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Viatel Technology Group, the country's leading business technology and cybersecurity provider, is celebrating its 1,000th enterprise connection with SIRO, Ireland's first 100% Fibre First wholesale network. This positions Viatel as a key SIRO enterprise partner in the Irish market. The partners, both members of the Guaranteed Irish business community, marked this significant milestone with one of their valued customers, INTERSPORT Elverys. Viatel has delivered 1,000 of SIRO's high-speed, enterprise grade connections to businesses across Ireland, empowering them with the robust infrastructure required for modern operations. This achievement is exemplified by the successful network enhancement for INTERSPORT Elverys. INTERSPORT Elverys, which operates 44 stores nationwide, alongside a dynamic online platform at elverys.ie, partnered with Viatel to enhance its connectivity infrastructure. This collaboration supports Elverys' ongoing investment in its online presence, store portfolio, and advanced warehouse automation. The deployment began with the connectivity upgrade of their headquarters and distribution centre in Castlebar, Co. Mayo, utilising SIRO's future-proof fibre network, delivered and managed by Viatel. Gareth Browne, IT Support Engineer at INTERSPORT Elverys, highlighted the service provided by Viatel: "The personalised service and responsiveness we've received from Viatel have been outstanding. Our dedicated Account Manager, Damien Peelo, has been instrumental in ensuring our needs are met. We've had the opportunity to visit Viatel's Blanchardstown HQ, meeting the entire project team, and we benefit from weekly touchpoint calls with our Project Manager in the Service Delivery Team. This level of visibility and transparency has been transformative." Viatel's delivery of dedicated internet connectivity to INTERSPORT Elverys, leverages SIRO's 100% fibre network which provides speeds of up to 2 Gigabits per second for residential customers, and up to 10 Gigabits for enterprise customers, and is now available in every county in Ireland. This robust foundation ensures optimal performance for Elverys' diverse operational needs, from in-store customer experience to online sales and logistical efficiency. Damien McCann, Chief Commercial Officer at Viatel, emphasised the company's commitment to delivering superior solutions: "At Viatel, we are dedicated to partnering with industry leaders like SIRO to provide our customers with the best possible solutions. We are experts in enterprise connectivity, and we understand that reliable, high-speed connectivity is the bedrock for all our other digital services. "SIRO's symmetric fibre enterprise connections are ideal for building our advanced SD-WAN networks, providing the necessary bandwidth for Microsoft applications, ensuring robust cybersecurity, facilitating seamless access to cloud workloads, and supporting other critical managed services. This connectivity is vital to support the best possible customer experience for businesses like INTERSPORT Elverys." Ronan Whelan, SIRO Chief Commercial Officer noted: "SIRO's connectivity partnership with Viatel is delivering for Irish business and we are pleased to celebrate this milestone with them. Reliable, high-quality connectivity is essential for businesses, such as INTERSPORT Elverys, to thrive and grow into the future. Together, SIRO and Viatel are enabling enterprises across Ireland to unlock their full potential with 100% fibre broadband. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and supporting even more businesses with future-proofed connectivity solutions." This milestone underscores Viatel's position as the leading provider of enterprise connectivity and digital services in Ireland, enabling businesses like INTERSPORT Elverys to thrive in a digital-first economy. See more stories here. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You ca...
The cost of a full listing on the stock exchange can often be prohibitive for smaller or scaling companies. On top of that there's the pressure of filing regular public accounts. Now in conjunction with Guaranteed Irish, the Dublin stock exchange or Euronext Dublin has launched a ‘Scale to Stay' initiative alongside its new ‘Access' market which is cheaper and easier to use for Medium sized companies hoping to stay and grow in Ireland. But is the capital market here big enough to attract would-be investors? All to discuss with Niall Jones, Head of Listings UK and Ireland Euronext Dublin.
