My wife sometimes has trouble remembering the colour of the car I am testing. But no trouble last week as my test car, the Leap B10, came in Purple.

Colour is always important when buying a new car, especially for first-time buyers who may have had a favourite colour in their mind for years.

According to Google, the colour purple is associated with a variety of meanings, including wisdom, creativity, royalty, power, ambition and luxury. It can also represent magic, extravagance, peace, pride, independence and wealth. Do you fit into any of those categories?

Leap is the latest Chinese brand to come to Ireland. It’s a company that was only founded in 2015 and didn’t sell its first car until 2019. Yet in six years it has already sold over one million cars worldwide.

The B10 is Leap’s third model to be introduced to Ireland, following on the T03 city car and C10 SUV. The B10 is a mid-sized SUV that is designed to be budget-friendly while still providing modern technology and a huge amount of interior space for five well-built passengers.

Leap say they expect their main competitors in the Irish market for their B10 will be the BYD Atto 2 and Kia’s Elroq, but it’s larger in all dimensions than both of those cars.

Later in the year there will be a Hybrid version of the B10 and two more electric EV models, so by the end of 2026 Leap will have six cars on sale in Ireland.

Externally the car looks very solid. Inside you get a minimalistic look. The dash is dominated by a 14.6-inch display which works well. There are no old-style buttons on the dash. As mentioned earlier the interior is really spacious with plenty of leg and head room.

The boot is a decent size, officially 525 litres and you also get a Frunk at the front, which has 25 litres of space. And like their European counterparts, the Chinese don’t supply spare wheels either.

Prices start at €32,984 and the range in the small 56.2kWh battery is approx. 360km, while the larger 67.1kWh battery which I drove, should give you close to 430km with a full charge. It’s a fine spacious car with a good range and has a very competitive price. 

Leapmotor now have seven dealers in Ireland: Bright Airside, Swords, Dublin, Bright, Navan Road, Dublin, Dan Seaman Motors, Forge Hill, Cork, Fitzpatrick’s Garage, Naas, Greenhall Motors, Buttevant, Cork, Joe Norris Motors, Navan and Kennys, Tuam Road, Galway.

Apart from the Dawn Purple version I drove, other colours available are: Night Blue, Metallic Black, Galaxy Silver, Light White and Tundra Grey. 

Most new cars open when you approach with the fob in your pocket. However, Leap cars are opened by moving the fob card over part of the driver’s wing mirror. Don’t be caught out if you ask for a test drive and cannot figure how to get into the car. You might also have to ask where is the small button to open the boot.

James Brooks, who is the Opel M.D in Ireland, is also overseeing the Leap segment in Gowans and he says that Leap will benefit from the reputation and experience of their extensive dealer network. James is encouraging Irish motorists to ‘Take the Leap’ and take a test drive in one of their new cars.

We rarely ask the same question about our money. What are you growing financially right now? Not what you hope to grow, or what you plan to get around to later, but what your current habits are actually building.

Because whether we realise it or not, we are all growing something. For some, it is savings, small amounts put aside consistently, building a sense of security over time. For others, it might be debt slowly creeping up, not through one big decision, but through a series of small ones. For many, it is simply standing still, where money comes in, money goes out, and nothing is really being built in the background. And for some, it is stress, that constant feeling of not quite knowing where you stand.

None of this is about judgement. It is simply about awareness. Money tends to grow in the direction we give attention to. If everything is focused on today, then today is all that gets looked after. But when even a small bit of attention is given to the future, things begin to shift.

Savings, investing and pensions are often spoken about as if they are big, complicated steps. In reality, they each play a very simple role. Savings give you breathing space, investments give your money a job, and pensions give your future self options. But it is not about choosing one over the other. It is about having a mix of all three working quietly in the background.

Savings are what get you through the unexpected. The car repair, the higher-than-usual bill, the month where everything seems to land at once. Without savings, every surprise becomes stress. With even a small buffer, you have breathing room. Investments are what allow your money to grow beyond what you could do by saving alone. Leaving everything sitting in cash might feel safe, but over time it can lose value. Investing, even in small amounts, gives your money a purpose and allows it to build in the background while you focus on your day-to-day life. Pensions are the long game. They are often the easiest to ignore because they feel so far away, but they are one of the most powerful tools you have. They benefit from time more than anything else, and starting earlier, even with small amounts, can make a significant difference later on.

When these three areas work together, they create balance. You are covered for today, building for tomorrow, and protecting your future at the same time. When one is missing, it can create pressure elsewhere. Too much focus on spending today can leave you exposed later, while focusing only on long-term saving without flexibility can leave you stretched in the short term.

One of the biggest things I see is people waiting. Waiting to earn more, waiting for life to calm down, waiting until they feel more organised. The intention is always there, but time moves on quickly, and ‘later’ has a way of becoming much further away than expected. The longer you leave it, the harder it becomes to build momentum.

