Enterprise Ireland Approves Over €55 Million in Funding to Drive Decarbonisation in Irish Businesses

Enterprise Ireland (EI) has approved over €55 million in funding to support the decarbonisation of Irish businesses. Approved under the Environmental Aid scheme and EI’s Green Transition Fund, the funding has benefited more than 400 Irish companies since June 2022, reducing CO2 emissions by an estimated 130,000 tonnes. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment also allocated a further €300 million in June this year under the Environmental Aid scheme to support EI’s broader commitment to advancing sustainable growth among Irish companies.

These figures were announced as more than 500 industry leaders, policymakers, and sustainability experts attend Enterprise Ireland’s inaugural Sustainable Enterprise Summit, which is taking place today, 5 November, in the Dublin Royal Convention Centre in Dublin 8.

Ireland’s commitment to reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and a 51% reduction by 2030, requires decisive action within the enterprise sector, with a 35% reduction in on-site industrial emissions required by 2030.

EI client companies that qualify as large industrial emitters (those regulated by the EU Emissions Trading System – “EU ETS”) have already made significant reductions, with support from this funding. Since 2021, these companies have reduced emissions by 13%, which indicates good progress towards the 2030 target.

The inaugural Sustainable Enterprise Summit marks a significant step forward in supporting Irish businesses to meet national climate targets and transition to a sustainable future. The summit will spotlight how Irish companies can integrate sustainability into their core strategies, thereby enhancing competitiveness while addressing the global demand for greener, climate-resilient products and services.

Jenny Melia, Executive Director of Enterprise Ireland, said: “With over €55 million in funding approved to date, we are enabling businesses of all sizes to reduce their carbon footprint, harness cost savings, and position themselves at the forefront of the low-carbon economy. We’ve made significant strides in helping companies adopt more sustainable practices, but as we look toward our ambitious 2030 and 2050 targets, we recognise there is more to do. Enterprise Ireland will continue to strengthen its support for businesses on this journey over the coming years, enabling companies to turn sustainability from a challenge into a competitive advantage.”

Minister of Trade Promotion, Digital & Company Regulation, Dara Calleary TD highlighted his Department’s ongoing commitment to supporting businesses on their decarbonisation journey: “Decarbonisation is no longer optional; it’s essential for resilience in today’s competitive landscape. By supporting businesses in their transition, we’re ensuring that Irish companies not only meet climate targets but also thrive in a decarbonising world.”

The Sustainable Enterprise Summit will highlight success stories from Irish companies who have leveraged sustainability as a growth opportunity and will offer practical insights and support mechanisms to aid businesses in their journey toward a sustainable, competitive future.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from industry leaders as well as a several Irish companies, ranging from start-ups to SMEs and multinationals, with contributions from leading Irish companies including Diageo, Dairygold, Techrete, Aerogen, Watershed, Portwest, Version1, and Carbery.

Zens Magnetic Nightstand Charger Copper Limited Edition review

The Zens Magnetic Nightstand Charger Copper is the latest edition to their charger line-up which looks and feels better than the previous model but lacks in features however if aesthetics are your thing this charger is for you.

This comes with a White and Copper finish and looks really premium and will look well at any office desk or bedside locker in my opinion but looks this time around has removed something which is not a huge deal for me anyway this also depends on how many products you own as some may not have them.

This looks identical to the previous model but has the color change but it lacks a charger for your Apple watch or other compatible watches so this is something to keep in mind. But you can pick up one here that does and the Zens Nightcharger Pro 2 copper edition

Asides that it is still an excellent charge that can charge compatible devices and not just Apple devices and has the premium look no matter where it is placed.

For me looks wins given there is no watch charger and I have adopted wireless chargers along time ago and this one will sit nicely in my living room f0or all to see when they arrive and it pops out with its great looks.

Check the video review below for more

• Charge an iPhone 12 and up, in portrait or landscape mode
• Turn your iPhone into a clock with Apple Standby mode
• Magnetic connection ensures a perfect positioning
• 15W fast charging. Supports Apple fast charge at 7.5W
• Power adapter included

25% Discount from November 12th

Buy – Nightstand charger copper

Other Zens Reviews 

Video Review

Immersion as the Future of iGaming – VR and AR Before AI

The iGaming industry is growing rapidly, and two technologies are contributing to the industry’s popularity — Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). With these amazing technologies, players can now interact with online casino games in a more immersive and engaging way. 

