Highland Radio Business Matters

In this week's programme, Chris Ashmore has been finding out more about the Food Coast Donegal network which recently launched a new website, and he also learns about  a multi-million euro investment in the hi-tech photonics microchips education and research centre. First up, he was joined by Lyndsey Reynolds, Project Facilitator, and Seamus McDaid, chair […] The post Business Matters – Ep 300 – Food Coast Donegal’s new website – plus a hi-tech photonics education and research centre boost for the north west appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore speaks with Letterkenny man John Logue who is the CEO of Social Enterprises Republic of Ireland (SERI), and who has been appointed to the Government's SME Advisory Group to represent the interests of Ireland's 4,355 social enterprises. In the programme he talks about the importance of social enterprises […] The post Business Matters, Ep 299: Social Enterprises CEO John Logue – plus new Brussels role for Donegal woman appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

On Business Matters this week Chris Ashmore pays a visit to the Knockalla Caravan and Camping Park which will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year. He speaks with Patricia Doherty about the business, which was set up by her parents, and looks at the changes and challenges and how the park has expanded . She […] The post Business Matters – Eps 298: Patricia Doherty, Knockalla Caravan and Camping Park – plus a Donegal Repair Cafes network appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore takes a look at a thriving glamping business in the heart of the West Donegal Gaeltacht. At the award winning Glamping Rann Na Feirste, guests get the opportunity to stay in one of their luxury modern shepherds' huts, each of which has a wood-fired hot-top outside. Located in […] The post Business Matters – Ep 297: A piece of paradise at Glamping Rann Na Feirste appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this week's Business Matters, Chris Ashmore gets an update at what’s happening at the Tata Consultancy Service’s Global Delivery Centre in Letterkenny, plus he finds out about Gander Ireland which helps retailers to turn reduced-to-clear food into sales by promoting discounted items in real time.  Tata Consultancy Services, a global leader in IT services, […] The post Business Matters. EP 296: Awards and more jobs at TCS Letterkenny – plus turning reduced to clear food into extra sales appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this week's Business Matters, Chris Ashmore has been looking at a west Donegal business that continues to prosper and expand. Donegal Shores Hygiene & Catering dates back to 1990, and  supplies hygiene systems and catering equipment, and stocks over 10,000 lines of product from toilet rolls to crockery, from kitchen utensils to washing up liquid, […] The post Business Matters: Ep 295 – Donegal Shores Hygiene & Catering, plus a new loyalty points network appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore finds out about hundreds of jobs on offer at Vertiv, which has factories in Letterkenny, Burnfoot and Derry, and also hears from Ballybofey man Aiden Thompson and his new business venture The Mind Maze. First up, Vertiv is undertaking a major recruitment drive with hundreds of positions on offer. […] The post Business Matters – Ep 294: Vertiv’s major recruitment drive, plus a new psychotherapy business appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore talks with Martin McGowan, who recently became the new Chair of Ballybofey and Stranorlar Chamber of Commerce. He hears about plans for future growth of membership and how the chamber can really help those in business in the Finn Valley. He also finds out about the forthcoming Letterkenny […] The post Business Matters, Ep 293: Ballybofey & Stranorlar Chamber’s new chair, the Letterkenny Motor Show, and Nail Bar Awards success appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore has been speaking with St. Johnston based Bert Galbraith of Galbraith Construction, and John Daly, Economist with the Northern and Western Regional Assembly. First up, Chris hears about the growth of Galbraith Construction over the past 20 years, the changes in the construction industry, and the challenges and […] The post Business Matters, Ep 292: Bert Galbraith reflects on over 20 years in the construction business – plus a look at the Donegal Data Dashboard appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore has been speaking with Karoline Sweeney, Managing Partner of Castle Grove Country House Hotel, just outside Letterkenny, who recently became the President of Letterkenny Chamber. They talk about her role as Chamber President and her main objectives for the year ahead, plus her thoughts on the tourism and […] The post Business Matters, Ep 291 – New Letterkenny Chamber President Karoline Sweeney of Castle Grove House appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore has been finding out about Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, how millions of euro’s worth of energy is being wasted each year – but this could change – and also the challenges facing the construction industry due to increased oil and gas prices. Up first, Chris has been speaking with […] The post Business Matters – Ep 290: A social entrepreneur in Gweedore, using wasted energy more productively, plus construction sector challenges appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore pays a visit to the office of Print Supplies in Frosses to interview its founder and owner Dermot Doherty. Managing printing for your business or organisation shouldn't be overly time consuming, or even frustrating, and it doesn't need to be complicated.  Print Supplies provides solutions that save you […] The post Business Matters – EP 289: Dermot Doherty of Print Supplies in Frosses appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this week’s programme, Chris Ashmore begins with some interesting thoughts from Tomás Ó Síocháin, the CEO of Údarás na Gaeltachta, who firmly believers that Gaeltacht areas could find themselves having to manage in influx of people. Next up there’s up update on new car registrations in Donegal. And then Chris speaks with Brendan Mulry, a […] The post Business Matters, Ep 288 – Upbeat jobs outlook in Gaeltacht, motoring trends and a new social enterprise initiative appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore talks with Mairtin Kelly, originally from Galway, but who now lives just outside Letterkenny, and who many listeners will know from his days at Kelly's Centra and Diner at the Mountain Top in the town. He bought the store back in 2011, and developed it into a thriving […] The post Business Matters, Ep 287 – Mairtin Kelly’s new departure in a consultancy and advisory role appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