Across Ireland, 2.2 million people come to TikTok every month to be entertained and inspired by content they find from their favourite creators and new ones they discover each day - including the latest trends, fashion and beauty tips, recipes and gifts. TikTok in partnership with Guaranteed Irish, are excited to announce a new way for Irish users to discover and shop directly from Irish sellers with the introduction of TikTok Shop in Ireland. TikTok Shop, which is open exclusively to businesses and shoppers based in Ireland, will bring shoppable videos and LIVE shopping directly to For You feeds, giving local Irish sellers and Irish creators the ability to sell directly through shoppable content on the app. TikTok Shop is proud to be in partnership with Guaranteed Irish, the national symbol of trust for doing business in Ireland helping consumers and businesses identify the products and services that are better choices for Ireland. Guaranteed Irish membership is open to homegrown and international companies in Ireland across all sectors, including Chapters Bookstore (@chaptersbookstoredublin), Cocoa Brown (@cocoabrown_tan), and Smooth Company(@thesmoothcompany) who are just a few of the brands who will be selling through TikTok Shop beginning this month. As part of the partnership, TikTok Shop will be offering Guaranteed Irish members access to exclusive support, which will include events and training. Brid O'Connell, CEO of Guaranteed Irish, said: "TikTok Shop represents an incredible opportunity for our retail members to connect with a new generation of shoppers in an innovative and engaging way. By enabling Guaranteed Irish businesses to showcase their products directly to millions of users on TikTok, we are empowering them to reach wider audiences, drive sales, and strengthen their presence in the digital marketplace. "Our members have access to account managers and content creators, helping convert sales and assist them on this journey. We hope that this platform will be a new way for them to share their stories, highlight their craftsmanship, and connect with customers in real time." Elaine Fox, Head of Ireland at TikTok said: "We're thrilled to be opening up TikTok Shop in Ireland so that our Irish users can discover and buy from homegrown Irish brands. For local businesses in Ireland, TikTok Shop is like having a bustling market square in the palm of their hand. Whether you are a one person business, a national brand or a creator, you can grow your business and income and that's great news for the Irish economy at large." With community driven trends like #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt inspiring people to discover and share products they love, TikTok is creating a new shopping culture that blends entertainment and shopping. The experience is unique to each user, tailored to what they enjoy on TikTok. LIVE shopping allows sellers in Ireland to deepen their engagement with buyers by interacting in real time to show products via live demonstrations and try ons, offer exclusive discounts and host giveaways. TikTok Shop is also a shopping experience our community can trust, as it is protected by robust policies and teams of experts that work diligently to ensure the safety of the marketplace. What TikTok Shop Offers: LIVE Shopping: LIVE Shopping allows sellers and creators to seamlessly integrate products into a livestream session. This offers an engaging real-time shopping experience, which blends the physical store experience with the convenience of online shopping. Sellers can showcase their products live, while buyers can ask questions and be answered in real time while interacting with the community on the livestream. Shoppable videos in the For You Feed: Shoppable videos offer a native solution for sellers to add products into videos in an organic and creative way. Shoppers click on the link and will be directed to Product Detail Pages, which highlights the product details and prompts viewers to checkout directly. Product Sho...
IP Telecom, Ireland's innovative telecommunications service provider, has announced it has been awarded The Business All-Star Accreditation. This accreditation serves as a third-party validation of IP Telecom's commitment to quality in providing B2B telecoms services throughout the Irish market. Recognised as the nation's symbol of trust and excellence in business, the Business All-Star Accreditation honours IP Telecom for its success in the telecoms industry, with the company being awarded the title of Business All-Star VOIP Solutions Company 2024 by the All-Ireland Business Foundation (AIBF). Since inception in 2010, IP Telecom has evolved into a market leader, blending user-friendly solutions and innovation to support Irish businesses. The team's award-winning Hosted PBX platform, coupled with decades of combined expertise in engineering, telephony, and business, has positioned IP Telecom as the preferred VOIP provider for organisations of all sizes across Ireland. With this commitment to providing cutting-edge communication solutions designed to meet the specific needs of businesses, IP Telecom's client roster includes IT.ie, Barnardos, Portwest, Repak, Decathlon, DID Electrical, Gouldings Chemicals, Right Price Tiles, Barnardos and the Irish Cancer Society. Announcing the news of IP Telecom's achievement, Deputy Chair of AIBF's Adjudication Board, Kieran Ring, said: "I am delighted to recognise IP Telecom for its exceptional performance during the Business All-Star Accreditation process, earning the esteemed title of Business All-Star VOIP Solutions Company 2024. The key to IP Telecom's success lies in their unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction. "The company emphasises understanding each client's unique needs and delivering tailored solutions to meet specific requirements. Their customer-centric approach is exemplified by excellent support services, ensuring clients receive prompt and effective assistance. Their commitment to innovation and quality has earned them a reputation for reliability and excellence in the VOIP sector." "We are honoured to be named Business All-Star VOIP Solutions Company 2024 by the All-Ireland Business Foundation. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, who are passionate about providing the best VOIP solutions for our customers. At IP Telecom, we have always been focused on innovation, cost savings, and creating phone solutions that put the needs of our customers first. This accreditation reinforces our commitment to driving growth and success for Irish businesses," added Rory Whelan, Head of Marketing at IP Telecom. IP Telecom has experienced significant growth following a €6 million investment from Development Capital in late 2023, which has supported its expansion within the Irish market. The company further strengthened its position with the successful acquisition of Centrecom Systems Limited in March 2024. Now, with the recent achievement of Business All-Star VOIP Solutions Company 2024, in addition to the prestigious Guaranteed Irish symbol earlier this year, IP Telecom continues to offer state-of-the-art communication solutions. See more stories here.
