ThinkBusiness.ie

Hosted by ThinkBusiness

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Episodes

356

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-IE

About the show

ThinkBusiness.ie, powered by Bank of Ireland, has been created for Irish business owners and managers who are seeking information, resources and help on a range of business topics. It provides practical, actionable information and guidance on starting, growing and running a business. It offers guides, tools, templates, checklists and a wealth of other content tailored to meet the needs of Irish business owners and managers. It also showcases case studies, with insights, tips and advice from Irish start-up entrepreneurs and business owners. Bank of Ireland is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.URL: www.thinkbusinessTwitter: @thinkbusinessieLinkedIn: ThinkBusiness.ieFacebook: ThinkBusiness.ie

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60 recent

September 9, 2026Episode 36026 min

Episode 360 - Maaike Terwindt, AI Specialist for Europe at Google

Hello and welcome back to the latest ThinkBusiness Podcast, powered by Bank of Ireland. Today we speak with Maaike Terwindt, AI Specialist for Europe at Google, about how Gemini, Gems and AI agents are reshaping the way SMEs work. From boosting productivity and automating routine tasks to unlocking new growth opportunities, she explains how businesses can put practical AI to work today. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness .

September 7, 2026Episode 35929 min

Episode 359 - Deborah Kelly, Partner and Head of Corporate at Addleshaw Goddard Ireland

Hello and welcome back to the latest ThinkBusiness Podcast, powered by Bank of Ireland. Today we're exploring one of the biggest challenges facing Irish family businesses: succession planning. Joining us is Deborah Kelly, Partner and Head of Corporate at Addleshaw Goddard Ireland, who shares practical advice on preparing for leadership transition, avoiding common pitfalls, and building a business that thrives for generations. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness .

September 2, 2026Episode 35824 min

Episode 358 - Fergal Brosnan, CEO, RDI Hub

Hello and welcome back to the latest ThinkBusiness Podcast, powered by Bank of Ireland. Today we speak with Fergal Brosnan, CEO of the RDI Hub in Kerry, about building a world-class innovation ecosystem in Ireland's south-west. We explore AI opportunities for entrepreneurs, the new AI Gateway initiative, developing regional talent, and how businesses can thrive in the AI age. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness .

August 31, 2026Episode 35733 min

Episode 357 - Ciaran Marron, founder, Activ8 Solar Energies

We speak with Ciaran Marron, the founder of Activ8 Solar Energies, one of Ireland's leading solar and renewable energy companies. From launching a business before solar power became mainstream to helping thousands of homes and businesses cut costs and reduce emissions, our guest has witnessed first-hand the transformation of Ireland's energy landscape. We discuss the growth of the renewable energy sector, the challenges of scaling a business in a rapidly changing market, the role of technology and battery storage, and what Irish SMEs can do today to become more energy efficient, resilient and sustainable in the years ahead. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness .

August 27, 2026Episode 35629 min

Episode 356 - Lorraine Heskin, founder and CEO of Gourmet Food Parlour

Today, we're joined by one of Ireland's most successful hospitality entrepreneurs, Lorraine Heskin, founder and CEO of Gourmet Food Parlour. What began as a 25-seater café in Dún Laoghaire in 2006 has grown into a business serving more than seven million customers, generating over €20 million in annual revenue, employing more than 320 people and operating 11 locations across Ireland. Along the way, Gourmet Food Parlour has become a major player in catering, events and sports nutrition. Lorraine joins us to discuss entrepreneurship, resilience, leadership, scaling a business over two decades, and what's next for one of Ireland's best-known hospitality brands. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness .

August 25, 2026Episode 35527 min

Episode 355 - Padraic O’Kane, co-founder of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic

Today's guest is Padraic O’Kane, the driving force behind one of Ireland's most successful international sporting events, the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. What began as an ambitious vision to bring American college football to Dublin has evolved into a major annual event that attracts tens of thousands of visitors, generates significant economic impact and showcases Ireland on a global stage. We'll discuss the entrepreneurial journey behind the Classic, the challenges of building a transatlantic sports brand, the power of partnerships and why major events like this can deliver lasting benefits for Irish tourism, business and international reputation. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness .

August 20, 2026Episode 35435 min

Episode 354 - Tim Grant, executive chair, TensorX

Artificial intelligence is transforming how businesses operate, but as adoption accelerates, questions around data control, privacy and digital sovereignty are becoming increasingly important. My guest today is Tim Grant, Executive Chair of TensorX, the Irish company building sovereign AI infrastructure for Europe following an €8m funding round. We'll discuss why businesses want their AI data to stay within European jurisdiction, what digital sovereignty really means, and whether Europe can build its own trusted AI future. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness .

August 18, 2026Episode 35330 min

Episode 353 - Sharon Mooney and Peter McPartlin, co-founders, MarkGo

In this episode of the ThinkBusiness Podcast, we speak with MarkGo founders Peter McPartlin and Sharon Mooney about how AI is helping level the playing field for SMEs and start-ups that cannot afford expensive marketing agencies or senior consultants. We discuss the biggest marketing challenges facing growing businesses, the rise of AI-powered strategy, common mistakes founders make, and why many companies struggle to turn ambition into action. It is a practical conversation packed with insights for entrepreneurs looking to grow smarter and faster in a competitive marketplace. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness .

August 13, 2026Episode 35228 min

Episode 352 - Denise Charlton, CEO, Community Foundation Ireland

Community Foundation Ireland has quietly reshaped Irish giving since 2000, channelling €200 million into communities across the country while building a model built on data, trust and long-term partnership. In this episode, CEO Denise Charlton joins the ThinkBusiness Podcast to explore how strategic philanthropy works in practice, from backing causes before they find public support to helping a new generation of wealthy families think through purpose, legacy and impact. She discusses Ireland's unique culture of anonymous giving, the rise of donor-advised funds, and what policy change could unlock the next chapter of Irish philanthropy. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness .

August 11, 2026Episode 35133 min

Episode 351 - Matthew Coffey, co-founder of SQUID Loyalty

Welcome to the podcast. Today I'm joined by Matthew Coffey, co-founder of SQUID Loyalty, the Irish tech company on a mission to make customer loyalty simpler and more effective for businesses and consumers alike. What started as an idea between two engineering students has grown into a platform used by thousands of businesses across multiple international markets. We'll discuss entrepreneurship, customer engagement, the future of loyalty programmes, scaling a startup from Ireland, and the lessons Matthew has learned building a fast-growing technology company. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness .