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HCS, the managed services provider with offices in Dublin, Waterford and Cork has announced that it has been acquired by Centric360. Centric360 is an investment vehicle owned jointly by Pamela Farrell and Brian Larkin, former directors of the Evros Technology Group which was acquired in 2020 by eir. The acquisition will be followed by further investment in HCS throughout 2025, including the expansion of its service portfolio and team. Over the past 30 years, HCS has become a highly successful managed services business spanning cyber security, cloud, digital transformation and telecoms. HCS has an impressive customer base across financial services, healthcare, hospitality, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing sectors. Since 2020, HCS has increased its turnover from €3.5 million to a projected revenue of €8 million in this financial year and more than doubled its team from 24 to 50 employees. The company has also invested heavily in automating its systems across sales and services, providing a foundation for long-term growth and innovation. Building on this acquisition by Centric360, both Larkin and Farrell see significant scope for further investment in the business in 2025. This will include enhancing and scaling the existing HCS service portfolio and expanding the sales and professional services teams to deliver an end-to-end offering with a best-in-class customer experience. The vision is to build on the company's impressive growth and foundations by extending the range of products and services to meet the rising demands of existing and future customers. Furthermore, the business intends to shift its focus beyond the SME and midmarket space to include larger enterprises. To support these plans, HCS will add additional expertise and resources to its experienced team in the coming months. In addition to creating jobs across its three Irish offices, the company will invest in the professional development and progression of the existing team. The acquisition also includes the purchase of the HCS headquarters in Waterford, where the business intends to strengthen its presence further. The current HCS owners and directors - Seán Hegarty, Dan Hegarty and Neil Phelan - will continue in their vital roles, contributing significantly to HCS's ongoing growth and future success. Meanwhile, Larkin will become Chairman and Farrell will assume the role of Managing Director. Together they bring extensive knowledge to the organisation, having been key contributors to building the Evros Technology Group to revenues of over €100 million and a 400-strong team. Speaking about the acquisition, HCS CEO Neil Phelan said: "It was important for us to join forces with people who understand our brand and history. Together, we hope to continue driving growth not just for the business but for our employees and customers too. Pamela and Brian bring extensive industry experience, strong professional reputation, and a proven track record in leadership and business expansion. Combined with our high-quality services, excellent client relationships and talented team, we look forward to elevating HCS to the next level." Pamela Farrell added: "It was clear from the moment we met with HCS that we shared similar values and vision for business. With the alignment of culture and expertise, we look forward to further investing in operations, expanding the company's capabilities, and bolstering the team. In turn, we intend to open up new opportunities while building on the organisation's existing legacy of delivering transformational, innovative services which customers can trust." See more stories here.
HCS, a leading IT, cybersecurity, and digital transformation services company, has announced the results of new research which found that nearly a fifth (19%) of office workers in Ireland still have access to the company data of a previous employer. Of these, 48% use that previous employer's data to help them in their current job. The research of 503 office workers based in Ireland was carried out by Censuswide on behalf of HCS, with the support of Fortinet, a global leader driving the evolution of cybersecurity and the convergence of networking and security. The aim of the survey was to explore office workers' attitudes to, and experiences of, cybersecurity at work. The full results and analysis of the survey are available as part of a new report by HCS called 'HCS CyberWatch Report: Insights into 2024's Cyber Threats'. The study also highlighted the risk that current employees can pose to data security within organisations, if effective access controls are not in place. Of those surveyed, 43% say that in the job they have now, they have access to privileged or sensitive company data that they shouldn't, and 52% of these admit that they access it. It is perhaps not surprising, then, that 61% of office workers don't trust their employer to protect their own personal data. Meanwhile, 15% of office workers say that their organisation's cybersecurity measures prevent them from doing their job effectively. Some of those surveyed are finding ways around this, with 22% of office workers admitting to having bypassed internet access controls implemented by their organisation by using tools such as a web proxy to access blocked sites. When it comes to working arrangements, it appears that there is still a way to go in making employees feel secure and supported outside of the office. Almost a fifth (19%) of those who work remotely or on a hybrid basis feel more vulnerable to security risks when working from home, while 27% feel they have less technical support. Some 48% of remote or hybrid workers access their company network via a secure VPN, while the same percentage (48%) use home Wi-Fi. Dan Hegarty, Head of Sales, HCS, said: "These findings highlight the urgent need for organisations to proactively manage access permissions and implement robust access policies. In doing so, businesses can mitigate the risk of unauthorised data exposure and protect their valuable assets against potential breaches. In addition, providing ongoing awareness training can empower employees to play an active role in protecting company data. Not only will this bolster the security of sensitive customer and company information; itwill uphold trust with employees regarding the safeguarding of their own personal data. "It's concerning to see that employees are finding ways to circumnavigate organisational security measures. Organisations need to ensure that the cybersecurity infrastructure in place is robust, while also setting out clear protocols for employees. Meanwhile, it's crucial that employees feel supported when working outside of the office. A well-defined remote or hybrid work strategy should have cybersecurity at its core to enable employees to work securely and efficiently, with speedy remediation in the event of an issue to minimise downtime." See more stories here.
HCS, a leading IT, cybersecurity, and digital transformation services company,has announced the results of new research which found that 83% of office workers in Ireland admit to using the same passwords across multiple accounts. Almost one-fifth (19%) of those surveyed say that they re-use the same password for all work and personal logins such as email accounts, device logins, and websites. The research of 503 office workers in Ireland was carried out by Censuswide on behalf of HCS, with the support of Fortinet, a global leader driving the evolution of cybersecurity and the convergence of networking and security. It found that 89% of those who say they re-use passwords admit to having access to company data that they shouldn't have. The survey also found that many office workers are choosing insecure ways to store their passwords, with 18% saying they have written work-related passwords down on paper, such as a sticky note or in a notebook. A quarter (25%) keep them saved on a personal or work device in an unprotected or unencrypted document, while 49% memorise passwords and don't physically keep them anywhere. Additionally, 21% store them in a secure password management app. When it comes to password strength, some office workers are more predictable than others. Some 10% admit that they have chosen a basic or easy-to-guess work-related password, while just over one-in-ten (11%) say they use passwords that feature the name of their pet, a family name, or something relating to their favourite sport. The survey also uncovered the risk that employees' personal devices pose to sensitive company information. Over a fifth (21%) of office workers have stored confidential company information or emails on a personal device or personal cloud account, while a quarter (25%) have access to work emails or documents on a personal device such as a phone or tablet. A third (33%) of those surveyed are automatically logged into some or all of their work-related accounts, such email accounts, meaning they don't need to enter their password each time. When asked about the security measures that they have in place when accessing work-related accounts, 47% of office workers use two-factor or multi-factor authentication. Meanwhile, some office workers are less concerned about data security, with just 57% of those surveyed admitting that they lock their computer screen when they step away from their desk. Dan Hegarty, Head of Sales, HCS, said: "These findings underscore the critical need for robust password practices that are backed up and continuously reinforced by organisations. The prevalence of password reuse and insecure storage methods highlight the importance of proactive measures such as strong, unique passwords and secure password management to safeguard company data.Passwords are often the first point of defence for organisations, and if a password is weak or compromised, this puts the integrity and security of company data at risk. "The research also raises concerns about access control, and it's vital that organisations have full visibility over who has access to what data within the business. While it's positive that organisations are embracing digital tools, there are clear gaps in best practices that must be addressed in order to truly succeed in today's digital landscape." See more stories here.
Laura was joined by 2FMs own Dave Fanning & Dan Hegarty to explore the history, legend, and future of RTÉ Famous Studio 8.
Laura was joined by 2FMs own Dave Fanning & Dan Hegarty to explore the history, legend, and future of RTÉ Famous Studio 8.
Today's episode is from our sister show here at Finimize, Generation . The financial services industry is going through a seismic change - the great wealth transition - that means modern retail investors are more important than ever before. That's why Max Rothery, VP of Community at Finimize is on a mission to meet some of the smartest minds changing how financial services engage with modern investors.In this episode Max talks to Dan Hegarty, founder of digital mortgage broker Habito and, more recently, Communion Saves. The two-time startup founder says he finds greater creative success in focusing on one thing at a time, zeroing in on brand in the early stages, and finding a human truth that resonates with customers.Dan talks to Max about the challenges of scaling and positioning a fintech brand, and the importance of taking creative risks (even when they're uncomfortable). And he shared this unforgettable quote: "You've got to make yourself unignorable in the world."Partner with us: https://business.finimize.com/Subscribe To Finimize Newsletter: https://finimize.com/Max Rothery: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxrothery/
This month marks 30 years since U2 released their 1993 album Zooropa if you can believe. Dan Hegarty, presenter of The Alternative on 2FM and 2XM, joins Dearbhail to explore the album's impact and legacy.
Today's guest really has led a life. Having secured a record deal for his band he dropped out of school at 16, moved to LA and went on to become a writer and session musician for many well known international artists. After returning home to the UK without much of a plan, Dan Hegarty landed on his feet, but took quite a pivot. He became one of the first employees at Wonga, before founding https://www.habito.com/ (Habito) - a company that uses tech to take out the pain involved in home buying. Habito recently raised their series C and continues to go from strength to strength. Dan's story is inspiring, so is the way he leads, and communicates - all of which comes across in today's show. Keep up to date with everything Startup Dads related on Twitter - https://twitter.com/startupdadspod/ (https://twitter.com/startupdadspod/) This week's Startup Shout Outs: more-human.co.uk A https://fascinateproductions.co.uk/ (Fascinate) Production.
Roe McDermott & Justin MacGregor review films - Cowboy & End of Sentence, Fire on the Roof of Eden is the 11th album from Maria Doyle Kennedy & her husband Kieran Kennedy, mariadk.com , DJ & radio presenter, Dan Hegarty on the documentary - When we Were Young - on Whipping Boy's 1995 album, Heartworm, regarded as one of the greatest Irish albums.
Startup Secrets Podcast | Business | Entrepreneur | Interviews
With over £30 million raised in funding, and 70,000 people helped with their mortgages to date, it’s fair to say Dan Hegarty and the team have achieved a HUGE amount in a very short space of time! Hegarty’s overall mission for Habito? “To make mortgages as easy to switch as your broadband or car insurance from the comfort of your home, and something you do in moments, not weeks.” I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Dan at their London offices and found out how Habito are managing to ‘make the un-sexy, sexy’ with mortgages (< I said that, not him!). Their growth to date is phenomenal, and their simplistic approach to tackling such a huge problem is enviable. If you feel like you’re facing a brick wall (or brick industry!) with your new idea, then give this a listen to find out how one man is changing the game bit by bit. In this episode we discuss: Cashflow Investment rounds Investor expectation Recruiting secrets Tackling such a huge industry And as always, much more...
Panning for nuggets of wisdom in the streams of the Irish Music Industry, and trying not to drown. Guests in this episode are Dan Hegarty (2FM) and Katie Kim (independent artist). Dan talks about his career path and about he sate of the music scene in Ireland from where he sits in the RTE studios. Katie discusses the positive effect having a proactive manager has had in her career and the freedom afforded to her from getting paid for having one of her tracks used on a Netflix documentary.
Jorien Renkema in gesprek met Dan Hegarty van het Ierse radiostation 2FM over de Ierse muziekscene, die veel verder gaat dan U2, The Cranberries en... Enya. De tracklist in deze podcast: David Keenan - James Dean Fia Moon - Water Runs Through Fontaines DC - Too Real Happyalone - Bodybags Vulpynes - 2 Cents
Today we're joined by Dan Hegarty, Founder and CEO of Habito. Habito is a digital mortgage platform helping homebuyers makes sense of the more than 10,000 mortgage offers available in the UK. Habito is backed by some of the biggest names in venture capital including Mosaic, Ribbit and Atomico. As always, connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or on our website at bankingthefuture.com. If you like today's show, please subscribe on iTunes, or your podcast platform of choice, and leave us a review. Thank you very much for joining us today, please welcome Dan Hegarty.
