Category: Business

From Reach to Real Impact: 7 Smart Social Media Strategies for Growing Brands

In today’s digital world, social media is at the heart of brand engagement. It is no longer merely a medium related to visibility; it is an important vehicle for building identity, trust, and engagement with an audience. All interactions, posts, and comments contribute to brand perception and impact purchasing decisions. Brands that want to persistently grow must do more than look at vanity metrics—likes and shares—to create real engagement that resonates emotionally and intellectually. Expert branding consultancy services drive this process, assisting organizations with creating and sustaining an online presence aligned with their values and audiences’ preferences. Building from reach to real impact requires a thoughtful approach to an authentic narrative that promotes connection, relevance, and purpose.

7 Smart Social Media Strategies for Growing Brands

1. Harnessing Cultural Insights to Create Deeper Connections

Identifying audiences requires more than simply demographic analysis; it requires an understanding of the culture in which the audience inhabits. Utilizing cultural insights equips brands to engage in the social conversations tied to the audience and reflect their values and trends that matter to them. When brands engage with their audience’s beliefs and cultures, it creates authenticity that cannot be bought and manufactured through paid campaigns. Recognizing and celebrating community moments, tying into relevant conversations, or highlighting regional influences places the brand in a comfortable, relatable, human pillar rather than the traditional corporate voice.

2. Developing a Consistent and Distinct Brand Voice

Each post, comment, or caption plays a role, however big or small, in developing how a brand is perceived.  Being consistent with a tone (professional, conversational, funny, or inspirational) creates familiarity and builds trust. Visuals, language, and responses should all reinforce this voice across all platforms. If a tone is inconsistent, audiences can become confused, and the identity can be weakened.  When a style guide is built to outline the tone and imagery to use as the model for your voice, it ensures that every brand communication showcases the same essence, so the audience can recognize the brand in any format.

3. Prioritizing Storytelling Over Selling

Social media is all about storytelling—stories that inspire people by touching on emotion, value, and the personal side of a brand. Instead of promoting products constantly, the best stories are about journeys, struggles, and stories behind the success. Sharing a customer’s experience, a behind-the-scenes look at a service or product, and the people who work at your organization creates transparency and relatability. A better story ties back to the purpose we often refer to; that story goes further and sticks with the reader longer than one that is only about ‘selling’ and positions the brand as a brand that connects with people rather than simply an advertisement.

4. Embracing Data Analytics for Smarter Decision-Making

Numbers have their own stories to tell. Social media analytics provides insights into audience behavior, content performance, and engagement trends. By observing key metrics, such as engagement rates, demographic audiences, and sentiment, brands can determine how to optimize and adjust. Data helps turn strategy into information. Frequent analysis gives a brand the ability to be agile to shifts in trends while maintaining a consistent message.

5. Leveraging Influencer Partnerships Strategically

Influencers are still incredibly important in linking brands to communities. The right influencer partnership builds credibility, especially if the influencer aligns with brand values. Rather than counting up followers, for successful partnerships, we prioritize authenticity and audience trust. For example, micro-influencers often create more engagement due to their niche communities. As part of a larger marketing effort, brands can grow reach and maintain authentic connections with their audiences by leveraging influencer content.

6. Integrating Social Responsibility into Brand Messaging

Contemporary consumers expect brands to operate positively. Showing sustainability initiatives, community projects, or good ethical conduct earns trust and affinity from consumers. When a brand shares social media content that truly demonstrates a commitment—like a commitment to environmentally-friendly practices, or inclusivity, for example—it shows it is accountable in ways beyond profits. The more a brand provides transparency about its impact, the better it creates a positive reputation when trying to attract values-driven consumers who prefer to only engage with brands that make an impact.

7. Encouraging Two-Way Engagement and Community Building

Social media should not be a simple broadcast for only one party. Participating in the dialogue (replying to comments, resharing user posts, or hosting activities) fosters community and trust. Audiences enjoy being acknowledged and included. Polls, Q&As, and participation campaigns help convert a passive follower into an active contributor. Once people feel that they are all on the same journey together, they will advocate for your brand. The most powerful social presence does not dominate; it starts a conversation.

End Point

Sustainable growth on social media requires more than being seen. It is built on authenticity, connection, and adaptability. Combining creativity with data, empathy with analysis, and storytelling with responsibility can help brands create impact and improve their overall presence online. These seven strategies serve as a guide for growth that doesn’t go away, turning brands into members of their community, rather than a voice in the crowd. Real impact occurs when social media is more than a marketing tool, but a device driven by purpose.

PMI National Project Awards, in association with PwC, celebrate Lidl for first net zero energy supermarket

The Ireland Chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMI) announces the winners of this year’s PMI National Project Awards, in association with PwC. Among the winners was Lidl for its first net zero energy supermarket in Ireland.