It’s undeniable that AI continues to play a significant role in improving player experiences, but AR and VR are paving the way for the future of iGaming. We’re looking at the cutting-edge technologies that are powering VR and AR online casino games, how they function, and how AI can be used to better gameplay and greater immersion in iGaming. 

What is Virtual Reality in iGaming?

With VR technology, players get the chance to step into an entirely different digital environment that simulates real-life scenarios and interactions. By using VR controllers and headsets, online players can experience an online instant casino as if they were physically present, which provides a more engaging way to enjoy gaming activities and gambling; that is, without sensing the fragrances and odors of a brick-and-mortar casino. 

Instant casinos are designed for streamlined gaming. Players have a wide library of casino games available to them almost immediately as there are no drawn-out registration processes. There are also great bonuses, a variety of payment methods, and fewer restrictions. 

You can add in the fact that with VR and AR technology, you can experience playing a live dealer game with other players while simulating being in a live casino of your choice like the Monte Carlo or Marina Sands Bay. This makes it clear what a stunning and immersive experience such online casinos could one day provide through AR and VR technology.   

With instant casinos that also use VR technology, players can also immerse themselves in traditional gambling or popular iGaming games like Gates of Olympus, Chaos Crew 2, Fire in the Hole 2, and Aviator. Not to mention, the quick withdrawals functionality lets players gain fast access to their winnings after a successful VR session in the casino. 

What is Augmented Reality in iGaming?

Augmented Reality (AR) integrates digital elements to enhance a player’s gaming experience without completely immersing them in a virtual world. By using AR glasses, tablets, and smartphones, an iGaming player can interact with virtual features and objects overlaid on their actual surroundings. This helps in creating a unique blend of digital interaction and reality.  

Benefits of Immersion in iGaming 

VR and AR online casinos offer incredible immersion experiences to their players. However, these technologies also offer far more to players beyond this. Here are some of the most common benefits you can expect from immersion in iGaming: 

Accessibility and Convenience

With AR and VR technologies, players can have iGaming experiences with unparalleled convenience, as they can enjoy casino-like environments from the comfort of their own homes. 

In addition to this, most immersive experiences are accessible through different devices, which means players can participate from anywhere at any time.  

Realistic and Interactive Experience

Players can feel as though they’re part of the gaming environment by using realistic sounds, visuals, and interactions. By creating these realistic experiences, players can visit other places and connect with experiences they’ve never had before without ever leaving home.   

Innovative Game Design

Unique game design possibilities are created through immersion. By leveraging the capabilities of VR and AR, developers are empowered to create innovative games. This helps offer experiences that traditional formats can’t match. Along with this, immersive environments have the power to change based on player interactions. This helps personalise the experiences to meet player preferences.  

What Sets VR Casinos Apart? 

VR casinos have found a way to take traditional casino games and create futuristic experiences with exclusive technology. With VR technology, players can create lifelike avatars that represent them in virtual gaming experiences. Players can also walk through the virtual casino floor with 360-degree visual technology. Through this experience, they can talk with other players and even grab a drink from the casino bar.  

The Role of AI in Future iGaming Immersion Experiences  

AR and VR technologies have been used in casinos before AI was as advanced as it is now. By leveraging this new level of AI, VR, and AR technologies can be further improved to transform online casinos and the experiences they give their players. 

AI can create personalised gaming experiences by analysing player data. This helps in tailoring individual preferences to boost satisfaction and engagement. Adding to this, intelligent non-playable characters (NPCs) can be used to interact with players, which provides more adaptive challenges and dynamic conversations to keep gameplay interactive and exciting.  

Game mechanics can also be optimised in real time with AI, as difficulty levels can be adjusted based on player performance. This helps foster a balanced experience. When looking at AR settings, AI can also be analysed in player physical environments to easily integrate digital elements into their surroundings. 

