Trading Up

From Belfast to Hollywood: Building a Global Film Charity with Cinemagic's Joan Burney Keatings

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT

In this inspiring episode of Trading Up with host Jim Fitzpatrick, we sit down with Joan Burney Keatings, the visionary leader behind Cinemagic. Originally founded 37 years ago during the in Northern Ireland to bring youth together in a safe environment, this groundbreaking children’s charity now uses the power of film to educate, motivate, and inspire 40,000 young people annually.

Joan shares her incredible journey of expanding Cinemagic globally, taking it from its Belfast roots to establishing a 17-year presence in Los Angeles, and launching powerful film projects in Jordan and Barbados. Discover how sheer hustle—and a daring, out-of-the-box call to the Muppets—helped build a world-renowned creative powerhouse.

Joan also dives deep into the practical business of running a charity like an active movie studio, navigating the complexities of corporate sponsorships, and overseeing the production of award-winning feature films and dozens of short films. Finally, we explore why essential human skills, interpersonal connection, and on-set problem-solving remain absolutely vital for the next generation of creatives in an increasingly AI-driven world.

Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.

Supported by - Queen’s Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The mission of Queen’s Business School is to educate and explore for the benefit of business and society. QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe. QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise.

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Scaling Hospitality: Gavin Annon on Mount Charles, Agility, and the "being too short" Success Story

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 05:00:00 GMT

How does a business started by a man "a quarter of an inch too short" to be a policeman grow into a £60 million hospitality giant? In this episode of Trading Up, Gavin Annon, Chief Strategy Officer at Mount Charles and son of the inch-short founder, shares his journey from a decade-long career at Tesco to leading a workforce of 3,500 employees. Gavin discusses how the company pivoted from catering to cleaning and retial, by embracing agility and customer-centric values.

He also breaks down his unique strategy framework—"Effort vs. Impact"—and the importance of co-creating plans with frontline staff to ensure 100% commitment. Drawing on his leadership at the Belfast Chamber, Gavin explores the future of Northern Ireland’s economy, the power of "positive pressure" for city development, and why Belfast is a "magical" home for investment. And he also shares some interesting insights on how his moonlighting as a DJ has important lessons for running any business.

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Gulf Crisis Shockwaves: Energy Prices, UK Interest Rates, and the Northern Ireland Economy

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 06:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Trading Up Unpacked, hosts Jim Fitzpatrick and Richard Ramsey explore the severe global and local economic impacts of the escalating Gulf conflict, "Operation Epic Fury". With key energy infrastructure damaged and oil supplies threatened, they discuss the looming threat of stagflation and why the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee may be forced to hike UK interest rates. Furthermore, they examine why the UK government's soaring debt levels and borrowing costs make another massive energy bailout highly unlikely.

The conversation then shifts to the Northern Ireland economy. While the local hospitality sector faces immense pressure from rising costs and significant job losses, there are distinct bright spots in manufacturing and tech. They reveal how the global AI boom is driving expansion for Seagate in the Northwest, and how Wrightbus is thriving with new zero-emission transit contracts.

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Embracing Difference, Building Strength: Belinda Brown on Leadership, Diversity, and "Midlife Clarity"

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 06:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Trading Up, host Jim Fitzpatrick sits down with Belinda Brown, a highly accomplished executive who has held top leadership roles at global powerhouses like Sephora, L'Oreal, and Diageo. Belinda shares her inspiring journey, from leaving her father and his home in Jamaica and arriving in Northern Ireland with her Irish mum at the age of three where, amidst the Troubles, she began navigating the complexities of identity, race, and class that shaped her approach and success in the top tiers of the corporate world.

She offers profound insights on redefining resilience—not as mere endurance, but as the ability to learn from failure and amplify your strengths. Listeners will discover the importance of building "cultural capital"; the immense value of reverse mentoring in business; and why aligning your career with your personal values is the ultimate measure of success. Currently embracing a career pause to achieve "midlife clarity", Belinda’s story is an inspiring tale of purposeful leadership, community building, and finding your authentic voice in spaces that were not originally built for you.

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The Economic Ripple Effect: Middle East Oil Shocks & Northern Ireland's Fiscal Doom Loop

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 06:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Trading Up Unpacked, Jim Fitzpatrick and Richard Ramsey analyse the severe economic impacts of the Middle East conflict, exploring how the crisis involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz is driving up global oil prices, shipping costs, and everyday inflation. The hosts unpack how this geopolitical shock overshadowed UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement, potentially derailing hopes for falling interest rates.

Shifting closer to home, the episode dives deep into Northern Ireland's ongoing fiscal challenges. With Stormont trapped in a "fiscal doom loop" of single-year budgets and overspending, Jim and Richard examine the "moral hazard" of continuous UK Treasury bailouts. They discuss the role of the newly established Northern Ireland Fiscal Council, the urgent need for multi-year budgets, and potential policy incentives to finally fix the region's inefficient public spending culture.

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Authenticity, Adversity, and Algorithms: How Olivia McVeigh Built a Social Media Empire

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 06:00:00 GMT

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with 27-year-old entrepreneur and social media sensation Olivia McVeigh. Diagnosed with alopecia at a young age, Olivia transformed personal adversity into a thriving portfolio of purpose-driven businesses. Tune in to discover how she founded Ireland's first wig workshop, built a highly successful bridal makeup enterprise, and became a leading voice in influencer marketing.

Olivia shares actionable insights on how founders can leverage platforms like TikTok to build authentic personal brands, showcase behind-the-scenes content, and connect with niche audiences.

We also dive deep into the meteoric rise of the Girls Group Chat podcast, exploring community building, Patreon monetisation, and the power of unapologetic authenticity in modern media. Whether you want to scale a specialised business or master social media storytelling, this episode is packed with essential entrepreneurial lessons.

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Trump’s Tariffs Ruled Illegal, AI Impacts, Jobs & Northern Ireland House Prices

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 06:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Trading Up Unpacked, hosts Jim Fitzpatrick and Richard Ramsey analyse the economic shockwaves following the US Supreme Court ruling that declared President Trump’s previous reciprocal tariffs illegal. They unpack the resulting bureaucratic confusion regarding billions in potential refunds and Trump’s immediate counter-move: a temporary 15% tariff under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act. The discussion covers the impact on "napkin deals" with the UK and the EU's potential for retaliatory measures.

Closer to home, they examine the Northern Ireland economy, where the Ulster Bank PMI records growth for the first time in eight months. We look at the "KFC-ing" of the retail sector through automation and the pressure AI is placing on stocks and jobs. Finally, they review the housing market, discussing a 7.5% rise in prices, supply shortages, and predictions for Bank of England interest rate cuts.

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Built in Belfast, Adored Around The World: Building High-Performance Teams with People Playbook

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Tony McGaharan, the founder of People Playbook, reveals how he built his Belfast-based consultancy into a global business generating over £1 million in revenue. Working with industry giants like Google, FIFA, and L’Oreal, Tony explains his unique "purposeful, practical, and playful" approach to leadership, arguing that "training is for monkeys" while humans require development.

Drawing on his background as a basketball coach, peacebuilder and former Google employee, Tony discusses how to apply sports psychology to the corporate world to build diverse, effective teams. He dives deep into the critical concepts of psychological safety and "discretionary effort"—the secret to getting teams to go the extra mile. Listen in to discover how "soft skills" have become core professional necessities and how local roots can become a global competitive advantage.

Brought to you in association with EY. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.

QBS is triple-accredited, an accolade which puts it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the globe.

QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unpacked: Workers’ Rights, Water Crises, and the Truth About Tariffs

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Join Jim Fitzpatrick and Richard Ramsey on this episode of Trading Up Unpacked as they tackle listener questions regarding the local and global economy. First, they dissect the proposed "Good Jobs Bill" and Westminster’s employment rights reforms. Are zero-hour contracts always exploitative, or do they offer necessary flexibility? The duo examine whether increased worker rights and rising National Insurance costs are actually discouraging employers from hiring.

Next, the focus shifts to Northern Ireland’s crumbling water infrastructure. With housing development stalled and environmental damage visible in Lough Neagh, they debate the political standoff between Stormont and Westminster. Is it time to introduce water charges to fix the crisis before it’s too late? Finally, a look at history through the lens of Lemon’s Sweets reveals the double-edged sword of protectionist tariffs. From 1930s Ireland to Donald Trump’s trade policies, Richard explains why tariffs often end up functioning as a tax on the consumer.

QBS engages with the business community to develop principled and effective leaders, provide student and graduate talent, and harness innovation through academic expertise.

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From Tobermore to Detroit: Lyle Watters and The Unconventional Path to Leading Ford

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 06:00:00 GMT

From his family’s undertaking business in Tobermore to the "Glass House" in Detroit, Lyle Watters’ journey to the top of Ford Motor Company is a masterclass in resilience. In this episode of Trading Up, Lyle reveals how he navigated an unconventional career path to lead operations across three continents.

We dive deep into his toughest assignments: negotiating with Prime Ministers in Romania; managing a 100-day Covid lockdown in China; and turning around a "hopeless" $1 billion loss in South America while under armed guard.

Lyle shares candid insights on the burden of leadership, recounting how he personally addressed staff during painful plant closures to tell them, "This is not your fault".

Packed with actionable lessons on radical transparency, the EV revolution, and why organisations must "stay paranoid" to survive, this is essential listening for aspiring leaders and business strategists.

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Mark Carney’s Davos Warning: The Death of the Old Order & How UK & Europe Should Respond

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 06:00:00 GMT

The rules-based world order is dead. That is the brutal wake-up call from former Bank of England Governor Mark Carney at Davos. In this episode of Trading Up Unpacked, Jim Fitzpatrick and Richard Ramsey break down Carney’s "Churchillian" analysis of the shifting global economy.

They unpack Carney’s argument that international rules have become a "fiction" and explore his strategy of "variable geometry" and how that applies to the UK, Europe and even Northern Ireland.

Key topics include:

The Lie of the Old Order: Why economic integration has become a weapon rather than a mutual benefit.
At the Table or On the Menu: The urgent need for middle powers (UK, Canada, Japan) to forge a "Third Path" or submit to hegemons.
The End of the Peace Dividend: The difficult trade-offs facing Europe between funding welfare and increasing defense spending.
The Globalisation Trilemma: Applying Dani Rodrik’s theory on why you cannot have globalisation, sovereignty, and democracy all at once but can have only two of the three.

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Building a £20M E-commerce Brand: The Kukoon Rugs Story

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Join Jim Fitzpatrick as he interviews Paul and Clare Vallely, the brother-sister duo behind Kukoon. Learn how they scaled a rug business from local market stalls to a £20 million turnover global brand. This episode dives deep into the realities of modern e-commerce, exploring the shift from eBay to building an independent brand amidst the high marketing costs of Google and Amazon. Discover essential insights on successful rebranding, the surprising value of physical retail stores for building trust, implementing advisory boards to navigate business crises, and taking a stand on humanitarian issues.

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Economic Inactivity, EV Wars, and Regime Roulette: Navigating the 2025 Landscape

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Jim Fitzpatrick and Richard Ramsey explore the shifting dynamics of Northern Ireland’s economy with employment falling and economic inactivity hitting a new grim record high. They examine the political deadlock over Stormont's multi-year budget and the impossibility of proper government in its absence. Turning to car sales for some insight, they discuss why Tesla sales have more than doubled in NI despite a European decline, while Chinese giant BYD has seen fivefold growth. Globally, the discussion turns to "Regime Roulette," analysing the US incursion into Venezuela for its vast oil reserves and Jerome Powell's high-stakes stand for Federal Reserve independence against the Trump administration. The Fed may seem far away, but its independence is a vital pillar of the global economy. The duo provide their usual critical insights into the intersection of global headwinds and local consequences.

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The Business of the Arts: Claire Murray and Scaling Success at the Lyric Theatre

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Join host Jim Fitzpatrick on Trading Up as he welcomes Claire Murray, Head of Development and Marketing at the Lyric Theatre, to deconstruct the "business" of show business. Claire discusses her transition from the high-stakes world of FMCG marketing at Coca-Cola and Heineken to steering the financial and creative success of Northern Ireland’s premier self-producing theatre.

Celebrating the Lyric's 75-year history, this episode explores how corporate strategy can sustain cultural institutions. Claire details her implementation of flexible pricing models that significantly boosted ticket yield and the theatre's vital earned income, which now accounts for two-thirds of its turnover. Beyond the stage, the discussion highlights the arts as an economic engine, using "soft power" to attract inward investment and enrich the civic life of Belfast and Northern Ireland. This is an essential listen for anyone interested in marketing, entrepreneurship, and the symbiotic relationship between culture and commerce.

Just as a master welder in the Lyric's scene shop carefully joins steel to build a set, this episode illustrates how Claire Murray fuses corporate marketing with artistic vision to build a sustainable future for this vital cultural institution.

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Listener Questions: Breaking the Grant Culture and Fixing Northern Ireland’s Economy

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 06:00:00 GMT

In this special holiday edition of Trading Up Unpacked, Jim Fitzpatrick and Professor Richard Ramsey dive deep into the pressing economic questions facing Northern Ireland. They tackle the controversial "grant culture" and the "perverse incentives" that have shaped the region since the days of Delorean, arguing for a shift toward competition and tax-based incentives. Jim and Richard explore the "fiscal deficit attention disorder" affecting public services and propose a radical solution: moving the government out of Stormont to reconnect with the people. For business owners, the episode provides essential insights into succession planning, highlighting the Almac trust model and the evolving landscape of Employee Ownership Trusts. Finally, they debate the missed opportunities in the recent licensing review and the need for a more competitive hospitality sector. Whether you are a policymaker or an entrepreneur, this episode offers a masterclass in navigating Northern Ireland’s unique business environment.

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Tiarnán O'Neill: Bucking The Trend & The Galgorm Growth Blueprint

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 06:00:00 GMT

How does a local hospitality group thrive while the wider sector faces "lights out" financial pressures?. In this episode of Trading Up, Galgorm Collection CFO Tiarnán O’Neill reveals the strategy driving the group’s £70 million turnover and remarkable 94% occupancy rates. He discusses Galgorm’s rapid expansion through acquisitions like The Rabbit and Roe Valley Resort, alongside their ambitious project to build Northern Ireland's first new links golf course in over a century.

Drawing on his unique career—from PWC to modernising the Diocese of Down and Connor’s 400-year-old financial structure—O’Neill provides a masterclass in scaling luxury hospitality. He addresses critical challenges, including VAT disparities and National Insurance hikes, while outlining an ambitious 10-year vision for growth.

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Northern Ireland Economy Under Pressure: Brexit Frictions, Budget Crises, and Global Policy Headwinds

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 06:00:00 GMT

On this week's episode with Jim Fitzpatrick and Richard Ramsey they explore how one key private sector survey suggests Northern Ireland's economy is struggling, marked by a sixth straight month of declining business activity and escalating input costs, particularly in construction, outpacing other UK regions. Despite some resilience among cross-border firms, the absence for more than a decade of a multi-year budget from Stormont is fostering short-termism and hindering strategic planning. The commitment to UK public sector pay parity exacerbates financial woes, highlighting Northern Ireland's "cake and eat it" approach of demanding high spending with low taxes and a refusal to countenance measures such as water charges.

Brexit frictions - which in Northern Ireland mean things like potential shortages of GB-sourced, non-EU-compliant cars and tumble dryers - are spurring wider UK discussion about rejoining the EU customs union or single market. Meanwhile, the independence of the US Federal Reserve faces political scrutiny, and Ireland's economic model is under pressure due to its low spending on defence, raising concerns about its critical infrastructure vulnerability and reliance on US investment in this new world of disorder.

Brought to you in association with EY.

The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of EY or its other member Firms. EY proudly sponsors the Trading Up podcast but does not endorse or take responsibility for any statements made by individual guests. The Trading Up podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.

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Trevor Magill: How Musgrave Group Built a €5 Billion, 7-Generation Family Retail Empire

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 06:00:00 GMT

Trevor Magill is the Northern Ireland Managing Director of the Musgrave Group, one of Ireland's biggest and longest-established family businesses. It's a huge retail, wholesale, and food service business, servicing around 7 million customers weekly and boasting a turnover exceeding €5 billion.

As the company approaches its 150th anniversary, Trevor and Jim delve into how this seventh-generation family business has thrived in the competitive, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.

A cornerstone of their success is the unique independent retail partnership model used for brands like SuperValu, Centra, and Mace across Northern Ireland. McIll explains that this partnership allows independent owners to support their local communities and ensures the company avoids becoming "far too corporate".

The discussion covers strategic evolutions, including the development of market-leading private brands like Frank and Honest coffee and the continuous focus on value and convenience for the modern consumer. He also highlights the importance of sourcing 70-75% of their range on the island and details the group's long-term commitment to community initiatives, such as its 25-year relationship with Action Cancer. He shares personal career lessons, emphasising the necessity of strong people, core values, and fulfilling commitments in business.

Brought to you in association with EY.

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Tax, Ambition, and the Exodus: Decoding the Budget's Growth Gap and NI's Housing Headaches.

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 06:00:00 GMT

This episode of Trading Up Unpacked digs deep into the controversial "Spend Now, Pay Later" Budget, described as the "Klarna" budget, focusing on increased spending and backloaded taxation. Jim Fitzpatrick and Richard Ramsey explore the fiscal strategy of freezing tax thresholds, which functions as a hefty stealth tax, dragging more people into higher payment bands. Economists criticised the measures, noting that the OBR stated none of the proposals would have a material impact on economic growth.

We discuss how complex tax "cliff edges," such as the punishing 62% marginal tax rate faced by some earning over £100,000, serve as a "tax on ambition," disincentivising work and career progression. This environment may fuel a concerning demographic trend: net emigration. Over 109,000 more UK citizens left the country than arrived, three-quarters of whom were under the age of 35.

The conversation turns to the Northern Ireland housing crisis, where residential property prices have surged by 45% since 2020, yet house building levels remain critically low. We examine how the "no water charges" policy, while politically popular, starves infrastructure of funding, contributing to the severe housing shortage and exploding private sector rents. Finally, we analyse Northern Ireland's peculiar and antiquated licensing laws, highlighting anti-competitive behaviour and how it creates strange outcomes such as the bizarre case of a new Lidl supermarket in Dundonald that's opening an on-site pub.

Brought to you in association with EY.

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Resilience, Purpose, and Perspective: Andrew Patterson’s Journey from Elite Sport to Overcoming Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP)

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 06:00:00 GMT

Join Jim Fitzpatrick as he welcomes former professional cricket player and Ireland International, Andrew Patterson. Andrew shares his incredible journey of dedication and commitment in elite sport, tragically interrupted when a stumble revealed a hateful underlying condition: Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP). Told he would spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair, Andrew refused to accept this fate, choosing hard, grinding progress and resilience instead. He details the financial and personal struggles involved in undergoing a radical, life-altering operation in the United States. Andrew now leverages his experiences—which include learning new pathways to walk again through intense rehab—to inspire business leaders and students. Discover his core philosophy based on three pillars: perspective, response, and purpose and his inspiring way of emphasising how developing soft skills and embracing incremental change are crucial for long-term success, prioritising health, and transforming adversity into opportunity.

Brought to you in association with EY.

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Unpacked: Budget U-Turns, Global Trade Wars, and the Northern Ireland Economic Puzzle

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 06:00:00 GMT

Welcome to Trading Up Unpacked, the business podcast from the Irish News and EY. Hosts Jim Fitzpatrick and Richard Ramsey dig deep into the pressing issues of the day. They scrutinise the Northern Ireland economy, which recorded its 10th monthly decline in activity, noting that the low 2.4% unemployment rate is offset by the UK's highest levels of economically inactive workers. The conversation pivots to UK fiscal chaos, detailing the U-turning Chancellor and the failure to address welfare reform, leading to market-damaging instability. Jim and Richard analyze the proposed "smorgasbord" of stealth taxes, like freezing income tax thresholds and potential changes to salary sacrifice schemes. Internationally, they discuss Donald Trump’s tariff reversals driven by US inflation. They conclude by examining global trade interconnectedness, highlighted by China’s tomato paste surplus following forced labor allegations, and the growing pressure on Ireland’s defense spending and geopolitical stance.

Brought to you in association with EY.

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Rupert Soames: the CBI Chair and Churchill's Grandson on rebuilding economic ambition

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 06:00:00 GMT

Dive into the massive challenges facing the UK economy with Rupert Soames, Chair of the CBI. Known for running difficult and massive companies like Serco and Aggreko, he describes his "horrible habit of walking towards gunfire" when it comes to choosing which jobs to take. He recounts his bold turnaround strategy: telling employees to “bring out your dead” to fix underlying issues and win back trust. His plucky attitude to such challenges may be reflective of his family background, as a grandson of Winston Churchill. But even this distinguished heritage comes without its own issues to navigate.

With the discussion examining the big economic picture, he's mindful that the UK’s GDP per capita has effectively flatlined since 2010, lagging far behind the US. He addresses the staggering national debt accrued since COVID, noting that interest payments on government debt have dramatically soared. He suggests that the growing maturity of AI could be the key to unlocking improved quality and reduced costs in public services. He also weighs in on tax burdens on businesses and celebrates the resilience of ambitious small and medium-sized enterprises in Northern Ireland. He emphasises that the UK needs "a bit of bloody ambition" to secure the kind of growth that would transform the economy, public services and the general mood.

Brought to you in association with EY.

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NI Wages Up, Gold Mine Stalled: Why Economic Stagnation Fuels Global Autocracy

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 06:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Trading Up Unpacked, Jim and Richard dig deep into the economy and global politics. Northern Ireland is enjoying record pay increases, with annual earnings up 8.1%. We analyse whether this rise translates to real-term gains after years of wage stagnation (which averaged -0.1% over a decade) and how this impacts public and private sector workers.

Locally, we examine Stormont's continued paralysis as the proposed $20 billion gold mine in County Tyrone remains stalled, sending a poor message to international investors about barriers to development. Globally, we discuss China's strategic leveraging of rare earth metals in trade negotiations. Finally, a V-Dem Institute report reveals the alarming decline of democracy worldwide—now back to 1985 levels—and we connect this political disillusionment directly to decades of economic stagnation and the rise of autocracy.

Brought to you in association with EY.

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Oasis Travel: Sandra Corkin and Son Scott McCabe

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 06:00:00 GMT

Join Sandra Corkin and her son Scott of Oasis Travel, an independent family business that has defied the odds in the travel industry. They share how they survived intense competition, the rise of the internet, and the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining a substantial turnover now touching £40 million. Celebrating 40 years of growth, Oasis Travel shifted its focus from low-margin bookings to high-end travel (cruise and luxury packages) where staff expertise adds maximum value. Learn how the new generation is blending personalised, one-to-one service with the right tech, including a new customer app, to ensure the business's bright future.

Brought to you in association with EY.

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The New Global Disorder: Trade Wars, US Tariffs, and the Threat to Northern Ireland Business

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 05:00:00 GMT

In this Unpacked episode Jim Fitzpatrick and Richard Ramsey examine how small business can survive in today's big, bad world. The global order has "changed utterly" to one of disorder, making geopolitics a mainstream boardroom issue for businesses of all sizes. This uncertainty, fuelled by rising protectionism and US policies like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), is directly impacting the bottom line: 47% of UK listed companies recently blamed geopolitical shifts for issuing profit warnings. While the EU struggles to define a unified strategy between the US and China, the UK-EU relationship reset remains slow. Critical agreements, such as the SPS deal impacting the Windsor Framework, may not be in place until 2027. Locally, Northern Ireland faces severe skill shortages exacerbated by high economic inactivity, including 117,000 long-term sick. Furthermore, the latest business activity Growth Tracker (PMI) indicates a more contraction.

Brought to you in association with EY.

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Stephen McKeown - Apprentice mechanic to Allstate CEO

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Stephen McKeown grew up in the Glens of Antrim and developed his engineering skills as an "volunteer" mechanic in his Dad's car workshop. He now heads a Digital Centre of Excellence for Fortune 100 company Allstate and this core part of the business just happens to be located in Belfast. The insurance giant came to Northern Ireland in the aftermath of the Good Friday Agreement with the modest ambition of creating 50 jobs. It now employs around 1700 in its European operations and Belfast has transformed from outpost to core hub. Stephen takes us through his early career: which spans a PhD from Queen's; helping build Ireland’s "bad bank" (NAMA) during the financial crisis; and bootstrapping successful tech startups. He discusses the revolutionary shift to a "product mindset" at Allstate with work focused on problem-solving and customer outcomes, a cultural change that led Allstate to win the prestigious Tony Hsieh Award. What's great is that Stephen still manages to balance global leadership with his volunteer role as a mechanic on the local Cushendall lifeboat. This episode is a masterclass in driving change and seizing opportunity in the evolving tech ecosystem; a lesson in how geography is no barrier to being at the centre of global organisations; and a reminder that a good and healthy workplace culture is vital to success.

Brought to you in association with EY.

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Fat Loss and Trade

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 05:00:00 GMT

This week it's Trading Up Unpacked with Jim Fitzpatrick and Professor Richard Ramsey digging deep into the nature of north south business and economics in Ireland. From waves of desperate weight-loss drug hunters flooding into Newry; to the growing number of companies in Northern Ireland that are owned in the Republic; to the increasing trade and tourism figures; Jim and Richard explain and explore the underlying forces at work. They also examine revived plans for Northern Ireland to harmonise its business tax rate with the Republic. Wishful thinking or a good idea? Jim and Richard argue it out.

Brought to you in association with EY.

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Niall McKenna & Marion Lancial

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Running a restaurant business is definitely not for the faint of heart. Jim meets celebrated Belfast chef Niall McKenna and Normandy native Marion Lancial who has made Northern Ireland her home, to explore the highs and lows of running a restaurant. From choosing the financial crisis or the eve of the Covid lockdowns to expand; to managing the accumulated costs of each broken glass (that’s the equivalent of throwing a steak in the bin); to the joys of celebrating the best local produce and making people happy.

Niall and Marion offer a unique insight into the trade and offer up some business tips that will make sense to anyone dealing with the kinetic environment we all face today.

Brought to you in association with EY.

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Engineers vs. Lawyers: Can China's Model Fix Northern Ireland's Economy?

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Jim Fitzpatrick and Richard Ramsey unpack the latest economic stats for Northern Ireland, revealing a complex picture for the hospitality sector which, despite a busy summer, is struggling with profitability due to soaring labour and food costs. They explore the grim outlook for public finances, where major spending pressures would naturally force deep cuts and unpopular revenue-raising measures, but will the tough choices be made? This leads to a wider discussion on why Northern Ireland struggles to deliver major infrastructure projects, contrasting today’s inaction with ambitious nation-building from a century ago. Finally, the duo consider a provocative question: do we need a government of engineers, like China, instead of lawyers in order to get things done?

Brought to you in association with EY.