Bríd O'Connell of Guaranteed Irish joins Jess to talk about supporting Irish businesses this Christmas and Jess gives a shoutout to some small companies around the country. If you want to feature, email techtalk@newstalk.com.
Lots of products may say made in Ireland, but how can we be sure that they are Irish? Our reporter Cian Burns asks people do they check the products they buy and Bríd O'Connell, CEO of Guaranteed Irish joined us to explain.
On this week's Red Business, Guaranteed Irish is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a new competition offering one of its members the chance to win a €50,000 communications campaign. Jonathan is joined by Chairperson of Guaranteed Irish Damien McCann to hear more.He'll also speak to Eddie Fitzgerald, a tour guide on the Ballycotton Lighthouse Tours as they prepare to open the season. And Managing Director of Boardwalk Coffee in Youghal, Ger Flanagan, tells Jonathan of his future plans after exhibiting at the World of Coffee Expo in Copenhagen last week.
This week we're joined by Brid O'Connell, CEO of Guaranteed Irish, the not-for-profit business membership organisation that's been representing businesses in Ireland for 50 years. Brid explains the impact Guaranteed Irish has on its member businesses and the wider Irish economy while supporting jobs, communities and provenance across the country.
There cant be too many people listening to this that have never heard of the Guaranteed Irish mark. This year Guaranteed Irish celebrates 50 years supporting businesses in Ireland. Since it was first established in 1974 as a national symbol of trust and provenance for business in Ireland, Guaranteed Irish has welcomed over 2000 members. With that milestone, I am delighted to have the CEO of Guaranteed Irish, Brid O'Connell, here with me today. Brid had an unusual path to her current position as she initially studied Applied Chemistry, followed by Quality Management in UL. Not satisfied in her role as a Biochemist, she returned to college by night and studied for the next ten years in the areas of Marketing, Public Relations, Corporate Governance, and Leading and Managing Change. She worked for a time in the public sector (Limerick and Meath Local Authorities) before establishing her own business “Welcome Marketing”, a marketing and PR agency for Public sector clients. She was self-employed for over 15 years before in 2016 she appointed to the role of CEO of Guaranteed Irish Ltd and took up the reins of the organisation on 25th July of that year. This is the 27th episode with guest Brid O'Connell, CEO at Guaranteed Irish, in the Davy podcast series 'Everyday Business with Aidan Donnelly'. This podcast brings you insightful conversation between Aidan Donnelly and entrepreneurs and business owners/management with their own unique story to tell. If you like what you hear, please like, share and subscribe.
