List of General Business Mentors
Aisling Foley is an accomplished marketing professional with 30 years international marketing experience. She has lived in London, Brussels, Dubai and Dublin, specialising in marketing across all geographical regions. Aisling’s marketing experience includes market strategy, research, product marketing and marketing communications. Aisling has enjoyed expanding her industry range from early specialisation in technology to a wide range of industries including retail, professional services and health. She brings enthusiastic, professional and focussed energy to all her clients. Before 2007, when she set up her consultancy, Aisling worked with international companies including BT, Sabre and i2. She was based in London, Brussels, Dublin and Dubai, marketing to EMEA, Middle East, Asia and North America. As a consultant, Aisling has worked with approximately 50 companies including Irema, Trilogy Technologies, Zinopy, Ubotica, Continuum Commerce, and Enterprise Ireland and mentored around 500 clients. Aisling has a Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (UK).
Aisling Hurley has over 10 years experience of creative leadership, with a comprehensive understanding of global market dynamics (co-founder teamwoodcraft.com). Has led creative projects and teams for international brands such as Laurence Lewellyn Bowen, British Airways, HSS, Menarini, Covalen. Pioneer in fusing AI with creative processes, enhancing innovation and efficiency. She has designed digital marketing campaigns that resonate across diverse cultures and is experienced in fostering cohesive team development through the strategic use of technology and creative methodologies. In her role as a design strategist, Aisling has developed numerous industry-focused initiatives that drive growth and innovation across a broad spectrum of companies, from start-ups to multinationals. Her expertise includes shaping strategic direction for the implementation of business, product, and service innovations for industry partners. She lectures in various universities including SETUs MBA where she leads programmes that apply strategic design methodologies and her designer’s framework to stimulate innovation and creative problem-solving. She is also the host of The SME Community Podcast. Key Skills - Digital Marketing Science, National & International Markets, Innovation & Creativity, Business Strategy, Emerging Tech Trends including AI, AR, XR, Corporate Governance.
Alan Maher - Maher Consulting was established by Alan Maher in 1999. His business experience and background include Retail Management, Customer Service, Retail Sales, Training & Personal Development and B2B Sales. Maher Consulting has provided a range of services to well-known and internationally recognised brands such as Clarins, SSE Airtricity, Hertz and William Grant & Sons. Maher Consulting also work with established local businesses and many new business start-ups representing all business sectors. Alan also delivers various training programmes for the Local Enterprise Office and has been Course Tutor on The LEO Start Your Own Business Programme in Enniscorthy since 2007. He has been on the Local Enterprise Offices mentor panel for 10 years and provides extensive business mentoring and training services to Wexford Local Development and other organisations. He is very passionate about helping businesses and individuals to achieve the potential they are capable of.
Blaise Brosnan: With over 25 years of practical top management experience, Blaise Brosnan has served as the Chief Executive of a prominent National Irish business. Later, he transitioned into a highly sought-after business mentor, working with various types of Irish businesses. His expertise doesn't stop at the national level; he has collaborated closely with major international companies worldwide, successfully implementing business interventions and strategic growth programmes. Blaise's journey includes academic excellence as well. He graduated from Trinity College Dublin in 1989 with an M.Sc in Management, further enhancing his 'cutting-edge' experience. In his multifaceted career, Blaise has donned various hats – entrepreneur, business director, business consultant, and coach. In recent years, his clients have consistently sought a platform where he can share his unique knowledge, strategies, and invaluable experiences. This desire led to the creation of his three insightful books.
Caitlin O’Connor is a mentor since 2005, retained by Enterprise Ireland, European Commission and LEOS. Her focus is on scaling, growth and export with continuous improvement (LEAN qualified) aligned with exporting. Her core areas are around commercialisation, export, digital, transformation, strategic vision, innovation, new market & new product and sales and marketing, all aligned with revenue generation. Sectors include ICT/Digital/Shared-economy/Telecommunications/ Agri-tech, SMART cities & aviation. She acts as a catalyst to scale, grow & develop export capability aligned with strategic vision. She also delivers value via her product “Strategy Away Days”. Caitlin was instrumental in the launch of ESAT with de-regulation & was core to the launch of Irish Broadband. As global marketing director of Point (CRM) Caitlin created an international brand with Ireland retained as the development centre. Caitlin focus’ on growth & export with domestic/international growth aligned to customer strategies, sales/marketing, strategic development, innovation & revenue combined with export gap analysis. Value proposition is also an area of focus. Caitlin holds university qualifications in Marketing, Direct Marketing Project Management, Coaching, Leadership Leaning Methods & LEAN green belt. Caitlin is also an adjudicator on grants and guides scaling companies through this process.
Caroline Nesbitt is an exceptional brand consultant and project manager who brings a wealth of experience and expertise in the areas of branding business, social media and digital marketing, and in the food & beverage and craft & creative sectors. Caroline established her creative agency ‘Designedly’ in 2017, which is now regarded as one of the leading brand agencies in the country. Throughout her career, Caroline gained extensive experience working on brand projects across various industries. She collaborated with clients ranging from small businesses to large corporations, creating visually captivating campaigns, literature, packaging, point of sale and digital solutions across web and social media. With an in-depth understanding of design principles and her ability to think strategically, Caroline consistently delivers design that conveys the desired message to target audiences. Caroline is a Brand Mentor with Local Enterprise Offices is Counties Limerick, Tipperary, Laois, Louth, Monaghan, Wexford and Kilkenny, mentoring SME’s across varied sectors in brand acceleration, digital marketing and online presence.
