AIBF Business Talk

Episode 166: Crafting Smiles, Leading Change: Dental Tech's Bevin Mahon Begins Presidency at AIBF

Bevin Mahon, our newly appointed AIBF President and Co-Owner & Managing Director of Dental Tech, joins us on our first AIBF Business Talk for 2025 to discuss her vision for her presidency and her family's thriving business, Dental Tech Group. With over 40 years in the dental industry, Dental Tech aims to be the leading dental laboratory in Orthodontics and Removable Prosthetics. 🦷🌟

Hear from Bevin as she shares the transformative journey of Dental Tech from a local denture repair clinic to a diversified enterprise with four clinics, a nursing home division, and home care services. 🏥 She proudly discusses their digital leap during COVID-19, transitioning from traditional methods to CAD designing and 3D printing of dentures, significantly enhancing efficiency and service quality. 🖨️

Bevin, coming from a social science background, brought a unique business-focused approach to the traditionally clinical field, overcoming initial skepticism from her technically inclined family. She highlights problem-solving, customer-centric strategies, and strong team-building as her leadership keystones. 🤝

As president, Bevin is excited to foster community engagement, regional networking, and peer learning, aiming to strengthen connections and celebrate resilience within the AIBF community. Her leadership promises to propel the foundation towards nurturing a supportive and collaborative business environment. 🌍🤗

Tune in now for brilliant insights from Bevin.

Episode 165: Navigating the Logistics Landscape with Enda Maher of Capital Transport & Shipping

Enda Maher, Founder of Capital Transport and Shipping is this week's guest on AIBF Business Talk. Enda shares the remarkable journey of his family-owned logistics company, founded in 2011. Starting small in his parents' house, the business focused on customer service and strategic partnerships, especially in the resilient food industry. A major milestone came in 2012 with a long-term contract from Benecol, setting the stage for growth. 💼

Enda emphasises teamwork 🤝 as a key pillar, celebrating the contributions of Capital Transport and Shipping's team members. With over 100 weekly loads across Europe 🌍 and expansion into the UK, Capital Transport continues to thrive, driven by a commitment to innovation and plans to explore AI in 2025. 🤖

Challenges like cash flow and scaling were tackled through strategic sales and leveraging family and industry connections. Enda highlights the importance of creating a positive work environment, balancing work with family time, and staying grounded through local rugby club involvement. 🏉

Enda’s story reflects resilience, innovation, and a focus on relationships, offering inspiration for entrepreneurs navigating challenges in competitive industries. 🚀

Tune in now for brilliant insights from Enda.

Episode 164: Consistency, Authenticity, and Strategy: The Keys to Marketing Success

This week, AIBF CEO Elaine Carroll chats with Garry Kelly of GK Media, an award-winning Galway-based digital marketing agency. 🎥 Garry shares insights on how digital media has transformed marketing, empowering small businesses to compete with global giants through affordable and accessible tools like social media platforms. 📱

Key Takeaways:

1️⃣ Consistency is Crucial: Regularly share content showcasing what makes your business great and the problems you solve. Ensure you’re present on platforms where your audience resides. 🗣️
2️⃣ Authenticity Wins: Let your brand's true personality shine. Consumers connect more with genuine storytelling and solutions that address their needs. 💡
3️⃣ Measure Success: Continuously assess your strategies and refine what works. 📊

Garry emphasises the value of blending traditional and digital marketing while crafting targeted, engaging content. He also advocates for reinvesting in your business and setting ambitious goals. 🚀

From producing videos and podcasts to managing social media, GK Media helps businesses tell their stories.

Find out more by tuning into to this podcast and take your marketing to the next level! 🌍✨

Episode 163: 'Navigating employment law and avoiding hot water when hiring' with Lorna Ferrie of the Mauve Group

This week on AIBF Business Talk, AIBF CEO Elaine Carroll chats with Lorna Ferrie, Legal & Compliance Director at Mauve Group, on the ins and outs of international business expansion 🌐. This episode dives into compliance, cultural awareness, and strategic solutions to global challenges. 🌟

💼 Key Takeaways:

🔹 Cultural Awareness & Employment Laws: Lorna breaks down the pitfalls of assuming business models and HR policies work everywhere. From communication styles to labour laws and collective agreements, cultural alignment is essential for success. 🗣️📜