The truth is, most people do not have a money problem. They have a starting problem. It is not about having thousands to invest or large amounts to save. It is about building the habit of doing something consistently. It might be €20 a week into savings, a small pension contribution, or finally setting up something you have been putting off. Small, steady actions will always have more impact than big plans that never quite happen.

And real life does need to be factored in. Between the weekly shop and everything else life throws in, it is easy to feel like there is nothing left to put away. But even in those seasons, awareness matters. Knowing what is coming in, what is going out, and what is quietly building in the background puts you back in control. Doing nothing is still a decision. The question is whether that decision is giving you the outcome you want.

This is not about cutting out everything you enjoy or putting your life on hold. It is about balance. Enjoying today while still looking after tomorrow. You do not need to overhaul everything overnight, and you do not need a perfect plan. But having some structure, even a simple one, changes how money feels. It moves from something reactive to something intentional.

If you were to stop for a moment and look at your current habits, what would they say? Are they building security, flexibility, and options for the future, or are they simply getting you through the month? There is no right or wrong answer, only an opportunity to adjust.

Because the reality is, your financial future is not built in one big moment. It is built quietly, in everyday choices, over time. And whether you realise it or not, something is growing.

Halpin Wealth Management offers free consultations. Visit www.hwm.ie or email info@hwm.ie to learn more.

Applying for a mortgage as a first-time buyer is a daunting task, so it’s no surprise that many potential borrowers turn to the internet (and increasingly AI apps such as Chat GPT or Google Gemini) for advice before speaking with a bank or broker. Generally speaking, this is no harm – it makes sense to do some basic research any time you do something for the first time, after all. However, this approach does have some potential pitfalls, and from speaking with many first-time buyers it is clear there is still plenty of misinformation and outdated advice lurking out there on the world wide web! 

To give one relatively common example, I still sometimes speak to people who believe that they need a positive, US-style ‘credit score’ to get mortgage approved in Ireland, and have even met potential borrowers who, for the sake of it, took out a small loan purely with the intention of paying it back on time. These well-intentioned folks mistakenly believed that doing so would give them a ‘good’ credit score ahead of their mortgage application, but Irish credit reports don’t work like this, and Irish mortgage lenders don’t look at an applicant’s credit history in this manner anyway (though they do of course care if you have previously gone into arrears on a loan or written down debt in the past). To spell it out clearly: you do not need to have a previous credit history to get a mortgage in Ireland. For many people, their mortgage will be the first loan they’ve ever had.   

This example is one of the more persistent myths about what Irish banks and mortgage lenders are looking for (I blame this fact on us watching too many American TV shows!), but it is not the only one, so I thought it would be worthwhile to expand a little more on how the banks think when assessing a mortgage application. 

Are the banks eternal pessimists? 

First things first, it is true that banks tend to think in worst case scenarios. I don’t say this to worry or scare anyone who’s thinking of applying for a mortgage, but it’s worth bearing in mind as you try to understand the thought process of the people who’ll be running a fine-tooth comb over you and your finances! Put simply, the bank’s primary underlying question will always be: will we get paid!? This is obvious in the sense that they will want to see proof an applicant can afford the potential monthly mortgage payments, but the question will also underpin their assessment of your lifestyle (to the extent they can discern it from your bank statements) and the house you are hoping to buy. In the former case, for example, banks are always looking for behaviours that could one day become addictions. Gambling transactions and ‘excessive’ alcohol purchases (emphasis on ‘excessive’; you don’t need to be teetotal to receive mortgage approval!) are well-known ones, but less obviously addictive purchases such as Playstation and Xbox games/add-ons can also make the banks wary, if large in number. Their logic will be: if John and/or Mary are up all night playing PlayStation, how will they get up in time for work? And if they don’t go to work, how will they pay their mortgage? 

The same pessimistic outlook will apply if you try to buy a home that is in any way ‘unusual’, or if it has a complication such as a contested boundary with neighbours or a right of residence for a third party. Here the thinking will be: if we ever have to repossess this home, will we be able to sell it and get our money back? And if the answer is not a simple ‘yes’, you can expect some pushback from the mortgage assessors. The bank might think John and Mary, with their strong income and consistent savings, are the cleanest case ever, but if they don’t like the look of the house they’ve decided to buy, they won’t be relaxing their rules, or taking a chance on anything, for John and Mary’s sake. Remember, the person assigned to assess your mortgage may one day have to explain their decision to his or her superior, so it is in their best interest to err on the side of caution. And with the average sized mortgage in Ireland now being well in excess of €300,000 – €319,187, to be precise — we are talking about large sums of money here, after all. No one wants to be the employee who signed off on a massive mortgage that was never paid back. 