Colm Reilly. Dr. Colm Reilly is an experienced professional with a track record of significant outcomes and international experience in SME Development, R&D, International Trade and Entrepreneurship. In the past 15 years, Colm has worked as a senior executive in a global consulting organisation where he has been responsible for delivering the commercial results. In this role, he was asked by clients to create new operations that he has operated for many years. Many of the operations he created were the first of their kind with no existing template – These and other projects have required new strategies and solutions, within existing organisational structures, to new and developing challenges of significant complexity that have required a blend of people, process, and commercial skills. Colm has also founded three SME companies – Aviareto, Eureto and BiotherapeuticsMD which still currently operate. The operations created are known for their innovation and creativity but more significantly the delivery of the results expected whilst operating within existing constraints and a changing, and uncertain, external environment. Colm has worked with SME programmes in the USA (Virginia, Georgia), Italy, Germany, and Spain in developing practical approaches to business challenges recognising the real constraints of time, money, size and human capacity. This experience has informed Colm that in an accelerated technological environment, it remains people who matter most – whether this is in large corporations, SMEs, or start-up organisations. He believes that this is the essential ingredient in connecting strategy and implementation. Whilst processes create conformity and technology seems to have no limitations, it is the deployment with people that makes the difference. Colm has constantly worked on improving his communications skills and currently operates supporting SMEs in bringing their intentions and strategies into operational reality in terms of what people do, how they are motivated and the appropriate technology they use to do this. He is the author of three books on SMEs – The Information Paradox (how SMEs need to use Information Technology), Managing Value Price and Profit and No Frontiers – How SMEs can export (2025).
Cyril & Niamh Byrne the visionary owners behind Ruby Rouge and Varoom Ltd, bring their extensive expertise to their new business consultancy. With a proven track record in building successful ecommerce, retail, and tech businesses, they are dedicated to guiding clients toward sustainable growth and innovation. Niamh and Cyril’s hands-on experience in these sectors equips them with unique insights and strategies tailored to each client's needs. Their consultancy offers comprehensive advice on digital transformation, market expansion, and operational efficiency. Partner with Niamh and Cyril to unlock your business’s full potential, leveraging their industry knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit. Let their passion and expertise help you navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape.
Catherine Monahan. Action HR Services provides expert HR and employment law consultancy to SMEs across Ireland. Dominika O’Sullivan and Catherine Monahan bring decades of HR experience and deep sector knowledge, ensuring tailored, high-quality support. Dominika, with over 15 years in HR and recruitment, is passionate about empowering businesses with strategic solutions. Her experience spans roles in leading hotel groups and as a mentor to SMEs. Catherine, with 20+ years in HR management, is committed to delivering exceptional service, allowing clients to focus on growth. Her diverse career includes senior HR roles in the hospitality, healthcare, and production sectors. Both consultants understand the unique challenges of early-stage company development, bringing practical insights to overcome these hurdles. Action HR’s dedication to trust, integrity, and customer-centricity ensures that businesses receive seamless, up-to-date advice and comprehensive support, enhancing HR strategy, compliance, and workplace culture. Catherine Monahan, an MCIPD-qualified HR professional, boasts over 20 years’ experience in HR management across diverse industry sectors in Ireland. Joining Action HR Services shortly after its inception, Catherine understands the challenges faced by micro-businesses and brings strategic solutions to support their growth. Over the past 2.5 years, she has provided expert HR consultancy, mentoring, and management advice to SMEs. Catherine holds a BA in Business Studies from the University of Ulster and a BA in HR Management from the National College of Ireland, maintaining Chartered Member status with the CIPD for over two decades. She is also a trained mediator and qualified trainer. Notably, she was awarded HR and Training Manager of the Year by the Irish Hospitality Institute in 2017. Her career includes senior HR roles at Riverdance’s Abhann Productions, Lough Eske Castle, and Cara Pharmacy Group, showcasing her expertise in high-level HR leadership and strategy.
David Callanan is an experienced business mentor and the founder of Wellmarkit (www.wellmarkit.com). Wellmarkit specialises in helping health and wellness business owners start, grow, and optimize their business / practice. With a proven track record in mentoring entrepreneurs, David combines his expertise in business startup, growth, marketing, websites, digitization, business process automation using technology to deliver practical, results-driven solutions. David is passionate about empowering small business owners to overcome challenges such as funding, client acquisition, operational inefficiencies, selling and scaling. David has a lot of international multinational experience with nearly 20 years at large companies including Expedia, Rio Tinto, GE & The Bill Gates Foundation. David’s empathetic and innovative approach is grounded in a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing small businesses. Whether you're a startup seeking clarity or an established business aiming for growth, David provides the tools and insights needed to help Healthcare & Wellness businesses thrive.
Derek Hannick has over 70 Green for Business assignments delivered across a variety of business sectors for Local Enterprise Offices throughout Ireland. He is SEAI Partnership Support Manager for Public Bodies to assist their energy management and decarbonisation goals. He is also cost and sustainability project manager in private industry since 2006 prior to setting up Lean Green Services in 2015.
Dermot O’Reilly is a purpose driven individual with over twenty-five years management experience in a variety of different sectors, from manufacturing to arts management. His specialities are in innovation, entrepreneurship, business model development, strategic planning, design thinking, management development, experiential management, and the application of lean tools. He holds an MBS (marketing), a Higher Diploma in Service Design and Innovation, a Post Graduate Certificate in Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Innovation and an Honours Degree in Applied Economics. Since 2014, Dermot was a founder member of Solutions Consultancy Ireland, working with organisations at every stage of development in a wide range of industries ranging from food to manufacturing to tourism to technology and services, dealing with a diverse range of clients at all stages of developing their enterprise, from idea to product development and launching and growing their business model.
Dominika O’Sullivan. Action HR Services provides expert HR and employment law consultancy to SMEs across Ireland. Dominika O’Sullivan and Catherine Monahan bring decades of HR experience and deep sector knowledge, ensuring tailored, high-quality support. Dominika, with over 15 years in HR and recruitment, is passionate about empowering businesses with strategic solutions. Her experience spans roles in leading hotel groups and as a mentor to SMEs. Catherine, with 20+ years in HR management, is committed to delivering exceptional service, allowing clients to focus on growth. Her diverse career includes senior HR roles in the hospitality, healthcare, and production sectors. Both consultants understand the unique challenges of early-stage company development, bringing practical insights to overcome these hurdles. Action HR’s dedication to trust, integrity, and customer-centricity ensures that businesses receive seamless, up-to-date advice and comprehensive support, enhancing HR strategy, compliance, and workplace culture. Dominika O’Sullivan is a highly experienced HR consultant with over 15 years in human resources and recruitment. She offers expert advice to SMEs across various sectors, focusing on solutions that empower businesses to manage and expand confidently. For the past six years, she has served as an HR expert, management consultant, and mentor to small businesses. As a founding member of Action HR Services, Dominika understands the challenges of early-stage business development and effective strategies to navigate them. Holding a BA in Psychology from Dublin Business School and a Diploma in HR Management from the National College of Ireland, she is a committed CIPD member dedicated to staying at the forefront of HR advancements. Her career includes roles as HR Manager at Choice Hotels Ireland and Dalata Hotel Group, and she co-led the HR function during the reopening of Adare Manor Resort, showcasing her leadership in complex HR initiatives.
