MORE than 70 business leaders from across the country travelled to Spanish Point where international growth, leadership and resilience were among the key discussion points.
Marking two years since the launch of SCALE by Platform94, a regional business community, in partnership with Enterprise Ireland, the event heard from some of the country’s most accomplished business people.
SCALE supports ambitious scaling businesses across the West and North West of Ireland, with a particular focus on international growth. The event also coincided with SCALE’s launch of a two year community impact and outlook report which highlights the growth and impact of the community since its establishment. SCALE now comprises 110 businesses, collectively employing more than 3,000 people, with combined revenues to the end of 2026 estimated to exceed €500 million.
Platform94 CEO and Newmarket-on-Fergus woman Marie Donnellan said the figures demonstrate the scale of the businesses operating across the region and, importantly, their ambition for further growth. “The progress of this community in just two years has been remarkable. Behind the headline figures are ambitious businesses creating employment, growing revenues and increasingly looking beyond Ireland for their next phase of growth. More than 500 strategic introductions have been facilitated since SCALE began, reflecting the collaborative ethos of the community. This celebration saw leaders coming together to share experiences, make meaningful connections and help one another go further”.
Hosting the event in The Armada Hotel had particular significance for Galway based Marie. “As a very proud Clare woman, it was incredibly special to welcome this delegation to my home county. When choosing Clare, we wanted the impact to extend well beyond the walls of the event itself. It was an opportunity to introduce people to the best of what Clare has to offer, its businesses, its hospitality and its experiences, and to create opportunities for local businesses to reach new audiences”.
Among the speakers throughout the two-day programme were Jenny Melia, Chief Executive of Enterprise Irelad who spoke on the changing needs of scaling Irish businesses, leadership capacity, international ambition and export readiness.
An International Scaling Panel featuring Tom Keogh, Founder and CEO of Keogh’s Farm; Gerard Teahon, Founder and CEO of Uniquely; and John Concannon, Founder and CEO of JFC Group explored the realities of taking an Irish business international, including choosing markets, building trusted relationships and managing the increasing complexity that accompanies growth.
Plenty of Clare speakers also shared their insights. Lissycasey’s Mary Considine who is Chief Executive of Irish Rail/Iarnród Éireann and Clonlara’s John Conlon who holds the record for most senior championship appearances for the Clare hurlers discussed the start of his new enterprise GETSET Nutrition.
They joined Founder and Managing Director of Supermac’s Group Pat McDonagh, for a candid ‘Leading with Resilience’ conversation. The discussion explored the realities of leadership through challenging periods, personal and professional setbacks, managing leadership capacity, developing resilient teams and the experiences that have shaped each speaker’s approach to leadership.
Owner of The Armada Hotel, John Burke explored the growth and evolution of the business in a dinner conversation while also reflecting on his experience of climbing Mount Everest and the lessons in leadership and resilience he brought home.
According to Marie, the Armada team showcased the best of Clare hospitality. “From the first conversation with John, Mairead and the team, they went above and beyond. The attention to detail, welcome and level of service throughout was phenomenal. Our guests received a world-class experience that embodied the very best of Clare hospitality, and the feedback was exceptional”.
Local businesses were deliberately incorporated throughout the event, with products from fourteen Clare companies included in delegate gift bags while local experiences were also showcased through event spot prizes.
Marie said, “The response we received from the Clare business community was amazing. There was a real sense of pride and enthusiasm around showcasing the county, and our delegates embraced every moment of it. The reaction to the local products and experiences was fantastic. It demonstrated exactly why bringing business events to regional locations can be hugely impactful. For me personally, being able to bring this event to Clare and showcase the county I am immensely proud of was incredible special and will stay with me for a long time”.