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Martin Tierney: Seating Matters

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Jim sits down with Martin Tierney who quit school at 17 to develop a family business with his brothers. He was a star pupil but his mother told him that she would back his decision to leave school before he’d completed his A Levels and get to work in the emerging business with his brothers. That faith wasn’t misplaced. Martin has developed Seating Matters into an export powerhouse. The company, based near the village of Limavady in County Derry, makes therapeutical chairs for patients with complex needs. From a small workshop it has grown into a substantial business with a turnover upwards of £26 million across the group. What sets Martin and his company apart isn’t just the product, it’s the philosophy behind it. It was born from a realisation that many infirm patients weren’t being properly served by the equipment on offer. His mother, an occupational therapist and the inspiration for the business, was able to guide Martin on what the patients really needed. But the transformation in the business really accelerated whenever the Tierney brothers developed a friendship with senior directors of the Japanese car giant Toyota. Remarkably, they willingly imparted their philosophy and shared their secrets, even visiting the County Derry factory. It was priceless consultancy and the only demand was that Martin and his brothers pass on the wisdom to anyone who sought it. Hence, their factory has become a Disneyland for business leaders and entrepreneurs keen to learn. In this conversation Martin talks with passion about everything he has learned.

Brought to you in association with EY.

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Shooting The Messenger and Debt Balloons

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Join journalist Jim Fitzpatrick and economist Professor Richard Ramsey of Queen’s University Business School as they unpack the big economic and business issues of the day. What’s going on with government finances across the world? From the US, to France to the UK the dreaded deficits are growing and the cost of servicing the debt is ballooning. In some cases it’s leading to political crises - France has just lost another Prime Minister. In the US, denial is the order of the day. In the UK, the Chancellor is putting budget day off as long as possible in the hope, perhaps, that something will turn up to make her difficult job a little bit easier..

Meanwhile, Jim and Richard ask the question - what’s the most dangerous job to have in government? The answer might surprise you.

And they've the very latest insight into how all of this could be shaping the economy closer to home.

Brought to you in association with EY.

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Season Two Trail

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 07:47:46 GMT

Season 2 of Trading Up is coming soon...

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Summer Shorts: Catriona Campbell on Making Artificial Intelligence Pay

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Catriona Campbell has advised governments and major industry players on AI, so it was great to get her for a one-to-one to outline what anyone in business should be doing when it comes to artificial intelligence. As a renowned expert in human-computer interaction, she has guided some of the world's top brands to digital success and she now advices EY clients as their UK and Ireland AI strategy leader. As you'd expect from an expert in communication, she had some straightforward and clear advice - top tips if you like - for anyone in business.

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Summer Shorts: William McColgan's Proud Culture of Success

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 05:00:00 GMT

William McColgan runs a third generation family business with his sister in Strabane in the North-West of Northern Ireland. He brings a wealth of qualifications and experience to his role. Not long ago he was flying high in corporate America. He has a Masters in actuarial science and an MBA from Wharton. He didn't need to come home. But he did. Why? What drives him? Listen to this latest in the summer shorts collection to get a masterclass in finding the meaning in business that drives success.

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Summer Shorts: Rory King of Rory's Travel Club

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Rory King loves travel. He wanted to find a way of sharing that love with others. So he set up a Facebook page and started posting travel tips and deals he had spotted. One day he noticed a glitch with Aer Lingus that was almost too good to be true on transatlantic flights. He posted the information. It went viral as punters snapped up the good value and the idea of Rory's Travel Club was born. The business model came when Rory realised that the booking sites were taking a huge commission off hoteliers and travel companies to get them business. What if, he wondered, that commission could be passed on to customers as a discount. His business was born. Rory essentially acts as an honest broker between the hotel/travel company and the customer. He doesn't take commission. He passes on big discounts to his loyal members who pay him a small annual fee of 12 euro. Trust is key to this. His members trust him to get the discounts. The hotels and travel companies he works with trust him to promote their deals to a loyal audience. Everyone wins and Rory's membership continues to climb. He has his sights set on one million members. You do the math. But also listen to the story.

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Summer Shorts: Matthew Nesbitt, Halos Bodycams

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Matthew Nesbitt had had enough of working down mines in Australia or deserts in the Middle East selling property when he returned home with a burning ambition to set up his own business. A short spell selling bodycams gave him the inspiration he needed. He decided they were the easiest product he'd ever sold and that he could create a better product himself. Some inspired help from his family gave him a new focus for the business plan, transforming it to a subscription software model. That, an appreciation that the customer base was much wider than traditional security services, and some useful features on the product itself, powered growth that has made Halos the fastest-growing bodycam company in the world.

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Summer Shorts: Matt Creighton and Bleubird Clothing

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Matt Creighton has taken an unusual route to success. He admits that his big idea was born while he was enjoying life as a ski seasonaire in the French Alps and he was in search of some extra funds to top up his meagre pay, or "beer tokens" as he called it. From screen printing t-shirts for mates to building a clothing brand - Bleubird - that now has 300 wholesale customers in the UK, Ireland, Europe and the US, it has been quite the journey. What's remarkable is how growth has been driven by building deep relationships with traditional retail stores, not ignoring online, but not favouring it either. There are some counterintuitive lessons for success in Matt's story.

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Summer Shorts: Maeve Monaghan of Now Group Explains Social Enterprise

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Maeve Monaghan runs a social enterprise. But she likes making money. Profit isn't a dirty word - it's what allows her organisation to make a difference to so many lives across the island of Ireland. The Now Group runs a catering business; a training company that helps people with learning difficulties into work; and a movement that's empowering organisations to take a minute to help those who need a bit of patience to access their services. In this Summer Short, your preconceptions of what makes a social enterprise will be confounded.

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Summer Shorts: Paul Stewart of My Baggage

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Paul Stewart didn't like paying airlines a fortune to bring his bags home from Uni in Edinburgh to his home in Belfast. So he set up his own business to do it for him. My Baggage is now at the cutting edge of logistics, moving personal possessions at an attractive price all over the world. It's biggest share of revenue comes from relocations as increasing numbers of young professionals in Northern Ireland decide to up sticks and move to the US and Australia. Along the way, Paul has encountered major changes such as Brexit. He's risen to the challenge by investing in technology and providing customs clearance solutions for the end customer. He's now planning major global expansion with the US market his number one target.

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Summer Shorts: Hotelier Melanie Harrison's Storied Success

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 05:00:00 GMT

In this second of the Summer Shorts, we catch up with Belfast hotelier Melanie Harrison. The key lesson here is how Melanie has put thoughtful storytelling at the heart of everything she does. Her property once belonged to Belfast's answer to Mr Selfridge, Cleaver of "Cleaver and Robinson" a once famous Belfast department store. At the height of Cleaver's success in the 19th century he was selling linen by mail order across the world and had become, in Melanie's words, "the Jeff Bezos of his day". Each of Melanie's rooms at her hotel tells a story. And she partners with theatre and opera companies to bring quirky lives performance into her hotel. It makes the hotel itself a place of discovery for guests who can soak up stories and create new ones of their own to tell their friends. As a result, the marketing almost looks after itself. It's an approach from which many businesses could learn.

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Unpacked: Benefits U-Turn and Tax Rises; Trump's Reverse Robin Hood and The Northern Ireland Economy

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 13:38:58 GMT

On the latest Unpacked episode, journalist Jim Fitzpatrick and economist Richard Ramsey explore the big economic stories and how they're likely to shape our lives. From Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" which is going to take US debt to almost unimaginable levels; to the Labour Government's U-Turn on benefits and what that could mean for future tax rises; to the very latest on the Northern Ireland economy and what it tells us about global exposure. For all the latest analysis, opinion, and even a game of Top Trumps, hit play now.

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Summer Shorts: Dominic Kearns of Fibrus and his £845 million gamble

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 05:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Trading Up, Jim Fitzpatrick interviews Dominic Kearns, founder and CEO of Fibrus, discussing the company's significant investment in building a fibre telecoms network in Northern Ireland and Cumbria. They explore the challenges of raising capital, the impact of government support, and the competitive landscape in the telecoms industry. Dominic shares insights into the operational challenges of building infrastructure, the transition from a build phase to focusing on customer acquisition, and his ambitious goals for the future.

Takeaways

Fibrus has invested £845 million in fibre telecoms infrastructure.

Dominic initially raised £100 million with a slide deck presentation.

Government backing was not initially part of the funding strategy.

Project Stratum - which was government backing - was a significant competitive win for Fibrus.

The company is expanding into Cumbria, focusing on hard-to-reach areas.

Customer acquisition is a key focus as they transition from building to operating.

Dominic emphasises the importance of understanding infrastructure investment.

The company aims to reach 200,000 customers in the next two years.

Fibrus operates both an open access network and a commercially integrated retail model.

Dominic's accounting background aids in managing the financial aspects of the business.

