Down To Business

125 Years of 'The Holly Bough'

26 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

‘The Holly Bough’ is something that I can only describe as a sort of "Cork Christmas Annual" and this year sees it is turning an incredible 125 ye...

Gavin Glass on loving life in Wexford

19 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Gavin Glass is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who also produces music. In 2019 he stepped away from Dublin and moved both his home and ...

Liam Griffin on the hospitality sector post-pandemic

19 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Liam Griffin is known throughout the country as the much admired Wexford senior inter-county manager who brought them to an All-Ireland victory in 199...

Executive Chair: Billy Kelly, MD at Kelly's Resort Hotel and Spa

19 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Bobby in the Executive Chair this week is Billy Kelly, Managing Director at Kelly's Resort Hotel and Spa.

What Makes Wexford So Special Panel

19 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Broadcasting from Green Acres in Wexford this week, we had the opportunity to chat with some local businesses big and small, celebrating what the sunn...

"The Tweeting Goddess" & Vinny Doyle of 'Cry Before Dawn'

19 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Down to Business was coming to you from Green Acres in Wexford this week where amongst many other great guests, Bobby had the chance to catch up with ...

Out & About at Rosslare Europort

19 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bobby was out and about at Rosslare Europort, one of the beating hearts of Irish trade and transport. There he spoke to Glenn Carr, Director of Comme...

In conversation with Kevin Dundon

19 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Kevin Dundon is instantly recognizable from the many successful cookery shows he has fronted and who has also had a 25-year love affair with Dunbrody ...

Executive Chair: Sean McKeown, Director of Fota Wildlife Park.

12 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Bobby in the Executive Chair this week is Sean McKeown, Director of Fota Wildlife Park.

Business Roundup with Joe Brennan

12 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It seems that Irish Banks are all upgrading their forecasts due to rising ECB rates and in tandem with that the government sold a further 5% in AIB th...

Industry Review: Life After Sport

12 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Many of us have to decide the path we take in our professional lives soon after we leave school. But for professional sportspeople, that fork in the...

EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards Panel on the Entrepreneurial Experience

12 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Continuing this week we’re profiling some of this year’s finalists in the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards in the run-up to the Awards night on ...

The Intriguing World of the Modern Artist at Art Source

12 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bobby was out & about at Art Source in the RDS, Ireland's premier art fair, featuring hundreds of Irish and International artists and galleries. Ther...

Industry Review: Fashion Designers

05 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Whether it's a statement piece or just something that you can wear out on a daily basis, fashion underpins so much of how we express to people who we ...

Executive Chair: Séamus Clancy, CEO at Repak

05 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Bobby in the Executive Chair this week is Séamus Clancy, CEO at Repak.

'The Gray Rhino: How to Recognize and Act on the Obvious Dangers We Ignore'

05 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Michele Wucker is a senior advisor to Preventable Surprises, a 'think-do' tank that seeks to address systemic risks before they escalate into economic...

EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards Panel

05 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Starting this week we’re going to profile some of this year’s finalists in the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards in the run-up to the awards nigh...

Out & About at Ballymaloe House

05 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ballymaloe House is known the world over for its use of the freshest ingredients and its sustainable ethos. Bobby took a trip to east Cork to find ou...

Mary and Sophie Leahy of 'The Wine Opener'

05 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Necessity can be the mother of invention when it comes to a good business idea and Mary and Sophie Leahy, a mother-daughter duo, have one such story. ...

Demystifying the language of finance with Si Hussain

29 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The language of finance has often been seen as a barrier, causing many to feel too intimidated to even begin to try and understand it. So how can we ...

Industry Review: The Business of Halloween

29 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With Halloween just around the corner, we thought it would be the perfect time to get the thoughts of those in the business of all things ghosts, gobl...

Cliff Taylor on Interest Rate Hikes

29 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Earlier this week, the ECB announced a 0.75% increase in interest rate, the third increase this year. But will this move actually help tackle inflati...

Hospitality Outlook with Bank of Ireland

29 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We know that the hospitality sector faced huge challenges during the pandemic and now that normality has largely returned to the sector, they now face...

Executive Chair: Paddy Campbell

29 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Bobby in the Executive Chair is Paddy Campbell of Bewleys Oriental Cafes & Campbell Catering.

Executive Chair: Aidan & Hilary O’Shea of Otonomee

22 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Emmet Oliver in the Executive Chair is Aidan & Hilary O’Shea of Otonomee.

Change Activist: Make Big Things Happen Fast

22 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When Carmel McConnell started delivering bags of food to a small number of schools in Great Britain, little could she have anticipated just how much h...

Industry Review: Record Stores

22 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Musical trends come and go, record formats change, and once-hot bands are soon to be forgotten. But for many music fans, one thing remains the same -...

Stephan Loerke, CEO of the World Federation of Advertisers

22 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The World Federation of Advertising connects the world's biggest brand owners in more than 60 markets, bringing together tens of thousands of brands a...

Sir John Curtice on the UK's ongoing political instability

22 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Liz Truss’ resignation has caused chaos across the pond with the Tories struggling to unify its members. With a general election looming, what could...

Executive Chair: Teresa Arbuckle

15 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Bobby for this week edition of an Executive Chair is Teresa Arbuckle, the CEO of Beko for UK and Ireland.

Industry Review: Magicians

15 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

They might not be able to make your worries or high energy bills disappear, but certainly they can bring more entertainment to your life. If you’re ...

The best roast in Ireland

15 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bobby visited Irelands' Favorite Roast Competition this week and he tried to find out how to make country's most beloved dish and who does it best. ...

How to be a Superhuman with Jim Steel

15 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jim Steel the author of ‘Unashamedly Superhuman’ joined Bobby today to discuss about how to be better at everything.

The power of influencing with Brian Ahearn

15 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Brian Ahearn is the Chief Influence Officer at Influence PEOPLE, LLC. A dynamic international keynote speaker, trainer, coach and consultant, he speci...

"People will want to be a part of new Elon Musk's everything app"

15 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Andy O’Donoghue is our Tech Guru and he joined Bobby to talk about why Elon Musk is actually a proper Entrepeneur who makes things right.

"Why Would You Tell Me That" with Neil Delamare and Dave Moore

15 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Neil Delamare is Ireland's most recognizable comedians and Dave Moore is one half of one of the country's most popular radio show "Dermot and Dave". T...

Naked Bakes with Aisling Tuck

08 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

26-year-old Aisling Tuck is the founder of Naked Bakes, the handmade plant-based cookie dough, and Oh Happy Treats, a vegan bakery. Aisling created th...

Executive Chair: Elizabeth Crabill

08 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Bobby for this week edition of an Executive Chair is Elizabeth Crabbil, CEO of CIE TOURS.

Industry Review: Delivery pizza

08 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This might make your mouth watering. From the giant, international franchises, to niche, artisan restaurants. Irish delivery pizza market is growing, ...

David Smith: No other country has the same trajectory of debt as UK has

08 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Both the economic and political situation in the UK could be easily described as chaotic over the last few weeks. Our regular UK Correspondent is reno...

Executive Chair: Elliot Hughes

01 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Bobby in the Executive Chair is Managing Director of Dingle Distillery and the Porter House Group, Elliot Hughes.

Philip King of Other Voices

01 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Philip King shot to fame in 1980 when he became the frontman of the great Irish band Scullion. Since then, he has gone on to even greater success as a...

Neven Maguire & Jim Garvey on the special quality of Dingle town

01 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Neven Maguire joined Bobby to talk about the special quality that Dingle has to offer, the incredible array of produce available in Ireland in general...

Industry Review: Food Journalism

01 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Coming to you from Dick Mack's Pub in Dingle, for the Blas Na hEireann Food Awards and Dingle Food Festival, Bobby looked into the realm of food journ...

Out & About in Dingle Town

01 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

To find out a little bit more about what Dingle as a foodie's destination has to offer, Bobby paid a visit to a few places around the town. He spoke ...

Michael Healy-Rae - "The minute you come to Dingle it's like a special place"

01 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Michael Healy-Rae is one of the most recognizable faces in Irish politics - the scourge of some green politicians and champion of rural Ireland in equ...

Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards & The Dingle Food Festival

01 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bobby was broadcasting out of Dick Mac’s Pub for Blas na hÉireann The Irish Food Awards & The Dingle Food Festival 2022. He was joined by the man b...

Bobby at Ploughing - Bobby visits the Local Enterprise Village at the National Ploughing Championships

27 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bobby visits the Local Enterprise Village at the National Ploughing Championships; with thanks to The Local Enterprise Offices-Support for new and gro...

Card payments in Ireland

24 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s almost a cliché at this stage to talk about the growth in Digital Payments. In a seemingly very short space of time we seem to be paying for m...

Executive Chair: Eoin McGettigan, CEO Port of Cork

24 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Bobby Kerr in the Executive Chair this week is Eoin McGettigan, CEO Port of Cork.

Economist Dan O'Brian on Budget 2023

24 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With a cost of living crisis in full swing next week’s budget promises to bring some serious assistance to struggling citizens. But will it go for e...

Industry review: Endurance events

24 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

For this week episode of Industry Review Bobby was joined by three representatives of endurance events.

Two brothers behind Gunpowder Gin

24 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Last week Bobby Kerr was in Austin and New York for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Annual CEO Retreat. One piece he didn’t get to bring was his cha...

2022 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Annual CEO Retreat Part 2

17 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this second hour of the 2022 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Annual CEO Retreat brought to you all the way from Austin, Texas & New York City, Bobby sp...

2022 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Annual CEO Retreat Part 1

17 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

All week Bobby and the Down to Business team were in Austin, Texas, and New York City for the annual EY Entrepreneur of the Year CEO Retreat. You’l...

Executive Chair: Ken Robertson, Founder and CEO of 'The Tenth Man'

10 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Emmet Oliver in the Executive Chair this week is Ken Robertson, Founder and CEO of 'The Tenth Man'.

Crazy Busy: Keeping Sane in a Stressful World

10 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed by e-mails arriving long after you should have finished work or are you in way too many WhatsApp groups at wo...

Industry Review: Architects

10 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With so much talk around construction in Ireland at the moment we thought we might find out a little bit more about the design process that goes into ...

Pat Drinan, CEO & Founder of 'HomeHak'

10 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Pat Drinan is the founder of Cork-based 'HomeHak', which provides a secure means by which homeowners and tenants can connect with one another. HomeHak...

"She was very down to earth and she and a sense of humour"

10 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Perhaps the most famous business encounter the Queen had when she came to Ireland in 2011 was when she visited Cork’s Fabled English Market. One o...

EY Entrepreneur of the Year Annual CEO Retreat 2022

10 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Next week, Down to Business will be bringing you the show from Austin, Texas, and New York as part of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Annual CEO Retre...

Executive Chair: Andrew Lynas, MD of Lynas Foodservice

03 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Bobby in the Executive Chair is Andrew Lynas, MD of Lynas Foodservice

A Practical Guide to Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging in Coaching

03 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Salma Shah runs her own certified coach training programme with clients ranging from 'Reuters' to the UK’s 'Teenage Cancer Trust', and with all that...

Industry Review: Sausage Makers

03 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There are few things that sound more appetizing than a sausage sizzling away in a frying pan. They’re a staple of so many households around Ireland...

Cormac Lucey Explains the Big Mac Index

03 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A constant refrain lately is ‘Why is Ireland so expensive?'. Economist Cormac Lucey says much of it can be explained by the 'Big Mac' - he joins B...

DogDry: Dry Robes for Dogs

03 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bobby was out & about in Sandycove, Co. Dublin, where he met up with Waterford-based entrepreneur Frances O’Reilly, who is the brains behind 'DogDry...

Legal Issues Around Operating Drones

03 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How legal are drones and should you need a license to own or use one? Joining Bobby to talk more about this is Simon Henry, Business Development Manag...

Win a 'Readymade Retail' Opportunity with Champion Green

27 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Christmas will come early for one local business this year, as 'Champion Green' - Ireland’s support local initiative - is giving small businesses th...

Executive Chair: Aaron Mansworth, MD of Trigon Hotels

27 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Bobby in the Executive Chair is Aaron Mansworth, MD of Trigon Hotels.

Jeremy Campbell on Achieving Big Goals Through Small Actions

27 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Bobby to talk about how your business can improve and reach its goals through everyday actions is leadership mentor & CEO of Black Isle Group,...

Protecting Ourselves Against the Cost-of-Living Crisis

27 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There is plenty of talk of a global downturn of late following the pandemic and the war in Ukraine but writing in last Sunday’s Independent, Conor S...

Industry Review: Music & Singing Teachers

27 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Music is a universal language that bridges cultural, political, and religious divides and can bring about the very best in us. So, for this week’s ...

What Exactly is 'Quiet Quitting'?

27 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

‘Quiet Quitting’ is the concept of no longer going above and beyond, and instead doing what their job description requires of them and only that. ...

Out & About: Bar 1661

27 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bobby took a trip out to Bar 1661 - Winner of the Bar of the Year Awards 2022. There he chatted to the owner, Dave Mulligan, about what makes his est...

Executive Chair: Justin Lawless, CEO of Intact Software

20 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Bobby in the Executive Chair is Justin Lawless, CEO of Intact Software.

"They are listening to my experience and using it to create change"

20 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Down to Business has long been a supporter of Focus Ireland’s 'Shine a Light Night' which sees businesses and companies all over Ireland sleep out i...

Industry Review: Food Trucks

20 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It has never been a better time for food lovers in Ireland. Not only are there countless bricks-and-mortar restaurants serving up some of the finest ...

Look Ahead to Dalkey Lobster Festival 2022

20 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Next weekend Bobby will be putting his culinary skills to the test by cooking lobster at the 2022 Dalkey Lobster Festival with Lorraine Keane on hand ...

Out & About at Mondello Park

20 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bobby was Out & About at Mondello Park at the Carole Nash Historic Festival, which was back for 2022. There he took in the sights and sounds of the ...

Are We Heading for Another Property Price Crash?

20 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Writing in today's Irish Independent, Charlie Weston said that many people now fear a new property bubble has built up and will burst. Charlie joined...

Out & About: The Flying Alpacas

13 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bobby went out there on the stunning Loop Head Peninsula visiting a novel business that epitomizes the spirit of endeavour and following your dreams. ...

How to Be a Founder?

13 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Every single entrepreneur, no matter where they come from or how big they become, has been at the point in their journey where they ask themselves “...

Executive Chair Geraldine Ruane, CEO of the RDS.

13 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Bobby in the Executive Chair is Geraldine Ruane, CEO of the RDS.

Industry Review: Tattoo Parlours

13 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When you think of tattoos you might think of them as being a statement of your artistic side - a representation of who you are - but they also put f...

What's in store for budget 2023?

13 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The upcoming budget is set to see a landmark tax package with many expecting to benefit from the implementation of measures looking to tackle the issu...

Executive Chair - Colin Cunningham, Managing Director of Cellnex Ireland

09 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Bobby in the Executive Chair is Colin Cunningham, Managing Director of Cellnex Ireland.

Out & About at Cool Hand Coffee Roasters

06 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bobby took a trip out to Cool Hand Coffee Roasters, the takeaway coffee shop that enables customers to hand-roast their chosen beans in-store!

Industry Review: Irish Seafood

06 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We have some of the most abundant seafood stocks in the waters around Ireland but do we cherish and promote the beautiful bounty that surrounds us to ...

Colm McCarthy on the Challenges of Meeting Our Emmission Targets

06 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Economist, Colm McCarthy joined Bobby to chat about the complexities involved in addressing our carbon emission output, the increased pressures on the...

Resilience: The Life-Saving Skill of Story

06 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bobby was joined by Michelle Auerbach, author of 'Resilience: The Life-Saving Skill of Story'. Together they discuss the book and its aim to help peo...

Retro+ Drive-In Movies

06 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bobby spoke to Ryan O’Neill, Managing Director of Double R Media to chat about his business, 'Retro Drive-In' back in the summer of 2021 while busin...

Pat Shortt on Life After Lockdown & Working with Daughter, Faye

06 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Bobby is comedian, and actor, Pat Shortt. Together they discuss Pat working with his daughter, Faye; the business side of putting on shows; a...

Industry Review: Glamping

30 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There was one holiday option that got a lot more attention from “staycationers” last year due to the pandemic - Glamping. So for this week’s In...

Executive Chair: David Warrick, Vice President of Overhaul

30 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Joining Bobby in the Executive Chair this week is David Warrick, Vice President of Overhaul.

Out & About at Willie Duggan Lighting in Kilkenny

30 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bobby popped into Willie Duggan Lighting in Kilkenny to chat about all things lighting related. Together they discuss the unique challenges that comme...

Irish Banking Sector Health Check with Joe Brennan

30 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There were a raft of bank results out this week with AIB still smarting from their U-turn on cashless branches. Bobby is joined by Joe Brennan, Mark...

'Softening The Edges' with Mimi Nicklin

30 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mimi Nicklin, author of 'Softening the Edge: Empathy: How Humanity's Oldest Leadership Trait is Changing our World' joins Bobby to discuss the changin...

Mark Colclough on Swimming The English Channel at 57

30 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bobby spoke to Mark “Cokes” Colclough a few weeks ago when he was attempting to become the oldest person to swim the English Channel all for a ver...

Legendary Musicians Foster & Allen

23 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bobby is joined by legendary performers, Foster & Allen, where together they discuss managing without the ability to tour during the pandemic, getting...

Mary McEvoy Talks Living the Good Life

23 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Known to many of a certain vintage as Biddy Byrne from 'Glenroe', but to the rest of us, an actress with many, many more strings to her bow, Westmeath...