Open for Business is back at 7.00pm on Thursday nights from the 29th of April on RTÉ One, presented by Ella McSweeney and Richard Curran.
Throughout our series we will be highlighting and headlining the big themes affecting both businesses and consumers over the last 12 months. Our new ways of working, shopping and eating have been transformed, but will they last even after lockdown is lifted?
With the summer holidays looming, when can we realistically start to think about traveling safely again, including booking our trips abroad and our consumer rights with regards to last-minute cancellations?
Meanwhile, we examine the real impact that the Brexit burden is having on businesses, both big and small, across the country.
Later in the series, we look at sport and sponsorship – has the old business model for this sector changed for good? On the domestic front, one of the unexpected consequences of the pandemic is the big rush to buy property outside Dublin. We’ll tell you the truth about rising house prices and securing a mortgage during a global pandemic.
As the entire country looks for the early signs of recovery, we analyse how quickly and easily our economy and businesses can emerge from this extraordinary time, after 12 frustrating months of gruelling lockdown.
Episode 1:
But first, we kick off this new series with vaccines. As the vaccine supply controversy rages on, we explore what it takes to mass produce such a vital drug. Open for Business highlights the Irish manufacturers playing their part in the fight against Covid-19.
From the dry ice that keeps vaccines chilled to the machinery that processes its raw materials, we’ll follow the complicated supply chain that could make or break Ireland’s plan to vaccinate the entire country. Polar Ice in Portarlington will feature as will ABEC in Fermoy, Co. Cork.
Despite boasting one of the largest pharmaceutical industries in the world, our experts will discuss why Ireland can’t produce a Covid-19 vaccine overnight and why it often makes more sense to produce medicines abroad.
Also, in Episode 1, we look at the different of financial support the Government has put in place last year to help businesses weather the pandemic. We discover which grants worked and which one didn’t go far enough. We speak to the owner of Begley’s pub in Co. Longford and of a beauty products company in Co Louth.
Esker Fields is a local business thriving since the pandemic started.
Maria Morgan, owner of Esker Fields a natural skin care brand and treatments room had no plan b when Covid arrived last March. Connecting with Drogheda and District Chamber of Commerce she joined their four-week Retail Battle Plan programme. This gave her the opportunity to look at her product range and how to strengthen her online presence. Through Enterprise Ireland funding and network supports Maria was able to grow Esker Fields.
At Begley’s Pub, A seventh generation Begley, Niamh Lee owns her family bar. Based in the heart of Longford like all publicans she voluntarily closed her doors on the 15thMarch 2020. Open 7 days a week to turning the lights off for 28 weeks was very hard. Availing of the Failte Ireland restart grant Niamh reopened on the 21stSeptember. Welcoming her customers back was a joy. Begley’s is more than a bar, it brings the older community together. The second closing at the beginning of October was heart breaking. Temporarily closed since then Niamh is receiving the support via the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme. She has to remain hopeful, she like all publicans wants a roadmap to reopening.
We also meet people who have changed direction. Marcus O’Laoire was a DJ, MC and pub owner; so naturally when lockdown hit, he was left without work. He bought and recommissioned an ambulance, and with a background in food, he wanted to turn it into a food truck – The Sambo Ambo, lifesaving sandwiches.They are now in the old horse yard of the Iveigh market and have been gifted permission to create a new food market called Dine Town which will be home to new vendors. He wants to pass on the opportunity that was passed to him and create a “hub” in the area.