Additionally, AI-powered chatbots can be used to better the gaming experience by offering immediate customer support within VR and AR environments. Game development can then be guided through AI-powered data-driven insights to help these creators understand trends and player preferences. 

Certa launches new lower carbon biofuel for home heating

Fuel supplier Certa has become the first Irish operator to launch a new lower carbon blended biofuel for the home heating market as it continues to pursue its strategy of delivering cleaner energy solutions for domestic customers.

The company, which is part of DCC plc, has said that its new fuel could enable each of the 700,000 Irish households who currently use liquid fuel heaters to lower their home heating carbon emissions by up to 20%. Ireland’s residential sector currently accounts for 10% of national emissions.

The newly launched biofuel comprises a 20%/80% blend of HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), which is produced from waste plant matter, and kerosene. Householders can use this instead of home heating oil directly without any need to replace or modify their boilers.

The new lower carbon fuel will be rolled out across Certa’s national network of 23 home heating depots, starting this week with its depot in Tallaght which will supply customers in south and west Dublin and north county Kildare.

Kerosene is the most common fuel used in home heating systems in Ireland. Certa supplies almost 100,000 customers with 265 million litres of home heating fuel each year. The average household consumes between 1,000 and 2,000 litres of home heating fuel per annum.

The new product launch will be supported by a full marketing campaign across print, digital and out of home to promote and further encourage customers to switch to the new blended biofuel.

Orla Stevens, Managing Director, Certa Ireland said:

“Our goal at Certa is to make it easy for customers to transition to cleaner energy solutions that reduce their carbon footprint. We are leading the way in introducing solutions that are accessible and affordable. Switching to this lower carbon HVO-Kerosene fuel is easy. There is no requirement to upgrade your home heating boiler and it can be done with zero disruption to the household”.

“We are delighted to be the first fuel supplier in Ireland to launch a new lower-carbon fuel for home heating. We will empower our customers to make positive and impactful environmental changes in their own homes and to help Ireland achieve its longer-term ambition of net zero by 2050.”

The launch follows Certa’s success in attracting diesel drivers to switch to HVO to reduce their carbon emissions by up to 90%. Last year, it became the first fuel operator to open a fully-fledged HVO fuel station in Liffey Valley and has since become the first to offer HVO at 10 of its forecourts. One in five of Certa’s network of 49 unmanned, pay@pump forecourts now offers HVO alongside other fuels.

Certa’s commitment to making new cleaner energy solutions more accessible and affordable has also led to its acquisition of leading solar and renewable energy specialists Alternative Energy Ireland. AEI offers Ireland’s only cashback guarantee if the solar system does not perform as promised, providing customers with financial compensation for the amount of the loss concerned.

Certa has also helped a growing number of businesses and events to lower their emissions and to transition to HVO as a renewable fuel, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), John Sisk & Son Ltd., Dublin Airport, Dublin Port, The National Ploughing Championships, the Irish Open and Bloom.

The company is one of the first HVO suppliers in Ireland to be awarded International Sustainability Carbon Certification (ISCC) which provides full transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain. This certification enables Certa to create and assign Proof of Sustainability (POS) certification to the businesses that it supplies with HVO.

How Material Sciences in Jewelry Create Hypoallergenic, Durable, and Sustainable Earrings

In recent years, material sciences have made a big impact on various industries, including jewelry. Jewelers are now integrating scientific insights into their designs, enhancing both functionality and appearance. This shift is especially noticeable with earrings, as there’s rising demand for pieces that are not only beautiful but also durable and safe for all skin types. This interest comes from growing awareness about different skin sensitivities and preferences among consumers. By using advanced materials, jewelry designers aim to create pieces that meet modern needs.

Here, technology and tradition blend together, showing how scientific advancements are reshaping the production of earrings and studs alike. You’ll discover the process of selecting quality materials, improving strength, ensuring skin compatibility, and adopting sustainable practices. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of how these innovations are setting new standards for jewelry design, shaping what consumers can expect from their favorite pieces.

Material Sciences in Jewelry

Material science is key to modern jewelry making, guiding choices and techniques for crafting earrings that work well for everyday wear. At its core, this field emphasizes how properties like hardness, flexibility, and conductivity impact the final product. For instance, metals like platinum or palladium add both shine and strength, while polymers and ceramics offer lightweight options with unique patterns. 

Understanding alloy composition is essential, as small changes can affect an earring’s durability and resistance to tarnish. These principles help address practical issues like skin sensitivity and lifespan. Combining technology with artisanal skills leads to innovative, beautiful, and comfortable earrings. Scientific advancements are transforming earring production by addressing the complexities of material selection, enhancing strength, ensuring skin compatibility, and incorporating sustainable sourcing and surface treatments.

Innovations in Durable Earring Materials

When it comes to durable earrings, new materials are changing how we think about strength and longevity without losing style. Engineers and designers now use advanced technologies like nanostructuring and metal matrix composites to make metals tougher for everyday wear. This means earrings stay shiny and keep their shape longer. 

Treatments like anodization and ion plating add protective layers to resist scratches and damage, extending the life of earrings without sacrificing beauty. For consumers, this means jewelry that not only looks stunning but also lasts—bringing together tradition and modern technology for durability and style.

Creating Hypoallergenic Earrings

To meet the demand for hypoallergenic earrings, jewelers now focus on using non-reactive metals and specific treatments for sensitive skin. Materials like titanium, niobium, and surgical-grade stainless steel are popular choices because they rarely cause allergies. Titanium, for instance, is strong and skin-friendly, making it ideal for people with sensitivities. 

Surface treatments like rhodium plating and oxide coatings add a protective layer, reducing direct contact with the skin. For customers, hypoallergenic earrings offer both comfort and peace of mind. Jewelers committed to these materials and methods show a dedication to inclusivity, making stylish earrings wearable for everyone.

Coatings and Surface Treatments

Coatings and surface treatments play a vital role in enhancing both the look and durability of earrings, helping them stay beautiful and last longer. Using processes like electroplating and vapor deposition, thin layers of metals or ceramics are applied to protect against tarnishing. This prevents oxidation, keeping earrings shiny and extending their lifespan by reducing wear. These treatments also make earrings more comfortable for sensitive skin; for instance, gold plating not only gives a luxurious finish but also limits exposure to allergens. 

These innovations ensure that earrings withstand daily wear while maintaining their appearance. For consumers, this means owning jewelry that lasts, combining beauty with engineering. For designers, it reflects a blend of tradition and technology, expanding what’s possible in modern jewelry design.

Sustainability and Ethical Material Sourcing

Today, sustainability and ethical sourcing are transforming jewelry production as awareness of environmental impact grows. Advances in material science are helping by making it possible to use recyclable and ethically sourced materials in jewelry, meeting the demand for eco-friendly products while keeping to strict environmental standards. For example, using recycled gold and silver cuts down on mining and its ecological footprint, while responsibly sourced gemstones support fair labor practices and local communities. 

These practices appeal to environmentally conscious buyers and set a new bar for ethical craftsmanship. Transparency in sourcing builds trust and connects buyers with the story behind each piece, showing that jewelry can be both beautiful and responsibly made. A great example of this are lab grown diamonds, which avoid the ethical concerns of mining and exploitation by being produced sustainably in a controlled environment.

The jewelry industry is entering a new era where science and ethics drive innovation, especially in earring production. With advanced materials, hypoallergenic options, and sustainable practices, jewelers are meeting modern demands for beauty, durability, and inclusivity. From hypoallergenic metals to protective coatings and ethically sourced gemstones, these advancements ensure that earrings not only look stunning but also provide comfort, longevity, and environmental consciousness. By blending tradition with cutting-edge material science, today’s earrings are setting new standards in quality and responsibility, redefining what consumers can expect from their jewelry.

1 in 7 Irish Workers have Felt Pressure to Act Unethically

About one in seven (15pc) Irish workers (on par with the global average) have felt pressure to act unethically and there has been a slight increase in the number of Irish employees who have felt pressured to compromise their organisation’s standards of behaviour over the last three years (up from 13pc in 2021 to 15pc in 2024).

