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin, she opened her first practice in Donegal Town in 2010. Then in 2019 a second practice was opened on the Pearse Road in Letterkenny.
Business Matters – Ep 278: Dr. Siobhan Murray, Blue Poppy Dentistry and Orthodontics Read More »
In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore traces the story of McGinley Coaches, founded by John McGinley more than 50 years ago. In December, James McGinley was named as the 2025 Business Person of the Year Award at the Donegal Dublin Business Network Gala Night. The current CEO and son of John McGinley, he has
In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore’s main focus of attention is a look at a very exciting Donegal Diaspora Initiative that is taking place in March in Philadelphia. And later in the programme, he’ll be speaking with Paul O’Donnell, about his role as Employment Engagement Coordinator, with the Donegal Local Development Company and what
In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore has been finding out more about a great little Donegal business that is expanding rapidly and which looks to have a bright future. Donegal Sea Salt, based in Cranford, is making waves, and has won a number of awards, most the most recent being at the Donegal Enterprise
Business Matters – Ep 275: Donegal Sea Salt is making waves Read More »
On Business Matters this week Chris Ashmore talks with Martin Hilferty of Orbit Security which has now been in business for over 30 years. From small beginners, the company has expanded considerably over the years, during which time there have been periods of growth, but also challenges. Martin also overcame a major health issue several
In this week’s edition, Chris Ashmore looks at the new auto enrolment pension scheme in Ireland, called “My Future Fund” which will begin on January 1, 2026, automatically enrolling eligible employees into a retirement savings plan. Thousands of people in Donegal are set to benefit. You will be automatically enrolled in the new pension scheme if you are an employee and you: Are aged between 23 and 60; Do not
This week Chris has been looking at two very different businesses, one aimed at storytelling and creativity and getting children away from screens, and the other which is a luxury hotel and spa gifting platform that is rapidly expanding. First up, Fudge and Gandol is a new Donegal-based children’s creativity company built around storytelling. Founded
In this week’s programme Chris Ashmore speaks with Shane Deery, the recently appointed Business Office Manager with Ballybofey and Stranorlar Chamber, and also Mary McKenna MBE, who is chair and co-founder of Awaken Angels, which invests in women-led enterprises. First up, Chris went to the Twin Towns to find out more about the local business chamber,
In this week’s programme the focus of attention is the Irish language and in particular how businesses in Letterkenny could reap the rewards by promoting it and using it to a greater extent. Recently, Líonra Leitir Ceanainn and Letterkenny Chamber came together to host a Give it a Go – As Gaeilge business breakfast event
Business Matters – Ep 270: Why using more Irish is a win, win for Letterkenny businesses Read More »
In this week’s programme Chris Ashmore finds out about a new Donegal food company, Wild & Co, which has launched a five week campaign to fund the first production run of its innovative wild venison snacks, a clean, tasty and sustainable alternative to the many ultra-processed protein bars out there on the market. Founded by
Business Matters: Ep 269 – New Donegal firm to launch wild venison protein bars Read More »
In this week’s programme, Chris Ashmore speaks with Dermot Doherty of Restex beds and furniture which is based in Letterkenny. Founded over 50 years ago by Terence Doherty, the company is now operated by Terence’s son Dermot, and is well known for its quality mattresses. Indeed, their luxury mattresses can not only be found in homes,
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore looks at the forthcoming Donegal ETB Enterprise Day for around 250 students from 17 post-primary schools, and also what business energy support grants are currently available from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. First up he finds out more about the enterprise event which is being stated in
In this week’s programme, Chris Ashmore speaks with Dr. Caitriona Strain, General Manager of Ernact, an international digital transformation network that was established back in 1991. Based in the CoLab at ATU Letterkenny, it is constantly involved in exploring opportunities for funding, and development and knowledge transfer for digital transformation, and has been instrumental in
In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore speaks with the owner and founder of Purple Velvet, a bespoke bakery based in Glenmaquin, just outside Letterkenny. During Covid, Diane Nesbitt found herself with time on her hands and decided to try selling some home-made cup cakes. The response was hugely positive. That was the beginning of
Business Matters, Ep 264 – Diane Nesbitt, founder of bespoke bakery Purple Velvet Read More »
In this week’s edition Chris Ashmore has been finding out more about a whole range of courses offered by the Donegal Education and Training Board, and the opportunities to explore new fields, upskill, and perhaps even consider a change of career. In the second part of the programme, Chris finds out more about gender pay
Donegal’s growing reputation for producing great food will be highlighted again next month at the final of Blás na h’Eireann 2025 (the Irish Taste Awards) – the largest food awards in the country. The event takes place in Kerry and there are a record number of food and beverage producers from the county through to
In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore speaks with Ron Kerrigan, the general manager at the Ballyliffin Lodge and Spa Hotel in Inishowen. It’s a family run hotel and proprietors Sean and Mary Keogh and their four children have much to be proud about. Indeed this year marks 20 years in business for them in
In this week’s programme Chris Ashmore looks at the wind energy sector, the potential, and the challenges. He speaks with Justin Moran, Director of External Affairs with the Wind Energy Ireland as they discuss the opportunities that are arising for more off-shore development, and also the spin-off in terms of employment.
