Category: Business

ERP’s Giant ‘Trash EEE-lk’ Makes Invisible Electrical Waste Impossible to Ignore This St Patrick’s Festival

The European Recycling Platform (ERP) has, today unveiled its show-stopping ‘Trash EEE-lk’ (EEE: Electrical and Electronic Equipment) installation ahead of this year’s St Patrick’s Festival in Dublin. The structure, made purely from e-waste, highlights the urgent need for Irish households to recycle (and not bin!) their invisible electrical items. The aim of the majestic mammal, which is set to dominate St. Patrick’s Park from 14th – 16th March, is to encourage people to dispose of electrical items, most notably, invisible e-waste properly. ‘Trash EEE-lk forms part of ERP’s Sustainability Partnership with the St Patrick’s Festival.
In addition to ‘Trash EEE-lk’, ERP has just released new findings in a survey conducted by Coyne Research. It reveals that 55% of adults have never heard of the term “Invisible WEEE”, despite almost universal ownership of small electrical items that often go unnoticed in Irish homes.
The findings show that chargers and cables are the most hoarded, most binned, and most recycled Invisible WEEE items, simply because almost every household owns several of them. Everyday items such as vapes, earbuds, headphones, power banks, remote controls, power tools and small kitchen gadgets also frequently end up in household bins – a serious concern as battery-related fires at waste treatment plants are on the rise. Vapes (13%) and audio accessories (9%) are among the items most commonly misdisposed of, while smart home devices (33%), electric blankets (33%) and even St Patrick’s light‑up hats and accessories (6%) add to ever-growing stockpiles of invisible e-waste accumulating in our homes.
ERP Ireland’s ‘Trash EEE-lk’ brings an ancient giant back to life to symbolise Ireland’s growing invisible electrical waste problem, encouraging the public to stop in their tracks and recycle responsibly, whilst highlighting the importance of correct disposal.
Designed by renowned Irish artist Ned Leddy, this striking large-scale installation is created from over 1,000 electrical items and components. Towering over the park, it measures five metres long, four metres high and boasts 3.5‑metre antlers. As a form of “artivism”, it does more than captivate – it aims to influence recycling culture and spark real change. Inspired by the prehistoric Irish Elk, the largest species of deer ever known, ‘Trash EEE-lk’ connects Ireland’s ancient past with a modern reminder to recycle the unseen.
‘Trash EEE-lk’ forms a wider part of this year’s St Patrick’s Festival theme, Roots, which explores identity, belonging and the shared stories that connect generations. The majestic Irish Elk – which roamed Ireland and Europe before, during and after the last Ice Age and became extinct around 7,700 years ago – stood taller than a modern moose, with antlers spanning up to four metres (13 feet). By transforming this ancient giant from no longer used electronics, ‘Trash EEE-lk’ blends Ireland’s deep past and ancient roots with a powerful yet modern message about recycling invisible WEEE.
Speaking about the inspiration behind ‘Trash EEE-lk’, Artist Ned Leddy said:
“I was delighted to take on such an ambitious, creative and meaningful project. The idea of resurrecting an ancient Irish creature using today’s electronic waste immediately resonated with me. I hand-selected every piece of recycled material, choosing components that would add texture, scale and personality to the sculpture. It was fascinating to see discarded electronics transform into something so striking and symbolic. I hope ‘Trash EEE-lk’ inspires people to see waste differently while reconnecting us with our ancient past.”
Commenting on this year’s instalment, Country General Manager of ERP Ireland, James Burgess, added:
“This year’s St. Patrick’s Festival theme, Roots, is about understanding where we come from and how we shape the future. By reimagining the ancient Irish Elk through modern electronic waste, we want to spark meaningful conversations about sustainability and encourage people to think differently about the electrical items in their homes. ‘Trash EEE-lk’ truly brings Ireland’s lost Elk – and invisible WEEE – back into view.
Electrical waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally, yet many people don’t realise that small items like cables, vapes or even light-up novelty St Patrick’s hats should be recycled. Through this installation, we’re showing that recycling is a simple action – one that protects our planet, preserves resources, and keeps electrical items out of our household bins.”

Infineon Technologies opens new R&D Centre in Cork

Infineon Technologies AG: a global leader in power systems and IoT, has officially opened its new Cork office at City Gate Park, Mahon. The new office has capacity for growth as the Cork team expands. This is  part of a €60 million investment plan announced in 2024, by Infineon for its Irish operations.

This R&D hub will focus Infineon’s innovations in the Automotive and Consumer microelectronics space such as Battery Management, Motor Control and Touchscreens. Supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland, the continued growth will include senior and junior positions as well as a strong contingent of local university graduates through the Infineon Ireland Graduate Program.

Minister for Enterprise Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD said: “I welcome Infineon Technologies’ continued commitment to Ireland, as well as today’s opening of their new Design Centre in Cork. This investment strengthens our position as a hub for cutting‑edge research and development in microelectronics and supports additional high‑quality jobs for both experienced engineers and new graduates. The expansion reflects Ireland’s strong talent base and our growing role in advancing innovation across the automotive and consumer technology sectors. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this centre will deliver for Cork, for Ireland’s technology ecosystem, and for the global transition toward digitalisation and decarbonisation.”

Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and at the Department of Transport, Jerry Buttimer TD said: “This new centre reflects the increasingly international nature of research and development, where teams collaborate across borders to solve shared technological challenges. Infineon’s investment in Cork underlines Ireland’s role as a trusted partner in global innovation networks.”

The Infineon research teams in Ireland are focused on IP development for the automotive and consumer markets. The new hires will support the development of new technologies and products that help driving digitalisation and decarbonisation on a global scale.

“At Infineon, we are committed to actively driving decarbonisation and digitalisation. As a global semiconductor leader for the automotive industry, we are shaping the future of mobility with products and solutions to make cars clean, safe and smart,” said Thomas Mende, Senior Vice President of Development, Microcontroller Automotive at Infineon. “The strategic development of our research and development sector in Ireland is central to this mission with semiconductor-based system integration and artificial intelligence for highly connected and increasingly autonomous vehicles being among major trends. This new office enables us to strengthen our team even further with the high-calibre talent that Ireland has to offer.”

Positions in the new office have already been opened online and include roles in Analog Design, Digital Design, Architecture and Verification.

“Just over two years ago, Infineon announced a multimillion-euro investment in its Irish R&D activities, which will result in the addition of approximately 100 jobs across its sites in Dublin and Cork“ said Executive Director of IDA Ireland, Dónal Travers. “I am honoured to join the team here today in Cork to celebrate the progress that has been made since then. This investment not only enhances Ireland’s deep-tech landscape, Infineon is also a critical part of the South West’s recognised semiconductor cluster. I wish the company, and the teams here in Ireland, continued success“.

 

How to Leverage Your Digital Businesses with the Right Invoice Processing Strategy

Growth is often a double-edged sword in the fast-paced world of digital commerce.      As transaction volumes surge and customer bases expand globally, the operational complexities that once hid in the background suddenly demand the spotlight. For many digital businesses, from SaaS platforms to e-commerce giants, the accounts payable and receivable functions become critical bottlenecks. Manually handling hundreds or thousands of invoices is not only slow and prone to error, but it actively prevents finance teams from focusing on strategic tasks. This is where intelligent automation becomes a game-changer.

To truly scale, a digital business must move beyond spreadsheets and manual data entry. By integrating an invoice processing software, companies can transform their finance function from a reactive cost center into a proactive driver of efficiency and insight. Automating the capture, validation, and posting of invoices eliminates tedious work, accelerates payment cycles, and provides real-time financial visibility. This technological leap is the first step toward building a finance infrastructure capable of supporting tenfold growth without a proportional increase in overhead.

For any digital business with ambitions beyond a single market, this principle is foundational. Here is how leveraging advanced SaaS invoice processing software like this tool can fundamentally level up your digital business.

The Shift from Data Entry to Data Strategy

The most immediate and transformative benefit of automation lies in eliminating manual data entry. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and AI-powered tools can extract information from invoices with remarkable accuracy, regardless of format or source. But the real strategic leap happens next. By centralizing this data through a system designed with a global mindset, you create a clean, structured, and unified dataset. This transformation turns your invoice data from a static record-keeping obligation into a dynamic tool for strategic analysis. Finance leaders can suddenly spot organization-wide spending trends, negotiate more favorable terms with suppliers based on hard data, and forecast cash flow with far greater precision. The business no longer just processes transactions.

Accelerating Cash Flow Through Workflow Automation

For B2B digital businesses and those managing complex supplier networks, slow invoice processing directly and immediately impacts cash flow. When invoices become trapped in convoluted approval workflows, misfiled digitally, or delayed due to data entry discrepancies, payment terms are missed, and the cash conversion cycle lengthens dangerously. Modern invoice processing software automates the critical matching of purchase orders, delivery receipts, and supplier invoices, a process known as three-way matching. The system flags only the exceptions and discrepancies for human review, allowing the vast majority to flow through seamlessly. This automation slashes processing times from weeks to days or even hours, ensuring that you pay on time, capture early payment discounts, and get paid faster by your own customers. Working capital is freed up and can be reinvested directly into growth initiatives.

Eliminating Financial Leakage with Unwavering Accuracy

Human error is an inevitable and costly companion to manual financial processing. A single transposed number on a bank detail, a missed early payment discount window, or an overlooked duplicate payment can lead to significant financial leakage over the course of a year. Automated systems enforce consistent business rules and validations on every single invoice processed, without exception. They are programmed to capture every applicable discount, cross-reference every payment against historical records to prevent duplicates, and ensure tax calculations are accurate across different jurisdictions. This level of precision protects your bottom line margins and, just as importantly, builds enduring trust with your suppliers, who come to rely on timely and accurate payments from your organization.

Future-Proofing Operations with a Global Compliance Strategy

This is where the Deloitte insight becomes critically actionable for growing digital businesses. As businesses digitize this process, they must think globally from the start. A piecemeal approach to automation can create new problems. While local e-invoicing strategies may seem appealing for their adaptability to specific regulations, they “often fall short in several key areas,” including efficiency, scalability, and robustness. 

It makes a compelling case for a global strategy, which offers advantages in implementation time, cost-effectiveness, and the power of centralized data analytics. The moment you onboard international clients or suppliers, you encounter a maze of local e-invoicing and tax reporting mandates, from Italy’s Sistema di Interscambio to France’s Chorus Pro and similar requirements across Latin America and Asia. A patchwork approach, deploying a different local solution for each country, is an administrative and technical nightmare that stifles scalability. By choosing invoice processing software that is architected on a global framework from the outset, you create a single, unified system capable of adapting to new regulatory requirements without constant, costly overhauls. This strategic foresight saves immense time and cost, transforming a potential compliance headache into a seamless, automated background process that enables, rather than hinders, global expansion.

Strengthening the Entire Supplier Ecosystem

Your suppliers are not merely vendors, but they are vital partners in your business ecosystem. When your invoice processing is slow, opaque, or unpredictable, it strains these critical relationships. A supplier waiting indefinitely for payment is far less likely to offer you favorable terms, priority service during high-demand periods, or collaborative innovation. Automated invoice processing changes this dynamic by providing suppliers with real-time visibility into the status of their invoices through self-service supplier portals. They can see exactly when an invoice was received, where it currently sits in the approval chain, and precisely when to expect payment. This radical transparency fosters stronger, more collaborative, and more resilient partnerships across your entire supply chain.

Unlocking the Power of Financial Data Analytics

A globally-integrated, automated invoice processing system is far more than a utility, it is a rich and untapped source of business intelligence. By systematically analyzing the data flowing through your system, you can gain deep, actionable insights into organizational spending patterns. Which departments are the largest spenders? Which suppliers are the most reliable and cost-effective? Are there hidden opportunities to consolidate purchasing across business units to secure volume discounts? This level of strategic analysis is simply impossible with manual, paper-based, or fragmented processes. It elevates the finance department from merely recording the past to actively predicting and shaping the company’s financial future.

Elevating Talent to Strategic Impact

Perhaps the most significant and lasting level-up is cultural and human. When your finance and accounting teams are no longer drowning in a sea of data entry, invoice chasing, and manual reconciliations, they are finally free to focus on work that truly requires human intelligence: analysis, relationship cultivation, and strategic thinking. They can dedicate time to investigating the “why” behind the numbers, building sophisticated financial models, and collaborating with product and sales teams to drive profitable growth. Automating the mundane does not eliminate jobs, it also elevates them. It transforms the entire finance function, making your business a far more attractive destination for top-tier financial talent who seek strategic impact over rote clerical work.

Conclusion

The journey of scaling a digital business is inevitably paved with operational challenges. By strategically implementing modern invoice processing software, you can transform one of the most historically complex and paper-heavy administrative processes into a genuine source of competitive advantage. The key is to avoid the seductive trap of short-term, localized fixes that ultimately create more complexity. A unified, integrated strategy for your financial systems is the only way to build a foundation that is truly scalable, operationally resilient, and strategically intelligent. In doing so, your business does not simply improve how it pays its bills, it fundamentally levels up how the entire organization operates, plans, and competes for the future.

 

Climb appointed Sophos distribution partner for the Irish market

Climb Channel Solutions, (“Climb” or the “Company”), an international specialty technology distributor and wholly owned subsidiary of Climb Global Solutions, Inc. , today announces a distribution party tnership with cybersecurity vendor, Sophos for the Irish market.

Unique to this partnership, Climb will be the only authorised Irish distributor to offer the Sophos Threat Profile assessment service to customers. This service highlights exposed credentials, suspicious domains, dark web exposure, and internet-facing vulnerabilities, and enables businesses to prioritise remediation and reduce risk.

Ireland’s cybersecurity sector is buoyant and growing 13.4% and generating revenue of €2.7bn according to a 2025 report by Cyber Ireland and NI Cyber. Climb will facilitate direct access to Sophos Central, one of the world’s leading cybersecurity platforms, an adaptive AI-native platform that intercepts attacks before they occur.

Climb will distribute the entire Sophos suite of products including the managed detection and response (MDR) service that eliminates threats at speed, alongside defence across endpoint, firewall, email and cloud.

These solutions will be backed by Climb’s reputation for speed, emerging tech expertise, and strong partner investment, working with the Sophos reseller and managed service provider (MSP) landscape.

Recent Climb research* highlights growing AI maturity across organisations, creating increased demand for AI-enabled cybersecurity services. For example, more than half (53%) of organisations have a clear AI strategy, and 55% are working with technology vendors on their AI journey. Against this backdrop, Climb expects Irish businesses to continue to adapt and embed AI security solutions across their cloud and network environments.

Commenting on the distribution partner announcement, Brian Davis, VP of Sales UK&I, Climb states: “Ireland’s cybersecurity landscape is evolving at pace with recent research showing growth of 13% per annum. Threats are becoming more sophisticated, and customer expectations are rising. Cybersecurity remains a key strategic growth area for Climb, and we are continuously looking to expand our portfolio in Ireland.  Extending our successful relationship with Sophos into Ireland is a pivotal moment as we enhance our cybersecurity portfolio.

“As Irish organisations advance their AI capabilities at an unprecedented rate, Irish businesses must secure hybrid environments while embracing AI and digital transformation. As a dedicated Sophos distributor in Ireland, we’re bringing world-class cybersecurity, genuine partner support, and the kind of speed and access that helps you move fast and grow confidently.”

Jason Ellis, VP Channel Sales EMEA, Sophos comments: “Sophos is a global leader in cybersecurity, offering a comprehensive portfolio of AI-powered cybersecurity technologies. Coupled with its advisory services, these capabilities proactively reduce risk for organisations. Expanding our presence in the Irish market is a reflection of the great relationship we hold with Climb in North America. Climb’s strong Irish channel ecosystem will allow us to expand our Irish market footprint, enhancing our ability to deliver AI-powered cybersecurity solutions to Irish businesses.

“We recognise Climb as an innovative leader, particularly in areas such as AI, where they’re providing unique channel solutions through their Skyward Project and AI Academy***. These programmes help partners understand where AI and security intersect, delivering differentiated, yet complementary services to our Sophos portfolio.

“Climb’s knowledge and understanding of the Irish market, along with their ongoing investment, help us better support our partners and customers, enabling them to improve cyber resilience and respond effectively to emerging threats.”

This partnership enhances Climb’s AI cybersecurity offering in Ireland, building on its long-standing cybersecurity pedigree. Climb has a long track record as a distributor of cybersecurity solutions, working with some of the world’s leading security vendors and an extensive network of Irish resellers.

Climb solutions include cloud security, backup and recovery, endpoint management, firewall and network security, and application security. Through this Sophos partnership, Climb enhances their cybersecurity offering enabling partners to accelerate growth by combining strong cybersecurity expertise, with a more personalised service approach alongside innovative programmes and events, including the upcoming AI and Security Day.

Ecofil Expands into Hospitality Market

Ecofil, Ireland’s leading provider of sustainable bottle filling stations, has officially announced its expansion into the hospitality sector with the launch of a new premium range of bottle coolers and water dispensers, unveiled at the Irish Hotel Federation (IHF) Showtel 2026 Conference which took place last week in Killarney.

The new range marks a strategic evolution for the Irish water solutions provider, which has spent recent years establishing its market-leading outdoor brand, Iconic V. Today, the Iconic V bottle-filling station is recognised as the number one outdoor hydration solution on the island of Ireland, with more than 20 local authorities selecting Ecofil as their preferred supplier of public water equipment.

Peter Wynne, Managing Director of Ecofil, said, “Following the success of Iconic V in the outdoor environment, we are now bringing that same focus on sustainability, design and reliability to the hospitality and wider business sectors. This new range allows us to deliver tailored, high-performance water solutions that meet the specific operational needs of hotels, restaurants and commercial clients.”

During his visit to Showtel, Mr Wynne travelled to the historic Garnish Island, where Ecofil has recently installed another Iconic V outdoor water station. The installation forms part of an ongoing collaboration with the Office of Public Works (OPW) to help eliminate single-use plastic bottles from protected heritage sites.

Mr Wynne added, “Working with the OPW on treasured locations such as Garnish Island is both a challenge and a privilege. These projects reflect our commitment to sustainability and to protecting Ireland’s natural and historic environments.”

Ecofil confirmed that additional innovative products will be introduced in the second half of 2026, further strengthening its position as a leading Irish provider of sustainable water solutions. Ecofil continues to invest in innovation, sustainability and Irish manufacturing as it expands across both public and commercial sectors.

As part of the ERG Group, Ecofil will also benefit from ERG’s long-established reputation within the Irish hospitality sector. With a trusted customer base of over 1,000 clients, ranging from independent pubs to large hotel groups, ERG provides Ecofil with immediate access to established relationships where credibility and service standards are already recognised.

How Smart Home Climate Solutions Increase Efficiency Reduce Costs and Support Sustainable Living

Modern homes are increasingly incorporating smart technologies to improve comfort and energy efficiency. Climate solutions designed for home environments allow homeowners to control temperature, humidity, and air quality more effectively than traditional systems. By integrating intelligent sensors, automated schedules, and remote control capabilities, these solutions provide a level of convenience that aligns with contemporary lifestyles. This combination of control and adaptability ensures that indoor spaces remain comfortable throughout the day without unnecessary energy expenditure.

Investments in home climate technologies often extend beyond mere comfort. They create opportunities to monitor energy usage and optimize system performance, reducing waste and promoting sustainable living. Homeowners can analyze usage patterns, identify inefficiencies, and adjust settings to minimize energy consumption. These advantages make modern climate solutions both practical and environmentally responsible for those seeking smarter ways to manage their living spaces.

How HVAC Companies Enhance Home Systems

Homeowners often rely on specialized service providers to install and maintain advanced climate technologies. According to www.airmasterspro.com, a professional HVAC company ensures that systems operate efficiently and safely, adapting configurations to each home’s specific layout and energy requirements. By leveraging expert knowledge, homeowners can prevent costly repairs, reduce downtime, and maximize the effectiveness of their investment in climate management technology. Professional support also guarantees that controls, thermostats, and sensors function cohesively to maintain optimal performance.

Maintenance and troubleshooting are another essential component offered by a skilled HVAC company. These services include routine inspections, filter replacements, and performance diagnostics to detect potential issues before they escalate. Regular attention from trained technicians can extend the lifespan of home climate systems, improve energy efficiency, and maintain healthy air quality. Such expertise provides peace of mind to homeowners who rely on seamless operation in their everyday living environment.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Reduction Benefits

Energy efficiency is a core advantage of modern climate solutions. By automatically regulating heating and cooling based on occupancy, weather conditions, and usage patterns, smart systems prevent unnecessary energy consumption. Homes equipped with these technologies often see noticeable reductions in utility bills while maintaining comfort levels. These systems adapt to seasonal changes, ensuring that energy use is optimized year-round without requiring constant manual adjustments from homeowners.

Cost reduction extends beyond energy bills. Well-maintained climate systems reduce the likelihood of expensive emergency repairs and prolong the lifespan of key components. Additionally, some homeowners may qualify for incentives or rebates when installing energy-efficient equipment. These financial benefits, combined with reduced consumption, create a compelling case for adopting advanced home climate solutions, making them both economically and environmentally advantageous.

Health and Comfort Advantages in Residential Spaces

Maintaining proper indoor air quality is crucial for family health and overall comfort. Smart climate solutions monitor humidity, temperature, and air circulation to prevent conditions conducive to mold growth, allergens, and discomfort. By keeping indoor environments balanced, these systems can help reduce respiratory issues and improve sleep quality for residents. Comfort is further enhanced through personalized settings that adapt to different rooms and individual preferences.

A consistent and healthy indoor environment also reduces stress on the home’s infrastructure. Preventing extreme temperature fluctuations and managing humidity levels can protect furniture, flooring, and other sensitive materials. This combination of health benefits and property protection underscores the importance of integrating intelligent climate solutions into modern homes. Homeowners gain both tangible comfort and long-term advantages for their living spaces.

Sustainability and Long-Term Advantages

Adopting smart climate technologies contributes to sustainable living by lowering energy usage and reducing environmental impact. Efficient systems require less electricity and minimize greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional heating and cooling methods. Homeowners who prioritize energy-conscious solutions support broader environmental goals while also enjoying the economic benefits associated with reduced energy consumption.

Long-term advantages also include adaptability to future technologies. Homes equipped with advanced climate solutions can integrate seamlessly with other smart home devices, such as energy storage systems, solar panels, or automated lighting. This compatibility ensures that investments remain relevant as technology evolves, providing both immediate efficiency and long-term resilience. The combination of sustainability, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness makes smart home climate solutions an essential consideration for forward-thinking homeowners.

Adding a third paragraph highlights how these solutions support broader environmental commitments and community standards. By choosing energy-efficient systems, homeowners contribute to regional energy conservation goals and reduce the strain on public utilities. This proactive approach aligns individual practices with larger sustainability efforts, demonstrating a responsible and forward-thinking approach to residential living.

Embracing Intelligent Climate Control for the Modern Home

The growing popularity of intelligent home climate solutions reflects a desire for greater control, efficiency, and sustainability. These systems provide homeowners with the ability to optimize comfort, reduce expenses, and support environmental responsibility. By incorporating advanced sensors, automated scheduling, and professional support from an HVAC company, modern homes can maintain ideal indoor conditions with minimal effort.

Ultimately, investing in smart climate technologies ensures that homes are prepared to meet the demands of contemporary living. Residents can enjoy improved air quality, consistent comfort, and reduced energy consumption, all while protecting their property and supporting sustainable practices. The integration of intelligent climate solutions transforms homes into efficient, adaptable, and healthier environments for everyone who lives there.

The added paragraph emphasizes how adopting these technologies increases property value and encourages community-wide adoption of sustainable practices. Smart home climate solutions demonstrate a commitment to efficient living, inspiring neighbors and local communities to consider similar upgrades. This creates a ripple effect of improved energy management and sustainability throughout neighborhoods, making the benefits of intelligent climate control extend beyond individual homes.

 

Eighteen Events Announced for Dublin City’s Local Enterprise Week 2026

Small businesses and budding entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to sample 18 events aimed at helping them to start or grow their business as part of this year’s Local Enterprise Week in Dublin City. The initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices, supported by Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities, takes place from the 2nd to the 7th of March this year across the country.

While there are hundreds of events taking place nationally during the week, there are plenty of events in Dublin City open to all. These events will focus on helping small businesses or anyone just looking to get started on their business journey to plan, start, sustain and grow.  From AI and Green regulations to Food and Finance workshops there will be something for every type of business across the week.

Each of the 31 Local Enterprise Offices will be running a full programme of events in their area that will cover a variety of topics relevant to small businesses and those starting up.  The events are open to all, from budding entrepreneurs to established businesses and offers the opportunity to get expert advice on key areas of business from raising funds, improving your online presence, the benefits of AI, to how to make your business more productive and save money.

Warren Cray, Head of Enterprise, Dublin City Council said on the upcoming events: 

“Local Enterprise Week is the highlight of the year for us at LEO Dublin City. It’s a real opportunity for businesses to step back and look at where they can grow, innovate, or perhaps become more sustainable — and to discover what support is right on their doorstep. Whether you’re running an established business or you’ve been sitting on an idea and wondering where to start, this is the week to do something about it. I’d encourage anyone with even a passing interest to come along, you might be surprised at what’s possible.”

The Local Enterprise Offices located in the local authorities and funded through Enterprise Ireland support thousands of small Irish businesses and entrepreneurs nationwide.  Since their establishment in 2014 they have been for the first stop for entrepreneurs and small businesses and providing a range of supports including funding, mentoring, training and sector specific expertise to help guide businesses at any stage of their development.

They also run key initiatives to foster entrepreneurship across the country including Local Enterprise Week, National Women’s Enterprise Day, the Student Enterprise Programme and the National Enterprise Awards.  The Local Enterprise Offices are also running a campaign encouraging small businesses to save time money and energy by availing of their competitiveness and productivity supports including Green, Lean and Digital for Business. www.AllInADaysWork.ie

For more information on the Local Enterprise Offices go to www.LocalEnterprise.ie

Details for all the events taking place across the country during Local Enterprise Week, from March 2nd to 7th March, are available at www.LocalEnterprise.ie/Week

For the Full List of Dublin City Events: Local Enterprise Week Dublin City Events 2026.

Shopify Reviews Setup Guide: Everything You Need for 2026

Reviews from customers are the heartbeat for every successful online shop. They help build trust, increase sales and boost your rankings on search engines. Indeed, research shows 90% of shoppers look up reviews before they make a purchase. If your Shopify store doesn’t display reviews from customers it’s not making enough money.

This Shopify review app setup article will walk you through the essential information you should be aware of when setting up customer reviews on Shopify by 2026. This includes picking the appropriate application and optimizing your review display to maximize conversions.

No Reviews, No Sales. It’s Really That Simple for Shopify Stores.

Before starting this Shopify product review setup tutorial, it is important to comprehend what makes reviews worthy of your attention.

Reviews of products do more than fill in the blanks on your pages for products. They are endorsements by third parties that establish trust much superior to any writing for marketing. An authentic product page that includes reviews from customers feels honest and genuine, thus reducing the likelihood of purchasing at your online store.

The statistics aren’t flimsy. Reviews have higher conversion rates that those without. The research suggests that when an item reaches the 20-review mark, the chance of purchasing increases dramatically.

In the end, reviews can be an excellent source of information regarding your product and its customers. It will help you understand what people like as well as what they’d like to see something different, and occasionally find new ways to utilize your product.

Choosing the Right Review App for Your Store

Shopify has no built-in review system that is robust enough to support the modern world of e-commerce. Therefore, you’ll require a third party application. Shopify’s App Store Shopify App Store offers dozens of choices, each offering distinct features and prices.

  • Yotpo is a powerful platform that blends reviews with loyalty program or referrals as well as SMS marketing. It’s perfect for growing brands who require the most complete integration of their marketing channels. Yotpo is compatible to Google Seller Ratings and allows users to transfer reviews to platforms such as TikTok as well as Walmart.
  • Judge.me is widely thought to be the most value-for-money for money in the Shopify review area. The “forever free” plan includes unlimited review requests, photo reviews and other essential functions that a lot of apps require. It’s great for SEO since it offers large snippets of content right from the beginning and helps your stars show up on Google results.
  • Loox is the leader in the field in video and photo reviews. It automatically sends emails to offer clients a discount on their next purchase, in exchange for their photo review. It creates a continuous flow of visual user-generated content that makes the pages of your products appear more lively.
  • Okendo provides a wide range of customization options and the capability to record particular product features such as “Fit: True to Size.” It seamlessly integrates with marketing software for email, such as Klaviyo which makes it the preferred choice of well-established, fast-growing brands.
  • Vitals is a full-featured app that offers reviews, packages for upsells, countdown times as well as visitor record tools. Vitals is a great choice if you’re trying to integrate several functions in one application.

Following this Shopify product review setup tutorial, if you are choosing an application, be sure to consider the cost, whether you require photo or video reviews, and what SEO capabilities are important for your company. The majority of apps have free trials and you are able to try several before you decide.

Step-by-Step: Installing and Setting Up Your Review App

During Shopify review app setup, when you’ve picked one of the apps, the configuration procedure is simple. This is the case with Judge.me as an illustration since it’s among the most well-known options; however, the process is identical for the majority of review apps.

Step 1: Install the App

In the Shopify administrator, click the Apps section and select Shopify App Store. Find the app you want to install and click “Install.” Follow the steps to allow the app, and then connect the app to your account.

Step 2: Configure Basic Settings

Once you’ve installed the app, you’ll be directed to the application’s dashboard. Make sure you’ve configured the basic features:

  • Choose your voice for branding and moderating preferences. It is possible to publish each review manually, edit them or even use an approach that is hybrid.
  • Choose who is eligible to write reviews. It is usually a matter of all email addresses, verified purchasers only, or customers who have the status of loyalty.

You can enable uploads for video or photos in order to gather evidence of social media through visuals.

Step 3: Create Automated Review Requests

One of the greatest advantages of the app is its ability to automate. Create email sequences which will automatically solicit reviews once the customers have received their order.

  • Access the app’s email or automated settings. Create your email request for a review template to ensure it’s professional and personal.
  • Choose the time If you are purchasing physical items, make the initial inquiry 7-14 days after delivery. Digital products should be sent 24-48 hours after purchase is acceptable.

Think about sending out a reminder to customers who do not answer the initial request. If your app is compatible with SMS, think about the possibility of a follow-up via SMS. SMS messages are open at over 90%. They could significantly increase response rates.

Step 4: Add the Review Widget to Your Product Pages

It is now time to show reviews so that customers are able to see the reviews.

  • Click on Online Store > Themes and select “Customize” on your current theme. Within the theme editor choose the default product and products from the dropdown menu at the top.
  • Select “Add section” or “Add block.” Find your review application’s widget. It may be referred to as “Review Widget,” “Star Rating,” or some similar.

The widget can be dropped onto the location you prefer. The ideal location is typically beneath the title of the item or next to”Add to Cart” button “Add to Cart” button. Click “Save.”

Step 5: Test Everything

Before you call the setup to complete testing the complete procedure. Create a test purchase, and ensure that you have received an email with a request to review when it is scheduled. 

Review your purchase by attaching a photograph and confirm that the review is displayed on the page of your product and appears good on both desktop as well as mobile.

Best Practices for Collecting More Reviews

Setting up a review software is only the first step. To ensure a constant flow of new reviews requires a continuous approach to collecting.

  • The timing is crucial. Review requests are made too quickly and people haven’t made up their minds. If you request too late, the customer has changed their minds. Most physical goods, 7-14 days after delivery is the ideal time.
  • The process of reviewing should be as easy as it can get. Make use of one-click hyperlinks in your emails, which take users straight to an easy online form. Upload photos and videos straight from mobiles without accounts to be created.
  • Rewards can greatly boost review completion rate. But, it’s important to design them in a way that is appropriate. Provide rewards for authentic review, not just favorable reviews. You will be in compliance to FTC guidelines as well as ensuring credibility.

Common Setup Issues and Fixes

  • Even after careful configuration issues can still develop. If you see star ratings on the product page but they aren’t on the collection page it is likely that you have to add the star rating block into your template collection.
  • Review widgets are sometimes cause slowdowns on your website. Select applications that are known for their light code, and make lazy loading available for review widgets, and check your website’s speed prior to and after the installation.
  • If multiple applications are using review schema, Google might get confused. Make use of browser developer tools to check the origin of your site and verify that there is only one schema markup is in place.
  • If you’ve imported your reviews from a different site and you’re not seeing them ensure that the handles or SKUs you’ve added to your import files match with the ones in the store you have created. Shopify store.

Conclusion

The ability to add product reviews to your Shopify shop is among the most profitable investments you could invest in. Reviews help build trust, improve conversions, boost SEO and offer valuable customer insight. 

If you follow this shopify product review setup tutorial it is possible to select the best app, set it up correctly, and create collections workflows to keep the freshest social proof flowing on the pages of your products.

When performing your Shopify review app setup, begin by choosing an application which meets your requirements and budget. Install it, set your settings, and add widgets on your product pages, then create automated review requests.

Next, you should focus on gathering more reviews by using clever timing, simple methods, and intelligent rewards. Make sure you take control of your reviews through responding to feedback and using the data to optimize your products and your marketing.

 

Willis, Kayna and Belfry Partner to Simplify Insurance Access for Security Providers

Willis, a WTW business is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Belfry, a modern platform for physical security providers, to launch a digital insurance program tailored for Belfry customers. The program pairs Willis’ insurance expertise with Irish award-winning Kayna insurance technology to deliver data-led, streamlined insurance solutions.

Belfry, a US-based vertical SaaS platform, streamlines security management in an all-in-one software that manages scheduling, timekeeping, payroll, and billing for security companies;

Kayna, Willis’ embedded insurance infrastructure partner, enables the distribution of Willis’ security services insurance to Belfry customers by integrating a seamless insurance portal directly within the Belfry platform. The InsurTech will leverage real-time data to pre-fill forms and support quoting, saving users time and simplifying the procurement process;

Willis’ Affinity model pairs well with Belfry’s platform by delivering tailored insurance solutions that meet the specific needs of security providers.

Belfry’s innovative platform transforms the complex needs of security businesses into a single solution that improves back-office efficiency, enhances employee experiences, and supports exceptional customer service. Through the integration of Kayna technology, which enables Willis-brokered insurance distribution, the partnership strengthens Belfry’s model by leveraging Willis’ global insurance expertise to create a seamless way for security operators to access tailored coverage directly within the Belfry platform.

With insurance being one of the most significant pain points and expenses for security firms, this integration offers timely quotes to address coverage gaps, potential premium savings, and reduced audit risk through pay-as-you-go insurance. The solution removes friction from the insurance procurement process, allowing security operators to stay focused on their work with the confidence that their coverage is comprehensive, timely, and aligned with their operational needs.

“As part of our strategy to deliver tech-enabled insurance solutions, we’re excited to partner with Belfry to embed coverage seamlessly into the security operator journey,” said Paul Lubbers, Head of US Affinity at Willis. “Together, we aim to accelerate quoting and minimize premium audit risk, both of which are critical pain points and areas for improvements in the security industry. Together with Kayna, we are committed to support the success of Belfry customers by making it easier than ever to secure the right insurance coverage with minimal hassle so physical security operators can focus on their job with confidence.”

Jordan Wallach, Co-Founder & CEO of Belfry, commented, “At Belfry, we’re developing a truly all-in-one platform for security operators – one that brings every essential function together in a seamless, intuitive experience. Partnering with Willis and Kayna strengthens that vision by embedding expert resources directly into our platform, helping operators focus less on administrative complexity and more on delivering outstanding service.”

Paul Prendergast, Co-Founder & CEO of Kayna concluded, “Backed by decades of Willis experience and expertise in underwriting and claims management, Belfry is taking an industry lead on delivering data-driven insurance and market choice for their platform customers. This is a winning formula for a great partnership and one that I’m delighted to see powered by Kayna technology.”