The annual awards recognise the contribution and excellence of project management in Ireland, showcasing the best innovation and talent in the profession. This year, 10 awards were presented at the black-tie event hosted at PwC’s Dublin office on Thursday 6 November.

From a workforce management transformation project in the retail sector to a telehealth programme, the event celebrated a variety of projects across numerous industries and demonstrates the growing influence and success of project management in Ireland.

Lidl was celebrated in the special “Future of Work Excellence” category for Ireland’s first net zero energy supermarket. Based in Maynooth, the store is net zero in both operational and embodied carbon. Furthermore, the supermarket’s design promotes wellbeing and productivity among employees by incorporating natural light, landscaped surroundings and low noise systems. Electric vehicle chargers, bike racks, and e-bike stations have also been installed to promote sustainable commuting.

Other organisations that were successful on the night included Primark, ESB and the HSE. Individuals were also celebrated, including three under-35 changemakers. These were Rachel Bothwell of GP Practice Ally, Sainath Vasantha of Deloitte, and David Garry of KSN Project Management.

The full list of winners for 2025, chosen by an independent judging panel*, can be found below.

  • PMO of the Year – National Broadband Ireland.
  • Project Professional of the Year – Niamh McAuliffe, NMA Consulting Ltd.
  • Private Sector Project of the Year – Primark: Workforce management transformation “myTime”.
  • Public Sector Project of the Year – ESB: PI Vision: Unlocking data, empowering decisions, transforming ESB.
  • Project Management for Social Good – AquaB Nanobubble Innovations Ltd: Nanobubble technology lifecycle project.
  • Under-35 Changemakers of the Year – Rachel Bothwell (GP Practice Ally), David Garry (KSN Project Management), and Sainath Vasantha (Deloitte).
  • eHealth Project of the Year – HSE: Community and primary care telehealth programme.
  • Special category: “Future of Work Excellence” – Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland: Lidl Zero Maynooth Store.
  • Special category: “2025 awards submission most compliant with the 17 x UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” – AquaB Nanobubble Innovations Ltd: Nanobubble technology lifecycle project.
  • Ireland Chapter of the PMI Volunteer of the Year – Mariana Zanivan.

Speaking about the awards, Peter Glynne, President of the Ireland Chapter of the PMI, said: “The project profession in Ireland seems to go from strength to strength every year. This year was no different, with the quality and creativity of projects pushing the boundaries in terms of ambition and innovation. Not only that but these initiatives and individuals are driving real impact both within organisations and for society as a whole.”

John Dwyer, Partner in PwC Ireland, added: “As the landscape of business and work continues to evolve, project professionals are at the forefront, driving innovation and technology-led transformation across Irish and international organisations to prepare for the future. Both the Ireland Chapter of the PMI and PwC are deeply committed to the transformation agenda, and we at PwC are delighted to again be the headline sponsor of the Awards this year and support two specific awards – the Future of Work Excellence Award and the eHealth Project of the Year. This sponsorship highlights our dedication to advancing project management through a complex and fast-changing environment with resilience and optimism, to ensure that we are fit for the future. We commend each and every one of the finalists and a huge congratulations to the winners.”

Innovative Mica Insulation Solutions | Axim Mica

In a world powered by technology and precision, the importance of reliable insulation materials cannot be overstated. Axim Mica stands as North America’s only ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturer and supplier of mica-based insulation products recognized for its innovation, quality, and customer-first approach. For over a decade, the company has led the industry with solutions that empower high-performance applications across some of the most demanding sectors in the world.

Axim Mica’s mica insulation materials are engineered to meet the needs of industries where reliability, safety, and efficiency are non-negotiable. From advanced aerospace systems to cutting-edge electric vehicles, Axim’s expertise ensures optimal performance where it matters most.

The Legacy of Innovation and Quality

Axim Mica’s journey is defined by its dedication to excellence. For 12 years, the company has been continuously certified under ISO 9001:2015 a distinction that reflects its consistent commitment to world-class manufacturing standards. This certification isn’t just a label; it represents the company’s promise of quality, reliability, and accountability in every product it delivers.

The company’s approach goes beyond merely supplying mica insulation; it redefines how these materials are designed, produced, and integrated. By combining traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, Axim Mica ensures every product delivers superior thermal and electrical insulation performance, even under the harshest conditions.

Every partnership begins with a simple goal: understanding the customer’s specific challenges and engineering insulation solutions that deliver lasting value.

Elevating Performance in Aerospace Applications

The aerospace industry demands materials that can withstand extreme environments, intense heat, vibration, and stress. Mica insulation plays a critical role in ensuring aircraft systems operate safely and efficiently under these conditions. Axim Mica’s precision-engineered materials provide exceptional dielectric strength and thermal resistance, making them a trusted choice for aerospace components.