Ed Flanagan - His background is that he has extensive management and senior management experience in a major International Corporate company- IBM. He has managed over his career - Finance, Operations, Sales/Marketing, Pricing and Communications and worked as a Change Management Consultant and CFO for IBM clients, He managed the Real estate and site operations of IBM Dublin Technology Campus, and worked in the IBM SW lab, and was the Country Crisis Management Leader, along with European leadership roles. He is ex Director and Chair of Innovate Communities. In the last 10 years he has been consultant and EI/LEO mentor: supporting entrepreneurs and CEO/CFOs grow their business and increase profit. He has a lean six sigma blackbelt, and Pricnce2 practitioner. He also has a small photography business, so understand lots of the pressures entrepreneurs and CEO/CFO are under and how hard you need to work in their business, but also the need to step back and manager your business not just work in it.
Eddie Heffernan. With over 30 years of experience as a software developer, I’ve had the pleasure of working on a wide range of projects and technologies. From C# and ASP.NET Core, SQL Server and React, to Solidity and NodeJS, I’ve developed strong skills in multiple areas. Along the way, I’ve learned how to distil complex technical concepts into clear, actionable language, making it easy for others to understand and implement. This ability has served me well in working with diverse teams, from developers to non-technical stakeholders. Today, I’m excited to bring my skillset to this new role, where I can share my knowledge and help others grow
Eileen Fleming Eileen Fleming is an All-Star Business Accredited Business Consultant & Mentor, owner of The Buff Day Spa in Dublin, and an experienced business consultant with a passion for helping businesses innovate, systemize, and grow. With 22 years of experience running her own successful business, Eileen has developed expertise in business systemisation, business innovation, and spa management consultancy. Her consultancy services offer business mentoring, fresh perspective, unbiased feedback, trusted expertise, and accountability to help businesses reach their full potential. Eileen has systemised The Buff Day Spa to such an extent that it now runs without her, allowing her to help other business owners achieve more while having more freedom to live the life they want. To learn more about Eileen Fleming Business Consultancy, visit www.eileenfleming.ie
Eugene O’Keane, Chartered accountant. Eugene has over 40 years industry experience in both Ireland and the USA. He currently principal director of Platinum Advisors Limited where he acts as part time CFO, mentor and strategic advisor to a number of SMEs and microenterprises. He works extensively with Local Enterprise Offices throughout the country and with Enterprise Ireland. Eugene mentors on all aspects of finance including funding and capital raising. He has extensive experience with start-ups. He has expertise in building financial projections necessary for grant and bank funding. He has a Master’s in Business and Management Coaching from UCC and a Diploma in Corporate Governance from the Institute of Directors. He is a graduate of Business Studies from Trinity College Dublin. In addition, Eugene serves on the boards of a number of financial institutions and charities.
Gráinne Walsh is the founder of Whitefield Bay Consulting, a boutique consultancy practice that provides mentoring and coaching services to SMEs across Ireland and beyond. With over 20 years of experience, Gráinne brings a unique blend of expertise to the table, having held technical leadership roles at multinational companies like Amazon, and also having founded her own microbrewery business in 2011. Since exiting that business in 2022, she has worked extensively with early-stage and scale-up companies in the start-up ecosystem. She brings her hands-on understanding of what it takes to build a business from the ground up to help her clients focus on the right priorities in order to get things done and achieve their goals. As well as a postgraduate diploma in enterprise development, Gráinne also holds bachelor's and master's degrees in the sciences, giving her a broad and robust technical grounding which allows her to tackle a wide variety of challenges. She's a born problem-solver, and is motivated by helping others to succeed.
James Coyle is consultant and contract manager for JCR Network Services Limited, one of Ireland`s leading Bid Management Consultancies. He has delivered IntertradeIreland Go2tender training webinars 2023-24 and Go 2 Tender Phases 7 &8 2016-2024, helping 188 clients secure @ £21.5 million of contracts. In Phase 8 he mentored @250 clients with wins@ £85 Million. He was mentor for the Bid2Win programme 2019-2022 for Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council- achieving tender wins @ £4 million for 30 SMEs. He was mentor on the Belfast Procurement Programme 2019-2022 helping 36 SMEs achieve tender wins @ £6k. He has extensive experience in bid development across multiple sectors, including Construction/FM, Professional Services, ICT, Supplies, Education, Utilities, Health & Pharma, Legal, Marketing, HR Fleet & Plant, Print & Stationery. He covers all types of tender issues; ITQs, “green” procurement, social value, using the main tender platforms and emerging trends in procurement policy.
Jill Lush, CEO of Lush Marketing, a Marketing Agency based in Wicklow, specialising in strategic marketing, training, mentoring and outsourcing. Jill has over 25 years in various leadership, business and marketing roles within the business community, including Corporate experience. We provide actionable marketing strategies, tailored to SMEs, their budget, the growth plans and their capacity. Jill is passionate about marketing and leadership and is a talented board member, practicing her leadership and strategic learnings. Jill is over seven years in business and brings her learnings and challenges to help other business owners to strive for success. Jill is passionate about many topics including female entrepreneurship, being a busy mum herself and juggling all of the challenges that being an entrepreneur, mother and board member throw at her! As a mentor I am excited to leverage my experience, passion, and commitment to foster an environment where businesses can flourish.
