Waterford Chamber Skillnet, Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet, and County Tipperary Chamber Skillnet, three of the 70 Skillnet Ireland Business Networks nationwide, recently joined forces to host a special event designed to help businesses become more agile and competitive.
Hosted in the picturesque surroundings of Mount Congreve Gardens in Waterford, the sold out 'Preparing for the Future: Strategies for Building a Resilient Business Toolkit’ conference brought together professionals and experts from various fields to share insights and strategies for business resilience and growth. The event was attended by a wide selection of businesses from across the southeast region, from SMEs to FDI companies.
Waterford Chamber Skillnet, Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet, and County Tipperary Chamber Skillnet help drive regional development by strengthening businesses through programmes designed to address knowledge gaps and enhance existing expertise.
Skillnet Ireland is the national talent development agency of the Government of Ireland, responsible for advancing the competitiveness, productivity, and innovation of Irish businesses through enterprise-led workforce development. In 2022, Skillnet Ireland delivered education and training programmes, investing €70.2 million, to almost 25,000 businesses and over 92,000 workers through its 70 Business Networks, across most sectors and all regions in Ireland.
Distinguished speakers from diverse backgrounds shared their insights at the conference, offering attendees a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Speaking at the event, Paul Healy, Skillnet Ireland Chief Executive, highlighted the importance of upskilling and adapting in today's dynamic business landscape.
Paul Healy said: “It is very positive to see the breadth of expertise, innovation and collaboration on show at today’s conference. Skillnet Ireland’s mission is to support businesses of all sizes, as they navigate rapidly changing global and domestic markets, through cutting-edge talent development solutions. Whether you are an SME or a large multinational, ensuring your workforce is upskilled in the latest industry trends and techniques is key to building growth and resilience. Regional development is an area of vital importance for Skillnet Ireland, and one that is being continuously addressed through our Business Networks, including Waterford Chamber Skillnet, Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet, and County Tipperary Chamber Skillnet.”
Sustainability was a key area of focus at the conference. Sustainability and biodiversity experts Veri Connect joined a panel discussion with representatives from Connolly Red Mills who shared details of their involvement with the Veri Connect ’Climate Action 101 programme’.
Susan Hayes Culleton, also known as the ‘Positive Economist’, led an engaging session on boosting sales, profits, and cashflow, while fostering a positive money mindset. Susan discussed the need to prepare businesses for an ever-changing world, how to manage inflation, and cultivate enthusiasm for financial success.
Renowned former Special Forces Operator, author and Chief Instructor on RTE's hit show Ultimate Hell Week, Ray Goggins, gave an inspiring talk, sharing his experience and wisdom in the area of resilience. With over 30 years of leadership and team-building experience, Ray's mission is to inspire individuals to transform their mindsets and become the best versions of themselves. He challenged attendees to realise their potential.
The event concluded with wellness expert Níall Ó Murchu (Breathe with Níall) who boasts over two decades of experience in harnessing the power of breathing, nature, and the mind to enhance wellbeing.
The collaborative effort of Waterford Chamber Skillnet, Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet, and County Tipperary Chamber Skillnet in organising this conference exemplifies their commitment to supporting businesses and professionals in the region. ‘Preparing for the Future: Strategies for Building a Resilient Business Toolkit’ left attendees empowered with actionable strategies and a renewed sense of purpose.
The event marked a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the three South East Region Business Networks and Skillnet Ireland, reaffirming their dedication to fostering excellence in the area of talent development.