This brings me to an important, often overlooked point: we think of the banks as large, impersonal, and intensely bureaucratic organisations, but at the end of the day banks are made up of ‘people’. This applies even to the largest ‘traditional’ banks, such as AIB and Bank of Ireland, each of which has thousands of employees, most of whom operate behind the scenes and out of sight. Put another way, all of Ireland’s mortgage lenders are staffed by human beings like you and me – people who have both good and (hopefully occasional) bad days at work. When speaking with clients, I sometimes use the National Car Test (NCT) as an analogy: much like a mortgage application, the NCT is a ‘minimum standards/criteria’ test. If you pass the right tests, and tick the right boxes, you will pass/be approved, and most of the time the assessors ‘want’ to see you leaving with a smile on your face (it makes their own day easier, if nothing else!). Every now and again, though, you will run into the wrong tester on the wrong day, and that person will decide to query something, or take a stand on something, that would have sailed through without issue the day before.

This is very frustrating from a mortgage broker’s point of view, as we can never quite be sure what the banks will ask us when we submit an application, but that’s just how the system works. Wherever human beings are involved, unpredictability will be present, and no amount of bank guidelines will ever make matters truly black and white. And this is why ‘Google it’ is not always good advice. I’m biased, of course, but in my view, when it comes to mortgage applications, the best way of being well-informed on anything but the most basic information is to speak with a broker! So, if you do have any mortgage questions, in relation to the above or just in general, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Moneytree Finance today. 

Think Business by Naomi Fein

Growing up, I was part of an orienteering youth group, where I learned that when you’re unsure if you’re on the right track, the first thing to do is stop. Look around, identify landmarks, and climb the nearest hill to get a better viewpoint. Find yourself on the map and make sure you’re facing the right direction. Learning to read the map can make the difference between being lost and finding your way to the hot meal waiting at camp.

The same approach can help when navigating turbulent times as a business owner.

Many of us think of our businesses as machines. We expect them to follow a linear path from A to B to C. When progress stalls, we add more – more time, more resources, more software, more marketing – assuming more input will create more output. This way of thinking, rooted in the industrial revolution, has shaped how we understand and do business.

But what happens when, despite your best efforts, results don’t come? When long hours lead to stagnation or decline?

It may be time to pause and ask: Is there another way to understand change?

The Two Loops model, developed by Margaret Wheatley and Deborah Frieze of The Berkana Institute, is based on the idea that human systems – businesses, industries, ways of working – behave like living systems. They grow, peak, and eventually decline.

Unlike machines, living systems are not linear. As one system declines, another begins to emerge. As one way of working reaches its limits, new possibilities open elsewhere.

If you’re not seeing the results you want, it might be time to stop and ask questions like: Am I holding on to a mindset or practice that no longer serves me?; What else is happening in my field?; Are there new ways of thinking or new markets I could explore?; What can I learn from innovation outside the mainstream?; Are there tools or approaches that could save time or energy?; Where else might my expertise fit?

To bring this to life, here’s Rachel of Mix Coworking’s story.

Rachel of Mix Coworking in Clonakilty came to me feeling that, although things were progressing well, she was in the dark about managing seasonality spikes. Pleasing the customers, creating bespoke offers to fit every need, did not result in the level of commitment and monthly recurring revenue she hoped for. Instead, she was stretched and unsure which products were working. Rachel was wondering: “if I’m offering so much, why isn’t there more commitment?”

With my help, Rachel followed the steps, using the Two Loops Model as our guide, 

Stop: Rachel stopped and reflected. While the business was progressing well overall, seasonality spikes meant financial instability, managing many offers left her confused and tracking what works was difficult. 

Look back: Mapping her business onto the Two Loops Model, she considered what old beliefs and mindsets were guiding her. Like many business owners, she was focused on meeting every client’s need – giving more in the hope of stability. Rachel realised that she was paying a high price for trying to offer everything to everyone. She was ready for a change. 

Ask: where am I hoping to get to? To answer this, Rachel reconnected with why she first created Mix Coworking: “I wanted to create a place that helps people create and do their best work, build meaningful connections, and support their well-being”. Rachel also wanted to be more intentional with her own capacity and balance.

Look around: Together, we explored alternative operational approaches taking inspiration from the different places on the Two Loops Map. We found examples of businesses moving from a ‘buffet’ of options to a more focused offering – shifting from “what do you want?” to “what do you choose?” We also looked beyond business, exploring community-based practices that foster deeper connection and commitment.

Find your own path forward: Equipped with fresh clarity, Rachel engaged Mix’s Regulars, and guided by their input, she created three simple subscription plans that offered great value and prioritised her customers’ core needs. Rachel moved the sign-up process from email to the website, inviting her clients to show their commitment through a self-managed, direct debit subscription. 

Stay tuned: For Rachel, results came quickly. Her core members were happy to commit, and the Mix community feels energised. The self-managed subscription model led to more stability, predictability, and less admin. Rachel now feels more able to track what is working and better equipped to navigate the unknowns of business life.

This is the kind of work I do with clients – stepping back, making sense of what’s happening, and finding a way forward that fits both your business and your life. If that sounds useful, you’re welcome to book a free discovery call. In the coming months, I will also be running a leadership workshop, applying the Two Loops Model to your business. Email me to book your discovery call or to register your interest in the workshop Naomi@thinkvisual.ie. 

And if you’re curious about Mix Coworking, why not drop by next time you’re in Clonakilty or visit their website www.mixcoworking.ie. 

In February, I spoke at an event about this very stage in life, the sandwich generation. It is the period where you are supporting both the generation above you and the one below you at the same time. Afterwards, a few weeks later, a couple came to see me. Both in their forties. Two children in school. Both working hard. Parents beginning to need more support. They were not panicked. They were simply tired of carrying everything in their heads.

They described it as feeling responsible in two directions at once. Paying for school activities while helping organise medical appointments. Trying to build their own pension while quietly wondering what long-term care might look like for their parents. They had never paused to look at their full financial picture, and that pause is often what makes all the difference.

We are living longer. Many of us are having children later. Mortgages stretch further into our fifties and sixties. That overlap creates pressure, not dramatic pressure, but steady pressure.

And the financial questions begin to surface: Do your parents have a will? Do you know what an Enduring Power of Attorney is? If something happened to you, would your income be replaced? Are you building a pension that means your children will not have to support you later? What conversations have you avoided simply because they felt uncomfortable?

Most adults avoid these discussions. Not because they do not care, but because they feel heavy. It can feel intrusive to ask your parents about their finances. It can feel negative to talk about protection. It can feel overwhelming to review pensions when life is already busy.

But avoiding the conversation does not remove the need for it. It simply means decisions get made under pressure later.

During the question-and-answer session at the event, it became clear very quickly that many people were unsure about what supports even existed and what they were entitled to. There were questions about care options, about state supports, about what protection actually covers and what it does not. What stood out most was the relief in the room. Relief that other people were asking the same questions. Relief that it was okay not to have it all figured out.

At this stage of life, it is not about having everything perfectly organised. It is about having some structure. It is about knowing that if a bump appears in the road, you have something to fall back on. It is about having protections in place, understanding what your parents would want, and making sure your own income and future are not left exposed.

Protection is often framed as negative. I see it as an act of care. Life cover protects your family if you are not there. Income protection replaces your salary if illness or injury stops you working. Specified illness cover provides a lump sum on diagnosis of a serious condition. You hope you never need any of it, but it is far better to have it and not use it, than to need it and not have it.

The same applies to having a plan. It does not have to be perfect, and it can be amended along the way, but having something to work with will always help. Structure brings calm. Clarity reduces stress.

What I told the room in February is what I would say again now. Start with conversations. Have them with your partner so you are aligned. Have them gently with your parents while everyone is well. Even talk to your children in simple, age appropriate ways, so money is not a taboo subject in your home.

Then sit down with a financial advisor and connect the dots, because having a plan is better than having no plan. Knowing where you stand and what is in place gives you confidence, not just for today but for the years ahead.

When you are supporting both the generation above you and the one below you, the most powerful thing you can do is strengthen your own foundation first. From there, everything else feels steadier.

And perhaps the biggest comfort of all is realising that you are not alone in this stage of life. Many people are navigating the same quiet pressure. The difference is not who has it all figured out, but who is willing to start the conversation.

Halpin Wealth Management offers free consultations. Visit www.hwm.ie or email
info@hwm.ie to learn more.

After 12 years building a business supporting multinational, government, public, and private organisations to communicate and engage their stakeholders effectively – and over 30 years designing learning processes – I have now chosen to focus my energy locally with businesses in West Cork. I often find myself pulling out a blank page and drawing a simple diagram, as when my clients see their thinking process, penny-dropping moments come with ease. This is where the idea for a series of business articles came from. Over six issues, starting in March to coincide with Enterprise Week, I will introduce one visual model every month, sharing real-life examples, and offering practical questions that can be applied immediately. I encourage you to tear out the page or take a photo and return to it when needed.

The Hedgehog Concept – updated: Many local business owners have shared how they feel swamped by competing businesses and family needs. With rapid external influences such as AI, technological advancements, global instability, and communication overload, staying clear and focused is a daily challenge.

The Hedgehog Concept is Jim Collins’s model from his 2001 book ‘From Good to Great’. The hedgehog refers to the Ancient Greek poet Archilochus, who wrote “a fox knows many things, but a hedgehog knows one big thing”. Collins advises that businesses that want to survive must move away from being conspiring foxes who pursue many directions to be a razor-sharp hedgehog, finding their market niche, bringing together passion, skills, and economic power. 

However, the world of business has changed significantly in the past 25 years; in today’s reality, many businesses must juggle a few ventures to survive. The model is still beneficial if we hold complexity and focus as the yin and yang of business and life. It can help us find a dynamic focus, a compass that brings clarity and helps us make strategic decisions.

 The model is a Venn diagram with three circles: 1) Passion; 2) What we’re good at; and 3) What generates money. The overlapping centre – the hedgehog, represents our life and business compass.

The following are two examples that illustrate how this model can be used:

Example 1 – applying the model with your team: A few years ago, at our annual ‘Rethink Think Visual’ offsite, we drew the three circles on a large whiteboard. First, focusing on Passion and Good At, we pulled out clients testimonials, shared stories, and mapped our individual and collective perspectives. Second, we added the Money generated from each client to the diagram. 