From turbine insulation to engine wiring protection, the company’s mica-based products ensure aircraft reliability at every altitude. More importantly, Axim’s technical expertise allows it to customize solutions for aerospace manufacturers who require precision and performance without compromise.

Innovation isn’t just about creating new products, it’s about anticipating the evolving needs of industries like aerospace and delivering insulation solutions that meet tomorrow’s challenges today.

Driving Efficiency in the Automotive Industry

The global shift toward sustainability has transformed the automotive industry, making high-performance insulation more important than ever. As vehicles become more electrified and intelligent, the demand for efficient thermal and electrical management systems continues to grow.

Axim Mica’s materials are designed to meet these modern automotive challenges head-on. Whether used in braking systems, electrical insulation, or heat shielding, mica provides exceptional resistance to temperature and voltage fluctuations. The result is enhanced vehicle safety, improved component lifespan, and greater energy efficiency.

The company’s ability to collaborate directly with automotive engineers ensures that its mica insulation products integrate seamlessly into new designs, supporting innovation across conventional and emerging vehicle technologies.

Powering the Electric Vehicle Revolution

Few industries are evolving as rapidly as the electric vehicle (EV) sector, where innovation meets environmental responsibility. Axim Mica is playing a vital role in supporting this revolution by supplying mica-based insulation solutions that enhance the safety and reliability of EV batteries, motors, and power systems.

Mica’s natural properties make it ideal for thermal and electrical insulation in EV components, protecting them from overheating and electrical failure. Axim’s advanced mica laminates and sheets are engineered to handle the high voltages and temperatures typical of EV powertrains ensuring stable performance and safety for drivers and manufacturers alike.

As global demand for electric mobility grows, Axim continues to innovate in this space, helping manufacturers build the next generation of sustainable vehicles.

Supporting the Foundry and Steel Industries

In heavy industrial sectors like foundry and steel, insulation must withstand some of the most extreme conditions imaginable. High heat, constant exposure to molten metals, and demanding mechanical processes require materials that offer unparalleled thermal endurance and structural integrity.

Axim Mica’s insulation products are trusted in foundries and steel plants worldwide for their durability and resilience. From furnace linings to heat shields and electrical insulation components, these mica-based materials help optimize energy efficiency and equipment longevity.

What sets Axim apart is its hands-on approach to problem-solving. The company doesn’t just deliver products it partners with engineers and operators to provide tailored insulation solutions that improve safety, minimize downtime, and reduce operational costs.

A Team Driven by Expertise and Integrity

Behind Axim Mica’s global success is a team of dedicated professionals engineers, materials specialists, and technical experts who bring decades of industry knowledge to every project. Many team members have worked directly in the industries Axim serves, giving them unique insight into the real-world challenges their clients face.

This insider expertise allows the company to provide practical, results-driven recommendations that go beyond generic solutions. Whether it’s optimizing a production process or improving insulation efficiency, Axim’s team approaches every task with precision and a deep understanding of the client’s needs.

It’s this personalized, collaborative philosophy that has made Axim Mica a trusted partner to manufacturers and engineers worldwide.

Innovation That Moves Industries Forward

At its core, Axim Mica is more than a materials manufacturer, it’s an innovation partner. The company invests continually in research and development to stay ahead of evolving industry standards and customer expectations. This commitment ensures that its mica insulation products not only meet current demands but also anticipate future applications across emerging technologies.

From aerospace breakthroughs to advancements in electric mobility and heavy industry, Axim’s insulation solutions are helping shape the future of engineering performance.
Please find relevant business stories here. 

A Trusted Partner for the Future

In an era where technology, efficiency, and sustainability intersect, Axim Mica remains a benchmark for quality and innovation. Its customer-driven approach, combined with a relentless pursuit of excellence, continues to set new standards for mica-based insulation manufacturing.

Choosing Axim Mica means choosing a partner that values precision, integrity, and long-term success. As industries continue to evolve, the company’s focus remains clear: to provide insulation solutions that empower innovation, enhance performance, and move the world forward one layer of mica at a time.

What Every Finance and Operations Manager Should Know About Digital Invoices and E-Invoicing

When you’re sitting in the board-room or reviewing the operations of your organisation, the term digital invoice should shift from being an “optional upgrade” to a “strategic must.” Below is a professional, clear walk-through designed for decision-makers, finance managers, operations heads, procurement leads, who are ready to bring their invoice processes into the 21st century.

What a digital invoice really means

A digital invoice is more than a PDF sent by email. It is an invoice created, sent, received, and processed in digital form. It is ideally integrated with your accounting or ERP systems, archival storage, and workflow approval. The key is that it replaces much of the manual handling of paper, and it reduces testing and sorting, and enhances visibility.

Meanwhile there is a closely-related term: electronic invoice (or e-invoice). That term refers typically to invoices with structured data, machine-readable formats (XML, EDI) that can be automated by the receiver’s system. 