Jim Hoey is an experienced Business Advisor based in Wexford specialising in Operational Excellence initiatives, Strategic Business Growth and International Sales Development. Over the past 14 years Jim has been an approved service provider of Mentoring, Lean methodologies (30 projects completed with savings in excess of €1.0m) and Digitalization initiatives to EI, IDA, Wexford and Carlow LEO’s. In addition over the past 7 years he has been a member of the Business Growth Advisory Panel within EI. During his Industrial career, spanning 30 years he held various positions in Multinational companies in Ireland and Overseas and has specialised in start-up activity (Medtronic, Tarkett and Masonite), Company Scaling and agile Organisation Development. He has experience of the Chemical, Plastics, Life Sciences, Wood Processing, Food andBuilding Products Sectors He holds a BSc in Chemistry, a PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry and a Masters’ Degree in Industrial Engineering and is a Green Belt Lean practitioner. Between 2006 - 09 Jim held the position of Senior VP for Central and Eastern Europe and the Middle East located at the Masonite Corporation CEEME headquarters in Budapest with operating entities in the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Ukraine, Israel and Turkey. Prior to that he had been Managing Director of Masonite Ireland since 1996 and during this time the company grew from start-up to exporting Building Products to 30 countries in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Jim is a former Chairman of the Irish Productivity Centre and was a member of the National Executive of IBEC and a board member of that Organization for many years. In 2004 this consultant was appointed by the then Tánaiste (Mary Harney) to the newly formed Enterprise Strategy Group which was charged with developing “a medium-term enterprise strategy” and a national policy response to “strengthen the competitiveness of Ireland’s enterprise environment”. The published report was entitled Ahead of the Curve. Areas of Expertise include Operational Excellence including Lean, Digitalisation and Quality initiatives, Strategic Profitable Growth across the 6 pillars of strategic growth, Mentoring individuals, teams and CEO’s, Start-up Management, Management Team Development, Innovation and new product development, Non-Executive Directorships.
JJ O’Hara
JJ O’Hara, Future Cast. Future Cast is a centre for Innovation, Education, and Research & Development, dedicated to advancing the Construction, Manufacturing, and Quarrying industries. They primary focus is on working closely with companies within these sectors and supporting their entire manufacturing supply chains and driving forward the adoption of advanced technologies and optimised processes to enhance productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness
As part of our mission, Future Cast is committed to:
- Researching and sharing the latest developments in Industry 4.0 technologies with our member companies
- Actively exploring innovations such as digitalisation, automation, data-driven decision-making, and smart technology integration
- Providing valuable insights and practical solutions that address real-world industry challenges
- Supporting companies in embracing advancements that strengthen and prepare the industrial sector for the future
We’ll meet with your company directly at your quarry, construction site, or manufacturing facility to understand and develop your innovation ideas first-hand. Our team collaborates closely with academic partners, funding agencies, and the Future Cast technology team to craft a tailored solution and a clear, actionable roadmap for your project’s success. Education is the key to our success in an ever-changing global world. As industries continue to evolve, companies must prioritise up-skilling their teams to stay competitive under the advancements of Industry 4.0. Future Cast offers a range of courses designed to equip your staff with cutting-edge skills in areas such as robotics and cobotics, artificial intelligence, smart data, IoT development, software engineering, virtual and augmented reality, 3D industry printing, and the workplace of the future. Future Cast is supported by a team of academics and industry experts dedicated to advancing the future of construction methods in Ireland and beyond. By leveraging our strong partnerships with industry leaders and academic institutions, we are constantly working to develop innovative techniques and technologies that address today’s challenges and prepare for tomorrow’s needs.
Joan Pask helps businesses move forward and offers value to your company, whether you are a new start up or want to grow your business by improving internal efficiencies and external effectiveness to achieve competitive edge and become a market leader. This is achieved by collaborating with you in either planning or reviewing your business direction to achieve clarity and focus for success by using a structured approach to validate your strategy, ‘teasing out’ potential to achieve clarity, awareness and accountability. She is experienced in running her own business and has worked throughout Europe and North America holding senior executive positions in small, medium and large companies. This has given her an international perspective and strong grasp of all facets of business from strategic planning and delivery to business development, market research, marketing communications, digital marketing, customer services, financial management and new product development. She is a skilled project manager, practiced in Prince2 and Accelerate project management methodologies. Joan will take the time to get to know your business and market and will quickly become a trusted and valued advocate, a good sounding board, able to give and take constructive feedback with a strong commitment to imparting her experience and skills to help your business succeed.
Dr. John Colier and Foodovate Consulting is a Food-Innovation consultancy helping companies design and develop new products for the retail/food service markets. This is built on over 20-years’ experience in industry. We work in Innovation and Innovation Capability, Market Intelligence, Strategy & Business Models, Export Plans & Models, Nutrition & Health Claims, New Product Development, Digital Marketing for Food and Training. We are experts in Design Thinking and innovation models to help you bring your ideas to life. We also work with companies to secure funding for start up formation, feasibility, and growth. John has owned and managed several food companies over the past 20 years and has worked in every aspect of the industry. He has direct experience with beverages, prepared meals, horticultural products, pharmaceuticals, meat products, dairy products, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, savoury, and sweet snacks.
John Dempsey is self employed for the past 20 years. John works with both established businesses and start-ups across diverse SME sectors. These sectors include manufacturing; service type businesses; retail; construction … which can be online and/or offline ventures. Areas that John has assisted businesses with include financial including pricing & costing work, developing financial systems; assisting businesses to secure funding; business planning in its many guises; business development initiatives which can include developing new products / services and growing markets. A knowledge of other business areas including marketing; social media; business management; governance; compliance and regulation … enables John to offer businesses he works with a comprehensive understanding of the business’s, their owners and staff needs. As a member of the enterprise office mentoring panel John looks forward to working with existing and new businesses into the future. John is a qualified Chartered Accountant.
John Haran. An engineering graduate with an MBA in International Business, John has spent the last 35 years, mostly overseas, in a variety of sales and leadership roles. After graduate training and production experience in Med tech, he established a marketing consultancy business (HMC) and spent 12 years in Asia managing a trade and investment team, following by similar assignments in London and New York. Returning to Ireland, he has taken several CEO roles with local technology companies and managed both to successful trade sales. HMC now employs 15 people, with offices in London, New York and Shanghai. Our clients include LEOs, local authorities, state economic development agencies, along with a range of commercial clients across many sectors.
