Metalman points the way for new businesses

There has probably never been a better time to set up your own business in Ireland. 

Organisations like the Local Enterprise Offices and Enterprise Ireland are constantly supporting and rewarding new businesses as they take the plunge.

This is why it is extremely appropriate for Grainne Walsh of Metalman Brewing to give her ‘Top Ten Tips for new businesses’ on Thursday November 27^th. 

Following on from the success of these lunches with speakers such as Des Whelan of WLR fm, Louise Grubb of Q1 Scientific, Ronan Mulligan of Mulligan’s Pharmacies and John Noonan of Flahavans, Grainne’s tips are sure to be eagerly received by Waterford’s business people and start-ups alike.

These ‘Top Ten lunches’ are a series of networking events on the theme of ‘my Top Ten Business Tips’ delivered by successful local business people and occurring once per month. Each lunch will outline a speakers’ views on a specific topic and take place in the Bistro in the Tower Hotel from 12.30pm to 2pm.

Born of a desire to see more beer produced by independent brewers in Ireland, Metalman Brewing is the brain-child of a couple of beer enthusiasts (Grainne Walsh and Tim Barber) who were frustrated by the lack of availability and choice of flavoursome, authentically Irish beer. Inspired by some of the other small Irish brewers, they eventually decided to try and help do something about it.

The first beer, Metalman Pale Ale, was brewed under contract at the White Gypsy Brewery in Templemore, and launched in March 2011 to a great reception. The Waterford brewery was commissioned at the Tycor Business Centre and production was moved across in May 2012.

The name of the brewery is inspired by a navigational aid on the Waterford coast. The figure of the Metal Man was erected in 1823 after a military transport ship called the Sea Horse was wrecked off the Tramore coast, resulting in a significant loss of life. The Metal Man stands on one of three pillars overlooking the bay, his purpose to guide seafarers, and keep them on their true course.

The cost of these events is just €8.50, this is for the cost of the lunch alone.  Booking is essential. For more information or to register your interest please contact your Local Enterprise Office in Waterford on 051-849905 or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie

A recipe for successful food production!

Following the success of the Harvest Festival 2014 Waterford food producers are on a high. For year’s Waterford relied on a small number of prominent food producers, though lagged behind the prolific success of counties such as Cork and Tipperary. However, in recent years the Deise has seen an explosion of food production.

Success and national acclaim have followed. The Blaa receiving PGI status in 2013, the first five graduates of the Food Academy, all from Waterford, now on the shelves of SuperValu stores across the country and all on the shoulders of such giants as Flahavans and Dawn Meats.

This is why the timing couldn’t be better for John Noonan of Flahavans to give his ‘Top Ten Tips for Food Producers’ on Thursday October 23^rd. Following on from the success of these lunches with speakers such as Des Whelan of WLR fm, Louise Grubb of Q1 Scientific and Ronan Mulligan of Mulligan’s Pharmacies, John’s tips are sure to be eagerly received by Waterford’s business people and food producers alike.

These ‘Top Ten lunches’ are a series of networking events on the theme of ‘my Top Ten Business Tips’ delivered by successful local business people and occurring once per month. Each lunch will outline a speakers’ views on a specific topic and take place in the Bistro in the Tower Hotel from 12.30pm to 2pm.

There is a considerable pool of business talent and experience in Waterford and the Local Enterprise Offices hopes to harness this expertise to inspire Waterford’s new and existing business communities.  

John Noonan is currently Sales & Marketing Director at E. Flahavan & Sons Limited

John graduated from UCC with a B.Comm and is also a graduate of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK.  He has over 25 year’s experience in marketing, having worked abroad and at home in various marketing roles including, Guinness GB, London International Group, C&D Petfoods and Cahill May Roberts Group. In 1997, John moved to Waterford as Marketing Director with Flahavans, becoming Sales and Marketing Director in 2007.

John is a previous Chairman of the Bord Bia Brand Forum and  is a director of Love Irish Food, an initiative led by Irish manufacturing brands which seeks to promote Irish Food and Drink brands in the Republic of Ireland.

The Local Enterprise Office is also looking forward to Grainne Walsh of Metalman Brewing speaking at the following networking lunch on Thursday November 27^th.

The cost of these lunch events is just €8.50.  Booking is essential. For more information or to register your interest please contact your Local Enterprise Office in Waterford on 051-849905 or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie