Norah Ryan working from her offices in Enterprise House, O'Brien Road, Carlow 

Norah Ryan, Owner and Managing Director of Barrow Consultancy and Training, talks about the evolution of the company and the potential for growth and success in County Carlow

Norah Ryan is making waves with her innovative approach to training and consultancy services. Barrow Consultancy and Training was established in 2008 by Joe and Marian Manning in Bagenalstown in Carlow. It offers accredited training in various fields such as childcare, healthcare, special needs assisting, management, health and safety, and personal development. They have also started offering training courses with the Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board in areas such as floor and wall tiling, construction studies, welding, IT and textile floor coverings.

Norah had been working in the company since 2015 as the Training Manager and acquired the company in July 2021 amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. And in just over two years, she has led her team of seven, all women, to new heights, expanding the company’s horizons. “I’m so lucky to work with the team I have,” says Norah, who is originally from Tipperary and who lived and worked in Dublin for 20 years before moving to and falling in love with Rathvilly in Carlow. “We have a very entrepreneurial spirit in the office, and all the ladies have their own areas of expertise, which gives me the freedom to work on growing the business as opposed to working ‘in’ the business.

“Networking plays a crucial role in my vision for the company to open doors for Carlow, promoting it as an excellent place to work with strong support for small businesses.”

A hybrid approach

In response to the pandemic, Norah shifted the company’s training model to predominantly online, offering blended learning and virtual training courses. This move not only catered to changing demands, but also facilitated a more flexible work culture. “More people have embraced the hybrid model given that they can do it from home as self-paced, self-directed learning, and don’t have to leave the comfort of their home or office to complete it,” says Norah. “We can have conversations with those unsure if the training is right for them as sometimes, going back to education can be very daunting for people. So, we like to encourage them and so far, we have enjoyed a 100pc success rate in our courses.

“This hybrid model has opened up so many new avenues for the business, as well as allowing more of a flexible workplace. I always want to support and encourage my employees. If you work in great workplaces which respect a healthy work-life balance, where staff are treated fairly, you get happier and more productive employees.” Recognising the diverse needs of her employees, she introduced flexible working hours for parents to accommodate childcare responsibilities. This approach allows employees to log in later in the evening or earlier in the morning, offering them convenience without high childcare costs. “And of course, those without children are treated in a similar way, so we have started a four-day work week. Employees alternate when they want the long weekends, and it’s been working incredibly well so far! The team has such a close-knit and supportive work atmosphere.

“Being in Carlow contributes significantly to this positive work culture. It has such a central location, as it’s close to Dublin, Waterford, Wexford, Kilkenny and so many other counties. It has far less traffic and congestion. I’ve lived and worked in Dublin, so the difference is astounding! It is also much more affordable to live here which makes it an attractive destination for businesses and individuals alike. There is such a friendly, local community here. I haven’t looked back since moving here!”

Giving Back 

Norah praises the welcoming and supportive community, which has inspired her to give back through volunteer work and community involvement. “I’ve joined the Board of Directors of various organisations to give back because I think Carlow has offered me a lot since I moved down here. Especially as a woman on her own, it can be more challenging, but Carlow really took me in as one of their own.”

Since taking over the business, they have been honoured with a number of awards. The prestigious AIBF Business All-Star Award and both the Powerhouse Award for Excellence in Personal Services for Business and the overall award for Carlow Female Entrepreneur of the Year 2022 at the Carlow Powerhouse Women in Business Awards were among the accolades won over the last year.

Norah is quick to credit Carlow County Council, the Carlow Chamber and the Local Enterprise Office for their unwavering support. They provide mentorship, business development programmes, and networking opportunities that have been instrumental in Barrow Consultancy and Training’s success.

“They’re second to none. I have plenty of experience working in other locations, but here in Carlow, they provide so many opportunities in different areas.” Norah adds, “They run the ‘Powerhouse’ Women in Business network, where a group of like-minded female entrepreneurs meet once a month for lunchtime sessions and run ideas by each other. The entire team is outstanding as they have been a huge support to us.”

Looking towards the future, Norah has ambitious plans for her company. She is negotiating with a UK university, with the goal of providing degree-level courses in childcare training. She also aims to make her company menopause-friendly accredited, acknowledging the importance of supporting employees through different life stages. “The town’s vibrant community, along with the local supports, offer an ideal environment for aspiring entrepreneurs and employees alike. If anybody is thinking about starting a business in Carlow or thinking of moving here and working, I would wholeheartedly tell them to embrace the opportunities and go for it.”

■ For more information, visit barrowtraining.ie or call (059) 972 1416