In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore has been speaking with Galway-based Joanne Sweeney about her new book which is called “AI Playbook – The strategic guide to AI for Marketing and Communications”. Joanne, who is from Downings, is well known to many of our listeners, having work in the Highland Radio newsroom for a
In this week’s programme Chris Ashmore has been finding out more about the Wild Fuschia Bakehouse in Dunfananghy which has won a string of awards and which announced recently that its Irish Scone Mix has been one of the products selected for this year’s Grow With ALdi initiative which champions emerging Irish food producers, giving
Business Matters, Ep 257 – Sian McCann of the award winning Wild Fuschia Bakehouse Read More »
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore has been speaking with Donegal artist Jacinta Callaghan. From a young age she was interested in art. She was also interested in hairdressing and at just 16 she left Donegal to go to Dublin to train with Peter Mark. After further training in Jon Paul’s in Derry, she came
Business Matters, Ep 256 – artist Jacinta Callaghan Read More »
In this week’s programme, Chris Ashmore catches up with Donegal man Garrett Harte, a multi award-winning senior media executive whose family is steeped in politics and who has more than two decades of experience in the broadcast industry. The former Editor-in-Chief of Newstalk, he led and shaped the national current affairs debate on critical political,
In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore finds out more about a tourism initiative which is helping a lot of businesses in the Mulroy Bay area – essentially an area north of Letterkenny taking in the likes of Cranford, Downings, Milford, Carrigart, Kerrykeel and Fanad. He’s been talking with Paddy Logue, chair of the Mulroy
Business Matters, Ep 252 – The Mulroy Drive initiative with Paddy Logue Read More »
On Business Matters this week Chris Ashmore speaks with Charlie Boyle, the CEO of Customer Service Excellence Ireland, which is based in the GTEIC Innovation Hub in Gweedore. Since the company was founded in 2014, the west Donegal man has seen his company develop, building up clients not just in Ireland but also overseas, and
Business Matters, Ep 251 – Charlie Boyle, CEO of Customer Service Excellence Ireland Read More »
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore speaks with Steve Frazer, Managing Director of City of Derry Airport, about the growth in passenger numbers, new routes, greater direct state support for the airport, and the significant amount of users going to or from Donegal. Furthermore, they talk about the recent extension of the subsidy on
The Irish government has a goal of providing a hot meal in every school for every child in the country by 2030 at the latest. When the school meals programme began in 2019 it was initially for a pilot number of disadvantaged schools known as DEIS schools. It has gradually expanded over the years, and
Business Matters, Ep 249 – Richie Nangle of Fresh Today on the school meals business Read More »
In Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore has been speaking with award winning photographer Jay Doherty of Jay Doherty Photography about the wedding photography business, how it has evolved, what people are looking for, and planning for the big event. Although a native of Derry, he calls Donegal his home and he has covered weddings
Business Matters, Ep 248 – The wedding photography business with Jay Doherty Photography Read More »
In Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore speaks with the recently appointed new CEO of Highland Radio, Sean Quinn. Sean has been the station’s Sales and Marketing Manager since 2019, and takes over from Fionnuala Rabbitt, who will remain with the station as Financial Controller. Sean, who lives in Kilmacrennan, has been speaking about the
In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore speaks with Derry based financial journalist and economic commentator Paul Gosling about his new book “A New Ireland – a Five Year Review” which considers what preparation has been made for a potential referendum on the constitutional future of Northern Ireland. In the book he looks at the
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore finds out more about the Wild Atlantic Way and, in particular, how it has been such a success here in Donegal. Launched in 2014, the Wild Atlantic Way is a 2,500 km driving route that passes through nine counties and three provinces. Along the route, there are more
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore looks at Inishowen Boating which runs charter boats for sightseeing and angling excursions off the coastline of the Inishowen peninsula. Given the spectacular scenery it is little wonder that there are many rave reviews of some of the trips and many a memory to treasure has been created.
Entries for Blas na hÉireann 2025, the Irish Food Awards are open. Blas na hÉireann is the largest blind-tasted food awards on the island of Ireland, designed to recognise and celebrate the very best Irish food and drink. Donegal food producers have achieved consistent success at the awards which are in their 18th year. Through
DL Burger operates in Ballybofey and the man behind it is Gareth “Dutch” – who is well known in the Town Towns area. When he returned to Ireland from Australia, he had to think long and hard about whether he would stay in the construction sector or would he fulfil a lifelong dream to run
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore speaks with Termon’s Mark Gallagher, who along with his partner Asya have a youtube channel called Something To Remember. They both have a passion for travel and began to make videos of places that they were visiting. Having set up the youtube channel, they reached the threshold to
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore speaks with Jimmy Stafford, Bank of Ireland Area Operations and Risk Manager, about the changing face of banking, fraud, legislation about cash and ATMs, and his own career. A native of Cobh in Co. Cork, Jimmy outlines how he came to be in Donegal and his love for
In this week’s edition of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore talks with Anthony Kernan, the Managing Director of the Kernan Group, which has more than a dozen outlets in Donegal, and also in Mayo. After a career as a professional footballer in England was halted due to injury while still a teenager, Anthony returned to Ireland
Highland Radio
Pine Hill, Letterkenny,
Co. Donegal, Ireland