In short: 

Every electronic invoice is a digital invoice, but not every digital invoice is a full e-invoice with structured automatic processing. 

Why you should care about digital invoice adoption

From the vantage of a senior manager, implementing digital invoices delivers real business value:

Cost savings in processing 

Traditional paper or manual invoices incur printing, postage, manual input, errors, and rework. Changing to digital invoice workflows can significantly reduce those costs. 

Faster cash-flow and payment cycles  

With digital invoices you can send, receive and begin processing immediately. This improves invoice turnaround, reduces late payments and improves visibility into payables/receivables. 

Improved accuracy and fewer exceptions  

When your invoice data comes in digital form, you reduce manual entry, mistakes, mismatches and disputes. That means fewer vendor queries, less time chasing issues. 

Auditability, compliance and visibility 

Invoices stored digitally can be searched, traced, and integrated with your systems. That supports audit trails and regulatory compliance more easily than paper invoices. 

Better supplier/customer relationships 

When you pay reliably, when your processing is efficient, your vendors are happier and your reputation improves. Digital invoice workflows contribute to that. 

Scalability and future-readiness  

As your business grows (volume, geographies, complexity), manual invoice processes become a bottleneck. Digital invoice systems scale more easily. 

How to approach implementation for organisations

Since you’re thinking with a strategic hat on, here are the steps and considerations:

  1. Review your current process: How many invoices/month? How many manual touches per invoice? What is the error/exception rate? Where are delays?

  2. Define your goals for digital invoice adoption: Do you want cost reduction, fewer errors, faster supplier payments, better control? Get measurable targets.

  3. Check system compatibility & data flows: The digital invoice solution must integrate with your ERP/AP system. Also check how your suppliers will submit invoices and the format required. 
  4. Decide the level of “digital-automation” you need: Are you simply going paperless (digital invoice as PDF + upload)? Or are you going full e-invoice (structured data, automated matching, real-time validation)? The decision impacts cost and benefit. 
  5. Prepare your stakeholders (vendors, team, IT): Your team will need training. Suppliers need to know how to send digital invoices. Define the workflows, approval channels, escalation paths.

  6. Pilot with a subset: Start with a manageable number of invoices/suppliers, test, refine, then scale.

  7. Track performance and refine: Measure invoice processing time, error rate, cost per invoice, supplier satisfaction. Use data to improve.

  8. Archive and compliance: Make sure your digital invoice system allows for secure storage, audit trail, retention policy, legal validity.

How the electronic invoice dimension adds value

When you move beyond digital invoice (i.e., upload of PDF) to full electronic invoice (structured, automated), you get deeper benefits:

  • Machine-readable fields, automatic matching of purchase orders, invoices, shipping receipts reduce human intervention. 
  • Real-time data for payables/receivables dashboards and better financial planning.

  • Reduced fraud risk, improved regulatory alignment (dependent on jurisdiction).
  • Higher level of integration with trading partners and business systems – less “manual hand-offs” between buyer/supplier operations.

Bottom line for your organisation

If I were advising a CFO or operations head: implementing a digital invoice framework is no longer “nice to have.” It’s fundamental. It saves time, saves money, increases capacity and cash flow of your finance department to engage in more value-add instead of paperwork. Going even deeper: by going all the way (structured data, automated workflows) you prepare to have a future in which invoice processing is, on the whole, touchless and in which your organisation is ready to scale and change regulation.

FAQs

How quickly will I see benefits after deploying digital invoice processing? 

You should expect to see improvements in processing time and cost within the first few months of a pilot. Depending on volume and team readiness, many organisations report full return on investment within 12-18 months. 

Will every supplier need to change how they send invoices if we adopt digital invoice workflows? 

Not necessarily all at once, but you’ll want a clear supplier ramp-up plan. Some suppliers may continue paper for a short transition period. For full benefit you’ll encourage them to shift to electronic formats as you scale.

Is a digital invoice the same as a paperless invoice? 

Mostly yes in terms of “no physical paper,” but not exactly. A paperless digital invoice may simply be a PDF scanned or an email attachment. A full digital invoice is integrated with your systems, and an electronic invoice (e-invoice) is even deeper, it uses structured data and automation.