Research released by the Institute of Business Ethics (IBE), in conjunction with Compliance Institute as a national partner, found some distinct differences between the experiences of men and women in Irish workplaces with twice as many men (16pc) as women (8pc) citing an unethical culture in their organisation as the main cause of pressure on them to bend the rules, while peer pressure is more likely to be a reason for women to act unethically than it is for men (27pc versus 19pc).

The Ethics at Work: 2024 International Survey of Employees was carried out by the Institute of IBE in conjunction with the Compliance Institute in Ireland, and polled 12,000 employees in 16 countries over four continents. A total of 750 of those surveyed were in Ireland.

Headline findings from the Ethics at Work: 2024 International Survey of Employees – Irish Edition reveal that:

  • The top five reasons people came under pressure to breach their organisation’s moral code were: following their boss’s orders (35pc), time pressure and unrealistic deadlines (27pc), under-resourcing at the workplace (26pc), a request to take shortcuts (25pc) and peer pressure (23pc). (See Table 3 below)
  • Women are more likely than men to feel swayed by their boss’s orders (42pc versus 29pc).
  • One in seven (14pc) Irish workers cited budgeting and financial pressures at the company as the main reason they came under pressure to act unethically.
  • Managers are twice as likely as non-managers to have come under pressure to breach their organisation’s standards of ethical conduct (23pc v 10pc).
  • More men (17pc) than woman (12pc) have felt compromised while younger staff were also more likely to have felt under pressure to bend the rules here with almost one in five (19pc) 18-34 year-olds admitting to this compared to 14pc of 35 -54 year-olds and 8pc of over-55s.
  • The research also found some geographic differences in feedback from workers when it comes to the likelihood to come under pressure to act unethically with Carlow (40pc), Donegal (30pc), Kilkenny (29pc), Cavan (25pc) and Kerry workers (23pc) being the most inclined to admit this. (See Table 2 below)

Commenting on the survey findings, Michael Kavanagh, CEO of the Compliance Institute, said,

“If an employee feels pressure in the workplace to act unethically, for whatever reason, then there is something fundamentally wrong. It seems, from this survey, that depending on your age, gender and role within an organisation, that one in seven (15pc) workers in Ireland have felt this way – and this is of course concerning.

Putting pressure on employees to act unethically so that short-term business goals are reached is unlikely to be in the best long-term interests of the company and its staff. A Machiavellian approach or culture in work is likely to backfire for bosses, management and staff alike. It could damage a company’s brand, land management and employees in trouble with corporate regulators, and also lead to poor staff morale.

The research today also reflects the extent to which so much of the Irish workforce is grappling with time pressure and unrealistic deadlines  – and it is concerning that almost three in ten find themselves under pressure to act unethically as a result of this.  Employee burnout is increasingly becoming a feature of the modern workplace and this is likely to continue – recent research  found that four in ten Irish workers had found that their workload has risen significantly in the last 12 months. Irish workers need to be supported so they can achieve their work goals and deadlines – without having to bend the rules or take shortcuts to do so.”

Tolerance of ethics breaches

  • More than half of workers think rule breaches at work are simply inevitable, but one in four (26pc) disagree with this way of thinking.
  • Three in ten workers say they wouldn’t worry about minor breaches so long as they delivered on what they needed to on time and within in budget – though four in ten disagree with this rationale. Men are more likely than women to be tolerant of minor infractions (36pc v 27pc).
  • While the majority (70pc) believe it is not acceptable to artificially increase a company’s profits, about one in seven (15pc) workers deem it acceptable to do so – with twice as many men (21pc) as women (10pc) holding this view.

Mr Kavanagh added,

“While ‘minor’ breaches might seem acceptable to some workers, the concern is that such breaches could foster an unscrupulous workplace – and furthermore, there is always a danger that a ‘minor’ breach could in fact be much more serious than thought or even be the precursor to be much more serious breach.

While it is encouraging that most workers believe it is not acceptable to artificially boost a company’s profits, it is worrying that one in seven think it’s okay. This is an illegal practice which could not only land a company in trouble with the law, it could also cause severe reputational damage for the company and undermine investor confidence.”