On Business Matters this week Chris Ashmore speaks with finance expert Dan Malone about how savers should shop around to get better interest rates, and finds out more about the recently launched savings comparison website, honest.ie Ireland is a nation of savers, but many people are getting paltry interest rates on their deposits. Dan explains […] The post Business Matters – Ep 286: Get a better return on your savings, advice from finance expert Dan Malone appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In Business Matters this week Chris Ashmore finds out about an event being held as part of Enterprise Week that ties in with International Women’s Day, and he also finds out about the next New Frontiers programme at ATU Letterkenny, which is geared towards people with innovative business ideas that have the potential to scale […] The post Business Matters, Ep 285: International Women’s Day event in Donegal – plus the New Frontiers programme appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

On Business Matters this week Chris Ashmore has been finding all about how a Donegal oyster producer who is using AI to monitor oyster health with support from Enterprise Ireland, ATU Donegal and Board Iascaigh Mhara. Lee Hunter, a marine biologist and owner of Oisirí Oileán Cróine Teoranta in Dungloe Bay, has created the system, known […] The post Business Matters, Ep 284: Lee Hunter and using AI in the shellfish sector – plus Enterprise Week appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

On Business Matters this week Chris Ashmore looks at a Donegal company that looks set to play a major role in helping to solve underground issues that ultimately can affect millions of people. Underneath our cities, towns and villages and reaching into rural areas too there is an enormous network of pipes, of water mains, […] The post Business Matters, Ep 283: Subterranean Software’s underground drone business has massive potential appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this week’s programme Chris Ashmore finds out more about Emerald Education which is based in Bundoran. A mum of three daughters, Elaine Lingard wanted them to get the best from her. She left the school system having been a teacher and started tutoring, giving her also a better work-life balance and more time with […] The post Business Matters, Ep 282: Elaine Lingard of Emerald Education appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

On Business Matters this week Chris Ashmore looks at a great Donegal success story. He’s been speaking with two brothers who started out selling bobble hats to local sports teams, and who are now presiding over an expanding and thriving business that is now employing more than 30 people in Ballybofey and which is also […] The post Business Matters – Ep 281. O’Reilly’s: Ballybofey-based sports and leisurewear company scoring on and off the field appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore speaks with coaching psychologist and well-being specialist Anna Marie Brosi. She will be speaking at a Business Leadership Breakfast being hosted by Letterkenny Chamber in the Century Complex in the town on Friday, January 30th, where the theme will be Strategies to Thrive. Chris has been finding out […] The post Business Matters – EP 280: Coaching psychologist and well-being specialist Anna Marie Brosi appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

