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Win a share of £300,000 of TV advertising, including full TV production costs, as well as an exclusive marketing package, courtesy of Constant Contact.

Small Business, Big Break

Unlock your creativity with Adobe Express and Enterprise Nation. Adobe Express is the quick and easy app you need to grow your business and brand.

Adobe Brand Builder

Discover smarter ways of working with our free diagnostic tool designed for small business owners like you. Adopt new technologies today to grow your business.

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Working out how to start and grow a business can be challenging. That‘s where we come in. Access campaigns to help you succeed.

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The Small Business Sessions, Enterprise Nation's podcast, is back for a seventh exciting series of inspiring entrepreneurial stories and expert business tips!

The Small Business Sessions!

Technology is your small business advantage. Get expert guidance and practical advice on digital tools that will drive growth and productivity for your business.

Tech Hub Ireland

Congratulations to our March Member of the Month, Sarah Gleave. Over the years Sarah has run a dog rescue centre, boarding kennels, Meg K9 Paddock, Meg K9 Custom Dog Leads, and is also a published author.

Member of the Month: Sarah Gleave

Congratulations to our Adviser of the Month for March, Sean Beirne, founder of Accelerate Consulting.  After two successful exits from his own ventures, Sean decided to put his experience to use by founding Accelerate Consulting in 2017.

Adviser of the Month: Sean Beirne

Enterprise Nation member Maria Morgan shares the story of the Irish natural skincare brand she founded on a farm in Co. Louth. Maria shares her experiences of running a small business, and her dreams for the future.

Esker Fields

Congratulations to our Member of the Month for January, Darren Forde, founder of Eco Powered Cabinets.  Darren's life-saving venture, Eco Powered Cabinets, addresses the challenges of emergency medical care in remote locations.

Darren Forde

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After successfully completing over 12 years of consulting with companies on a 1:1 basis on their business and financial performance I am now entering the training world to engage my passion for teaching, training, guiding and mentoring entrepreneurs, founders and business owners to thrive financially. I am here to offer you the opportunity to benefit from my expertise in Pricing and Cash Flow Management. I am proud to be known as The Price Mentor and I would be proud to teach you The Price Code Methodology

Business Owner and Founder

Brian Cooney

Owner/director

Paddy Mc Dermott

Specialist in Web Design, Digital Marketing, Social Media, SEO, Analytics and Big Data.
Owner and founder of Feedalpha.com and Yourweb.ie

Gary Evans

I’m Tara Elzingre, an independent consultant who’s passionate about helping business owners take control of their digital strategies without the overwhelm. I know firsthand as founder of Parene and Tara Elzingre Consultancy, how confusing and exhausting it can be to run a business online, where new tools and strategies are constantly popping up. My goal is to cut through that noise and help entrepreneurs like you find smart, sustainable ways to engage your audience, boost your productivity, and ultimately grow your revenue.
Most business owners face two big obstacles in the digital world: time and tech. Time gets eaten up trying to juggle marketing, engagement, and all the operational tasks that keep things running. Then, there’s the tech side—learning new tools, figuring out automation, and managing online platforms, all of which can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s not your area of expertise.I know that for many, these issues lead to frustration and even burnout. You start with enthusiasm, but constant pivots and endless tech choices can drain your energy fast. And with the pressure to constantly stay “visible” online, it’s easy to feel like you’re never doing enough.
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I’m here to make your digital strategy feel achievable, aligned, and tailored specifically to your business. My approach starts with understanding where you’re at and what matters most to you. I then introduce you to digital tools and strategies that simplify your workload, boost engagement, and save you time, all while enhancing your confidence with tech.
A key part of this process is learning to work with technology in a way that feels intuitive and empowering, not frustrating. Through 1:1 coaching and hands-on guidance, I make sure you’re equipped with practical skills and strategies, so you can start using digital tools to your advantage right away.
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My clients typically experience:
<ul>
<li>More time for the parts of their business they truly enjoy, thanks to efficient digital solutions.</li>
<li>Increased confidence with using new tools and automations, allowing them to work smarter, not harder.</li>
<li>Better engagement with their audience, from more streamlined social media practices to clearer messaging.</li>
<li>Revenue growth from strategic, simplified digital practices that actually convert without adding extra hours to the day.</li>
</ul>
<h3>How to Work with Me</h3>
If you’re ready to streamline your digital approach and get the right tools and mindset to succeed online, let’s chat. I offer tailored 1:1 sessions designed to meet you where you are and address your specific challenges. Together, we’ll build a plan that helps you work with intention and ease, so you can focus on what you do best—growing your business.

Digital Tool Trainer and Mindset Coach

Online small business meet-up: Ireland

Connect with other small business founders in your area, in a fun and relaxed environment.