The clients’ names spread over the diagram. The process revealed the clients who sat in the centre – clients that were aligned to our values, who paid well for work we loved and were excellent at. Those clients became our compass.

The clarity didn’t lead to dramatic change overnight. It showed up in small decisions: which projects we declined, how we rewrote our website messaging, and where we focused our energy. Over time, those small shifts strengthened both our confidence and our income.

Example 2: Making your personal story make sense: I’ve recently used this model with a client who, like many creative entrepreneurs, found herself juggling not one but four ventures. Instead of asking what to drop, we used the model to reframe her story, asking similar questions adjusted to an early business stage.

Passion: What are you truly passionate about? What can’t and won’t you stop doing?

Good at: Where have mentors, friends, or clients named your brilliance? What feels effortless to you but difficult to others?

Money: Which work generates money? Which doesn’t? Which clients value and respect your work? Which part of your work has higher potential to make money?

The outcome wasn’t a drastic cut. It was a clear sentence – a way of describing her core direction. It helped her shift her story from a woman standing at foggy crossroads into a heroine carrying her many gifts in her rucksack, her north star guiding her forward.

Adding a fourth circle

Inspired by the Japanese concept of Ikigai, you can choose to expand the reflection and include a fourth circle: 4) What the world needs.

This fourth circle allows us to connect to the bigger picture, asking questions like: What change do you care about? What values guide your work? What do you believe is needed right now?

Applying the Hedgehog Concept to your business

Scan the QR code to download a printable version or draw three (or four as shown) overlapping circles on a sheet of paper. Use the questions above. Write freely. Add client names, offers, and projects. Notice patterns and tensions. 

Use this model to navigate your life and business toward the centre of the circles, but remember the goal is not about getting there. It’s a dynamic map. Passion shifts. Markets change. Life evolves. The model is not a destination; it’s a compass. Reaching the centre can take years. 

If you feel overwhelmed, unsure where to focus, or unclear about how to communicate what you really offer, this exercise can help you reconnect to your core.

Do you have a business challenge that you wish had a simple visual diagram you could apply? Have a comment, question, or thought? I’d be happy to hear from you.

Naomi Fein is based in Clonakilty and works one-to-one with business owners, as well as hosting ‘Her Circle’ coaching groups for women in business across West Cork.
naomi@thinkvisual.ie.

We know your name. We know your coffee order. We know you’re wearing a new pair of glasses. We know you’re expecting your first child or that you’re struggling with your teenager. We know you’re excited about your upcoming vacation, you’re working your arse off building your own home, you’re dealing with health issues. We know you’re struggling with your new job. That you’re allergic to dairy, you’re visiting your daughter overseas. We know you’re fed up. We know you’re sneaking in for a quiet coffee before school pickups. We know you’re after burying a loved one. We know. And we care. Now imagine your ‘local’ being replaced with a chain such as Starbucks when all they see is stars in their eyes as they make big bucks. 

Forbes and I opened our doors March 2020, excited to become a part of the Clonakilty community. There is an indescribable warmth in West Cork which we have felt from the get-go. The support has been constant and steadfast. Unfortunately, we can’t say the same for the Government. While efforts of support were made during Covid, the current situation is daunting, to say the least. The VAT rate for the hospitality industry has been returned to 13.5 per cent which has become crippling to small businesses such as our own. One might understand the VAT rate being increased to 13.5 per cent, however the Government has failed to consider the fact that all costs have been increased in recent times: Wages, PRSI, electricity, rates, insurance and a considerable nationwide inflation.

While having a heart-to-heart with another local business owner, we collectively agreed that the increase in VAT was breaking us. We came to the conclusion that action needed to be taken. Voices needed to be heard. Government needed to be reached. A small WhatsApp group chat was created and with that; the movement began. Liam from Wazzy Woo, Ryan and Anne Marie from Pike Deli, Peter and Elaine from The Fishbasket, Gavin from Monk’s Lane, Jamie from Budd’s, Vic and Deborah from Camus Farm Field Kitchen and Revel joined arms. Standing alone would mean we all fall. Pulling together means there is hope, albeit sometimes it feels like only a sliver. While countless politicians have publicly stated their support, it would seem that our future lies within the hands of Michael McGrath, Minister of Finance. Supposedly, returning the VAT to nine per cent is a “big job”, but tell me, what would the Irish economy look like without all the small businesses? While we might be ‘small’, collectively we create a large impact. If we were all to fall, would the local economy fall with it? There’s a domino effect that would see the market tumble. 

Aside from the negative impact all these closures will have on the economy, can we take a moment to consider the effect it will have on the community? Where is the last place you met your friend for a catch up, to share how your life has been lately. Was it at a coffee shop? What about the people that ordinarily wouldn’t meet someone from one end of the day to the other? For some, popping down town is their only social interaction. Loneliness can be crippling and a breaking point for mental health. Other than the economic support small businesses offer, we also provide great support to the local community. Forbes and I have always said we want everyone who walks through our doors to feel welcomed and appreciated. All our customers bring something to the table and we love each and every one of them for it. We all lift each other up. Now let’s see that same level of support from our very own Government. 

All qualifying entrants to the Cork Company of the Year Awards progress through a thorough judging process which is managed by an experienced panel of business leaders.

Founded in 2003 by childhood friends from Union Hall, John O’Connell, Denis McCarthy, and Ger McCarthy, West Cork Distillers embarked on a mission to craft premium Irish whiskey that honoured tradition while embracing innovation. Over the years, their dedication to producing exceptional spirits has propelled the company to the forefront of the global whiskey market.  The distillery is now in the completion stages of a significant expansion which will enable production capacity to increase by 400 per cent during 2024 and brings additional employment to the area.

West Cork Distillers currently employs a team of around 150 employees, a jump from 80 employees working at the company during the pandemic.

The business also has built a significant international business and in 2024 has grown its commercial team across key markets such as North America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa and the Asia Pacific region.

Beyond its commitment to quality, innovation and growth, West Cork Distillers has remained deeply rooted in its local community, embodying the spirit of Cork through its support of local initiatives and sustainability efforts.

Receiving the Large Cork Company of the Year award is a testament to West Cork Distillers’ unwavering dedication to excellence, innovation, and community.

In accepting this prestigious accolade, John O’Connell, Co-Founder of West Cork Distillers, expressed gratitude for the support of the Cork Chamber and the local community, emphasising the company’s commitment to continued growth and excellence.

The seed: Germination of your business idea

Every business starts as a simple concept — an idea that germinates in the fertile soil of your imagination. It might come to you in a moment of inspiration or evolve slowly over time as you identify a need or follow your passion. Just like any seed, it requires the right conditions, care, and nourishment to grow into a sustainable business. Entrepreneurs are discovering that the journey includes cultivating not only their business but also themselves.

Strengthening the soil:
Personal growth

First, I suggest you explore your identity as an entrepreneur. What makes you tick? What drives you? Understanding yourself and identifying your strengths and stretches are fundamental to nurturing your business idea. Just as a plant requires a strong root system, your business needs a solid foundation rooted in your values, beliefs, identity and commercial potential and viability.

Why are you the right person for this business? Why do you do what you do? Your why is about the impact you want to have and the ripple effect of that impact.

When we look at this first it can appear quite surface level. When you peel it back it has much more depth. It is about looking under the layers. Your why isn’t just about money, it’s deeper. What is it that motivates you? What fuels and inspires you.

Planting the seed:
Turning ideas into action

Once you have your business idea, it’s time to plant the seed. This involves taking concrete steps to turn your concept into reality. Research is your first tool in this process. Understand your market, your potential competitors, and the needs of your target audience. At this stage I’d recommend signing up for a Start Your Own Business programme with the Local Enterprise Office or booking one of their advice clinic sessions. 

• Creating a business plan is like crafting a blueprint for your seed’s growth. It outlines your goals, strategies, financial viability and market. A well-structured business plan  serves as your roadmap, in truth many entrepreneurs unless seeking investment shy away from committing to this process. At the very least, I highly recommend you commit to fleshing out your management (you), market and money plans on paper, it does not have to be formal at this stage. 

• Vision development is the cornerstone of strategic planning. Where do you see your business in the future? What is the change you want to bring about in your industry or community? Crafting an outline of your vision is like charting a course for your entrepreneurial journey and gives you direction.

• Business values are the compass that guides your decisions and actions. They form the core of your brand’s identity and are an essential part of your business DNA. 

• Consider your brand as a living entity, with a personality, voice, and values. When these elements align, the impact is profound. Developing your voice pillars allows you to communicate effectively with your target audience, creating resonance and connection.

• Financial planning is also critical. Ensure your business has a solid financial foundation with a budget, cash flow management, and a strategy for raising capital if needed. It helps you identify and explore the commercial reality of your business idea.

Nourishing the seed: Passion and
perseverance

Much like a plant needs water, sunlight, and nutrients to grow, your business idea requires nourishment in the form of passion and perseverance. This is where many female  entrepreneurs shine. Your passion for your idea will sustain you through the inevitable challenges and setbacks.

Just as a plant adapts to changing conditions, your business idea must evolve to meet the demands of a dynamic market. Sole entrepreneurs are usually more agile and able to adapt and innovate which is crucial for long-term success. Pay attention to customer feedback and market trends, and be willing to make adjustments to your products or services accordingly.

Entrepreneurship is a journey that tests your resolve. Your doubts, and limiting beliefs can be formidable obstacles. Embracing them, instead of shying away, is key to creating lasting change. Leadership isn’t just about managing a team; it’s about leading yourself effectively. You wouldn’t treat a dear friend with anything less than respect, strong boundaries, encouragement, compassion, and love, would you? Apply the same principles to yourself as your own boss. Learning how to become your own best boss is part of business growth.. 

The journey ahead: Embrace the seasons

Just like the changing seasons, your entrepreneurial journey will have its ebbs and flows. There may be times of rapid growth and seasons of introspection. Embrace them all. Entrepreneurship is not merely a means to an end but a journey of self-discovery, growth, and making a positive impact on the world.

Surrounding yourself with a supportive network is also essential. Seek out mentors, advisors, and fellow entrepreneurs who can provide guidance, share their experiences, and offer emotional support. The Local Enterprise Office is a wonderful resource for this support, through providing mentors, training courses and inspiring networking events such as NWED. 

Nurturing your business idea is not a solitary endeavour. West Cork is blessed with a supportive business community and local resources. Networking events, like those organised by Network Ireland West Cork also provide platforms to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs. The road to success can be lonely at times, but a strong support system can provide the encouragement you need to keep nurturing your business.

Remember, your journey as a woman in enterprise not only enriches your life but also inspires others to plant their own seeds of success. Cultivate your idea, watch it grow, and let it be a beacon of hope and innovation in your community and beyond.

Jackie Gowran is a business coach who specialises in blending traditional business training with a holistic person centred approach. With over 35 years of business experience she helps you weave the heart and soul into your business.
www.businessweaving.com

Covering the Cork and Kerry region, this full day programme is designed and led by women to promote and encourage female entrepreneurship across Ireland. Now in its 17th year, National Women’s Enterprise Day shines the spotlight on female entrepreneurship, opens the prospect of entrepreneurship to women who may not have considered it before and highlights what supports are available. Regional events also provide valuable networking opportunities to connect with industry experts together with acknowledging the achievements of women in enterprise.

Deputising for the Mayor of the County of Cork and former Mayor, Cllr Gillian Coughlan said, “National Women’s Enterprise Day continues to highlight female entrepreneurs, encouraging them to build their community, share their successes and inspire others to follow their paths. I wholeheartedly encourage women in business from across Cork County to register to attend, and to embrace the theme of ‘Empowering Business Together’ through networking, knowledge sharing and following the journeys of real-life entrepreneurs with four Leading Light Client companies speaking on the day. Cork County Council is delighted to welcome this event back to Cork this year, and to continue to collaborate with our Local Enterprise Office colleagues across Cork and Kerry.”

The Southwest National Women’s Enterprise Day Regional Event will feature a welcome address by Sharon Corcoran, Cork County Council’s Director of Services, Economic Development, Enterprise and Tourism. Cork based Amy Jane Keating, Host and Creator of the ‘Go Do You’ podcast will be the days host and facilitator, which will include Guest Speaker Pat Kane. Award-winning Sustainability Strategist, Founder of Reuzi.ie and Co-founder of Good Better Best, Pat will speak to attendees on building a future-proof business, touching on her own entrepreneurial journey, whilst highlighting small ways businesses can improve their sustainable practices. The day will also include a panel discussion with Cork and Kerry Leading Lights, followed by Keynote Speaker Laura Dowling, Fabulous Pharmacist and Founder and CEO of fabÜ Wellness. 

Event Ambassador and Leading Light representing LEO Cork North and West at this year’s event is Caroline Murphy of West Cork Eggs. Caroline’s story is of city chic to country chick. Originally from London, Caroline married a dairy farmer and in 2009 bought her first four hens, a decision that was to change her life. Fast forward to today and Caroline now has 3,500 free range hens on the family farm near Rosscarbery. West Cork Eggs is part of the Supervalu Food Academy family and Guaranteed Irish. They supply their delicious free-range eggs into most of the county’s Supervalu Stores, as well as numerous hotels, cafes, restaurants, and independent outlets. West Cork Eggs is a family business with three members of staff, and they manage all their own deliveries. Their motto is ‘Today’s eggs are on the shelf tomorrow’. 

Caroline says she is looking forward to “meeting other women at whatever stage of their business they are at and sharing stories. I always love a good panel discussion, which I know this one will be and just spending a day getting motivated by the content and those there. I always come away from NWED invigorated and inspired.”

She continues: “It is hugely important to encourage and support women into business because we have so many innovative ideas and skills to bring to business. It’s not easy but it’s always worth it and I would encourage anyone with an idea to at least explore it. We have so much to give and we owe it to ourselves (and our daughters!) to at least give it a go.  Often our biggest obstacle is ourselves and we listen to the voice that tells us we are not good enough or I’m not made for business or what would the kids/husband/friends think. Who cares! If you want to do it give it a go and avail of all the supports out there.”

This initiative is led by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices nationwide, and funded by the Government of Ireland, in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and Local Authorities. To book your place for the Cork and Kerry event please visit www.localenterprise.ie.

An exam prep platform for the Leaving Cert and Junior Cert exams, SimpleStudy is fast becoming the study platform of choice for students. Built with study features and revision content that matches the exams and curriculum for each subject, the study platform prepares students with the right resources so they can ultimately perform at their best in exams. There is a big demand for tools like this as exams and CAO points become more and more competitive. 