John O’Shanahan is the founder and lead consultant at LeanBPI, a trusted leader in Lean and digital innovation for Irish SMEs, working with LEO clients since 2015. With over 30 years of international experience across Taiwan, Mexico, and The Netherlands, John brings a wealth of expertise in business operations and efficiency. LeanBPI specialises in transforming workflows for SMEs, moving businesses from manual or paper-based systems to streamlined digital processes. Having completed over 400 successful digital projects across various industries, John’s approach integrates Lean best practices and cutting-edge digital tools to deliver measurable improvements in performance, cost savings, and sustainability. LeanBPI offers tailored digital solutions, from entry-level to advanced systems, prioritising client needs and comfort level. Our work encompasses, customising, optimising or integrating off the shelf solutions into client workflows as well as the development of bespoke solutions, built to meet exact client needs.
Joy Redmond has been working in the web industry since 1996 in marketing, research and design roles. Her specialties include helping clients pinpoint what benefits they offer (research), communicating those benefits through effective messaging, copywriting and branding (marketing), developing quality collateral, case studies, white papers (content) and spinning all of the above into an attractive media pitch (PR). She is also hired to build, manage, or advise on website projects from a business analysis/UX and marketing point of view. Her experience as both a founder and a start-up marketer has taught her what can be achieved with limited resources – a clear understanding of the difference between ’nice to have’ and ‘must have’. Joy holds undergraduate degrees in both Marketing and Design & Technology, Postgrads in Enterprise Development and Service Design and is currently engaged in further study in Data Visualisation. Joy has been a mentor with LEO Wexford since 2009 and various Partnerships in Dublin.
Justin Kearns is a business and digital technology consultant with 12+ years experience in technology & entrepreneurship across multiple sectors and is skilled in identifying and developing market opportunities for new products, services and business models. He leverages his experience in establishing startups to help clients validate market opportunities for their concepts, assess the feasibility of their projects and assist them as they bring their concept to market. He has lived experience of developing and bringing to market innovative products and services both in Ireland and export markets and has a wide range of knowledge across market research, funding, brand building and business strategy. Justin has a Post Grad in Innovation and Enterprise from TCD, and has participated in industry leading innovation programmes, startup accelerators and entrepreneurial development programmes. For over a decade he has been mentoring Local Enterprise Office clients and has a comprehensive understanding of support available to clients
Karen Sommerville is the owner of Call Focus, specialists in “effective customer communications”, by helping companies develop greater customer relations, maximise opportunities & increase sales by focusing on how engage and communicate with their customers. With over 25 years’ experience, Karen has worked in many areas of sales and marketing extending across a wide range of industry sectors for both the business and consumer markets. She is especially known in the area of cold calling, telesales, customer service and direct marketing. As a mentor and trainer, her delivery style is very energetic, practical, and interactive; with all exercises and discussions focused around participant’s real life situations and business needs. As a result, Karen regularly achieves satisfaction ratings exceeding 85% on many of her training programmes. Karen’s holds qualifications in business, marketing, training and mentoring. She works with many different groups including Skillnets, LEO’s, Business Associations and educational bodies as well as several private clients.
Karl Ilewellyn. Over the last 30 years Karl has built and operated dozens of CRM and sales solutions. Operating with teams from 5 to 500 people across continents from India, Europe and the US he was the first Irish business to operate six contact centres across Europe and India using the same telephone Switch (a massive deal in 2005). He has started organisations that have grown to over 1000 agents and built inside sales teams for others that generated over $50 million in sales volume from a standing start. He combines 30 years of practical Sales and CRM experience across many business sectors, 10 years of Project Management Qualified (PMP) all mixed together with the fact that he is ultimately a sales guy mashed with start-up founder. He enjoys selling to good prospects and dislikes paperwork, don't particularly want to cold call and likes his team to be busy and deliver accurate realtime reports.
Kate Hickey is a Business Consultant and Executive Director of the Ireland Canada Business Association and Director of the Valentia Cable Foundation. As a Consultant to Department of Trade Newfoundland for ten years Kate provided strategic trade consultancy services to over 95 Canadian SME’s. Previously Marketing Manager with Laura Ashley, Kate has proven skills in retail marketing, branding, PR strategies and buyer engagement. As Experienced Marketing Director and Consultant for Enterprise Ireland Kate works with CEO’s of early stage companies focusing on Strategy and Export Market Development. Equipped with an MBA from Smurfit School of Business Kate works with clients in implementing market entry and sales strategies and is a mentor and trainer with DCCI.
Keith Darcy is an experienced Business Advisor, qualified Management Accountant (CIMA) and Qualified Financial Advisor (QFA) with Institute of Bankers Ireland. Having worked for over 20 years in Financial Services, most recently with Ulster Bank as a senior manager in their Business Banking division I have a wealth of knowledge from dealing with all sectors of the SME market. Over the past 5 years I have advised clients of several Local Enterprise Offices in relation to all matters relating to Financial and Business, ranging from MFI Loan applications, Grant applications to General Business advise. I have an in-depth and first-hand knowledge of the challenges faced by business, the pressure they are under and the limiting factors in which they often have to operate. In these areas my experience and skills as a Coach & Consultant has proven invaluable in bringing balance and forward development. Areas of Expertise include Micro Finance Ireland Loan Applications, preparation of business plans, grant application preparation, cashflow management and forecasting, business strategy & planning and pricing and costing of products.
Keith Feighery. Keith is a leading Digital Expert with over 20 years’ experience creating digital marketing programmes, developing enterprise software applications, and building successful online retail businesses. Keith is currently the Director of Digital Strategy with Digital Insights, a digital consultancy, where he works with clients developing Digital Solutions across a range of sectors and technologies. Keith works with Local Enterprise Office’s across Ireland mentoring businesses in Digital Technologies and Marketing, as well as providing training and consultancy for Digital for Business clients. Keith lectures on master’s Programmes in Digital Marketing with the Trinity College Dublin and Michael Smurfit Business School. He also delivers MBA modules for Digital Strategy with ESSEC Business School and HEC in Paris. Keith has trained over 7500 businesses, either directly or with established training partners such as Digital Marketing Institute, SureSkills, Dublin Business School and Griffith College Dublin. He holds a 1st Class MA in Digital Media Technologies.