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Founders: How Declan Keeney Built The Most Advanced Virtual Effects Studio In the World

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Declan Keeney grew up with broadcasting in his blood. His Dad was the driving force behind a revolution in local radio in Ireland. Recognising a demand from rural communities whose stories needed to be told and shared, he lobbied the Irish government to change the broadcasting law and founded Highland Radio in Donegal. It became hugely successful and was the catalyst for a new ecosystem of local radio broadcasting in Ireland that changed the national conversation. Declan is now implementing his own revolution and building a new ecosystem at the cutting edge of the creative industries. Studio Ulster, of which he is co-founder, is a £72 million investment in virtual production located in Belfast Harbour. This technology allows film and television producers to create virtual sets that blend with the real so that fully visualised environments can be captured on camera in real-time without the need for laborious post-production. Goodbye green screens. Hello giant "tv" screens. The new facility also has the very latest in motion capture technology on a scale that's not found elsewhere. There's nowhere else like it, in the world. But what Declan's building is more than a studio: with a network of talent and support across government, academia and industry, he's developing that new creative industries ecosystem. As a Professor at Ulster University he has been instrumental in developing the courses and training for the talent to enter the industry. Studio Ulster is also a key research centre - a CoStar Screen Lab, one of five government-backed centres across the UK, each with a different specialism. And the studio is also hosting and incubating a new generation of companies to work with the global film and television industry. The economic payback for the regional economy could be immense. One of the first productions on site was a docudrama about the Titanic. The production was initially slated for a studio in South Africa with a huge water-based set. But Studio Ulster's virtual environment provided a solution that was closer to home. Rebuilding the Titanic wasn't tempting fate, but instead felt like an appropriate first project - keeping millions in local economy - and the order book for the months ahead at Studio Ulster looks pretty full.

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Thinkers: John Ryan on How Health Really Does Mean Wealth

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 05:00:00 GMT

For years, issues like health and wellbeing have been the preserve of corporate HR departments. John Ryan is on a mission to change that. His approach is radical and based on data. His own wake-up moment was uncovering the shocking evidence that too many workplaces are simply killing their employees. His challenge to organisations is at all levels - some of the worst health is found on the executive floors. But with a rigorous approach he believes he can help companies become healthy places to work and contribute not only to the health and wellbeing of all, but make a real and sustaing difference to the company performance and the bottom line.

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EMERGENCY EPISODE. Unpacked: Spending Review, UK Growth, US-China Deal, Water Charges in Northern Ireland

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 15:04:52 GMT

It's been such a busy week for economic news that we needed another Unpacked episode of Trading Up. Once again, seasoned business journalist Jim Fitzpatrick is joined by economics professor Richard Ramsey as they take a detailed look at everything from a potential breakthrough in US-China trade relationships; the UK Chancellor's spending review sums; and the thorny issue of water charges in Northern Ireland. They get help from fictional detective Charlie Cale of Pokerface whose special power is being a human lie detector and calling "bullshit" whenever she hears it. So, expect a few "bullshits" throughout the programme as Jim and Richard evaluate what our politicians have been saying about the big economic choices of the day. And do public sector economists really have posters of Sir Robert Chote on their walls?

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Brewing Beer, Building a Business, Innovating Every Day

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Bernard Sloan studied chemical engineering at Queen's University but found his true calling when he moved to Nigeria with his wife Kerry to run a brewery. He decided to bring that job to an end when a neighbouring business was robbed at gunpoint and his security team took fright and disappeared. But he'd got the beer bug, so he persuaded his dad to let him turn an old cottage on the family farm in Attical, County Down (that had been a potato store) into a brewery. A river, the Whitewater, ran past the house. So, Whitewater brewery was born. Equipment was added as funds allowed with Bernard working as a college lecturer, and later industry consultant, to pay the bills. But 30 years later, Whitewater is going strong in a new 15,000 square foot facility in Castlewellan. Its beers are sold throughout pubs and restaurants across Northern Ireland, with export markets in the US and Japan opening up. Meanwhile, engineer Bernard is constantly adding to the production facilities with bespoke solutions that allow him to offer canning and bottling services to other drinks companies. It's still a team effort with wife Kerry, especially on pizza night when it's all hands to the beer pumps and ovens in the brewery's welcoming beer hall. After 30 years in business, Bernard reflects on how he has constantly pivoted to stay in business and has no intention of slowing down any day soon.

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Unpacked: Trump's Tariffs, TACO Trade, Big Beautiful Bill, Uncertainty Squared

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 11:49:24 GMT

Does Donald Trump have an economic strategy and what does it mean for us? What are Tariffs? Who pays them? What's the latest development? What's happening with that UK-US deal? Why is Elon Musk so annoyed about Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill"? And what's the lesson from the classic movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off that we need to learn? In this episode, economist Richard Ramsey (Professor of Economic Practice at Queen's University) joins Jim Fitzpatrick to unpack the big issues that are impacting businesses, big and small, everywhere. Given the pace of change, they made sure to record this episode while the President was asleep to keep all the analysis up-to-date.

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Kneecap Film Business and Hero Sam's Life Lessons

Wed, 28 May 2025 05:00:00 GMT

There's not much that immediately connects a controversial Irish language rap group from West Belfast and a former Royal Marine and George Cross recipient turned entrepreneur from Armagh. But the story told by film producer Trevor Birney, who brought the niche rap group to the world through the award-winning Kneecap movie; and the incredible life-story of Sam Shephard who served tours in Afghanistan and Iraq with the Royal Marines and displayed off-the-scale heroism that saw him awarded the UK's highest honour for non-combat bravery, do have surprising common threads. There's something about managing dynamic situations, thinking quickly, and not being afraid of danger. There's also something about taking calculated risks and being prepared to manage a situation as it develops in real-time. These are two entrepreneurs with a lot of learning to impart to anyone in business.

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Making Stuff and a Multi Million Turnover in Kilrea

Fri, 23 May 2025 08:48:40 GMT

Mark Hutchinson was only 18 when he took charge of the family engineering business in rural South Derry. His father, Creighton, had built a successful business doing bespoke work mainly for the agricultural community in Northern Ireland. But unfortunately Creighton had been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and wanted Mark to take the reins. That was 1997 and the young Mark wasn't slow in making bold decisions - such as buying a new bit of equipment that was almost as much as a year's turnover. His father let him get on with things. He reorientated the business away from small bespoke jobs to winning contracts from big manufacturers. Over years of investment in premises, plant, equipment and people, the business is now employing 160 and turning over around £21million. Mark wants that number to hit £50 million. Mark has been joined in the business by his brother and sister and his father's legacy and values remain key. He's building a training academy named after his father that will not only provide training for his employees, but may one day offer services to others across the region.

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How They Build Boats in the Glens of Antrim

Wed, 14 May 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Tom McLaughlin built his first boat in 1965 at the age of seven. It had its maiden voyage in the family garden. By 1977 with a strong desire to avoid going back to school, Tom started his own business with his first sea-worthy vessel. That boat - a simple wooden construction called Redbay One - is now on display in the company showroom. Since that early sale (which he managed to purchase back some years later from the customer), Tom has been making making boats of varying shapes and sizes at his Cushendall base in the Glens of Antrim. Around 20-25 each year. Redbay Boats specialises in RIBs (rigid inflatable boats). They're hard-hulled vessels with an inflatable collar - "like a life jacket for the boat" says Tom. They're renowed for their safety in rough conditions. And there's nowhere better to test them than just off his Antrim Coast base in the choppy waters of Rathlin Sound or near Torr Head on the famous Causeway Coast. A top of the range Redbay Boat could set you back £1.5 million. A more modest vessel might run to £60,000. These are bespoke boats where the customer has a big input into the build process. And the connection with the customers continues long after they've got their boat as Tom, and his team, manage the ongoing relationships. "Our customers become our friends," says Tom, with absolute sincerity. Tom's son Conor is now taking a central role at the business, having learnt his trade (like his father) in the workshop. In this episode Tom and Conor tell Jim about their business journey and how they deal with customers ranging from government agencies to leisure enthusiasts and spread from across Ireland and Scotland to far flung places such as the Falklands and Svalbard in the Arctic.

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Building Palaces for Saddam Hussein and Rides for Disney

Wed, 07 May 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Who would you rather work for: Saddam Hussein or Mickey Mouse? Mervyn McCall has worked for both. As co-founder of construction giant Mivan, he built palaces for Saddam before Gulf War One put an abrupt end to that; wiped out half his business overnight; and landed him with a hostage crisis situation as 90 ex-pat staff were held by the Iraqi dictator as "human shields". With that episode behind him, he turned his focus to getting work in the massive "Euro Disney" project underway near Paris. He got a foot in the door with one director and six staff. He sent them with a firm instruction to grow that work to 60 staff. Before long it was 600 and Mickey Mouse had replaced Saddam as his number one customer. Next, he turned his attention to Asia where a revolutionary construction system he ultimately acquired, enabled him to build cheap housing in rapid order as the economies in the East boomed. At one point in his early career as he flew back into Northern Ireland after a spell away in Iraq, he noticed two things: it was green and small. The green was good - nice place to live. But the small meant bad place to work. The world was his oyster now. In this episode Mervyn dives deep into his incredible global career, the highs and lows; the personal sacrifices made along the way; the learnings for anyone keen to grow in business.

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Andrew Ingredients – 80 Years in Baked Goods with Tim Andrew

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 05:00:00 GMT

It may be a tough business, but it seems like "wee buns" to Tim Andrew. Join Tim and Jim as they delve into Andrew Ingredients' 80-year history. Discover how the family business evolved from an agency set up by his Dad at the end of the War; how Tim took a holiday job which evolved into becoming boss; how he innovated with investments in things like the test kitchen to help customers develop new products; and how he navigated challenges like Brexit and COVID-19 by adapting and embracing digital.