Why TVCMALL is Your Top Choice for Wholesale Cellphone Cases and Bulk Purchases

In today’s fast-paced market, retailers need a reliable wholesaler with a strong supply chain to keep up with consumer demand for mobile accessories. TVCMALL stands out as a leading wholesaler for phone cases bulk purchases, offering a comprehensive selection, competitive pricing, and valuable support services that make bulk purchasing both easy and profitable.

1.Wide Range of Phone Cases in Bulk

TVCMALL provides retailers access to over 1 million unique SKUs in wholesale cellphone cases and accessories, covering styles such as clear, leather, silicone, and rugged cases. With 100,000 new items added weekly, businesses can stay on top of trends and cater to varied customer preferences. From sleek, clear phone cases bulk options for iPhones to durable, protective cases for active users, TVCMALL ensures that retailers can meet every type of demand with a diverse inventory.

 

  1. Competitive, Factory-Direct Pricing

TVCMALL’s competitive pricing is enabled by direct partnerships with over 3,000 factories and suppliers in their vast supply chain. This network allows TVCMALL to offer factory-direct pricing on all wholesale cellphone cases, giving businesses a chance to maximize profit margins while providing customers with affordable products. By purchasing phone cases bulk, retailers benefit from significant per-unit savings, and frequent discounts make TVCMALL a cost-effective choice for businesses of all sizes.

 

  1. Customization Options to Stand Out

Customization is a growing fashion in the phone case industry. Consumers love including a non-public contact to their smartphone cases, whether through their names, initials, or creative designs. To help businesses differentiate in a crowded market, TVCMALL offers both OEM and ODM services for phone cases bulk. Retailers can add brand logos, create unique designs, or even develop fully custom cases that align with their brand identity. These customizable wholesale cellphone cases add value for customers and boost repeat sales, making TVCMALL an ideal partner for retailers looking to offer something unique.

 

  1. Reliable Shipping and Global Supply Chain Reach

With a highly efficient supply chain that delivers to over 200 countries and serves 1.5 million users worldwide, TVCMALL guarantees reliable and timely shipping for phone cases bulk orders. Whether a retailer is based in North America, Europe, or elsewhere, TVCMALL’s dependable logistics ensure smooth order fulfillment. This robust supply chain minimizes stock disruptions, allowing businesses to keep up with demand and stay competitive.

 

  1. High-Quality, Certified Products

Quality is a priority for TVCMALL. Every certified item in their wholesale cellphone cases catalog undergoes thorough inspections by experienced quality control teams at partnered factories. Each product comes with a certification report, providing retailers and their customers with confidence in product durability and safety. Whether it’s premium clear cases that resist yellowing or eco-friendly materials, TVCMALL’s rigorous quality control promotes customer satisfaction and encourages repeat purchases.

 

  1. Value-Added Services and Personalized Support

As a comprehensive wholesaler, TVCMALL goes beyond product sales by offering a suite of value-added services to support business growth. These services include custom labeling, packaging, warehousing, API integration, and factory audits—all designed to streamline operations and enhance product presentation. TVCMALL also provides one-on-one customer service, assigning a dedicated representative to each client to assist with everything from placing phone cases bulk orders to tracking shipments. This personalized support helps businesses thrive and maximizes the value of a partnership with TVCMALL.

 

Top Benefits of Buying Clear iPhone Cases in Bulk

Clear iPhone cases remain popular among consumers for their minimalist design and essential protection. Sourcing these wholesale cellphone cases in bulk from TVCMALL offers multiple advantages, including competitive pricing, high-quality materials that prevent yellowing, and options from trusted brands like Torras and MOFI. By stocking up on clear iPhone cases bulk and other popular styles, retailers can attract a broad customer base while boosting profit margins.

 

Conclusion

If you’re looking to boost your online sales, partnering with a professional B2B wholesaler like TVCMALL is the key to success. With over 1 million products, competitive factory-direct pricing, a reliable supply chain for fast global shipping, and comprehensive value-added services, TVCMALL empowers retailers to meet customer demands and thrive in a competitive market. Take your business to the next level—request a quote today and discover the benefits of working with an industry-leading B2B wholesaler.