🔹 Employee Misclassification: Misclassifying workers as contractors can lead to hefty penalties, especially in regions with stringent laws like Europe and Latin America. Ignorance here isn’t bliss—it’s expensive! 💸⚖️

🔹 Global Expansion Strategies: Lorna advises on research, localised marketing, and strong risk management to dodge pitfalls like economic volatility or cyber threats. 🔍🌎

🔹 Employer of Record: Simplify compliance by partnering with experts who handle payroll, visas, and labour laws, saving time and resources. ✅💼

🔹 Remote Work Realities: Remote policies aren’t just practical—they’re essential to avoiding legal troubles around permanent establishments. 🌐🏠

Tune in for practical insights to grow your business while staying globally compliant! 🚀✨

This is the third in a series of podcasts in conjunction with the Mauve Group exploring the area of Internationalising SMEs – Current Practices, Barriers, and Opportunities.

Episode 162: From Navy Discipline to Business Excellence: Andy Mackin’s Journey

This week, AIBF CEO Elaine Carroll sits down with the dynamic Andy Mackin of the Mackin Group, a seven-in-a-row Business All-Star. From humble beginnings in 2004, Andy’s empire now spans Mackin EHS (health and safety) and Mackin Talent (global recruitment), employing 170+ staff across 11 countries 🌎, with revenue soaring to nearly €40M 💰.

Andy’s story is one of evolution and resilience, transitioning from a 21-year Navy career to entrepreneurial success 🚢➡️💼. He highlights the value of discipline, early mornings, and delegation 💪⏰. His ventures have diversified into property development 🏗️ including hotels 🏨, and co-working spaces 🏢, driven by his knack for solving problems and building relationships 🤝.

Andy’s advice? Buy your own office 🏠, focus on personal development 📚, and wake up early for productivity 🌅. His passion project, reviving the historic Derryhale Hotel in Dundalk, showcases his commitment to community and innovation 💖🏨.

Tune in for a masterclass on discipline, resilience, and global growth 🌟. Whether you’re starting out or scaling up, Andy’s insights will leave you inspired to dream big and act consistently 🚀✨.

Tune in for insights, laughter, and lessons from a powerhouse of Irish business! 🎧

Episode 161: Windows of Opportunity: K&K’s Family Business Success

On AIBF Business Talk this week, AIBF CEO Elaine Carroll chats with Sorcha Kenny, co-founder of K&K Windows, a family-run business revolutionising the industry by cutting out the middleman. Founded in 1995 with her husband Thomas, the company began humbly in a small Wexford shed and has grown into a thriving enterprise employing 20 people, designing, manufacturing, and installing windows. 🏠🛠️

Sorcha shares how gratitude, resilience, and a customer-centric approach helped them weather challenges like the economic crash. By retaining staff and adapting, they stayed true to their vision while ensuring top-tier service. 🌟💪

Innovation is key at K&K. Continuous investment in cutting-edge machinery drives quality without compromising jobs—a testament to their ethos of improvement and teamwork. 🤝🔧

Recognition fuels their journey. The Business All-Stars program and mentorship from leaders like Blaze Brosnan have sharpened their focus on metrics and accountability, while bolstering team pride.📈

Sorcha's advice? Take risks, surround yourself with good people, and stay true to your values. As she balances family and business with grace, the story of one of AIBF's Top 5 Women in Business; inspires entrepreneurs to embrace gratitude, growth, and grit. 🙌💼

Tune in for insights, laughter, and lessons from a powerhouse of Irish business! 🎧

Episode 160: From Elite Forces to Business Experts: Mastering Crisis Management with Irish Training Solutions

🎙️ This Week on AIBF Business Talk AIBF CEO Elaine Carroll welcomes Nigel McCormack from Irish Training Solutions, a company founded by ex-members of Ireland’s elite Army Ranger Wing. 🪖💼

🚀 Mission & Expertise: Established in 2020, Irish Training Solutions delivers accredited, tailored conflict and crisis management courses. Nigel shares how their military background enables them to help Irish companies, especially exporters, navigate unpredictable environments, from protests to extreme weather. 🌍🌦️ Named Business All-Star Global Security Risk Management Company of the Year, they emphasise risk mitigation to protect brands and ensure business continuity.