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Balancing Bricks and Clicks - The Born and Bred Story with Linzi Rooney

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Discover how this Belfast-based independent retailer is thriving against the odds. Learn about what Linzi Rooney means by her culturally relevant products; how she doubled online turnover while growing high street sales and all the while maintaining her support for local makers. Explore Linzi's unique brand, realistic growth plans, and even her surprising encounter with the PayPal CEO Alex Chriss. A must-listen for retail inspiration!

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From Belfast Roots to Business Powerhouse: Tina McKenzie's Story

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Discover the inspiring journey of Tina McKenzie, from launching a recruitment business that went from zero to 150 million in short order. From running Staffline in Northern Ireland to becoming a leading figure in UK business with the Federation of Small Businesses. Hear about her meteoric growth, strategic acquisitions like Grafton, and ill-fated foray into politics. Tina shares insights on resilience, leadership, and making a real-world impact. Proving a job is just a job while purpose matters.

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Entrepreneurs on Risk, Resilience, and Rapid Business Growth

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 05:00:00 GMT

The multi-millionaire and serial entrepreneur who began his business journey as an unlicensed street trader. The bank employee who quit school before her A Levels then quit the bank to set up her own. And the third generation family food business boss who’s defied the old adage about success across the generations to build a 200 million pound empire. A chance to catch up again with Pete Boyle, Judith Totten, and Andrew Lynas as we reflect on the common lessons from some very contrasting stories.

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Sugar Rush: From Coffee Loyalty Apps to Bespoke Business Solutions

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 06:00:00 GMT

The scariest business decision Ali MacFarlane ever made - and he's not alone here - was hiring his first employee. But two decades later, his bespoke app and software development agency is going from strength to strength. From coffee loyalty apps helping shift 12 million cups; to the parental interface for Northern Ireland's controversial (and stressful) transfer exam handling applications and results, Ali's Sugar Rush company has a reputation for delivery and success.

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Putting The Human First in Cyber

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 06:00:00 GMT

Clare Ryan cut her entrepreneurial teeth on a market stall and then a corner shop. She was the first in her family to go to university where she excelled. But she swapped biomedical sciences for the role of tech founder and this non techie now has a compelling product aimed at demystifying the complexities of cyber security for small businesses, and saving them money. Perhaps even saving their business. She's raised her first half million with a plan for two million more to follow this year as she rolls out her solution. Her kids are the driving force - "mummy, you said we'd have money by now" - and she has her eyes fixed on a successful exit by the time she hits fifty in seven years time.

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Female Founder Karen Sells Up To Staff

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 06:00:00 GMT

Karen Maguire doesn't do the expected or routine. She wouldn't have decided to set up her own manufacturing business if she did. She wouldn't have grown it, with much personal sacrifice, through lean years and tough times if she had only been half-committed. She was all-in. Until the death of her father in 2017 shook her world and she decided her business should belong to someone else. But who? Again, she took the path less travelled and sold up to her employees under the Employee Ownership Trust scheme. As she eases herself out of the business, and into a new venture teaching pilates (just doing it was clearly not enough), she tells her remarkable story.

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53 rejections, 1 yes, and £150 million to lend.

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 06:00:00 GMT

Judith Totten thinks kindness is important in her business. Which is rather surprising because she's in the finance business. But it has paid off for her and the numbers tell the story: zero A Levels because she left school early; 20 years at the bank learning her trade; £500,000 scraped together to start her own lending business; 53 rejections from London banks who wouldn't back her; 1 yes and £5 million from the one that did; 1 decade and two buyouts later and she's now got £150 million to lend. She tells her remarkable story with real candour and humour.

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Heart Attack Sows Seeds of Success at Linwoods

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 11:10:31 GMT

Patrick Woods' grandfather died at age 42. His father needed a heart bypass in his early fifties. So, being healthy really means something to him and his family. His dad transformed his lifestyle and eating habits in the aftermath of his bypass thirty years ago. Patrick has helped him transform the third generation family business to align with those new healthy priorities. Linwoods is the number one brand in its niche - the milled flax seeds you can add to your breakfast that promise a host of benefits, particularly for heart health. But the company has been through many difficult times and has radically transformed from a dairy and bread business that was becoming commoditised to a growing health food business that continues to innovate with new products. Along the way Patrick and his family have endured health crises, potential financial ruin and even the bullets of the IRA. It's a family saga that's a real tonic for the heart!

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Saving Lives With Precision

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 06:00:00 GMT

Picture a 72-year-old farmer in Idaho who has been diagnosed with skin cancer. He's about to start a tough regime of chemotherapy. The kind of toxic drugs that have been used to blast such cancers for 40 odd years. It's the only way his doctor knows to treat the cancer. It's possible the treatment could work. But it's also possible the treatment could kill him. But within 24 hours of testing and diagnosis, the doctor gets a knock at the door from a representative from a drug company. They're offering an alternative treatment so precise that it has been tailored to match the profile of the patient's very DNA. And they've arrived at the door of that clinic with that treatment because a company in Northern Ireland has crunched the data from the testing centre and discovered there's a patient there that could benefit. This is precision medicine in action and it's almost the stuff of science fiction, but it's the daily business of Ryan Keeling and his company Diaceutics. Ryan tells the story of how the company began life in his uncle's basement, but is now publicly listed and working with the world's biggest pharmaceutical companies at the cutting edge of diagnostics and modern medicine.

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Greg's Pure Gym Grit & Growth

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 06:00:00 GMT

Greg Bradley is no spoofer. But when he got a call from the strength and conditioning coach for a global sporting giant requesting equipment he'd seen on Greg's Facebook site to be delivered within days, the young entrepreneur had a problem. All he had was the Facebook post. He hadn't yet figured out how to make the equipment. But the keen sportsman applied a lesson he'd learnt on the field "win first and worry later". He took the order. A week later, he delivered the equipment. Since then he's endured hardship, injury and tragedy. He's found love (but still had to cut short his honeymoon due to a pressing business issue). But he's also built a global business that has many of the world's top sporting brands, sports teams and personalities on its client list. From the moveable feast of installing a gym for Posh and Becks on their yacht, to the job of scaling to meet a major order from UK giant Pure Gym - the business is always presenting interesting challenges. As Blk Box moves into a new phase of global growth, he tells his remarkable personal story.

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Hero Sam Swaps War Fighting for Juice Squeezing

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 06:00:00 GMT

What qualifies or prepares someone to create a chain of juice bars and a hospitality-focussed software business? A glance at Sam Shephard's CV wouldn't give any clues. He's a former Royal Marine with tours in Afghanistan and Iraq on his distinguished record. He is one of just a handful of living people to have been awarded the George Cross, the UK's highest honour awarded to those who have displayed the greatest heroism or the most conspicuous courage whilst in extreme danger in non combat situations. He worked as right-hand-man to the UK's First Sea Lord Sir George Zambellas and the billionaire hedge fund boss Michael Hintze. He now runs Juice Jar, a chain of healthy fast-food outlets in Northern Ireland, Bristol and Dublin and is developing a nifty bit of software which could be of use across the entire hospitality sector. He tells his incredible story here.

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Food, Faith & Frozen Fish

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 06:00:00 GMT

Andrew Lynas runs a family-owned food business. But it's not like many others. It began with his grandfather who had a row with his greengrocer boss so he quit and set up a fishmongers. Norman, Andrew's father, was next. He took a gamble with a big order for frozen battered fish. His problem was that he didn't have any freezers or even the fish to put in them. That was remedied by some chest freezers in the garage. Today Lynas Food Service has multiple outlets in Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland; more than 700 staff; and an annual energy bill that's so large the company has just built its own electricity grid with a £4.5 million investment in wind, solar and battery, that powers its operations. Andrew may have inherited the business, but he's driven it with focus and ambition - growing turnover from £30 million when he took over to around £200 million today. In this episode he talks frankly about the challenges he's faced; the days when he faced financial ruin and cried; the hard-headed business advice his dying father imparted; his Christian faith which informs his whole approach; the life he enjoys with his young family and his deep commitment to the North Coast area in Northern Ireland where his business is headquartered. He works hard, but his commute to work from his seaside home in Portstewart is six and half minutes, "seven if there's traffic". It's a very personal story with some fascinating insights into what drives a company forward and the wider values that can underpin financial success.

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How The Sausage Gets Made

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 06:00:00 GMT

You can't have it all. Life involves sacrifice. But William McColgan is an example of how you can come close to having it all, as long as you correctly define what success looks like and make the right sacrifices. So when his five-year-old son was poised to undertake "shooter drills" on entering elementary school in New Hampshire, he sacrificed a consultancy career with Fortune 100 companies to return to his native Northern Ireland and make sausage rolls in Strabane. Granted, he makes quite a lot of them - around half a million a day - which adds up to around £30 million in annual turnover. But the challenges of being the best are immense and un-ceasing. William's corporate experience is now central to a new culture at the third-generation family firm which has made them so dominant in the Irish market that they need a big move into Great Britain to continue the upwards growth trajectory. His biggest challenge is attracting and nurturing world class talent in this remote corner of Northern Ireland, but he's loving it and he's winning by investing in technology, training and specialist education programmes. And his son, now ten, well he's happy to call Strabane home.