On Business Matters this week, I’ll be finding out about how people living in Ireland can avail of a UK pension – even if they only worked for a year in the North or in Britain – and also hearing about the supports and grants available through the Local Enterprise Office. Many people in Donegal […] The post Business Matters. Ep 279: How you can avail of a UK pension – plus Local Enterprise Supports appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

On Business Matters this week Chris's Ashmore’s guest is Dr. Siobhan Murray, the founder of Blue Poppy Dentistry and Orthodontics. A native of Omagh and a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin, she opened her first practice in Donegal Town in 2010. Then in 2019  a second practice was opened on the Pearse Road in Letterkenny. […] The post Business Matters – Ep 278: Dr. Siobhan Murray, Blue Poppy Dentistry and Orthodontics appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore traces the story of McGinley Coaches, founded by John McGinley more than 50 years ago. In December, James McGinley was named as the 2025 Business Person of the Year Award at the Donegal Dublin Business Network Gala Night. The current CEO and son of John McGinley, he has […] The post Business Matters – EP 277 – Donegal Dublin Business Network Business Person of the Year James McGinley appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this week's Business Matters, Chris Ashmore's main focus of attention is a look at a very exciting Donegal Diaspora Initiative that is taking place in March in Philadelphia.  And later in the programme, he'll be speaking with Paul O'Donnell, about his role as Employment Engagement Coordinator, with the Donegal Local Development Company and what […] The post Business Matters – Ep 276: Philadelphia business forum, sport and music event takes shape – plus DLDC’s Employment Engagement Coordinator appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this week's Business Matters, Chris Ashmore has been finding out more about a great little Donegal business that is expanding rapidly and which looks to have a bright future. Donegal Sea Salt, based in Cranford, is making waves, and has won a number of awards, most the most recent being at the Donegal Enterprise […] The post Business Matters – Ep 275: Donegal Sea Salt is making waves appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

On Business Matters this week Chris Ashmore talks with Martin Hilferty of Orbit Security which has now been in business for over 30 years. From small beginners, the company has expanded considerably over the years, during which time there have been periods of growth, but also challenges. Martin also overcame a major health issue several […] The post Business Matters – Ep 274: Martin Hilferty manager of Orbit Security reflects on 30 years in business appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this week’s edition, Chris Ashmore looks at the new auto enrolment pension scheme in Ireland, called “My Future Fund” which will begin on January 1, 2026, automatically enrolling eligible employees into a retirement savings plan. Thousands of people in Donegal are set to benefit. You will be automatically enrolled in the new pension scheme if you are an employee and you: Are aged between 23 and 60; Do not […] The post Business Matters – Ep 273: Auto-enrolment update – plus the Employee Small Benefit Tax Exemption, and the Donegal Business Network appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

