Rick Adams

I’m delighted to see LeanBPI’s recent survey results feature in today’s The Irish Times Simply put, digital adoption is no longer an option for SMEs. While external challenges such as tariffs and the rising cost of living will continue, it is how SMEs adapt to them that will determine their long-term success and ultimate survival. Our survey found that almost three quarters of small business owners are struggling to retain talent due to competition from larger companies and that a clear digital skills gap remains across the sector. I’d urge all small business owners to check in with your Local Enterprise Offices or Enterprise Ireland and explore the supports available, from training and consultancy to grants for new digital systems. These supports will help you take the next step towards digital adoption. LeanBPI are on hand to support you every step of the way 🎯 Online article here http://bit.ly/3G3gbKT #sme #digitaladoption #businessimprovement

66

15 Comments

We recently launched our Financial Industry Report 2025: AI & IT Strategy, Governance & Talent in partnership with HPE. Here, Commercial Director Paul Schmitz discusses the report and the insights and recommendations it provides for organisations within the financial sector in Ireland and beyond. You can download the report here: https://lnkd.in/ei3SqhMk

32

Leadership at the Edge: Innovation Meets Governance Technology leadership in 2025 isn’t just about accelerating change — it’s about controlling it. Across Ireland’s tech ecosystem, CIOs and Heads of IT are balancing rapid innovation with accountability. Boards now demand transparency, resilience and governance — not just transformation. Executives fluent in cyber, cloud and compliance are redefining what it means to lead in this era of “innovation under governance.” Explore the forces shaping Ireland’s technology leadership market — from regulatory shifts (DORA, NIS2, AI Act) to the rise of new executive roles like Chief Trust Officer and Head of Responsible Technology. 👉 Read the full article here https://lnkd.in/euVeMJXz Article by Killian O'Leary - "Top Tech Recruiter" / Career Coach, Head of Technology, Cyber & Innovation at Berkley Group #TechnologyLeadership #IrelandJobs #CIO #DigitalTransformation #CyberSecurity #AI

21

3 Comments

Through a number of real-time polls conducted during William Fry's AI Summit 2025 delegates provided unique insights into AI’s current and projected impact on Irish business. Commenting on the poll results, Technology partner, Dr. Barry Scannell, noted “While it’s encouraging to see that 70% of organisations have implemented an AI policy, it’s concerning that 48% have not conducted the legally required AI literacy training as this creates a variety of risks for organisations, from liability risks to reputational risks. This gap underscores the urgent need for organisations to prioritise obtaining assistance when implementing AI technologies to ensure compliance and harness the full potential of AI responsibly.” Click the article to learn more. #WilliamFry https://lnkd.in/eZQFh5zk

28

1 Comment

Honoured to have joined Minister James Lawless (Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science), Nessa White (Interim CEO) and team at SOLAS (An tSeirbhís Oideachais Leanúnaigh agus Scileanna), at our campus in Leopardstown yesterday for the launch of the State agency’s new FET AI micro‑qualifications, which Microsoft was proud to help develop.   Ensuring that people across Ireland have access to future‑ready skills is a critical strategic priority in the era of AI. No single organisation can achieve this alone. It requires strong partnership between government, the tertiary education system, and industry to create learning pathways that are accessible, relevant, and grounded in the needs of our economy.   These new AI micro‑qualifications are a powerful example of that collaboration in action. Equipping our workforce and citizens with the capabilities to use AI confidently and responsibly is not just a skills agenda, it's a national competitiveness imperative.   By working together, we can ensure Ireland remains at the forefront of innovation and opportunity in a rapidly changing world.   Read more about the new programmes here: https://lnkd.in/d_XFYYHc   #AIskills #Digitalskills #SkillUpIreland #MicrosoftIreland 

135

Start-Up Contacts, Grants and Funds in Ireland. FREE MONEY-Local Enterprise Offices, Enterprise Ireland and the Irish Government No flash just content Download/save and when you have time give it a read. LEO Priming Grants Getting your small business started. LEO Business Expansion grant Expanding your start-up business after 18 months. LEO Technical Assistance for Micro Exporters grant Exploring and developing new market opportunities. LEO Trading Online Voucher Scheme Getting your business set up online LEO Feasibility Study Grants Researching the market demand for your product or service and examining its sustainability Gov Startup Refunds for Entrepreneurs (SURE) This is for people who start a company and need cash to fund its growth. You may claim back the income tax if you are an employee, an unemployed person or a person recently made redundant and are starting a business. Gov.ie Short Term Enterprise Allowance The Short-Term Enterprise Allowance (STEA) gives support to people who have lost their job and want to start their own business. It’s paid instead of Jobseeker’s Benefit for a maximum of nine months. It ends when the entitlement to Jobseeker’s Benefit ends (that is at either nine or six months). Revenue Three-year corporate tax exemption You can [technically] earn €120,000 tax-free for the first three years. The scheme gives relief from corporation tax on your trading income, and certain other gains new companies may acquire, for the first three years. Gov.ie Back to Work Enterprise Allowance If you have been out of work and in receipt of social welfare for more than twelve months,with this Allowance you can keep your social welfare payment for two years if you set up a business (year 1: 100% – year 2; 75%). Revenue Start Your Own Business scheme The Start Your Own Business scheme provides relief from income tax for long-term unemployed people who start a new business. OPTIMISE eCommerce fund The fund gives small business owners the e-tools and know-how to ‘optimise’ their existing website and grow their business online. EI Innovation vouchers If you own or manage an SME, and it’s a limited company, you can apply for an innovation voucher worth €5,000. EI Feasibility study/innovation grant You can get 50% of the costs of your study, not including VAT, up to €15,000. Importantly, you don’t have to pay back the money. EI The Mentor Grant matches new and existing business owners with experienced mentors to offer tailored help and advice on running their business. EI The Market Discovery Fund – supports market research and the development of viable market entry strategies into new geographic markets. EI Pre-Seed Start Fund For businesses with a well-developed business plan and need to raise funding. Please repost to help fellow founders. Good luck, and remember, we're all in this together! David Slowey Pro Bono, Slowey Start-Up Process Programme. #Founder #entrepreneur #BusinessEducation #Startup

23

7 Comments