Kilian Duignan has over twenty-five years P&L experience with companies with a turnover of up to €15 mil. During that period, he encountered many business challenges, which had to be managed proactively, in various areas such as cash-flow and financial management, business development, strategic planning, staff appraisal, stock management, margin generation and protection together with the challenges of changing economic circumstances within businesses. Kilian has excellent communications skills, and it is the marriage of this commercial and financial experience, natural empathy and understanding of the LEADER and LEO grant aid system that makes him a very competent mentor and trainer for SME’s and start-ups. He has a Certified Diploma in Accountancy and Finance awarded by the ACCA in 2001, a Professional Certificate in Marketing from the Marketing Institute of Ireland and a Mechanical Engineering qualification from Dublin Institute of Technology, Bolton Street, and FETAC level 6 Train the Trainer. In recent years, Kilian manages the EI Mentor Network in a co-ordination role providing guidance and resources to businesses throughout Ireland and he is an approved Mentor with Wexford, Waterford, Kildare, Carlow, Laois and Offaly Leo’s.
Liam O'Connor (MBS, BBS, BA, H.Dip.) is a highly experienced professional with a history of success in diverse management systems. He has more than 30 years of experience in highly regulated industries in senior management decision-making positions. His speciality is driving systematic and culture change. A specialist in such fields as Quality, Lean Enterprise Excellence, Safety, ESG, and Compliance, Liam is the founder of Organisational Excellence Ireland. He works with companies across the world to implement mechanisms to identify and eliminate non-value-add activities in processes, integrate management systems, achieve certification, and develop best practices in the most holistic manner possible. Liam lives in central Co. Wexford with his wife Samantha, three cats and a flock of chickens.
Maeve Finch, founder of Total Focus, has been mentoring businesses since 2004. With extensive experience in both private and public sectors, Maeve has operated at both strategic and operational levels, providing expert guidance to business leaders, as well as pre-start-up and start-up enterprises. Maeve’s approach is grounded in practicality and bolstered by advanced business development expertise, a deep understanding of Ireland’s current trading climate, and academic achievements up to master’s level. She actively engages in continuous professional development, including training in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence. Passionate about supporting entrepreneurs, Maeve specialises in working closely with pre-start-up and start-up businesses, particularly within service industries. Her services include one-to-one mentoring, facilitating business advice clinics, and leading "Start Your Own Business" courses in collaboration with several Local Enterprise Offices.
Mags Boland-Murphy. In 2011, after over 20 years working in executive and management roles in the commercial arena, Mags established Bofin Consultancy to help businesses and professionals with development, operational challenges, marketing, operations, specific business challenges, scalability, profit planning and strategy. A business mentor with Enterprise Ireland, Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Intertrade Ireland, the LEO network nationwide, an approved mentor for Fáilte Ireland and is accredited with the International Authority of Business mentors. All Star awarded, accredited and experienced tourism & hospitality consultant, national event manager, business sales, marketing & media professional; working with clients nationwide in Ireland, UK and Sweden in the following sectors: Tourism & hospitality, food, retail, construction, media, sports, manufacturing, professional services, SMEs, start-ups, public sector and business support organisations. The business provides professional business growth, advisory and consultancy services including; training, scaling for balance, leadership, business development, business mentoring, sales, marketing, tourism consultancy and tailored solutions
Mark Cahill is Owner and Principal Consultant for Mark One Limited, a Procurement and Supply Chain Consultancy Services Company. He has over 30 years’ experience in Procurement and Supply Chain Management, several years of which were at director level. An experienced people manager and supply chain leader, he has experience in end-to-end procurement and supply chain operations, has managed mature global supply chain organisations and been responsible for the creation of procurement and Supply Chain departments for new businesses, setting policy, recruiting the respective teams and developing business and supply chain strategies with senior management colleagues. Mark has a Diploma in Management and is a chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (MCIPS).
Mary White is an Irish and EU Trademark Attorney, who manages the Dublin office for leading brand advisory firm, Stobbs. She has a lot of experience in helping start-ups and scaling-up SME companies with their intellectual property and how to align it with their business growth strategy. She can assist with trade mark applications, oppositions, and disputes concerning business names and domain names. Mary works with a number of Local Enterprise Offices around Ireland as a mentor specifically helping with small businesses in food and drinks, craft, technology, engineering, software, and more. At Stobbs we believe IP is for all sizes and shapes of business – it can help with achieving vital funding and helping you gain credibility with investors. It also helps maintain your competitive edge in the marketplace and can help you by opening up opportunities to license your product or service – or to scale your business internationally. Mary is also a member of the technical committee on Innovation Management of the National Standards Authority of Ireland and has contributed to the development of the ISO 56000 framework of standards which offer organizations of all sizes guidance on how to implement, maintain, and improve innovation management systems.
Michael O’Donoghue. Founded in 2020, ODMC Consultancy Ltd specialises in helping SMEs and start-up businesses. We recently acquired Leadership management Ireland, and offer their full suite of products, working with companies to improve productivity & profitability. Bringing over 20 years sales and management experience, Michael O’Donoghue has worked in various fields throughout his career. Having graduated from The College of Marketing & Design, Michael started his sales career in retail, and part time farming. He quickly moved into full time sales, working his way from Agri sales into Veterinary, on from there into Medical, and has worked for the last 10 years in various Surgical Sales Management roles. Michael has previously headed up various product launches in both Medical & Surgical and has partnered with surgeons in operating theatres for companies such as MSL, Technopath, and Johnson & Johnson. In 2016, Michael returned to higher level education and graduated first in class with first class honours in Business & Sales Management. (H1, Level 8) from Munster Technological University.