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Turning a Facebook Punt Into A Multi-Million Business

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 15:25:47 GMT

A nasty tackle during a football match in his final year of school left Rory King with a broken jaw, and it changed his life. If it hadn't happened, Rory wouldn't have messed up is A Levels and would probably be a PE teacher today. A decent job. But not the dream he's currently living. For in the space of a few years, Rory has taken his passion for travel and negotiating deals and developed a multi-million pound business from what began life as a facebook page for friends. He's done it all without raising any external funding. His discount travel business now has 200,000 members in Ireland and Rory has his sights set on Great Britain. He has a unique offer - he persuades the industry to take the money they would normally hand over to the big online booking sites and instead pass that on to his members. The customer gets a cheaper deal; the hotel gets the same money; Rory gets happy members who pay him just one euro a month (and he never takes commission); and the money all stays in the local economy. No wonder his ambitions are big - his growth to date has been impressive. Listen to Rory tell Jim the full story, unvarnished and raw. And that broken jaw - has he forgiven the other player?

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Always Pay The Sales Guy Well

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 06:30:07 GMT

There's a reason why you should keep your key sales staff happy. Mathew Nesbitt is what can happen when you don't. He goes and sets up his own business which puts yours into the shade. He was in his twenties selling bodycams to pay the bills. But when Matthew's Christmas bonus didn't land the way he had expected, it was enough to send him out on his own. He had an idea, and the bones of plan, but no product, staff, customers or money. Within a few months he had raised his first "cool half million" and last year his Halos Body Cameras business took $20 million in investment from a US Venture Capital firm. The company is now estimated to be worth in excess of $100m, which isn't bad for something that was just an idea six years ago. In this episode Matthew opens up in detail about his unconventional journey and explores with Jim some of the key moves that have shaped his success.

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Building Big in Belfast

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 07:48:50 GMT

He's behind the biggest residential development Belfast City Centre has ever seen and he wants to change the way we live. He began his career as a surveyor in London before moving into the development game. The £175 million Loft Lines development in Titanic Quarter comprising 778 apartments is Anthony Best's biggest project to date. He details how he makes the sums add up in a city that isn't always the most development-friendly. And he also reveals his wider commitment to changing the way we view our city and our way of living.

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Mayfair Comes to Magherfelt and Nasdaq to Newry

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 06:30:48 GMT

We catch up with two former guests to find out what's happened since we first met them on the podcast. The Newry lawyer who took an Irish pharma firm onto the Nasdaq with a $1 billion plus listing and the Mid Ulster builder who constructed the top four floors of Mayfair's Claridges Hotel in Magherafelt. Who says remarkable things can't happen in remote places? John McEvoy and Mark Gribbin update Jim on how their respective businesses are continuing to grow.

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Sporting Failure meets Business Success

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 06:30:23 GMT

Jan Cunningham believes in failure. He may have helped put Ulster Rugby on the world stage as European champions with a stunning victory in the 1999 Heineken Cup. But he contends that even that great team had more failures than successes. It's what you learn from the failures that makes all the difference. 25 years later and Jan is now Managing Partner at one of Northern Ireland's leading independent law firms, Millar McCall Wylie. On this episode he explores with Jim how he uses his elite sport experience to help guide his business decisions today and ensure that his law practice can continue to grow in an ever-changing and increasingly competitive market. Clare Guinness of Belfast Chamber joins the discussion and has an elite sports reveal of her own.

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AI Takes Over The Podcast

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 07:00:48 GMT

Things get meta on the podcast this week as Jim Fitzpatrick dives into AI with industry leaders Catriona Campbell of EY and Tom Gray of Kainos. Not only do they explore and explain the huge challenges and opportunities that AI presents to business, but Jim takes a mind-bending detour down the AI rabbit hole with an AI podcast within an AI podcast. Angela McGowan joins the discussion as they unpick what's vital for everyone in business to know, and to ask. No humans were harmed in the making of this podcast, though some machines were definitely involved.

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World's Biggest TV Show and a Field of Dreams in Banbridge

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 00:01:32 GMT

Game of Thrones is one of the biggest TV shows ever made so you would expect a tour based around one of its key studio locations to be world class. And it is. The challenge for Sam Harding, the relatively new managing director at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, isn’t the product or experience. It’s location – nestled in the countryside near Banbridge in the middle of Northern Ireland. What his offer lacks in obvious logistics – though Belfast and Dublin are within easy reach - is made up for in authenticity: the experience is here because this £40 million attraction is built around the studios where key parts of the show were made over several years. The old linen mill that had fallen idle was first reborn as studios and then when filming stopped as a visitor attraction containing many original sets, props, costumes and artefacts from the show. The financials have been challenging but Sam is on a mission. Bringing years of international experience to bear he has an ambitious plan now underway: cutting costs, raising revenue and building those visitor numbers. Find out how on this week’s podcast.

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Taking a bite of the food business

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 00:01:56 GMT

Thana Thammavongsa was working for a mapping company in Coleraine when her career took an abrupt turn off the planned route and into the unchartered territory of running her own catering business. Three years later and she was taking a lease on premises in the town to see if her healthy Thai and Vietnamese street food concept would play well with a permanent base. Now more than a decade later she's driving off the map again with new business producing instant noodles under her Whoosh brand. Along the way she's sought help from the Go Succeed business support programme and Joanne McLaughlin joins the chat, along with former participant - and Trading Up regular - Melanie Harrison.

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Ski bum to clothing king - How Matt Creighton took off with Bleubird

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 00:01:00 GMT

We don’t all get to take ourselves to the top of a mountain for inspiration. But for Matt Creighton, it worked. As a keen skier, he’d taken a job after university as a seasonaire in the Alps. The problem he faced was the paltry pay. In order to allow for a bit of beer money he began screen printing T-shirts to sell to his mates in the ski resorts. His side hustle has since developed into a serious activity and outdoor lifestyle clothing brand selling into 300 independent outlets across the UK, Ireland, mainland Europe and even North America. They’ve begun opening stores - not just their Belfast base, but also franchises in Ballymena, Cookstown and now one to come in France. In some ways the skills and model is old school - building relationships with independent retailers - but it’s paying off with Bleubird also securing distribution deals from other brands who want to use their sales network and benefit from the “dual market access” from their Belfast base. But the brand also sells direct from its website, though ensuring it never undercuts its loyal retail base. Matt and his two business partners have done it all to date without any huge borrowings. So maybe grab your fleece or hoodie and come for a jaunt to the outdoors with Matt on this week’s episode.

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A student loan & an illegal pitch - Pete Boyle's remarkable story

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:01:23 GMT

Pete Boyle began with a student loan and an illegal pitch on Belfast’s Royal Avenue. He built a retail business that’s made him many millions and that enabled him to buy a reservoir near Belfast (because he loves kayaking) and turn it into a tourist and leisure destination. Meanwhile he’s been growing a property development business with a focus on transforming old buildings. Pete Boyle speaks frankly about his highs and lows; his great passions and his pet hates. It’s an episode packed with real learnings from someone who has built a business empire from the ground up. From the challenges of managing growth, to the demands of turning a bricks and mortar business into clicks and mortar operation; to the frustrations of dealing with red tape and bureaucracy - Pete shoots from the hip.

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Brexit and Bubbles - JN Wines' James Nicholson

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 23:01:23 GMT

The journey begins in 1977 with a Ford Cortina in Crossgar and makes important stops in Dublin and London with foreign destinations now on the horizon. James Nicholson, founder of JN Wines, shares his incredible entrepreneurial journey from selling wine out of the back of his car to building a multi-million pound business. The episode explores the ups and downs of running a business, the challenges of navigating Brexit, and the importance of Northern Ireland's unique dual market access. James also discusses his passion for horse racing, sharing insights into the industry's future amidst the rise of online betting. This episode is packed with valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone interested in the world of business, wine, and even horse racing.

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Jailhouse Spirit - John Kelly of McConnell’s Irish Whisky

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 23:01:53 GMT

John Kelly of McConnell’s Irish Whisky: It looks like a typo, but it’s central to the brand - McConnell’s Irish Whisky. Spot the issue? This week on Trading Up, Jim goes in search of an explanation for the missing “e” as he meets the man who has helped breathe new life into a brand that was once one of the biggest names in whisky/whiskey from Belfast to Boston but had gone out of business in the prohibition years before being resurrected in A Wing of Crumlin Road Jail. From the challenge of building a distillery in a listed Victorian jail to the task of building a 21st century brand and managing a major visitor attraction, McConnell’s CEO John Kelly distills the issues this week.

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Wellies on the farm and a suit in the office - Rob Heron from EY Northern Ireland

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 23:01:50 GMT

When he’s not wearing wellies on the family farm at the weekend or trainers as he pounds the pavements prepping for his latest marathon, Rob Heron wears the title of Managing Partner at EY in Northern Ireland. A diverse skillset and decent fitness level is useful for the boss of a firm in rapid growth mode. EY in Northern Ireland has ambitious plans to more than double its 950-strong workforce in the next five years. On this week’s episode Jim explores what this 'big four' firm does - it’s not just accountancy and audit any more. From data, tech and AI consultancy, to running the Entrepreneur of the Year programme there’s a lot to discuss. Meanwhile, Jim and Rob explore some of the themes and insights that have emerged in the first few months of Trading Up episodes.

