Highland Radio Business Matters

In this episode of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore looks at the forthcoming North West Future of Energy Conference which will take place on Thursday, November 7th at Ebrington Square in Derry, and also 50 years in business for Buncrana based firm McDaids Bathrooms, Plumbing, Tiles.

Sponsored by SSE Renewables, this annual cross-border event brings together energy suppliers, technology providers, industry buyers, investors, and policymakers to share knowledge and showcase energy innovation.

Highland Radio is a media partner for the event.

To find out more Chris was joined in studio by Toni Forrester...

In this week’s Business Matters with Chris Ashmore, the programme begins with a look back on the highly successful inaugural Ballybofey and Stranorlar Chamber of Commerce Awards. Secretary Louise Patton reflects on the night and goes through the winners.

Next, Chris looks at the new auto-enrolment pension scheme which is set to begin in September 2025 and which will affect employers and also hundreds of thousands of employees.

The new auto-enrolment pension scheme is to be called My Future Fund. Tata Consultancy Services, which has a base in Letterkenny, will be managing the se...

In this edition of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore has been speaking with Catherine Devine, the founder of Pumpskynz which sells stylish and functional accessories for diabetes management devices which also empower individuals to embrace their diabetes with confidence and style. 

She’s outlines the journey to date for her business which has considerable potential. Indeed, there are an estimated half a billion people around the world with some form of diabetes. Catherine’s company already exports to more than 20 countries.

The outlook is very positive and a major organisation called Beyond Type 1 has been i...

On this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore is joined by the owner of Inis Communications, Trish Hegarty.

Trish worked as a journalist with the Irish Times, RTÉ and BBC Radio Foyle before setting up her PR, social media, and digital content agency in 2004.

In this episode, we’ll hear about how her Inishowen-based PR agency has flourished and adapted to ever changing requirements, big undertakings like the Love Donegal campaign who some of her major clients have been, and what her plans are for the future. 

Inis Communications recently became the fi...

The directors of the Finn Valley Voice. From left. Katherine McGovern, Celine McGlynn, Eileen Griffin, and Ann McMenamin.

In this week’s Business Matters with Chris Ashmore, the focus of attention is the Finn Valley Voice newspaper in Ballybofey, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this month.

The origins of the paper date back to June 1994, when then-president of the Chamber of Commerce, Susan McGonagle, had a simple but powerful idea – to set up a newspaper for the Twin Towns of Ballybofey and Stranorlar.

The first issue came out in September of that year and init...

In this episode of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore will be looking at a report from farming, food and agribusiness specialist professional services firm IFAC  finds that expanding internationally is high on priority list for many Irish agrifood SMEs. He speaks with  David Leydon, Head of Food & Agribusiness with IFAC about its report which is called  ‘Getting your business fit for export’

He also finds out more about the country’s first digital readiness monitor which analyses Ireland’s progress on digital development. One of its key findings is that 36% of websites in Ireland have a low or very...

In this week’s edition of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore begins by speaking with Louise Patton of the Ballybofey and Stranorlar Business Chamber about its inaugural awards night, and also the chamber itself and the role it can play in promoting a positive message about the Twin Towns.

He also finds out about how Business in the Community Ireland is seeking to get more Donegal companies involved in its education programmes with schools. Pamela Kearney, North-west Regional Co-ordinator has been telling him more.

And Chris interviews David Fox, Business Development Manager with Home Bu...

In this week’s edition of Business Matters, Chris Ashmore has been speaking with the key personnel behind a very successful Ballyshannon based company, Get Up and Go Publications Ltd.

It produces high-quality inspirational diaries, journals and planners that go far beyond Ireland’s shores and retail outlets. Indeed, around 600,000 copies have now been sold.

The publications can inspire and motivate and are beautifully produced and illustrated.

In recent years, the company has expanded its range considerably. The range of diaries and related publications really have a feel good fact...

Have you ever thought about launching your own fashion brand? Well, for one Donegal entrepreneur a long held dream has been realised. Back in spring, Convoy woman Elaine Ayton launched a brand new online brand Calculate Clothing, offering a unique mix of comfort and style.

And she is this week’s guest on Business Matters with Chris Ashmore.

It’s early days yet but she has been hugely encouraged by the support that she has received and also the level of orders and reaction and feedback that she has received.

El...

In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore looks at two businesses in the county, one that is just opening and other that is well established.

A new sustainable fashion centre Circular Dress Collaborative is a new hub for sustainable fashion and events in the communities of Donegal and surrounding counties. It encourages consumers to participate in the circular economy by selling their clothing dresses and event clothing and accessories. A price is set with 60% going to the seller and 40% is commission. Sellers can earn money from the clothes that find new homes while keeping te...