“We continually engage with our users through surveys and one-on-one interviews to better understand their needs and refine our offerings,” Phillip explains. “We surveyed nearly 300 students in the past few weeks, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Students have been using our platform 10 or more times per month, and we are confident that engagement will translate to higher grades for them.”

“We are constantly innovating,” Oisin adds. “We’re launching a native mobile app this month, allowing students to access our platform on the App Store.” 

On the horizon, Simple Study is eyeing plans to expand in Q4 2023. “We intend to bring this Irish innovation to a new European market in the next few months,” Oisin confirms.

The Simple Study team have been accepted into the NDRC accelerator programme for “globally ambitious entrepreneurs” at Dublin’s Dogpatch Labs, and have also raised angel investment from Charlotte Street Capital. They also receive continued support from the Local Enterprise Office. 

“All this support has been instrumental in allowing us to expand our team and enhance our platform for our users. Our mission remains consistent: to empower as many students as possible. We aim to bring more top talent into the SimpleStudy team in the coming months to put us at the forefront of European ed-tech.”

SimpleStudy is offering packages for entire schools to give SimpleStudy accounts to their students. They will be offering these school packages for FREE to any DEIS school across Cork County. Please get in touch through the website for more details.

www.simplestudy.ie

Ludgate, with the support of Cork ETB, is proud to announce the return of its successful Women’s Returnee Programme for 2023 – Launchpad. Designed specifically for women looking to re-enter the workforce after a career break, this comprehensive programme empowers and supports women in taking the next steps on their career journeys, be it employment, further study or starting their own business.

“Cork ETB are delighted to fund this new initiative supporting women to get back to work or education, helping them to take the next step on their career path. This partnership will build on our respective experience to ensure a motivational, engaging, supportive and meaningful experience for all participants,” says Teresa O’Sullivan, Adult Education Officer at CETB.

Launchpad 2023 addresses the unique challenges faced by women who have taken time off from their careers for family or personal reasons. It recognises the immense talent, experience and skills that these women possess, but also the challenges they face having been away from the workforce for some time such as digital skills gaps, self-confidence and access to the remote and local employment network.

“We understand that returning to work after a hiatus can be daunting for many women,” said Rose Minihane, Ludgate Education Innovation Manager. “Women can feel isolated and overwhelmed by the prospect of finding the right role. This programme tells them they are not alone in this position. Launchpad is designed to provide them with the confidence, skills, and knowledge they need to re-enter the workforce and thrive in their chosen fields.”

Launchpad is the second year Ludgate is running a Women Returnee programme. In 2022, fourteen women took part in the augural programme – ReIgnite. Ludgate was delighted with the success of the programme, which received positive feedback from the participants and the wider business community. Since completing the course, many of the women have returned to work, identified further training opportunities, or started their own business.

“We firmly believe that career breaks should not hinder a woman’s progress or potential,” said Grainne O’Keeffe, Ludgate CEO. “Launchpad training programme is a testament to Ludgate’s and Cork ETB’s commitment to ensuring this talented group of women have access to the skills, support, and network to relaunch their careers. Importantly, we also let the business community know of this untapped pool of talent and experience.”

The training programme incorporates a variety of workshops that cover essential topics such as: Digital Skills – Microsoft Office Suite & Google (Drive, Docs and Sheets)l CV building and Interview skills; Marketing techniques; Motivation and Goal-setting; Career planning and Communication; Personal branding and Social media; Networking and navigating the rural / remote jobs landscapes; Further training and start your own business taster.

To ensure participants get the best opportunities to re-enter their chosen career paths, the women are paired with a mentor who is a senior professional in their chosen field. This feature of the programme was highly beneficial to the 2022 women returnees and, for many, the mentoring support has continued after the programme ended.

“Having access to an established professional in their sector, some-one who can give them insights into how to access employment in their field, help them identify and fill their skills gaps, and give these women access to the business network was a significant advantage to the women,” said Grainne O’Keeffe. “The participants benefited hugely from their respective mentoring partnerships.”

Launchpad will be facilitated by a team of experienced workshop leads who specialise in career development and return-to-work programmes. Participants will also benefit from one-to-one coaching sessions, group discussions, interactive exercises that encourage skill-building and support networks among fellow participants.

One of the unique aspects of the 2022 programme was the friendships that formed among the women, who have now become each other’s advocates and support network. “Some of the women began enjoying a coffee together after the workshops,” said Rose Minihane. “We are still meeting for coffee every so often, even though ReIgnite ended months ago. It is wonderful to catch up and see how everyone is doing. And hear of all the progress and plans – it’s exciting!”.

The programme will run over 12 weeks from the end of September to mid-December, with a break to coincide with school half-term. Each workshop will be on Thursday morning from 10am-1pm.

Launchpad is now open for registration. Interested individuals can register through Ludgate’s Eventbrite. Link to Eventbrite www.eventbrite.ie/e/633861375437