Breakfast Business

Kathleen Brooks from XTB research takes a look at Monday's business news along with Joe Lynam.

They are from Galway, employ 2 and a half thousand people, won a significant legal battle against McDonalds and saw their profits soar 28% last year.  They are of course Supermacs and their semi eponymous owner Pat McDonagh is not one for resting on his well feathered laurels.  The restaurant chain has opened up an outlet in Dublin airport and he continues to expand his forecourt business. But he’s also very worried about staffing and business costs which have jumped significantly over the past year.  Pat McDonagh founder of Supermacs joined Joe this morning on the show.

A majority of Irish businesses have either adopted or plan to integrate a clear AI strategy within the next year. However high costs remain a barrier to innovation.  Those are among the findings of the new Innovation Index Pulse Survey conducted by IRDG and KPMG. To discuss the findings further Emmet spoke to Dermot Casey the CEO of IRDG Innovation Network.

Job roles that are in high demand should see an average salary increase of 10 - 11%.  That’s among the predictions in the new Matrix Recruitment Salary Guide. Emmet discuses these predictions with Rena Weld Recruitment Manager at Matrix Recruitment.

We go through all the business news and markets with Economist  Alan Hughes along with Emmet Oliver.

 In 1993 an acronymous split in the sport of darts happened. Emerging as a result of two of the biggest name in darts revolted against British Darts Organisation. Cathal Mullaney from Off The Ball tells us all about it.

 Donald Trump will be inaugurated in 5 weeks from now and countries and companies are collectively trying to assess what it will mean for them.  Based on his own public comments and campaign promises, tariffs are on the way.  But on what goods and at what rate.  No other European nation is as dependent on corporate America as Ireland.  So what should its businesses start doing in anticipation of Trump 2.0? All to discuss with Ambrose Conroy the Chief Executive of the global manufacturing consultants Seraph. 

It’s likely that the build up of savings during lockdowns played an important role in the surge in house prices since 2022.  It’s also becoming a self fulfilling prophecy in many wealthy countries that house hunters assume prices will rise further and so pay more for property.  They are among the findings of a new report by the ESRI which was published alongside its regular economic forecast.  Dr Conor O’Toole is Associate Research Professor with the ESRI joined Joe this morning to discuss the findings.

Thursday's business news headlines with Newstalk Business Editor Joe Lynam.

They say in sport that it’s all about small margins. The same is certainly true of business and some companies unknowingly reduce their own bottom line by failing to claim VAT that they've already paid for in Inputs. Paul Wallace played for Leinster, Ireland and the Lions but now he helps large companies find those missing expenses so that they can claim back from the tax man. Paul Wallace is the Managing Director of Vat Logic and chatted to Joe about his business and work.

If you're having guests over for Christmas this year, the chances are you’ll consider getting your windows cleaned. Joe spoke to a young entrepreneur who offers Ireland's first window cleaning subscription as well as using renewable water sources to clean. Luke Joyce from theCleaningCompany.ie chatted to Joe as he was doing his work.  

Wednesday's business headlines and news along with Joe Lynam.

Have you had your office Christmas party yet? If not, you’re running out of time, but aside from the revelry and celebrations with your colleagues, employers have a certain duty of care.  Catherine Hayes, Managing Associate in the Employment, Immigration and Reward team at Lewis Silkin discuss this further with Joe.

Last Friday the EU commission signed a landmark trade deal with the key group of South American nations.  Known as Mercosur or the southern market it opens up major nations such as Argentina and Brazil to tariff free goods from the EU but equally it slashes tariffs on South American farm produce here in Europe.  French and Irish farmers have already expressed major skepticism towards the deal and both have a lot of political clout. Joe discuss this further with Adam Woods is the Deputy editor of the Irish Farmers Journal. 

Tuesday's business news headlines along with Joe Lynam.

Whether it’s Twickenham, Wembley, Old Trafford or Thomand Park, if you're a sports fan the chances are you’ve sat or stood under a composite plastic roof made by Brett Martin.Brett Martin in Co Antrim also does clear roofing for farmyards all over Ireland as well as guttering all over the world and its low carbon products are increasingly popular worldwide.Joining Joe this morning on the show was Robin Black from Brett Martin in Newtownabbey. 

Have you started your Christmas cooking shopping list yet?  Turkey, Ham, goose, parsnips, brussels sprouts of course.  But what about the condiments to accompany these seasonal treats? Whether its relishes, speciality mayonnaise or sauces, most of us dig up the cranberry sauce as well to moisten up the turkey and Ballymaloe is one of the better known brands and is relaunching its Cranberry sauces. Maxine Hyde General Manager with Ballymaloe foods spoke to Joe this morning on the show.

Russ Mould from AJ Bell brings us all the market and business news.

All the business news with Aidan Donnelly from Davys.

ChatGPT has celebrated the launch of its second anniversary by OpenAI, becoming the fastest-growing consumer application in history.   For more on this Emmet spoke to Ciara O'Brien, Technology Writer with the Irish Times.