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Throw away the begging bowl - Maeve Monaghan from Now Group

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 23:01:52 GMT

Maeve Monaghan loves making money.

It’s what she does with it that makes her business different. She heads Now Group which is a social enterprise, so her profits get reinvested in her cause - helping young people with learning difficulties and autism to find meaningful employment. She never begs, she delivers. She delivers for the many businesses who buy her products and services and she delivers for the thousands of people with learning difficulties and autism whose lives are transformed. On Trading Up this week she makes clear that it’s time for social enterprises - who have a combined turnover of £78 billion in the UK - to throw the begging bowl away and focus on delivering what business, or government wants. Angela McGowan joins the lively discussion.

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From chief ride tester to director of the company - John McAreavey from Clearhill

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 23:01:52 GMT

The serious business of fun -

So, picture the scene. You’re in town doing a bit of shopping but you’ve got your young toddler with you and they're getting restless. They begin tugging your arm towards the little rides out in the mall. How much are you willing to feed that machine and how does the business behind it capture your pound, or two?

That’s a question for John McAreavey whose family business is installing and running those kiddie rides – 1,900 of them in 430 locations across the UK and Ireland.

There’s something very old-school, nostalgic even, about those little rides. But on Trading Up we learn from John how he is positioning the business for the future with everything from cashless machines to home-grown apps, loyalty schemes, and plans for expansion.

And Trading Up regular Nichola Mallon, who has fed those machines on occasion with her young children, joins the discussion.

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University frustrations led to shipping firm - My Baggage's Paul Stewart

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 23:01:41 GMT

Have you ever tired of hauling a suitcase after you on holidays and the queues for bag drop at airports; or wondered how to get a student packed off to university with all their gear; or even had to move the contents of your home to another country? The chances are you may have come across the business founded by the guest on Trading Up this week, Paul Stewart of mybaggage.com

How has he turned his personal frustration with sorting his own uni luggage into a global business that’s helping thousands each year deal with door-to-door logistics? Find out on this week’s podcast and discover how he has also developed his own software to take the pain out of customs paperwork for customers. Nichola Mallon of Logistics UK also joins the discussion and spins the Number Wheel this week.

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Saving money with net zero - Connor McCandless from EnergyStore

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 23:01:58 GMT

This business turned its net zero ambitions into a bottom line bonus, and at the same time found itself snarled up in an unwanted investigation from the all-powerful Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). Connor McCandless runs EnergyStore, a successful small company that makes and sells insulation products. He didn’t expect the CMA to come calling and, when they did, he wasn’t sure if he could afford the lawyers to fight his case - so he did it himself. Find out how the story unfolds on this week’s episode with Clare Guinness of Belfast Chamber joining the discussion and has the first spin on Trading Up’s new Wheel Of Fortune

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Securing £100m with a slide deck - Dominic Kearns from Fibrus

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 23:01:22 GMT

Securing £100m with a slide deck

What sort of start-up business secures £100m in funding with nothing more than a slide-deck presentation to show for itself? And what sort of person is willing to take that money and several hundred millions more to build a business that won’t make a profit for years? This week on Trading Up we meet Dominic Kearns, the founder and CEO of telecoms challenger Fibrus. He explains the big numbers and the business model behind infrastructure investments like his as he takes fibre broadband to the parts of Northern Ireland (and Cumbria) the others don’t yet reach. With Clare Guinness of Belfast Chamber joining the discussion we also examine the wider issues of infrastructure investment and how the private sector could play its part in other parts of the economy.

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The Maghera joiners building big in London - John Bosco O’Hagan from the Specialist Group

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 23:01:49 GMT

There's a Maghera company of joiners involved in some of the most prestigious commercial, leisure and residential developments in London.

If you’ve ever needed anything more complicated than a bit of shelving installed at the house and want some decent woodwork done, you’ll know that It’s always hard to find a good joiner. On Trading Up this week Jim discovers that’s possibly because most of them have been snapped up by John Bosco O’Hagan and his Maghera-based Specialist Group. He began the business in 1987 to try and offer bespoke joinery to commercial customers. Today his business includes three of his children and a wider family of 270 employees delivering high end joinery, glass and metal manufacturing and fit out contracts. Projects include some of the most prestigious commercial, leisure and residential developments in London. JB talks about his inspiration, his family and his frustration with an education system that seems to have forgotten the value of practical skills. Suzanne Wylie from the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce joins Jim and JB in the studio.

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Amelia Hall is Belfast's newest hospitality spot - Peter Ringland from the Ringland Group

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 23:01:15 GMT

Peter Ringland is one half of the family firm, The Ringland Group, the other half is his brother Ben. Between them they’ve developed from an Airbnb business began in 2008 to a multi-million pound Belfast hospitality group. Their latest venture - Amelia Hall - is their most ambitious to date. A £12 million development beginning with an Italian food and drink concept opening in September with rooms to follow. Peter reveals how the brothers divide their responsibilities and work together to drive growth, with the core focus always on engaging customers with the 'why' rather than just the 'what'. Suzanne Wylie from the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce joins the discussion and Peter has a radical idea for improving the performance of our politicians.

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Treating anxiety and insomnia with electrical pulses - Dr Jason McKeown from Neurovalens

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 23:01:12 GMT

Brainwaves and brain-boxes in Belfast where a tech startup's mission is to zap brains across the world with electricity

Dr Jason McKeown is the founder of Belfast tech start-up Neurovalens. His medical devices, which he has been developing for the last six years, have recently won two approvals from the powerful Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US.

These devices pulse electricity into the brain to treat conditions like anxiety or insomnia. The alternative treatments to date have involved expensive surgery, or drugs with side effects. His devices, also made in Northern Ireland, are non-invasive and are placed at the back of the head for short periods each day.

With the recent approvals the company is gearing up to hit the US market. News, numbers and part-time dictators all feature. Nichola Mallon of logistics UK joins the discussion.

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Kneecap and the Irish language movie business - Trevor Birney from Finepoint

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 23:01:14 GMT

Kneecap, the movie

Trevor Birney is much more than a tenacious investigative journalist. He is a documentarian who has found himself producing a feature film that’s become a viral sensation even before it lands in cinemas across Ireland, the UK and US this month. In some ways it couldn’t be more niche: Kneecap is an Irish language film telling the story of a west Belfast rap group. But early indications, from awards to critical plaudits, are that the movie will have universal appeal. So what’s the business of showbusiness really like? How does a Belfast company raise millions to tell a story and bring it to screens across the world? All will be revealed. There’s also new, number crunching and proposals to make the world a better place. Melanie Harrison joins Trevor and Jim in the studio.

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The secrets of selling big on Amazon - Kevin McNamee from Denroy

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 23:01:36 GMT

A Bangor company shifts four million hairbrushes a year on Amazon. The Denman brush was made famous by celebrity stylists such as Vidal Sassoon and could be spotted on sale in shops across the globe.

Kevin McNamee is an accountant by trade. But he’s also one of the world’s biggest sellers of hairbrushes.

Today, Denroy, the Bangor-based company that makes the brushes and Kevin leads, sells most of its brushes direct through Amazon.

Four million a year! So what are the secrets of success for selling on Amazon?

Kevin’s tips are well worth hearing. Plus we have our usual news, numbers and big policy ideas for a better world, and Angela McGowan joins the discussion.

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The Newry lawyer and the Irish unicorn - John McEvoy

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 23:01:37 GMT

John McEvoy's story is the remarkable tale of a real Irish unicorn.

A unicorn is the title conferred on a start-up company that achieves a billion dollar valuation. Newry-based John McEvoy was previously Global General Counsel at a Dublin-based pharmaceutical company - a job he landed before he was 30 - where played a key role in its rapid acquisition-led growth and Nasdaq listing before it was sold last year for nearly $1.5 billion. It’s the remarkable tale of a real Irish unicorn.

He’s now planning to repeat the success with another Dublin pharma company while also setting up and growing Northern Ireland’s largest private GP services company in his spare time.

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Boosting business through storytelling - Melanie Harrison from The Harrison hotel

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 23:01:27 GMT

Jim Fitzpatrick is joined by Belfast boutique hotelier Melanie Harrison who uses powerful storytelling to win business, engage her guests and create a unique experience. According to Conde Nast Traveller "This is an entrepreneurialism untainted by the boardroom or design studio. It is local, individualistic, committed and often witty.”

From 16 rooms opened in the midst of the pandemic, to ambitious expansion plans, Melanie explains how a unique approach can have universal lessons.

Also in the studio this week is Angela McGowan, director of the CBI in Northern Ireland. There’s also news, number crunching and what to do with untrammelled power.

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Claridges Hotel top floor built in Mid Ulster - Mark Gribbin of Setanta Construction

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 15:09:03 GMT

Jim is joined by Mark Gribbin of Setanta Construction who built the top four floors of Claridges Hotel at his Mid Ulster factory before shipping it to Mayfair and installing within one day.

His family-owned firm has a mission to revolutionise how we build homes and how we live: specialising in modular housing, made off-site and constructed in days; and passive housing with the highest levels of energy efficiency.

Also in the studio this week is Nichola Mallon of Logistics UK. The former infrastructure minister is enjoying life beyond politics.

News, number crunching and what to do with untrammelled power all feature.

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