Vodafone awards four small Irish businesses display advertising at the Aviva Stadium for the Autumn International Series games

Vodafone Business has announced the winners of its ‘Your Business Can’ competition. These four small Irish businesses, SOS Cookies from Limerick, The Farmhouse.ie from Longford, and Dublin-based JANDO and Lotts & Co. have been awarded an unparalleled opportunity to advertise their brands at the iconic Aviva Stadium during the Autumn International Series. With over 50,000 fans attending events and broadcasts reaching both local and international audiences on channels like RTE and TNT Sports, this prize offers these small businesses a significant leap in global visibility.

The competition, now in its fourth year, is worth over €25,000 in media value per winner. JANDO’s brand will light up the Ireland vs. New Zealand on 8th November, while Lotts & Co. will shine during the clash with Argentina the following week. The Farmhouse.ie will feature as Ireland take on Fiji and SOS Cookies will close out the series at the Australia game on 30th November.

The prize will see JANDO, Lotts & Co., The Farmhouse.ie and SOS Cookies branding flash up on perimeter advertising boards which line the pitch throughout each game. Studio time for each winner to design their creative advert was included in the prize. Adding a personal touch, JANDO, who have built their business on their creative flair, took the opportunity to design their own unique in-stadium branding.

JANDO, based in Dublin 1, founded by Wicklow couple Julie and Owen, is known for its striking and vibrant, architectural landmark-themed art prints which are sold online and in their studio.

Lotts & Co. is owned by John Byrne, brothers Barry and Paul McNerney and run by Managing Director Rory English. From their three locations in Dublin—Clontarf, Terenure, and Beggars Bush—they offer a range of high-quality, chef-prepared meals, fresh produce, and gourmet groceries, both in-store and online. In addition, they provide catering services and gifting hampers.

Family run, The Farmhouse.ie is based in Abbeyshrule Co.Longford and is run by Pat and Fiona McCormack, with the help of their two children. The Farmhouse.ie produce honey and pure beeswax candles from their farm which is home to over 1 million native bees in the summer. They specialise in locally sourced produce which they sell both online and in store.

SOS Cookies, founded by Sarah O’Sullivan from Ballysheed in Limerick, started as a passion project over the pandemic and is now on track to produce over 700,000 cookies to meet the demand of online customers and its three stores nationwide including its primary location in the Milk Market, Limerick and pop up stores in Dundrum Shopping Centre and Arnott’s in Dublin.

Vodafone Ireland has been the main sponsor of the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) since 2016. As part of this sponsorship, Vodafone shares a number of exclusive benefits with its customers, allowing them to feel part of the #TeamOfUs.This competition along with practical supports like V-Hub, a free digital support service offering tailored advice to help businesses navigate their digital transformation journey, are just some of the ways Vodafone is supporting small businesses just like JANDO, Lotts & Co, The Farmhouse.ie and SOS Cookies.

Julie McLoughlin, Cofounder at JANDO said: ‘’Winning this prize is a dream come true. The exposure it provides our brand is priceless, and the chance to create our own artwork for the stadium is truly incredible. We cannot wait to see it on match day.’’

Rory English, Managing Director of Lotts & Co said: “Having our brand showcased in the Aviva Stadium, close to our stores, is a huge milestone. This exposure will boost our visibility and customer engagement, especially as we gear up for the busy Christmas season.”

Pat McCormack, Cofounder at The Farmhouse.ie said: ‘’Winning this competition means a lot to our family business. Seeing our brand featured in the stadium is a wonderful opportunity, and we’re really excited to see our advertising on match day.’’

Sarah O’Sullivan, Founder & CEO of SOS Cookies said: ‘’As a Limerick founded business that has seen rapid expansion online and through pop up stores in Dublin, it is fantastic to get this brand visibility on an international stage.’’

Amanda Nelson, CEO at Vodafone Ireland said: ‘’We are really proud to champion and support businesses just like JANDO, Lotts & Co., The Farmhouse.ie and SOS Cookies as we know they play a crucial role in driving economic growth and creating employment all over Ireland. They have all embraced the benefits of digital transformation, meaning they can truly benefit from the global exposure this prize offers. It is fantastic to share the benefits of our sponsorship with passionate businesses like Julie, Owen, John, Barry , Paul,  Rory, Pat, Fiona and Sarah.’’

