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
Letterkenny AC’s Ciaran McGonagle won all four marathons in the Extreme North Quadrathon run over four successive days. It was a considerable achievement, not least when one considers the very challenging and hilly terrain in Inishowen. He was first in all four events, the Kinnego Marathon, Malin Head Marathon, Mamore Marathon and Muff Marathon –
Ciaran McGonagle wins four marathons in four days Read More »
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
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 »
Donegal cyclist Ronan McLaughlin is set to circumnavigate Ireland by bike, solo and unsupported, in a bid to raise money for food allergy research. The 38-year-old Muff man – who has a string of cycling honours and endurance records – is taking on this challenge for his six-year-old daughter, who lives with multiple severe food
McLaughlin’s challenging cycling fundraiser for food allergy research Read More »
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
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
On Business Matters this week, the main topic is pensions and how if you worked previously in Northern Ireland or Great Britain, not only could you get a small UK pension but by paying additional National Insurance Contributions, you can get an increased UK pension worth in excess of €14,000 per annum. Many people who
In this week’s programme Chris Ashmore looks at an award winning social enterprise business, plus calls by Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association on the Government to strengthen the Defamation Amendment Bill to provide meaningful protections for small businesses and citizens against costly and often unjustified defamation claims. First up, Chris speaks with Helen Nolan,
In this week’s programme, Chris Ashmore is joined in studio by Sean Quinn, Head of Sales at Highland Radio, who reflects on the hugely successful Highland Radio Hospitality Awards which were held last weekend. In part two, he finds out about what the Agri-food Regulator’s role is and how it is of relevance to businesses
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore looks at a Donegal Women in Business Network event to coincide with International Women’s Day, a two day Further Education and Training Fair, and also a new book, The Business Owner’s Guide To Choosing And Using A Solicitor. First up, he talks with Maria Rushe of Rushe Fitness
In this week’s edition, Chris Ashmore looks at the subject of 3D construction printing, and also the forthcoming Local Enterprise Week. Recently Ireland’s first 3D printed homes came on stream for Louth County Council in Dundalk. The families are the first residents to live in 3D concrete homes in Ireland and the UK. Two Donegal
Business Matters, Ep 232: 3D Construction Printing, plus Local Enterprise Week Read More »
In this week’s programme, Chris Ashmore speaks with the co-founder of a cyber security company based in CoLab in Letterkenny who was on a recent trade mission to the United States, and also to the CEO of .ie the national registry for over 300,000 domain names. First up we’ll hear from Newtowncunningham based Clare Ryan,
More than 600 people attended the 2024 Donegal Sports Star of the Year Awards at a gala presentation function held in the Mount Errigal Hotel. The overall winner was jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle. He was announced as the winner from a short-list that also included hurler Liam Óg McKinney (Burt); Shelbourne title winning captain Mark
In this edition of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore finds out more about the big range of courses and supports on offer at the Local Enterprise Office Donegal, and also delves into the corporate travel sector. First up, he has been speaking with Brendan Hegarty, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Donegal, and hears about how
In this week’s programme, Chris Ashmore finds out more about the award winning Killybegs Energy, and also how 2024 was a record year for Ireland West Airport in Knock. First up, he finds out more about Killybegs Energy which recently won the Best Start up Award at the Donegal Local Enterprise Awards. Run by father
In this week’s programme, Chris Ashmore speaks with Donegal’s first woman professional golfer, Gemma McClenaghan (nee Hegarty) from Shrove in Inishowen. A graduate of the famous uUniversity of St. Andrew’s in Scotland back in the late 90s, she went back to third level education in 2019 and undertook a Professional Golfers Association training course through the
Motorsport Ireland has announced the three finalists for the prestigious Billy Coleman Award for Ireland’s Young Rally Driver of the Year 2024. They are Ryan MacHugh (26), from Frosses and Kyle McBride (21), from Clonmany, as well as Craig Rahill (20), from Drung, Co. Cavan. Five candidates who were nominated on the back of their
Two Donegal drivers named as Billy Coleman Award finalists Read More »
On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore finds out more about the wind energy sector, and especially off-shore developments. He’s been speaking with Dave Linehan, Head of Policy and Research at Wind Energy Ireland. He has also been speaking with Ron Kerrigan General Manager of the Ballyliffin Lodge and Spa Hotel about a major €1
In this week’s edition, Chris Ashmore speaks with John Duffy who, along with Laura McGoran, runs a regenerative, organic farm near Churchill. What they are doing could be an eye opener for many when it comes to uplands farming, and they have a business with several different revenue streams. These include on-farm events on their
The CEO and Co-Founder of Ireland’s first ever national baby bank is from Donegal. Community Connect is a newly registered charity that provides essential baby items to families struggling to afford them. In this week’s progamme, Chris Ashmore speaks with CEO and co-founder Elaine Noonan about Community Connect. It currently has hubs in Dublin, Cork,
In this episode of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore looks at the forthcoming North West Future of Energy Conference which will take place on Thursday, November 7th at Ebrington Square in Derry, and also 50 years in business for Buncrana based firm McDaids Bathrooms, Plumbing, Tiles. Sponsored by SSE Renewables, this annual cross-border event brings together
In this week’s edition of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore has been speaking with the key personnel behind a very successful Ballyshannon based company, Get Up and Go Publications Ltd. It produces high-quality inspirational diaries, journals and planners that go far beyond Ireland’s shores and retail outlets. Indeed, around 600,000 copies have now been sold. The
Business Matters, Ep 208 – Get Up and Go Diaries are truly inspirational Read More »
In this episode of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore speaks with Philip O’Kennedy, Business Advisor with the Local Enterprise Office in Ireland about how Micro Finance Ireland can help businesses. He also talks with Maura Toner, Food Coast Donegal Executive, about a number of great events over the coming months in Donegal that are open to
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