 

Cyber Threats Could Force 1 in 4 SMEs to Shut Down After a Ransomware Attack

The latest Vodafone Business Cybersecurity Threat Report reveals a stark reality for Ireland’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), warning that 28% of businesses would be at risk of shutting down after just one ransomware attack, while 94% of Irish SMEs admit they feel unprepared to defend against advanced cyber threats.
With cyber criminals increasingly harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to launch faster, more convincing and more adaptive attacks, the report warns that no business is immune to risk.
AI: The Game-Changer in Cybercrime
The report highlights how AI is now being used to clone voices, impersonate trusted executives, and create highly realistic phishing campaigns, making it harder than ever for busy SMEs to spot malicious activity. These sophisticated identity hacks can lead to operational shutdowns, exposure of sensitive customer data, and long-term reputational damage to businesses.
The financial impact is expected to surge with cybercrime-related costs projected to rise by nearly 50% over the next three years as AI-driven attacks continue to evolve.
The report highlights the emergence of adaptive AI malware, a type of malicious software that can learn and adapt its tactics to evade detection. Traditional antivirus systems are becoming less effective against these shape-shifting threats, signalling a critical need for stronger, AI-enabled defences.
As Irish SMEs begin integrating AI tools into everyday operations, from automating customer service to analysing data, the research shows that 50% of small and mid-sized enterprises ranked cybersecurity among their top five priorities. However, 69% of SMEs admit they lack the proper cybersecurity measures to deploy these technologies safely. This gap is leaving many businesses exposed to new forms of cyberattacks.
However, Vodafone Ireland, connectivity and technology partner to six in ten Irish businesses, emphasises that there are practical steps SMEs can take to strengthen their cybersecurity, such as employee training, software updates, multi-factor authentication, regular backups, and partnering with expert providers for monitoring and threat detection. These measures can help businesses close gaps without requiring extensive IT expertise.
Speaking on the findings, Sinead Perry, Head of SMB Sales – Small & Medium Business at Vodafone Ireland, warned that no business is too small to be a target:
“The scale of AI-powered attacks means no business is too small or too remote to go unnoticed. If you’re online, you’re on the radar. For SMEs, the risk is real – they are big enough to be a target but often don’t have the same security resources as larger firms.”
“Attackers only need to succeed once, while your defences must work every time. Irish SMEs now face two major challenges: defending against AI-driven threats and ensuring their own use of AI is secure.”
“Today, SMEs manage more data than ever before and operate in a complex digital environment that rivals larger businesses. This makes them attractive targets, and with AI in the mix, this threat is evolving fast. SMEs must act now to strengthen their resilience and protect the future of their business. With 2.4 million customers in Ireland, Vodafone is a trusted connectivity and technology partner, uniquely positioned to support SMEs in navigating today’s cybersecurity challenges. This is why at Vodafone Ireland, we are working with leading global technology partners, like Google, Microsoft
and Zscaler, to help SMEs build stronger, smarter defences and protect the future of their businesses.”
The full Vodafone Business Cybersecurity Threat Report is available to download via the V-Hub knowledge centre: https://v-hub.vodafone.ie/knowledge-centre/how-to-defend-smes-from-rising-ai-driven-cyber-attacks.

How to Identify the Best Sustainability Courses for Business Leaders?

The need to be sustainable has never been as intense in the current fast moving business environment. Leaders understand that it is not only a moral but a strategic need to incorporate the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. The drivers of this change are the growing stakeholder demands, the regulation requirements, and the effects of the climate change and social inequality. The rate of change in this paradigm is fast leading to the need of specialized knowledge and skills in sustainable business practices.

ESG courses come in at this stage and provide a systematic way in which professionals can enrich their knowledge and improve their ability to effect positive change. However, with an increase in the number of offerings, how does a business leader with a keen sense of discernment identify the most sound sustainability courses that genuinely align with their career aspirations and organizational needs? This guide will explore key considerations all of which can assist you to navigate through the education landscape and make an informed choice that can launch your leadership in the sustainable age.

Understanding Your Needs and Goals

Before you find a sustainability course, you need to assess what you already know, what you want to achieve in your career and what concerns you in an organization. Specify the need or not of a simple understanding or technical expertise in areas like finance of renewable energy, circular economy responses, or sustainable supply chain control. The reason this is necessary is in order to assist in customizing your educational experience in a way that it may have maximum impact on your professional life and your organizations endeavors to be sustainable.

Take into account your status, such as executive, manager or future professional to distinguish between introductory courses, specialized certifications, and executive education courses. Such self-evaluation will assist in narrowing down, making sure that the course fits your particular needs.

Key Criteria for Evaluating Sustainability Courses

When you have quite a clear picture of your needs, you may start to assess the possible sustainability courses according to a number of important parameters. These are the requirements that will assist you in determining the quality and appropriateness of a program and therefore will give the best returns in terms of investment in terms of time and resource usage.

1. Curriculum Relevance and Depth

Review course syllabus. Find a curriculum that is both theoretically and practically balanced with a range of case studies and practical projects. As a leader, a course that explores strategic sustainability, risk management, stakeholder engagement and impact measurement are of special value.

2. Faculty Expertise and Industry Experience

Conduct an investigation on the faculty. Are they well-educated, experienced in the industry and with successful sustainability history? Their life experience may be invaluable.

3. Program Format and Flexibility

Bear in mind the format that most effectively fits your learning style and schedule: face-to-face, online, hybrid, self-paced, or cohort-based. Online courses are flexible, yet they offer enough possibilities in terms of communication.