Alison Battisby is a digital marketing instructor and social media expert, and founded Avocado Social in 2014 having worked in the social media industry since 2008.
Alison has worked with a wide range of start-ups and growing enterprises, as well as big brands including Estee Lauder, Tesco and Pringles.
Alison is an accredited She Means Business Facebook trainer, and has travelled the world training companies including the BBC, John Lewis, Cambridge University Press and Interflora.
Alison has been praised for her friendly manner and professional approach, which suits all levels of knowledge and understanding.
The Drum named Alison one of the top 50 freelancers in the UK, and Enterprise Nation named Alison one of the top 50 advisors in the UK.

Social Media Consultant

Social media marketing update - May 2025

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Our free May update covers the latest platform updates, strategies&nbsp;and trends to boost your social media marketing.
</div>

Adviser community event: Master your time and technology

Master time management and make the most of digital tools at this Enterprise Nation Adviser community event.

Efficiently managing the transportation needs of your Irish firm – whether you’ve 

 or somewhere else – can be challenging, yet it presents significant opportunities for improvement. 

Streamlining logistics by employing effective strategies can lead to enhanced efficiency and cost savings. Ensuring services such as reliable reefer fuel delivery are crucial to keeping your business fleet ready for action.

Effective organisation of transport is essential, whether you’re managing employee commutes or coordinating goods delivery. By focusing on strategic planning, you can transform your company’s logistics from a potential hassle into a competitive advantage. Embrace this chance to refine your transport systems for smoother and more economical operations.

Identifying key transportation challenges in your business

To improve your transport strategies, thoroughly assess your Irish business's current needs and the distribution of resources. Begin with an analysis of the volume and nature of goods or the number of personnel requiring transport. Consider peak demand times and the geographic scope of your operations.

essential for addressing your unique logistics challenges. This foundation is crucial for crafting effective transport solutions. Understanding these elements can also guide you in reallocating resources or making necessary adjustments to boost efficiency.

Creating a cost-effective transport strategy

To create a cost-effective transport strategy, start by clarifying your Ireland-based transport requirements. Once clarified, aligning your strategy with your organisational goals is key. Quantify the costs related to different transport modes, including vehicle upkeep, fuel, driver wages and the use of third-party logistics services.

Proper fleet management drives business growth

 that enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs in the long run. Consider tools like fleet management software or advanced scheduling systems to achieve these savings.

Also, allocate a contingency fund to handle unforeseen expenses without sacrificing service quality. 

 ensures that your business transport management remains economically viable and supports your firm's goals.

Setting standards and workflow for logistics operations

Crafting a strong framework of policies and procedures is essential for managing Irish transport logistics effectively. This framework should address all transportation aspects like vehicle usage, maintenance schedules, driver conduct and third-party logistics services.

Develop detailed guidelines to set standards for safety, compliance and operational efficiency. Ensure your policies call for routine vehicle inspections, establish acceptable driving behaviours and outline 

protocols for reporting accidents or incidents

Clear communication procedures between management, logistics coordinators and drivers are vital. Everyone should be informed about their roles and any changes in transportation plans. Implement training programmes to educate staff on these policies, highlighting the significance of adherence to maintain high service quality and operational safety.

Integrating digital tools to optimise transport management

Incorporating technology like GPS tracking, route optimisation software and transportation management systems (TMS) can significantly boost the effectiveness and dependability of your Ireland-based transport operations. Using GPS tracking 

enables real-time vehicle location monitoring

, which supports driver safety and ensures prompt deliveries.

Route optimisation software can evaluate various route possibilities, identifying the most efficient routes by considering traffic patterns and delivery requirements. This 

 and faster delivery times. Employing a route planning tool can significantly enhance transportation operations by pinpointing the best routes, considering factors like traffic and delivery schedules. This approach can lead to considerable fuel savings and boost timely deliveries.

A robust transportation management system can streamline logistics from order placing to delivery, offering valuable analytics that assist in making well-informed decisions about your transport network.

Choosing the right logistics and delivery partners

Collaborating with reliable service providers is a strategic decision that can greatly improve the operational efficiency and dependability of your Irish company's transportation processes. To select the right partners, conduct thorough research to ensure their abilities align with your firm's goals and transportation requirements. Look for candidates with a proven track record in your field or those specialising in the services you need.

Evaluate each provider's flexibility, scalability and technological capabilities. Can they adapt to your evolving demands? Are they investing in tech that enhances their service delivery? Assess their adherence to industry regulations and standards, as well as their dedication to safety and environmental sustainability.

Fostering strong, cooperative relationships with your chosen providers can enhance service quality, reduce costs through economies of scale and provide access to diverse logistics solutions. Prioritise partners who are not only dependable and effective but who also see the partnership as a path to mutual growth and success.

