Breakfast Business

Joe was joined by Zoë Bradley, Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Toyota, to discuss the current trends and challenges facing electric vehicle (EV) sales. While the shift towards EVs is inevitable in the long run, recent sales have declined due to concerns about recharging infrastructure, especially for long journeys. Despite these challenges, younger drivers remain optimistic about EVs, as shown by a recent Toyota survey. With the ban on traditional engines looming in 11 years, the conversation explored what needs to be done to support the transition to electric vehicles.

Last Friday's global IT meltdown highlighted the failures in digital preparedness. Joe was joined by Paul Delahunty, Chief Information Security Officer with Stryve, to discuss the upcoming Digital Operational Resilience Act from the European Union, which will impose significant fines on companies that are not ready. With just six months to prepare, how can companies ensure they meet the new standards?

Joe was joined by Stephen Barry-Hannon, Project Manager with BioDirect, to discuss the innovative work being done to find sustainable substitutes for everyday plastic and petroleum-based products. The project aims to create valuable eco-friendly products and companies on both sides of the border.

Joe Lynam takes a look at the main business stories this morning.

Joe was joined by John Fareed, Global Chairman with Horwath HTL, to explore the significant role of tourism in the Irish economy, which accounts for 5% and sustains over a quarter of a million jobs, often in remote areas. They discussed the environmental impact of mass tourism and whether it's time to rethink the types of tourism to encourage. John also shared insights from his book, "Invisible to Icon: How to Become a Known Expert in Your Industry."

Joe was joined by Liam McKenna, Partner in Consulting Services at Forvis Mazars, to discuss the impact of GDPR, which has been in effect for six years. Despite its intent to protect citizens' privacy, a survey by Forvis Mazars revealed that many companies are still not compliant, risking huge fines and public embarrassment.

Joe Lynam takes a look at the main business stories this morning.

Last Friday, Ryanair and other major airlines faced disruptions due to an IT meltdown caused by Crowdstrike. The incident occurred during the busy summer season, highlighting the aviation industry's vulnerability. Ryanair's latest quarterly results showed a 46% drop in profits, despite a 10% increase in passenger traffic. The airline also reported significant declines in European air traffic control capacity, causing numerous delays and cancellations. Joe was joined by Neil Sorahan, CFO of Ryanair, to discuss the challenges ahead.

Over the weekend, the Irish Times reported a concerning trend: investors were increasingly turning away from physical shops and malls, spurred by the rise of online shopping. This shift was particularly noticeable in mid-sized towns, where interest in high street retail space was dwindling in favor of large out-of-town shopping centers with ample free parking. Joe was joined by Colin Richardson, Director of Research at CBRE, to discuss the current state of the retail real estate market and what this meant for the future of shopping.

Joe Lynam takes a look at the main business stories this morning.

There is significant pressure facing the drinks industry as total drinks exports in 2023 were down 8% at 1.8 billion compared to the previous year. For more details Emmet was joined on the show by Pat Rigney, Chairperson of Drinks Ireland.

The Advertising Standards Authority received 1,402 complaints concerning 1,134 advertisements in 2023 that’s according to their 2023 Annual Report  Speaking to Emmet this morning was Orla Twomey Chief Executive of the Advertising Standards Authority to discuss their findings.

Emmet Oliver looks at today's business, finance and markets this morning with Kate English from Deloitte.

Following June’s rate cut, the European Central Bank is expected to maintain rates steady at today’s meeting, awaiting September economic projections. With more on this Emmet spoke to Economist Austin Hughes.

A new survey from the Institute of Directors Ireland has revealed that 59% of Directors believe Diversity, Equity and Inclusion quotas should not be mandatory. Emmet discusses these survey findings with  Caroline Spillane, CEO of the Institute of Directors Ireland.

Emmet Oliver looks at the main finance and business news this morning.

The latest office market report by BNP Paribas Real Estate Ireland has shown a strong rebound in Dublin office lettings, but supply surge is still driving vacancy higher.  Speaking to Emmet this morning was John McCartney, Director of Research BNP Paribas Real Estate to chat about the report findings.

Verodat, a Dublin based technology company has just launched its revolutionary AI data platform and to tell Emmet all about it was Verodat CEO, Thomas Russell.

Emmet Oliver takes a look at the main business stories this morning.

Ryanair’s legal action case against online travel giant Booking.com got underway in the US state of Delaware yesterday.   Eoghan Corry, Owner and Editor of Travel Extra brought us the details of the case.