AIBF Business Talk

Episode 3: David O'Brien - How exceptional customer service can safeguard your business future

Cork Coach Hire has been serving its loyal customers from its Cork City base for more than 25 years.

The market leading business provides luxury coach transport for a myriad of different customers in various industries such as tourism, corporate, private hire, school transport, and much more.

Managing Director of the company David O’Brien joined his father’s business in 2017 after cutting his teeth at the Herlihy Supermarket Group. 

David’s path into the business was not straightforward and in this episode, he spoke to Elaine about the many ups and downs he experienced on his journey to the top of the family business.

He also revealed some of the lessons he has learned along the way - including the importance of versatility and excellent customer service to the past, present, and future of Cork Coach Hire.

Cork Coach Hire has achieved Business All-Star Accreditation from the All-Ireland Business Foundation in recognition of the company’s conduct in the areas of performance, trust, commitment, and customer-centricity.

Episode 2: Damien McCarthy - How I built a successful business after leaving my steady job (and why I should have done it sooner)

Damien McCarthy is the Founder and CEO of HR Buddy, a pioneering HR service provider with a rapidly expanding client base. 

He is a believer in people and in delivering high-performance development cultures within a business.

HR Buddy is one of the few HR service providers who operate payroll alongside HR services, allowing businesses to align their HR/People strategy with their overall business strategy. 

This service gives both HR Buddy and the businesses they work with an edge.

Under Damien’s expert guidance, HR Buddy customers consistently report significant improvements in team morale and customer/client satisfaction within their enterprises.  

In this episode, Damien explains how he has built a successful business after taking the risk to leave his steady job.

HR Buddy has achieved All-Star Business Accreditation for the second year in a row in recognition of its performance in the areas of trust, commitment, performance and customer centricity. 

Episode 1: John O'Connell - How the power of collaboration created the AIBF Innovative Product Of the Year

John O’Connell is the Founder and CEO of CW Applied Technology, the innovative company behind the invention & development of the mobile, portable UV-C room steriliser – The MUV-X.

In this episode, John tells us how he leveraged the power of collaboration to develop his company’s bold invention.

CW Applied Technology provides contract manufacturing and design services to industry. 

The CW stands for ‘Collaborate to Win’.

John is an Electronic Engineering graduate from the University of Limerick with 30 years experience working in electronics manufacturing and design. 

Much of his career has been spent in automotive and telecommunications electronics. 

Originally from Tralee, Co. Kerry, living now in West Limerick with his wife of 28yrs Eileen, he has two adult children….one of whom now works at CW Applied Technology and the other has his own dog grooming, kennelling and day care business. 

John has recently been named as All-Star Clare Business Person of the Year and his product has also been recognised as All-Star Innovative Product of the Year.'