Evaluating performance and driving continuous improvement

Regularly assess your Irish transportation management strategy by keeping an eye on performance metrics like delivery times, cost-effectiveness, vehicle usage and driver safety. Track these using tools such as GPS and 

, which provide valuable insights. By frequently reviewing this data, you can identify trends and pinpoint inefficient processes.

The transportation logistics landscape is constantly evolving, which makes adaptability essential. Adjust your strategies promptly to respond to shifts in demand, regulatory changes or unexpected disruptions. This might involve rerouting deliveries due to traffic, shifting resources to meet increased demands, or updating policies to stay compliant with regulations.

Maintaining effective partnerships with service providers is crucial. Evaluate their performance against agreed-upon metrics and maintain open communication to encourage feedback. This proactive monitoring and flexibility in strategy adjustments ensure that your transport needs are met efficiently.

Managing transport for corporate events and conferences

Transport planning for corporate events and conferences in Ireland requires special attention to detail, as timing and coordination are critical. Begin by identifying the number of attendees, the event schedule and the venues involved, including accommodation and meeting locations. This helps in selecting the right vehicle types and ensuring timely pickups and drop-offs. If your event spans multiple days or locations, plan for contingencies, such as traffic disruptions or weather changes.

Consider using a dedicated event transport provider who understands the nuances of the 

 and event logistics. These professionals can help coordinate seamless transfers, especially for high-profile guests or international delegates unfamiliar with local transport. Communicate clearly with your transport team and provide them with detailed itineraries, ensuring that any last-minute changes can be handled smoothly.

Providing branded transport or executive-level vehicles not only improves the experience for your guests but also reflects positively on your company’s professionalism. Make use of digital booking platforms or scheduling tools to manage changes in real time. Ultimately, meticulous preparation and collaboration with experienced Irish providers will make your event transport as smooth and polished as the event itself.

Efficiently managing transportation for a business requires a strategic and detailed approach. By evaluating your firm's needs, establishing robust policies and utilising technology, you can enhance your logistics operations significantly.

Forge partnerships with dependable service providers and continuously monitor and adjust your strategies. These actions will enable you to confidently handle the intricacies of transportation logistics, leading your firm towards enduring success.

I am a seasoned digital marketing expert with over 17 years of experience helping small businesses achieve remarkable growth through SEO, Google Ads, and Content Marketing strategies. I have demonstrated my ability to deliver profitable client results with a proven track record of ranking websites in highly competitive markets in Ireland, the UK, and the US.
As the founder of BeFound SEO, an SEO Agency, we offer a wide range of services, including SEO strategy development, SEO audits, local SEO, link building, and content audits. My passion also includes building and promoting my websites. The results from this have been the driving force behind the success of my agency.
My expertise in SEO, web content, and Google Ads is not only evident in my client work but also in my informative blog posts and case studies. By sharing my knowledge and insights, I aim to empower small business owners to make informed decisions about their digital marketing strategies.
If you&apos;re looking to take your small business to the next level, Leslie Gilmour and her team at BeFound SEO are ready to help. Contact her today to discuss how a tailored SEO strategy can help your business grow and thrive in today&apos;s competitive online landscape.

Managing Director

How to organise transport needs for your Irish business

The transportation logistics landscape is constantly evolving, which makes adaptability essential.

Ever wondered why some small businesses thrive while others struggle to stay afloat? What separates the success stories from those that fade into obscurity?

The secret often lies in a powerful tool that can shape the future of any business: 

Market research isn't just a buzzword – it's a vital process that allows you to gather and analyse data about your target audience, competitors and overall industry trends.

By employing effective market research techniques, you can uncover your customers' needs and preferences, identify gaps in the market and make informed decisions that drive growth.

In this blog, we explain what market research is, why it's essential and how you can use it to better understand your potential customers, competitors and opportunities.

What is small business market research?

If you could speak to your customers or be left in the dark with your assumptions, what would you choose?

Watch this webinar led by Isobel Cassidy to learn how to use Amazon Seller Central to its fullest, with expert guidance on setting up once you've registered, navigating the platform, making sales and optimising your account.

 for FREE account management for up to 12 months to support your launch on Amazon Ireland!

Tech Hub: Recommendations and resources to help small businesses adopt new technology

Revolutionise your small business with Tech Hub

Get tailored recommendations, join virtual workshops, connect with expert advisers and find practical resources – all for free. 

Amazon Ireland Seller Central masterclass for new sellers

Learn how to use Amazon Ireland Seller Central to its fullest, including platform navigation tips.

Amazon Seller Central complimentary account management

We are offering Irish businesses that are yet to register for Amazon up to 12 months of complimentary account management.

Asana: Easily organise your work. Start free

With Asana, you can set company-wide goals, manage strategic plans and get work done on a single platform.

Brandwatch free demo

Discover the power of Brandwatch social suite with a product demo.

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