• Remembering the late John Flanagan who passed away last week. John was a building contractor, developer, politician, community activist, family man and a founding Director of Midlands 103. The tribute will feature audio of John speaking to Midlands 103 on Life and Times from 2005. • Colin Donnery Director of Turas Nua reflects on the ongoing success of the organisation that delivers the National Employment Service for 13 counties in the south of Ireland, and the Local Area Employment Service for Laois and Offaly, on behalf of the Department of Social Protection. • CEO Guaranteed Irish Brid O'Connell as the national organisation championing indigenous and international businesses in Ireland celebrate their 50th anniversary. Guaranteed Irish now supports a network of 2,000+ member businesses, employing more than 120,000 people across Ireland, generating an annual combined Irish turnover of more than €14.5bn. • A top up of €5,000 for some businesses under the Increased Cost of Business scheme? Will it be sufficient to prevent closures? • The Offaly Job Fair return on 15th June 2024
The annual Guaranteed Irish Tech Forum took place with a panel of four female leaders in the tech industry with non-tech backgrounds. 'Unveiling Unconventional Paths within the Tech Sector' was the theme for this year's event and the non-techie panel gave interesting insights into why their backgrounds are key to the success of their roles in tech. AI is the hot topic in tech today and the panel see it as an opportunity for businesses but also cautioned against rushing into using it as a sole strategy. Maureen O'Rourke, Head of Digital Transformation Programme at An Post spoke of their recent experience in the area: "In March we undertook a trial using Open AI so customers could generate a St. Patrick's Day card. This was really well received and the customer feedback is now helping us inform new product development. There can be a rush to explore the opportunities of AI but it is an enabler for better service to our business and personal customers and not a strategy in itself". Innovation is crucial to every role and Susan Moss, Head of Public Policy & Government Relations for TikTok discussed how TikTok innovates while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and cybersecurity best practice. "TikTok is the only platform to engage a third party European security company to independently audit our data controls and protections, monitor data flows and provide independent verification". With their varied professional backgrounds, the panel discussed the importance of leveraging non-tech experience within a tech role. Gina Laverty, CFO at Viatel Technology Group said no matter what industry you are in, people are the secret to success "In relation to harnessing and developing talent, it's crucial that the company's purpose and the employee's vision line up. Eliminating the hierarchy creates an appealing culture for attracting and retaining staff. Ensuring growth of the employee's personal mindset will also lead to growth of the business". Chloe Murray, Blacknight advised how digital empowerment bridges the gap between business and technology and how to grow your digital footprint: "Smaller companies need to have an online presence, it's what consumers have come to expect from businesses of all sizes. Having a website and being online builds that extra layer of trust" On the topic of AI, Chloe said we're all using AI without realising it "It has benefits in removing mundane tasks but it's only as good as the information it is given and human intervention is necessary". As part of its 50th anniversary Guaranteed Irish is celebrating Tech Month with a mix of homegrown indigenous members and international businesses to discuss opportunities achieved through leaning into 'outside the box' thinking, diversity and innovation. The Guaranteed Irish Tech Forum was sponsored by Blacknight and MC for the event was Ann O'Dea, CEO & Founder of Silicon Republic, Ireland's leading tech news service. See more stories here.
Glenisk is the largest yoghurt maker in the State and says it accounts for 90% of all the organic milk produced in the Republic and Northern Ireland. Its factory in Killeigh, outside Tullamore was devastated in a huge fire in 2021 which almost ended the business but it bounced back and is now Glenisk is once again the largest yoghurt maker in the State and the Winner of the Guaranteed Irish Business of the Year as of 11pm last night. Speaking to Joe after the big win was Vincent Cleary is the chief executive of Glenisk.
Guaranteed Irish, Ireland's national symbol of trust was launched in 1974 and is celebrating its 50-year anniversary this year. We talk to CEO Brid O'Connell about how the not for profit supports a network of businesses from indigenous to locally based global leaders throughout the country and her vision for the next 50 years. Visit www.thinkbusiness.ie for more news and supports for start-ups and SMEs in Ireland. If you want to start and grow a business, ThinkBusiness.
This March, Guaranteed Irish, the not-for-profit membership organisation celebrates 50 years supporting businesses in Ireland. To mark this occasion, they have published a new report and have launched a number of new and exciting initiatives.. To tell us more, we spoke to Guaranteed Irish CEO, Brid O'Connell.
We have teamed up with Guaranteed Irish to bring you Newstalk's Irish Christmas Guide. Over the next 4 weeks we'll feature ideas for gifting, decorations, and festive fare – all from Irish based businesses. Discover the best ideas to make Christmas all about supporting local enterprises, in association with guaranteedirishgifts.ie. This week we put our focus on festive food.Andrea was joined by Kevin Sheridan from Sheridan's Cheesemongers, Daryl Johnson from Buíoch chocolates, Stefanie Caffrey from Basketcase Hampers, Fallon Moore is with me from Blás Box and Adrian Cahill from Norah's Kitchen to discuss what they offer...