Michael O’Gorman MBA. Michael is a dynamic business mentor and advisor with 30+ years of leadership across roles such as Board Director, Head of Strategy, Director of Development and Growth, Business School Lecturer and Entrepreneur. His rich blend of experience, capability, and continuous learning positions him as a trusted guide for micro-enterprises, SMEs, and Innovation-Driven Enterprises (IDEs) on a pathway of development, discovery, and growth. Armed with postgraduate qualifications in Business, Education, Enterprise Development, and Innovation, Michael is also a certified Advanced Practitioner in Value Management and accredited by MIT’s Entrepreneurship Development Programme. Through his company, Pathway Business Solutions, he delivers strategic guidance and operational solutions tailored to each business’s unique needs and stage of development. Michael’s holistic approach bridges the agility of small enterprises with the strategic depth of corporates, unlocking potential and fostering sustainable growth. His mentorship drives clarity, adaptability, and measurable success at every stage of business evolution.
Micheal O’Neill. If you’ve been wondering, “Can I turn my knowledge and expertise into a digital product, membership or subscription that I can sell online?” the answer is absolutely YES. Building an online business that sees you profit from the value you provide—rather than the hours you work—isn’t just possible; it’s easier than you might think. But many people struggle to get started and are worried that they will waste time, effort and money trying to figure it out. That’s where I come in. As Ireland’s only dedicated digital business growth specialist, I’ve helped hundreds of business owners like you across the world turn their expertise and knowledge into a profitable online course, membership, subscription, or coaching programme. I will guide you every step of the way — from growing your email list to crafting your online offer, building your product, and launching it to national and international audiences. You don’t need to figure it out alone. Let’s work together to launch your digital offer so you can experience the joy of leveraged recurring online income.
Website: https://michealoneill.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michealoneill/
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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lead2launch
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michealoneill/
Muireann Fitzmaurice is a seasoned marketing consultant and coach, bringing over 20 years of expertise in helping businesses achieve growth through effective branding and marketing strategies. As the founder of MarketingCoach.ie, she specialises in guiding SMEs to build strong, marketable brands and implement strategies that drive tangible results. Muireann’s approach is practical and results-oriented, offering tailored mentoring to businesses at all stages of development. Her experience spans various sectors, including tourism, retail, and professional services, making her advice highly adaptable and insightful. In addition to her extensive marketing expertise, Muireann is a certified leadership coach, supporting business owners and teams to maximise their potential. She is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in competitive markets. A recognised thought leader, Muireann has also spoken at conferences like Digital West, where she delivered impactful talks on AI and marketing innovations for SMEs. She recently launched a Green Sustainability online programme for SMEs. She is passionate about helping people, organisations and planet to flourish
Nadean Lowe, owner of Nadean Lowe Consulting Ltd, has over 30 years' experience working with SMEs and Micro Enterprises across all sectors. Nadean’s wealth of experience enables her to specialise in Tendering and Procurement; Importing and Exporting, Business Development, Training and Growth. Nadean has delivered highly successful bespoke mentoring services across the following: Go Succeed NI; InterTradeIreland’s Go2Tender Programme; The Bid2Win Procurement Programme; The New Horizons Tender Programme; Win More Business Procurement Programme; Accessing Europe Tender Programme. Nadean is a mentor on a number of Local Enterprise Panels – Leitrim County Council; Cork City Council, Laois County Council, Offaly County Council and Wicklow County Council. Nadean enables SMEs to be more competitive by developing their knowledge and understanding of public sector tendering. Nadean has won approximately £/€20 million+ in new contracts. Nadean has a well-established reputation for working with companies to improve their tendering ability – making the subject of tendering, interesting, engaging and interactive.
Niall Glynn & Associates Limited was set up in 2010 to provide HR Business Solutions & Mentoring mainly to SME businesses including Start Ups. He also provides tailored Career Coaching to Senior Executives. He currently acts as both an Adviser / Mentor to a select number of SME businesses on Business Solutions, HR Management & Organisation Change. He also is a Business Advisor & Mentor with several Local Enterprise Offices, including Wexford, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, South Dublin, Wicklow, Meath & Kildare for many years. He delivers a range of services for these LEOs ranging from: a) Business Clinics, b) Mentoring, c) MFI Applications & Appeals, d) Training and e) Other Services i.e. Judging Schools Business Competition. He has also acted as a Mentor for Enterprise Ireland. Niall Glynn has over 30 years’ experience in Corporate and Investment Banking, specialising in Human Resource Management and Organisation Change. A Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Personnel & Development and a Fellow of the Institute of Bankers in Ireland.
Philip Weldon is the Managing Partner at Titan Digital, a boutique digital consultancy dedicated to driving business growth through transformative digital strategies. With over eight years of experience in private-sector SMEs, public organisations, and not-for-profits, Philip brings unparalleled insights into how businesses can leverage digital tools for success. He specialises in digital marketing, business transformation, and automation, delivering tailored mentoring programs for SMEs through Local Enterprise Offices across Ireland. Philip has also worked closely with private-sector SMEs to streamline operations, enhance customer engagement, and scale their digital impact. His proven track record includes spearheading innovative national digital health initiatives and providing strategic advisory services to leading not-for-profits and entrepreneurial ventures. With a strong background in operational management, team leadership, and logistics from his corporate career, Philip is uniquely equipped to mentor firms at all stages of growth and ensure they achieve measurable and sustainable results.
Rosemary Ward is a Business Consultant at South East BIC, advising and assisting entrepreneurial clients throughout their startup journey using business modelling, business planning and strategic planning. She has successfully worked with clients in their preparation to access private funding through business angels, venture capital and private investors as well as financial institutions and government agencies, particularly Enterprise Ireland’s HPSU funding. Before joining South East BIC she worked for interiors retailer BTW, where she held the position of Marketing Manager. With five years’ experience as Trade Marketing Manager with Waterford Crystal, and more than ten years sales and marketing experience in multinational and national technology, consumer goods and retail companies, she is in an excellent position to foster innovation and trade in the South East. Rosemary is a B. Comm (International/Spanish) graduate from UCD and in 2021 completed her certification from the Digital Marketing Institute in Digital Marketing Strategy & Planning.
Ruth Larkin is a serial industry entrepreneur, having founded and scaled multi-million euro businesses in a number of sectors including, international distribution of luxury consumer products and manufacturing and global sales of municipal vehicles. Her focus is on market validation, market entry strategy, commercialisation, expansion, management and strategy. She has extensive experience in professional services, consumer goods, retail and distribution, design and manufacturing, health, fitness and wellbeing, fintech and cosmetics.
