Planning for the Future: Breakfast Briefing

A working breakfast including speakers: Jim Power economic analysist and senior economist with Bank of Ireland Patrick Mullane .  Panel members include a LEAN specialist and a local company who has participated in the LEO's LEAN programme.  The event will be facilitated by Sinead Ryan, Journalist, Broadcaster and Media Trainer. 

Topic: “Planning for the Future”

Jim Power, Economic Analyst

Jim Power is one of Ireland’s leading and best-known economic analysts. Jim has a wealth of experience in delivering insightful economic analysis, forecasts and commentary to both Irish and international audiences. Jim writes regularly for national newspapers and is a regular contributor to radio and TV debates and discussions.  A board member of Agri-Aware, the food awareness body Jim is also Chairperson of Love Irish Food and is chairman of investment firm Three Rock Capital Management.

Jim is editor of Friends First’s regular ‘Economic Outlook’, which has become established as one of Ireland’s leading commentaries on the Irish economy, he also edits the SIMI quarterly motor industry update.  Jim is a native of Waterford and his first book ‘Picking up the Pieces’ was published by Blackhall Publishing in November 2009.

Patrick Mullane, Senior Economist, Bank of Ireland

Patrick Mullane is a Senior Economist in the Economic Research Unit of Bank of Ireland and his current work involves analysis of the macroeconomy of Ireland including the Bank of Ireland Economic Pulse. Patrick has been with the Bank of Ireland for over 10 years working as an economist in markets, international and domestic economy roles. Prior to joining the Bank, Patrick was employed in the Department of Finance and holds degrees from University of Limerick and University College Dublin.

MC: Sinead Ryan, Journalist, Broadcast, Media Trainer

Journalist, Broadcaster, Media Trainer, Sinead has worked as a print and broadcast journalist for over 16 years writing on consumer, property and personal finance matters. She writes four weekly columns for the Irish Independent and Herald newspapers along with contributing Op-Eds and features.   Sinead presents "The Home Show" on Newstalk every Saturday morning.  She is also the personal finance expert on "Ireland AM" and Newstalk's "Hard Shoulder with Ivan Yates" and is also involved in programmes such as "Claire Byrne Live", "Primetime" and "Drivetime".  In 2016 Sinead co-presented RTE 1's "My Money and Me", a six-part television series.  She is an experienced MC, conference host, interviewer and keynote speaker, mainly on business and financial topics including pensions. Clients include the Irish Association of Pension Funds, Zurich, AIB, SISK, IBEC, Kilkenomics and Senior Times conferences. Prior to her media career, she worked for over a decade in financial services after qualifying as a financial adviser. She also holds diplomas in Journalism and Economics. In 2009 Sinead set up a not-for-profit organisation teaching teenagers about budgeting and personal finance. Her book, co-written with Frank Conway, "Cents and Sensibility", was published in 2010.  Sinead was appointed to the Pensions Council, a Government Advisory Board in January 2015.

"One Small Step or One Giant Leap” Getting Started with Lean for Micro

Lean is about being effective and efficient – doing things quicker & better. Lean strives to stamp out waste and continually improve performance.  Lean Consultant, Allyson English, will outline what’s involved in the LEAN for Micro programme being run by LEO Tipperary.  A panel discussion will follow with two Tipperary based entrepreneurs, Donie Comerford, DC Autos and Elaine Seymour, Glance Promotions, who have both participated in the Lean for Micro Programme.  The two LEAN case studies will be discussed and will highlight what they have achieved to date in terms of savings and improvements.

Allyson English, partner in Jigsawvae consultancy, is an Experienced Lean Management Consultant and has trained, instructed and delivered the benefits of Lean Principles to over 120 SME businesses employing between 5 - 25 people, start-up businesses and those thinking of starting a business, across a wide range of business sectors.  Allyson is an approved provider of the Lean Business Offer with Enterprise Ireland and  IDA is also a member of the IMCA - Institute of Management Consultants.