We have teamed up with Guaranteed Irish to bring you Newstalk's Irish Christmas Guide. Over the next 4 weeks we'll feature ideas for gifting, decorations, and festive fare – all from Irish based businesses. Discover the best ideas to make Christmas all about supporting local enterprises, in association with guaranteedirishgifts.ie. This week we put our focus on festive toys. Andrea was joined by Cogs the Brain Shop Ruth Roberts from Cogs the Brain Shop, James Fallon from Bainisteoir Board Game, Nikki Bee, from Bowie the Bear, Mindfullness Books for Children and Paraic Cuddy, from The Field Toy...
We have teamed up with Guaranteed Irish to bring you Newstalk's Irish Christmas Guide. Over the next 4 weeks we'll feature ideas for gifting, decorations, and festive fare – all from Irish based businesses. Discover the best ideas to make Christmas all about supporting local enterprises, in association with guaranteedirishgifts.ie. This week we put our focus on festive gifts with Andrea was joined by Mike Fitzpatrick from YOLO Print, Aisling Finn from the Book Resort joins me too Rebecca Singleton from Kybalion Jewellery and John Paul from UPiLOT – Flight Simulator…
We have teamed up with Guaranteed Irish to bring you Newstalk's Irish Christmas Guide. Over the next 4 weeks we'll feature ideas for gifting, decorations, and festive fare – all from Irish based businesses. Discover the best ideas to make Christmas all about supporting local enterprises, in association with guaranteedirishgifts.ie. This week we put our focus on festive decorations with Andrea chatting to Meadows & Byrne, ChristmasTree.ie, the Irish Handmade Glass Company & MaraBay Deco #GetTheGUnderTheTree
Sitting in the Executive Chair this week is Brid O'Connell, the CEO of Guaranteed Irish.
Welcome back to Spilling The Tea. The next 3 episodes are a little different to our normal hormone chats and yet they could possibly be 3 of the most important episodes I will ever record. When I say the word cancer - I think we immediately think of someone we know who has been impacted. In august 2022 my mum, Roisin, was diagnosed with breast cancer. The next 10 months she underwent treatment which consisted of a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The next 3 episodes are her story. In this episode we chat about my mum finding the lump, the process of being diagnosed, her mastectomy experience (and tps she found helpful) and most importantly some words of wisdom for someone who has been through it. My mum wanted to share her journey in the effort to give someone else hope who finds themselves in a similar situation. So whether you are facing a difficult road ahead, you want to understand how to support friends or family members through cancer or you just want some more insight into what people go through. I really hope this episode helps and inspires you and most importantly gives you hope for the future. Thank you so much mum for having courage and sharing your experience with the world. A special thank you to Sásta Skin Health for sponsoring this episode. Sásta's award-winning Microbiome Booster Serum is your essential, daily, topical supplement that includes a blend of prebiotic and postbiotic ingredients to optimise your skin's health. Sásta's formula is guaranteed to nourish and support your skin barrier, reduce redness & inflammation, and leave your skin feeling glowing and hydrated. This microbiome booster serum is the only beauty product in Ireland that has been certified by MyMicrobiome as “microbiome-friendly" and is a Guaranteed Irish product. Shop now on sastaskinhealth.com and use code AOKPOD for 15% off your order. Roisin's clinic www.bolhealing.com Don't forget to Follow me on Instagram or you can find me on my website Aoknutrition.com.
March has been one helluva month for Ireland and Irishness. We had St Patrick's Day, a record number of people in employment, soaring DP, a slew of winners at Cheltenham, winning a Grand slam and we even had the Guaranteed Irish awards. Not bad for a small nation. Joining Joe this morning was Brid O'Connell the Chief executive of Guaranteed Irish.
On this week’s Business Matters, Ciaran O’Donnell is joined by the founder of Donegal Natural Soap Company in Glenties, Isobel Sangha. Isobel began making soap for family and friends and set up her company in 2010. As a member of the Guaranteed Irish team, Isobel is always searching for new Irish ingredients to use and promote … Business Matters Ep 131 – Isobel Sangha Read More » The post Business Matters Ep 131 – Isobel Sangha appeared first on Highland Radio - Latest Donegal News and Sport.