If you follow my Twitter account you'll know exactly how highly I rate this four piece from Maynooth. Personally, Elkin are top of the list in bands to look out for. They have such a soulful sound and as far as a group dynamic goes there's nothing like them. Four wonderful people who have come together to make some really beautiful music. ELKIN are already making waves on the Irish music scene after just one year as a four-piece. Their collaboration with Tebi Rex, ‘She Hated Love Songs II’, received praise from Dan Hegarty and Eoghan McDermott amongst others. Following the release of their debut single ‘Paro’, ELKIN were named as one of State.ie's Faces of 2018 and performed at the Whelan’s Ones to Watch 2018 Festival in January. Their eagerly awaited debut EP, Bad Habits was released on the 12th of May. From the dark, punchy blues of “Honey” to crowd-favourite “I Got Love”, ELKIN present a soulful collection of original tracks, marking their place amongst the most exciting new Irish acts this year. ELKIN will be hosting an EP Launch Party gig in The Cobblestone, Smithfield, on May 25th The gig will also feature upcoming artists Aaron Cumiskey and Ruth Mac
In the week of Eurosonic, one of Europes biggest new music festivals, I speak to broadcaster & writer Dan Hegarty on the art of interviewing musicians
Today is a momentous day! Episode 15 marks the first episode FDB has reviewed a Tripel Beer on the podcast, and what better beer to try than the award winning Tripel Karmeliet by Brouwerij Bosteels. Tripel Karmeliet is from Buggenhout Belgium, and has a slight vanilla taste with a creamy texture, and a spicy lemony dryness to it. If you haven't tried it, seriously, you're going to love it. Join the boys as they sit with musician, event organizer and the host of the Music Chamber Podcast, Dan Hegarty! They dive into dating an invisible woman, how to make it in today's music business, and give advice on dealing with a friend's relationship that you may not FULLY support. Have a question for Ryan & Alex? Submit it today at www.friendsdrinkbeer.com, and we will answer it on the next episode! Find out more about Brouwerij Bosteels, and their three famous brews they've been creating since 1791 at http://bestbelgianspecialbeers.be/ Find out more about Dan and "The Music Chamber Podcast" at https://www.facebook.com/themusicchamberlive/ Last plug. I promise. Support our podcast on Patreon! $1 a month would go a long way. www.patreon.com/friendsdrinkbeer CREDITS Alex Hobbs - Executive Producer Ryan Roope - Executive Producer Episode Written By: Sydney Tannenbaum
We wrote last April about the opportunity for habito to bring mortgages into the 21st century. Mortgages are an enormous category, over £200 billion in the UK alone. Yet for a commodity-like product - who cares which lender your money comes from - it is exceedingly complex for a consumer to find the right mortgage, struggle through the jargon, and the mountain of paperwork, then stay on the best deal forever. habito changed all of this in less than 12 months. Their AI-powered chatbot provides the right advice to homebuyers in minutes, with access to over 60 lenders and 10,000 mortgage products, and takes care of getting them the mortgage they need. Having worked closely with Daniel and the habito team for 18 months, we know that while this consumer feat may appear simple, the product development effort to achieve it has been enormous and has involved many iterations. And we know this is just the beginning for them as they seek to become the future of mortgages. Daniel’s vision is to stand side-by-side with customers as they navigate one of their most critical life decisions, and to completely reinvent the mortgage experience. Using software to automate this process end-to-end is the goal for the next few years, and habito will soon be in a position to create new types of mortgage products, such as real-time completion or personalised yield curves and capital repayments. We love entrepreneurs who are reinventing so-called boring categories like mortgages and we see many other opportunities within financial services. So, if you’re working on a big idea in the space, please get in touch.
I recently visited Dan Hegarty at Habito HQ to find out more about the leading digital mortgage broker, their journey so far and future plans!