This week Chris has been looking at two very different  businesses, one aimed at storytelling and creativity and getting children away from screens, and the other which is a luxury hotel and spa gifting platform that is rapidly expanding. First up, Fudge and Gandol is a new Donegal-based children's creativity company built around storytelling. Founded  […] The post Business Matters – Eps 272: Ballyshannon mum’s storytelling business is a case of ‘screens off, imaginations on’ appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this week’s programme Chris Ashmore speaks with Shane Deery, the recently appointed Business Office Manager with Ballybofey and Stranorlar Chamber, and also Mary McKenna MBE, who is chair and co-founder of Awaken Angels, which invests in women-led enterprises. First up, Chris went to the Twin Towns to find out more about the local business chamber, […] The post Business Matters – Ep 271: Ballybofey & Stranorlar Business Chamber on the up – plus Awaken Angels and investing in women-led firms appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this week's programme the focus of attention is the Irish language and in particular how businesses in Letterkenny could reap the rewards by promoting it and using it to a greater extent. Recently, Líonra Leitir Ceanainn and Letterkenny Chamber came together to host a Give it a Go – As Gaeilge business breakfast event  […] The post Business Matters – Ep 270: Why using more Irish is a win, win for Letterkenny businesses appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this week’s programme Chris Ashmore finds out about a new Donegal food company, Wild & Co, which has launched a five week campaign to fund the first production run of its innovative wild venison snacks, a clean, tasty and sustainable alternative to the many ultra-processed protein bars out there on the  market. Founded by […] The post Business Matters: Ep 269 – New Donegal firm to launch wild venison protein bars appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this week’s programme, Chris Ashmore speaks with Dermot Doherty of Restex beds and furniture which is based in Letterkenny. Founded over 50 years ago by Terence Doherty, the company is now operated by Terence’s son Dermot, and is well known for its  quality mattresses. Indeed, their luxury mattresses can not only be found in homes, […] The post Business Matters, Ep 268: Dermot Doherty of Restex as it celebrates 50th anniversary year appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this week’s programme, Chris Ashmore finds out more about a series of business support clinics geared towards the tourism sector. They are being held during November with one in each of the municipal district council areas. Mary Fowley Daly, Senior Tourism Development Officer with Donegal Co. Council has been outlining the thinking behind the […] The post Business Matters, EP 267: Business support clinics for the tourism sector, plus chamber awards appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore looks at the forthcoming Donegal ETB Enterprise Day for around 250 students from 17 post-primary schools, and also what business energy support grants are currently available from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. First up he finds out more about the enterprise event which is being stated in […] The post Business Matters, Ep 266: Enterprise Day for post-primary schools – plus business energy grants appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this week’s programme, Chris Ashmore speaks with  Dr. Caitriona Strain, General Manager of Ernact, an international digital transformation network that was established back in 1991. Based in the CoLab at ATU Letterkenny, it is constantly involved in exploring opportunities for funding, and development and knowledge transfer for digital transformation, and has been instrumental in […] The post Business Matters, Ep 265: Dr Catriona Strain, General Manager of Ernact – plus a review of the Highland Radio Customer Service Awards appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore speaks with the owner and founder of Purple Velvet, a bespoke bakery based in Glenmaquin, just outside Letterkenny. During Covid, Diane Nesbitt found herself with time on her hands and decided to try selling some home-made cup cakes. The response was hugely positive. That was the beginning of […] The post Business Matters, Ep 264 – Diane Nesbitt, founder of bespoke bakery Purple Velvet appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this week’s edition Chris Ashmore has been finding out more about a whole range of courses offered by the Donegal Education and Training Board, and the opportunities to explore new fields, upskill, and perhaps even consider a change of career. In the second part of the programme, Chris finds out more about gender pay […] The post Business Matters, Ep 263 – Skills for work with Donna McDade, Enterprise Engagement Officer, Donegal ETB – plus pay gender gap reporting appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