Sean Phelan brings over 30 years of senior management experience in the manufacturing and engineering sectors, having held executive roles such as Managing Director, Operations Director, Group Director of Business Development, and VP of Business Development. In 2017, Sean founded QCD Solutions, a consultancy dedicated to empowering businesses and government agencies in areas like international business development, strategic growth, supply chain management, and operations optimisation. Sean’s expertise lies in solving complex challenges, driving growth, and enhancing performance for organisations worldwide. With an extensive global network of senior management contacts within OEMs, First Tier Suppliers, and industry bodies, he has a proven track record of securing high-value contracts and delivering impactful results.
Seamus Murphy. Seamus is a very experienced management professional, with over 30 years of experience at senior management level. Strong experience in the construction services industry sector over the last 20 years. In his previous role, he was Commercial Director of a mechanical services company and later becoming the MD of a UK mechanical services business, which he helped develop into a turnover of £5 million. Strong understanding and experience in food manufacturing and engineering businesses. Good communicator with a thorough knowledge of P & L accounts, cash-flow management, budget control, job costing, human resources, and general management. In the last 2 years, Seamus has assisted and guided businesses to positively achieve grant aid support from various agencies. Seamus has a post-graduate Diploma in International Selling is an approved mentor with Wexford, Offaly, Waterford, Kildare, Laois and Carlow LEOs. Seamus has, more recently, been approved as a Business Growth Adviser with Enterprise Ireland and he is also on the ‘Brexit Advisory’ panel with InterTrade Ireland. Seamus has a strong knowledge of International sales and new market development, having spent in excess of 18 months on the ground in the UK, as well as time in Poland.
Simon Tiptaft over 25 years of seasoned General Management and Regional Director expertise in the hospitality and retail sectors, having worked for industry giants like Forte Hotels, Holiday Inn, and Compass Group. Simon has carried out various business development projects for organisations in Ireland in the heath food sector, stadium event operations, hotels and corporate catering, cooperative enterprises as well as managing funding applications including the LEO, EI, HRB in order to secure grant aid for clients. Simon is a graduate of UCC completing a Degree in Human Resource Management, which compliments his business management qualifications and experiences.
Stephen Tripp – Sustainability Consultant, Mentor and Business Leader. Stephen is a seasoned business consultant, chairman, and mentor with over 25 years of experience in driving business success and sustainability. As a provider on the Enterprise Ireland Green Directory and a number of LEO Green panels, Stephen specialises in delivering practical, actionable sustainability solutions tailored to SMEs. Having founded and grown two market-leading businesses from start-up to successful international expansion and eventual trade sale, Stephen brings firsthand expertise in operations, product design, supply chain management, and sales & marketing. He was an industry pioneer in outsourcing manufacturing to China and developing international distribution networks. Stephen excels in sustainability strategy development, offering SMEs innovative solutions that align with global sustainability goals. His core strengths include business development, ESG mentoring, finance, export markets, and strategic planning. Stephen’s hands-on approach and proven track record make him an invaluable guide for businesses seeking sustainable growth and competitive advantage.
Tony Dignam - Agile Executives provide a wide range of consultancy and mentoring services to SMEs through our national and international network of consultants covering a broad range of sectors with skills in Finance, Digital, Strategy, HR, General Business, Green and Export Development.
Una McGoey holds over 20 years’ experience in the financial services industry, working in a variety of roles from Branch Manager, Project Manager and Sales Capability Manager and a strong academic background to include Professional Diploma in Financial Advice (QFA) and Professional Diploma in Finance Services (Professional Banker NFQ L8). LEAN Six Sigma Green Belt. Cambridge University Judge Business School; Strategic Thinking for the CXO. Post Graduate Certificate in Leading and Managing People (NFQ L9), Professional Certificate in People Management UCD. Certified Trainer, Certificate and Diploma in Life Coaching. Accredited Practitioner Coach (APC) International Authority for Professional Coaching & Mentoring. Una is currently Vice President Dundalk Chamber of Commerce and sits on several Board of Directors committees. In 2020 she became No. 1 Amazon Co Author and Irish Times Bestseller. Una’s experience working with micro enterprises, small and medium-sized (SMEs) business, start-ups and owner-manager businesses allowed her to establish Anu Change to help Businesses put strategies in place to start, manage and grow their business, improve communication, and develop their staff. Furthermore, Business Consultancy and Mentoring (LEAN) to help business owners reduce waste and improve efficiencies and productivity. Anu Change works with the Department of Employment, Skillnet Ireland, Local Enterprise Offices.
Vincent Byrne is the principal of VJB Development Solutions Limited, where he specialises in coaching and mentoring SME business owners. With nearly 40 years of experience as a qualified accountant (ACCA), Vincent's expertise spans financial reporting, systems, cash flow management, funding, and strategic business planning. He is particularly interested in helping clients prepare for key transitions, whether it’s retirement, succession, or business sale. Having successfully set up, managed, and sold businesses, Vincent brings real-world experience to his advisory work. His approach combines technical financial acumen with a focus on personal development and resilience, ensuring clients can both grow and exit their businesses with confidence. An accredited Time To Think Coach and a member of the Association for Coaching, Vincent has also served on the boards of several charitable organisations and sports clubs. For more information, visit vincentbyrne.ie.
William Baldwin - Seasoned professional mentor, adviser, consultant, interim manager and non-executive board member supporting businesses (family owned, SME’s, charities and large corporates) seeking to transition (major growth, turnaround or succession) to a new sustainable future. Expertise includes non-executive board member, organisational strategy and change, ESG, organisation development, business excellence, quality management, food safety, operational efficiency and continual improvement, change and project management, risk management, human resources, learning and development, and environmental, health and safety management. This experience has been gained while working in Ireland, United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Turkey. Industries supported include manufacturing/industrial/service environments, including personal care, technology, heavy engineering, professional services, food & beverages, chemicals, and animal feed as an employee or consultant/mentor in functions such as quality, health & safety, corporate governance, human resources, organisational change, operational & business excellence, and enterprise risk management.
