Episode 133

Will AI replace jobs or create new opportunities? FRS Group CEO Colin Donnery joins Ronan following the International AI Summit to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping recruitment and the future of employment. Dr Deirdre Forde explores changing attitudes towards menopause in the workplace, the new ISO 45010 standard and what employers need to know about supporting their staff. Plus, Mullingar Chamber President Suzanne McEvoy and board member Aidan Davitt look ahead to the Mullingar Chamber Awards on 6 November, celebrating local business excellence and sharing the latest updates from the Chamber.

From classroom to cleanroom, Leah Fletcher shares her journey to founding Athlone-based Dunbar Pharma, discussing funding, regulation, international expansion and the challenges of scaling an Irish business. Conor Peck of Incorpro explores whether AI is truly transforming small businesses, looking at practical adoption, cybersecurity, productivity and the impact of automation on jobs across the Midlands. Plus, as National Women's Enterprise Day celebrates its 20th anniversary, Orla Martin of Local Enterprise Office Offaly reflects on the progress made for female entrepreneurs, the challenges that remain and what's planned for this year's Midlands event in Tyrrellspass.

Budget 2027 is here — but what will it actually mean for businesses across the Midlands? Enda O’Toole of Milne O’Dwyer joins me for analysis of the key business and taxation measures. Irish Road Haulage Association President Ger Hyland will give the transport sector’s verdict. We’ll cut through the headline figures and examine the measures that matter to employers, entrepreneurs and SMEs. We’ll look at tax, the cost of doing business, housing and recruitment, investment and entrepreneurship — and hear reaction from local business representatives on what today’s announcements will mean on the ground. And Regina Bushell, President of Athlone Chamber and MD of Grovelands Childcare, will offer a valuable dual perspective — both on what the Budget means for the wider business community and on the measures affecting childcare providers, parents and workforce participation.

What will your job look like five years from now? Ahead of Talent Summit Galway, Peter Casey of Sigmar Recruitment joins Ronan to explore how AI is reshaping work, the skills employers will need and how the Midlands and West can retain more of their graduates. Tullamore-based TU Dublin aviation lecturer Fahad ibne Masood examines whether the era of ultra-cheap flights can last as airline costs rise, as well as Ireland’s major role in global aircraft leasing. With Budget 2027 approaching, Small Firms Association Director David Broderick discusses employment costs, PRSI, tax and the debate around the minimum wage. Ibec Plus, Vivienne Graham from the Department of Social Protection looks ahead to October’s Work and Skills events and the supports available to businesses looking to build a more inclusive workforce.

Are you making the most of your pension? During Pension Awareness Week, Shane Tobin of True Wealth and LowQuotes joins Ronan to discuss employer contributions, tax relief, extracting wealth from a business for retirement and what Budget 2027 could mean for Irish savers and investors. Ray Bell of Offaly County Council looks at the opportunities created by the completion of the main National Broadband Plan build in Offaly, following a €48 million investment reaching almost 13,000 premises. Plus, Taking Care of Business visits the Midlands Flavours pavilion at the National Ploughing Championships, where 17 food and drink producers showcased their products and ambitions to thousands of visitors.