4. Accreditation and Reputation

The reputation of the institution offering the same and accreditation by known organizations can lend a lot of weight. Search through testimonials, networks and industry reputation that can help determine the status of a program.

5. Networking Opportunities

The courses that provide strong networking with other business leaders, sustainability professionals and faculty can be incredibly useful. Such networks are capable of producing new knowledge, collaborations and employment.

6. Practical Application and Impact

Does the course focus on the practical tools, frameworks, and methods you can apply in your position immediately? Find programs where the participants are encouraged to come up with projects or strategies that can be implemented.

Types of Sustainability Courses for Business Leaders

To narrow your search further, it is useful to know the various types of sustainability courses they offer that are aligned to different learning outcomes and career levels:

1. Executive Education Programs

Targeted at top managers and executives, such programs usually provide a strategic perspective on sustainability, including bringing the factors of ESG into business strategy, risk management and corporate governance. They can be short, intensive and offered by the best business schools and they offer high-level information without a long-term academic commitment. Such programs are suitable to busy professionals who should get the strategic implications of sustainability fast.

2. Graduate Degrees and Certificates

To go a little further and gain a formal degree, one can choose MBA programs with a sustainability focus, a Master’s degree in Environmental Management, or a graduate certificate. They offer in-depth information in multiple areas of sustainability and are best suited to individuals in the field who intend to make a radical career shift towards full-time sustainability work or to enhance their professional competence to a new level. They tend to include intense academic research and study.

3. Online Courses and MOOCs

Online courses such as Coursera, edX and university-specific online courses are less rigid and can be less expensive. These may be basic courses that offer a basic knowledge to the highly specialized subjects which may enable you to study at your own speed. Some of them are self-paced, whereas others can have cohort-based learning, where the instructor interacts and learners collaborate with each other, as it offers a structured but flexible learning environment.

4. Professional Certifications

Professional accreditation in certain fields of sustainability, e.g., LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) of green building, or sustainable finance, are offered by multiple organizations. They are superb in showing specialized knowledge in a specific field and may make you have more credibility in certain areas of the industry. They frequently need to take an exam and may need further education.

5. Custom Corporate Training

Individual organizations have custom sustainability training programs available in many institutions and consulting firms. In case the company is interested in upskilling a group of people or solving certain sustainability issues that are specific to your industry, then a bespoke course can be developed to meet those specific requirements. The programs are offered locally or online and are very useful in creating a sense of collective comprehension and uniformity of approach to sustainability in an organization.

Emerging Trends in Sustainability Education

Sustainability is a dynamic discipline and education does capture the same. The important trends to consider during selection of course include:

1. ESG Integration and Reporting

The most important courses are those that concentrate on strong ESG integration in financial decision-making, performance measurement and transparent reporting. It is essential to learn such frameworks as SASB, GRI, TCFD.

2. Circular Economy Principles

Courses that provide practical strategies of introducing circularity in a business operation are very helpful.

3. Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience

Climate risk assessment, adaptation plans, and low-carbon transition plans education is on the rise.

4. Biodiversity and Nature-Based Solutions

Courses that delve into nature-based solutions, ecosystem services and how they can be incorporated in the business models are leading.

5. Digital Tools and Data Analytics

Find programs that include data analytics, AI, and blockchain use in sustainability management.

6. Social Equity and Just Transition

Holistic leadership requires courses that consider human rights, labor practices, community engagement, and a just transition to all the stakeholders.

Conclusion

Making a proper sustainability course choice is a landmark decision of every business leader who is interested in managing the intricacies of the contemporary economy and making a positive change. It is an investment in your personal development, as well as the future effectiveness and strength of your organization.

After critically analyzing your own needs, examining curriculum relevance, evaluating faculty competency, and program format and reputation, then you can be sure that you have chosen a program that gives you the knowledge and skills needed to become a leader in the sustainable age. Sustainability education is a multifaceted landscape with opportunities at all the levels of experience and aspiration. You are seeking to have a general knowledge base, become the specialist in a certain field, or bring the transformative change to the executive stage, you will find the course that will help you achieve your goals.

The knowledge you will acquire during such programs will enable you to incorporate the environment, social, and governance aspect in the main business strategies, which will promote innovation, reduce risks, and build long-term value to all the stakeholders. Finally, it is not only a matter of compliance or reputation when investing in high-quality Sustainability courses; it is a matter of creating a more sustainable, fair, and successful future of your business and the world.

Maxol announces online delivery service & American style conveyor car wash

The Maxol Group today announced the launch of a new, freshly prepared  meal delivery service, designed to support the growing evening economy.  The latest tech-driven innovation will initially be trialled at three Maxol locations, Donabate, Ardbrae, and Longmile Road. It’s a significant development that will see Maxol evolving its fresh food offering,  meeting changing consumer lifestyle trends through smarter, more connected retail experiences for every time of day.

Using a leading delivery aggregator to fulfil orders, Maxol has signed an exclusive 18-month deal with restaurant platform, Noahs to digitise meal solutions that can be ordered online alongside some of the forecourt convenience retailers’ most popular convenience grocery lines.

Noahs will provide Maxol with leading chefs to advise on new menus,  assist in the design of kitchens and provide comprehensive operating systems to offer a best-in-class solution available from a phone app, online or instore using touch screens.  “We already offer an extensive range of freshly made meal solutions, but this takes our offering to a whole new level and potentially, to a whole new set of customers,” said Brian Donaldson, CEO Maxol. “Our fresh food offering is primarily focused on breakfast through to lunchtime but starting 2026, customers can enjoy cooked-to-order, high quality meals such as pizza, Mexican bowls, burgers and much more, that will be delivered straight to their door.”  This move underscores Maxol’s transformation into a leading convenience food retailer, with non-fuel sales accounting for around 40% the company’s gross profit.

Car Wash – critical to success of the business

With an estimated 784k cars passing through a Maxol car wash in 2025, Maxol is taking steps to redefine what it means to deliver for customers beyond fuel. Car wash has become a critical and growing part of the operation, with Brian Donaldson explaining that it is a core service that strengthens customer loyalty and reputation, while driving repeat visits. Recognising the evolving expectations of motorists, Maxol is rolling out an American-style conveyor car wash technology representing a major leap forward in speed, quality, and customer experience.  This innovative car wash system is already operational at two Maxol stations in Dublin, following the company’s acquisition of sites in Spawell and Coolquay earlier this year.

Planning applications for the conveyor car wash system that combines advanced automation with precision will be lodged shortly for five of Maxol’s existing sites in Limerick, Cork, Dublin, Belfast and Derry.

Looking ahead, 2026 will further mark the next stage of Maxol’s innovation journey with the planned launch of a car wash subscription model, giving customers unlimited access for a simple monthly fee. This approach not only delivers convenience and value for drivers but eliminates individual payments and will offer access to even more loyalty rewards through the Maxol loyalty app. Car wash is one of a number of areas where Maxol is setting new benchmarks for service and innovation within the forecourt sector and Brian Donaldson said: “This expansion underscores our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction and I believe this will help position Maxol at the forefront of the next generation of forecourt retailing.”

40 new jobs: Aiven chooses Cork as location of EMEA Hub

Cloud Infrastructure leader Aiven has selected Cork City as the location of its EMEA hub for Go to Market expansion. This expansion is expected to create 40 jobs over the next three years.

Aiven’s GTM Expansion hub will see the creation of a new Inside Sales organisation with supporting engineering and operational supporting functions which will be focused on driving growth of Aiven’s open-source core services.

Aiven’s decision to expand its Cork operations with a focus on hiring sales professionals will create new, high-quality career opportunities in the region. These roles provide local talent with a pathway to grow in the global technology sector, while strengthening Cork’s position as a thriving hub for commercial and technological excellence.

Established in Helsinki in 2016, Aiven operates in the managed open-source data infrastructure sector, delivering fully managed services for widely used open-source technologies  and employs more than 400 people across 11 office locations and multiple remote locations globally.

This project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

Minister for Enterprise Tourism & Employment Peter Burke said: “Aiven’s decision to establish its EMEA Go to Market hub in Cork is a strong endorsement of Ireland’s reputation as a leading destination for global technology investment. The creation of 40 high-quality jobs over the next three years will provide exciting opportunities for skilled professionals in the region and further strengthen Cork’s position as a centre of innovation and commercial excellence. I welcome Aiven’s continued commitment to Ireland and look forward to seeing the positive impact of this expansion.”

Aiven is currently hiring across several business areas.  To explore opportunities, visit Careers at Aiven | Join our amazing team today!

Conor Forde, Senior Vice President, Aiven, said  “2025 has already been a milestone year for Aiven as we’ve crossed the $100M ARR (annual recurring revenue) mark. To support our next phase of growth, we’ve rethought how we scale our go to market efforts, and this expansion is the next step forward. Cork stood out as the clear choice for Aiven’s expansion due to its exceptional availability of high-skilled talent and its vibrant, open, and diverse labour market, which are essential to fuelling our next phase of growth and innovation.”

IDA CEO Michael Lohan said:  “Aiven’s decision to establish its EMEA Go to Market hub in Cork is a strong endorsement of the South West region’s reputation as a centre of innovation and excellence. This investment not only brings new employment opportunities; it also affirms the South West’s position as a leading destination for global technology companies seeking to scale and thrive. IDA Ireland looks forward to supporting Aiven as they continue to grow and contribute to Ireland’s dynamic tech ecosystem.” 

Lidl Wins Top Award at the Inaugural Repak Resource Awards

Lidl has been announced as the winner of the prestigious Overall Repak Resource Award at the Repak Resource Awards 2025, Ireland’s National Environmental Awards. The event held at The Shelbourne Hotel, brought together leaders from across Ireland’s business, environmental, and community sectors to celebrate the positive impact of environmental initiatives all across Ireland.
The Repak Resource Awards, formerly known as the Pakman Awards, are Ireland’s National Environmental Awards and recognise exceptional achievements in waste prevention, recycling, reuse, circular design, and community-led environmental initiatives.
Lidl was honoured with the top award, Overall Repak Resource Award, for its leadership and impact in advancing Ireland’s recycling and circular economy goals. Each category winner is eligible for the Overall Repak Resource Award, which celebrates outstanding achievements in recycling, waste management, innovation, and grassroots environmental action.
Lidl was also the recipient of the Best Deposit Return Initiative Award, acknowledging its pioneering role in supporting and implementing Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS). Lidl committed to an early investment of €50 million for deposit return and implemented a customer-first rollout, featuring two reverse vending machines per store.
The retailer’s innovations, including bulk deposit return machines, efficient backhauling, and the integration of charity donations, have set new standards in sustainable retail operations. To date, more than 300 million containers have been returned through Lidl’s scheme, marking a major milestone in Ireland’s circular economy journey.
Lidl’s achievement reflects the spirit of ‘resource’, showcasing how businesses can innovate, lead, and inspire change through practical sustainability in action. Their success, alongside the 12 other category winners, highlights how Irish organisations are rethinking how resources are used, reused, and valued. From community-led initiatives to circular design breakthroughs, this year’s winners demonstrate the creativity and leadership driving Ireland’s transition to a more resource-conscious future.
The Repak Resource Awards introduced two new categories this year, the Circular Community Award, and the Circular Design Award, celebrating the innovation and impact of communities and designers driving Ireland’s transition to a circular economy.
FoodCloud were awarded the Circular Community Award for tackling food waste and insecurity by redistributing surplus food and educating communities, and by building a nationwide network of community-led food-sharing initiatives grounded in circular economy principles.
Other category winners included KWD Recycling, Killarney, who were awarded the Waste Recovery Operator and Facility Award. One of Ireland’s largest family-owned recycling groups, KWD Recycling have invested in a new Killarney facility to recover recyclables from general waste, diverting over 10% of plastics and 50% of organics from disposal.
The Regional Waste Management Planning Offices were awarded the Environmental Education and Community Initiative Award, for their national campaign which reached over 822,000 people, promoting better waste segregation through research-led messaging, gamification, PR, and ambassador Donal Skehan.
Minister Alan Dillon, Minister for State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment with special responsibility for the Circular Economy commented: “Congratulations to all of this evening’s finalists and winners. Your achievements are a powerful reminder that innovation and the drive to do things better are thriving across every sector of society.
The work you do is paving the way for a more circular economy, delivering lasting benefits for our communities, our businesses, and our environment.”
Speaking at the 2025 Repak Resource Awards ceremony, Repak CEO, Zoe Kavanagh said: “We are delighted to celebrate this year’s award winners and to recognise the extraordinary efforts of businesses, organisations, and communities nationwide.
The standard of entrants, finalists, and winners was truly exceptional, reflecting best practice recycling, waste management, circular design, and grassroots environmental action.
I would like to thank our sponsors for their support and extend my congratulations to all our winners, especially the Overall Repak Resource Award for 2025, Lidl, for their exceptional leadership in environmental sustainability.”
The complete list of winners for the Repak Resource Awards 2025 includes:
·        Battery and WEEE Champion Award – Castletroy College, Limerick
·        Best Deposit Return Initiative Award – Lidl Ireland
·                       Best Single-Use Plastic Initiative Award – Glenpatrick Spring Water Ltd & Kilkenny Nutritional Ltd
·        Business Recycling Champion Award – Boots Ireland
·                       Circular Community Award – FoodCloud
·                       Circular Design Award – An Post
·        Environmental Education and Community Initiative Award – Regional Waste Management Planning Offices
·        ESG Leader Award – Jason Carolan, from Aldi Ireland
·        Innovation in Waste Resource Products or Services Award – Flamers Ltd, Mullingar
·        Tyre Champion Award – Addible Ltd
·                      Waste Recovery Operator and Facility Award – KWD Recycling, Killarney
·                     Waste Prevention Award – Rebox
The 2025 Repak Resource Awards are proudly sponsored by AMCS, Circol ELT, Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, DNV, Environmental Protection Agency, European Recycling Platform, Irish Waste Management Association (IWMA), Local Authorities of Ireland, Panda, Repak Re-turn, and WEEE Ireland.
For more information, visit https://repak.ie/resource-awards