Donegal's growing reputation for producing great food will be highlighted again next month at the final of Blás na h'Eireann 2025 (the Irish Taste Awards) – the largest food awards in the country. The event takes place in Kerry and there are a record number of food and beverage producers from the county through to […] The post Business Matters – EP 262 – Lyndsey Reynolds, Project Facilitator, Food Coast Donegal, and finalists in the Blás na hÉireann Awards appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this week's Business Matters, Chris Ashmore speaks with Ron Kerrigan, the general manager at the  Ballyliffin Lodge and Spa Hotel in Inishowen. It's a family run hotel and proprietors Sean and Mary Keogh and their four children have much to be proud about. Indeed this year marks 20 years in business for them in […] The post Business Matters, Ep 261 – Ireland’s ‘greenest hotel’ the Ballyliffin Spa & Lodge has big refurbishment plans appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore speaks with Kilcar native Rory Gallagher, singer, songwriter and business man, who now lives in the Canary Islands. His business journey has certainly seen plenty of twists and turns, from his days with the Revs and touring Europe and Australia to gigging and then setting up a bar […] The post Business Matters, EP 260 – Rory Gallagher – music and bars in Lanzarote appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this week’s programme Chris Ashmore looks at the wind energy sector, the potential, and the challenges. He speaks with Justin Moran, Director of External Affairs with the Wind Energy Ireland as they discuss the opportunities that are arising for more off-shore development, and also the spin-off in terms of employment. The post Business Matters, Ep 259 – On-shore and off-shore prospects: Justin Moran of Wind Energy Ireland appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this week’s Business Matters, Chris Ashmore has been speaking with Galway-based Joanne Sweeney about her new book which is called “AI Playbook – The strategic guide to AI for Marketing and Communications”. Joanne, who is from Downings, is well known to many of our listeners, having work in the Highland Radio newsroom for a […] The post Business Matters, Ep 258 – Joanne Sweeney’s new book on AI – plus Shop LK breaks all records appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this week’s programme Chris Ashmore has been finding out more about the Wild Fuschia Bakehouse in Dunfananghy which has won a string of awards and which announced recently that its Irish Scone Mix has been one of the products selected for this year's Grow With ALdi  initiative which champions emerging Irish food producers, giving […] The post Business Matters, Ep 257 – Sian McCann of the award winning Wild Fuschia Bakehouse appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore has been speaking with Donegal artist Jacinta Callaghan. From a young age she was interested in art. She was also interested in hairdressing and at just 16 she left Donegal to go to Dublin to train with Peter Mark. After further training in Jon Paul's in Derry, she came […] The post Business Matters, Ep 256 – artist Jacinta Callaghan appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this week’s programme, Chris Ashmore catches up with Donegal man Garrett Harte, a multi award-winning senior media executive whose family is steeped in politics and who has more than two decades of experience in the broadcast industry. The former Editor-in-Chief of Newstalk, he led and shaped the national current affairs debate on critical political, […] The post Business Matters, EP 255 – Garrett Harte founder of Harte Media, and Chair of the Donegal Dublin Business Network appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore looks at the success of the Connected (digital) Hubs in Donegal and also how the hotel sector is faring. First up, he speaks with Majella Orr, who is manager of the Craoibhin Community Enterprise Centre in Termon which is one of the hubs with what are known as […] The post Business Matters, Ep 254: Digital hub success in Donegal – plus how the hotel sector is faring appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore speaks with Seamus McLaughlin, the Managing Director of iMotors in Drumkeen and Malin about new car sales figures for the first half of 2025. There has been a surge in sales of electric vehicles and they exam some of the reasons why, and also discuss the popularity of […] The post Business Matters, Ep 253 – Seamus McLaughlin on Kia’s top spot – and trends in the motor trade appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

In this week's Business Matters, Chris Ashmore finds out more about a tourism initiative which is helping a lot of businesses in the Mulroy Bay area – essentially an area north of Letterkenny taking in the likes of Cranford, Downings, Milford, Carrigart, Kerrykeel and Fanad. He's been talking with Paddy Logue, chair of the Mulroy […] The post Business Matters, Ep 252 – The Mulroy Drive initiative with Paddy Logue appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

On Business Matters this week, Chris Ashmore speaks with Steve Frazer, Managing Director of City of Derry Airport, about the growth in passenger numbers, new routes, greater direct state support for the airport, and the significant amount of users going to or from Donegal. Furthermore, they talk about the recent extension of the subsidy on […] The post Business Matters, Ep 250: City of Derry Airport on the up – plus Sally Murphy, new President of Donegal Women in Business Network appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.

The Irish government has a goal of providing a hot meal in every school for every child in the country by 2030 at the latest. When the school meals programme began in 2019 it was initially for a pilot number of disadvantaged schools known as DEIS schools. It has gradually expanded over the years, and […] The post Business Matters, Ep 249 – Richie Nangle of Fresh Today on the school meals business appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.