🛡️ Military Insights: Nigel recounts 27 years of military service, stressing the need for comprehensive risk management in today’s world, including European cities. An example? A surprise weather event in Valencia that underlined the value of meticulous planning. 🌪️

💡 Irish Market Relevance: From CEOs to frontline staff, their training covers conflict de-escalation and legal safety measures. Realistic “red team” exercises test staff readiness, making safety a top priority. 🔍

🌟 Key Takeaways: Network-building and collaboration are essential. Nigel champions the All-Ireland Business Foundation for fostering connections and advises: “Smile each day and embrace tomorrow!” 😊✨

Tune in for insights that could redefine your approach to business safety and preparedness!

Episode 159 - ECAT's Francis Lyons Shares Secrets to Business Efficiency

📢 This week on AIBF Business Talk, AIBF CEO Elaine Carroll speaks with Francis Lyons of ECAT! ECAT is a cutting-edge, cloud-based service delivery management tool that makes data collection and analysis a breeze. 🌐✨

If you’re looking to save up to 60% in time and boost efficiency by up to 30%, don’t miss out on this insightful conversation. 🕒💼

Francis, the mind behind ECAT, shares how the tool digitises processes for businesses, eliminating errors and speeding up workflows. 🖥️🔍 Facilities management and companies with repetitive tasks can especially benefit. He emphasises the importance of having efficient processes in place before going digital and stresses the cost savings brought by today’s accessible hardware. 📈💡

Francis also dives into his entrepreneurial journey, discussing the importance of a strong team, managing early challenges, and the resilience needed for success. 💪👥 ECAT’s impact has been profound, helping businesses transition from manual, error-prone methods to seamless digital systems. 📝➡️💻

Tune in to hear about ECAT’s recognition as Business All-Star Meath Business of the Year, and learn how your company could experience these remarkable efficiency gains. Francis also invites businesses to take advantage of a free trial! 🚀✨

Listen for more and unlock the full potential of your operations! 👂

Episode 158 - Ruth Hennelly's Vision for a Healthier Financial Future

🎙️ This week on AIBF Business Talk, CEO Elaine Carroll chats with Ruth Hennelly, Director & Financial Advisor at Hennelly Finance, a top health insurance advisor in the West. Ruth shares valuable insights into the Irish health insurance market, particularly the increased demand following COVID-19 and the significance of switching plans for savings. 🏥💰

They also discuss the upcoming auto-enrollment initiative for pensions, set to launch in September 2025. This initiative aims to automatically enroll eligible employees, starting with contributions of 1.5% of their salary, increasing over time. Ruth highlights the necessity for both employers and employees to understand their options, especially for higher-rate taxpayers, and stresses the importance of seeking expert advice to navigate these changes effectively. 📈👥

Topics covered include health insurance market trends, policy renewals, and comparing auto-enrollment with private pension schemes. Ruth reassures listeners that switching health insurance plans is safe and regulated, encouraging annual reviews. She emphasises the importance of making informed decisions for financial stability and invites everyone to reach out for expert guidance. 🌟💼

Tune in now for some expert Financial Insights from Ruth Hennelly of Hennelly Finance.

Episode 157: Leadership, Teamwork and Dedication: The EMH Technical Services Story

This week on AIBF Business Talk, AIBF CEO Elaine Carroll is joined by Eric Howey, founder of EMH Technical Services; to explore the secrets behind his company's success in electrical, technical, and data installation in the South of Ireland. ⚡

Eric shares the key to his achievements: retaining skilled employees and building a positive work culture. By focusing on long-term relationships and values, he's achieved stellar client satisfaction on projects ranging from Tesco store maintenance to complex helipad installations at Cork University Hospital 🏥.

💡 Eric began his career in the trade in the early 2000's, and his leadership journey is shaped by valuable lessons learned from mentors along the way. Notably, he’s worked with one electrician who has been by his side since the very beginning. 

Eric reveals how he keeps his team motivated and engaged through exciting, varied projects, using effective workflow management to prevent burnout while fostering a problem-solving culture that turns challenges into opportunities to succeed. 🔧✨

🏅 Recognised as the Business All Star Electrical Contractor of the Year, Eric sees this as a testament to his team’s hard work. With a focus on continuous improvement, he’s dedicated to building a sustainable business that supports long-term growth.

Catch this insightful conversation packed with leadership gems and industry expertise! 🎧✨