News Release -
SHANNON DEVELOPMENT USES DRAGON POWER TO BOOST BUSINESS
Bobby Kerr of RTE’s Dragon’s Den fame addressed a gathering last night (Monday 12th July 2010) of nearly 150 Offaly and Tipperary business people at a Shannon Development motivational evening entitled “From Lean to Green”. The special evening at Kinnity Castle included a presentation from Mr. Kerr where he encouraged greater business networking amongst local micro and small to medium enterprises.
Speaking at the event Brian Keating, Shannon Development’s Regional Manager – Tipperary/Offaly said: “We are delighted that so many businesses from across the midlands here to Kinnitty Castle Hotel to participate in our special motivational evening with RTE’s Dragon Den star, Bobby Kerr. Bobby is an exceptional business leader whose presentation and involvement will keep other business people motivated to see through from the lean times of the past two years towards a financially greener, more prosperous future.”
Shannon Development’s Denis Duggan introduced Mr. Kerr to the gather business people and outlined how “Lean to Green” was conceptualised. He said green is about economic and business growth. In America, green is often used as a metaphor for the mighty American dollar. Today, it’s about the Euro and attracting more euros into the many micro and small-medium enterprises represented here.”
Bobby Kerr spoke about his business and personal philosophies. He outlined his background starting in the family business, Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny, which he sold in 2007, his years working as a chef onboard oil rigs in the North Sea. Mr. Kerr also spoke of his time working in the US and Canada on large event catering, such as the Pope’s visit to Canada.
Bobby is chairman of Insomnia Coffee, Ireland’s largest independent coffee chain which was formed after the merger of three coffee groups including PERK which Bobby started in 1999. Bobby Kerr spoke about the importance of understanding the marketplace, sales and profit trends. He encouraged everyone to review sales and profits on a weekly basis in order to have a proper understanding of trends within the business. He also encouraged micro and small enterprises to monitor cash and bank accounts daily, citing the adage of “cash is king” and never more so than now.
Bobby said “I believe in the importance of understanding the market better than anyone else. This might involve looking to see where trends are going and getting there first, so that our customers see continual innovation and are satisfied that we deliver on product, service and quality. This helps me to be ‘ahead of the curve’ and was particularly important over the last few years when all of my business interests had to deal with a rapidly changing market due to the global recession.”
On his personal philosophy Bobby told those business gathered in Kinnitty Castle Hotel that to surround themselves with positive people and to “ignore the begrudgers who only pull you down!” Bobby also spoke of the importance of family and health. He encouraged everyone to find the appropriate work-lifestyle balance as this is something that entrepreneurs often overlook in the quest to establish a business.
Shannon Development Tourism Officer Bernie Leonard said “In the difficult tourist season that all trade are experiencing, keeping motivated is critically important. There are green shoots appearing in the economy and we must endeavour to get as many visitors to Ireland’s Shannon Region as possible.”
Feedback during the post presentation networking was extremely positive. All business people commented on how encouraging Bobby Kerr is and his upbeat energetic outlook.
Pictured at the Shannon Development “From Lean to Green”. motivational evening at Kinnity Castle, Co. Offaly are: (L-R) Stephen Lenihan, General Manager Kinnitty Castle Hotel, Suzanne Roe, Marketing Manager Kinnitty Castle Hotel, Mr Bobby Kerr, Bernie Lenihan, Shannon Development Tourism Officer Tipperary and Offaly, Denis Duggan, Shannon Development Executive Offaly and Brian Keating, Shannon Development Regional Manager for Tipperary and Offaly.
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