Apart from our own Business 'Person Of The Month' competition, there are a few other big competitions for companies to enter. One of them is the Guaranteed Irish Business of the Year. And the finalists for this year have been announced. Brid O'Connell is the chief executive of Guaranteed Irish and Brid joined Joe this morning.
Podcast Episode 128, Carol Lynch, BDO by Guaranteed Irish
Podcast Episode 123, Joanna Gardiner, Gardiner Family Apothecary by Guaranteed Irish
Podcast Episode 121, Maurice Bergin, Green Hospitality by Guaranteed Irish
Podcast Episode 121, Neill Ryan, Greyhound Recycling by Guaranteed Irish
Podcast Episode 120, Dylan Bradshaw, Dylan Bradshaw Hair Salon by Guaranteed Irish
Podcast Episode 119, Suzanne Walsh, Flahavans by Guaranteed Irish
Podcast Episode 118, Ross Palmer, Enterprise Defence by Guaranteed Irish
Podcast Episode 117, Chupi Sweetman, Chupi by Guaranteed Irish
Podcast Episode 116, Vera Muir, The Clare Jam Company by Guaranteed Irish
Podcast Episode 115: Michael Kelly, CEO of GIY by Guaranteed Irish
Podcast: Episode 114, Brian Hanly, CEO of John Hanly & Co by Guaranteed Irish
Podcast: Episode 113, John Tuohy CEO of Acuvest Ltd by Guaranteed Irish
Podcast: Episode 112, Marc O'Dwyer, CEO of Big Red Cloud by Guaranteed Irish
Podcast: Episode 111, Rachael Gray, Managing Director of Call Pal by Guaranteed Irish
Podcast: Episode 110, Dr Fiona Edwards Murphy, CEO & Co-Founder of ApisProtect by Guaranteed Irish
Guaranteed Irish has announced the winners of the 2022 Guaranteed Irish Business Awards, proudly supported by Permanent TSB. One business that caught Bobby's eye was the Winner of the Professional Services - Business Support Solutions Award and that was a company called ‘Call Pal'. Bobby was joined by its MD Rachel Gray to find out more about the business. Listen and subscribe to Down to Business with Bobby Kerr on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App. You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by adding the Newstalk skill and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'.
Podcast: Episode 109, Eddie Shanahan Chairperson at Council of Irish Fashion Designers. by Guaranteed Irish
Podcast: Episode 108, Devan Hughes CEO & Co-Founder of Buymie by Guaranteed Irish
This week of the podcast Guaranteed Irish CEO Brid O'Connell chats to Ross Palmer CEO Enterprise Defence about the importance of strong cyber security, how to be a savvy user, common pitfalls & a generous offer for Guaranteed Irish members & much more.
This week of the podcast Guaranteed Irish CEO Brid O'Connell chats to Paul Candon CEO of United Hardware & Homevalue Hardware about joining as members of Guaranteed Irish, an increased interest in home renovations and DIY, their engagement with and support of the local community & much more.
This week of the podcast Colm Kelleher, Managing Director of LHK Group Dublin based insurance business chats to Guaranteed Irish CEO Brid O'Connell about working with Irish entrepreneurs, the shift to remote working, the importance of their company culture, why they decided to become a member of Guaranteed Irish & much more.
Brid O'Connell CEO of Guaranteed Irish on Tomy Marren MidWest Radio by Guaranteed Irish
Brid O'Connell CEO of Guaranteed Irish on Business Breakfast Newstalk by Guaranteed Irish
Listen back to our latest radio ad featuring Guaranteed Irish member Allgo, now airing on Newstalk.
Listen back to our latest radio ad featuring Guaranteed Irish member IT.ie, now airing on Newstalk.
Newstalk: Dot IE by Guaranteed Irish
This week of the podcast Freda Hayes CEO of Meadows & Byrne chats to Guaranteed Irish about becoming a Guaranteed Irish member, the importance of supporting local crafts & gifts businesses particularly in the lead up to Christmas, how Irish craft makers have adapted during Covid, & much more.