Sustainability Trends in Irish Businesses

Irish businesses are increasing their focus on sustainability according to the latest EY Ireland’s State of Sustainability report, as an increased understanding of sustainability, its impact on the bottom line, and a desire to create a more sustainable business approach becomes embedded across the economy.

At a time of growing scrutiny around transparency and authenticity of sustainability credentials, business leaders are also reporting a rise in concern around accusations of greenwashing, as well as increased prioritisation of sustainable practices by investors in the capital markets, directly linking ESG performance with financial opportunity.

The report, which surveyed 200 senior sustainability decision-makers across the public and private sector in Ireland, reveals that 81% of respondents report a heightened focus on sustainability over the past year, a 19% increase from the last survey in 2022. This is the largest percentage increase noted in the study, indicating that Irish businesses are now making a significant commitment to sustainability. The findings suggest progress is being made by Irish businesses when it comes to sustainability, as 74% of respondents rate their efforts on sustainability as ‘established or better’, a rise from 61% in 2022, and 15% consider their efforts ‘industry leading’, doubling from 7% in 2022. However, 35% of respondents feel their organisation is not doing enough, a notable rise from 17% in 2022, showing that there is still more to do.

Meanwhile, awareness of the negative impact and reputational risks of misleading sustainability claims is growing as 35% of respondents indicate that fear of greenwashing influences their communication strategies, a significant increase from 13% in 2022.

Key sustainability motivations

Increased stakeholder interest, regulations, and perceived bottom-line benefits are key motivating factors driving sustainability in organisations. Almost two thirds (65%) of businesses reported wider stakeholder enquiries about sustainability impact, up from 49% in 2022. More than half (58%) believe demonstrating a greater commitment to sustainability is necessary for them to get access to capital and 36% of businesses are looking to improve their position on sustainability by merging with or acquiring another company. Interestingly, almost a third (30%) indicated they are increasingly assessing the sustainability status of target companies when considering a merger or acquisition.

Derarca Dennis, EY Ireland Partner and Sustainability Services Lead says: “It’s very encouraging to see a shift amongst Irish businesses towards a better understanding of sustainability, its impact on the bottom line, and a real desire to create a more sustainable business approach across all sectors. The findings show the link between sustainability and profitability is increasingly influencing the corporate strategies of Irish organisations, including how they approach mergers and acquisitions. As companies embrace this agenda, it’s vital they engage with all stakeholders to create a more resilient and sustainable business.”

Regulatory concerns

Negotiating a path through complex new and existing EU regulations is the leading sustainability-related concern for organisations with the EU Emissions Trading System cited as a cause for concern by almost two-thirds (65%). That is followed by supply chain due diligence (62%), likely driven by the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). More than half (54%) of respondents were concerned about the EU Deforestation Regulation, which has far-reaching implications for what can and cannot be produced or sold within the EU, and plastic packaging-related measures were cited by 46%, relating to the Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

The regulation which is of the least concern is the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), cited by just 15%. This is likely because many organisations believe they are prepared to meet CSRD and International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) reporting obligations. 52% said they are either very prepared or have established reporting practices in place, while just 10% said their organisations are not prepared at all.

Supply chain responsibility

Sustainability regulations such as CSRD and CSDDD are designed to make organisations more sustainable by making them responsible not only for their own impacts but also for those of their supply chains, so it is not surprising to see that 62% of respondents cite supply chain due diligence as their biggest sustainability-related concern.

Levels of engagement with supply chain suppliers on ESG reporting by organisation varies. 26% have not engaged with their supply chain on ESG reporting at all to date, while 19% of businesses have had initial conversations and 17% have had advanced discussions about the importance of collaboration.

Encouragingly half (50%) of all organisations have technology solutions in place to gather data from their supply chains for compliance purposes while 32% have systems to gather information in order to assess the ESG performance of their supply chains.

Derarca Dennis says: “Given the growing demands of regulators, investors and consumers for sustainable supply chains, organisations that have not yet started engaging and collaborating with their supply chains run the risk of being left behind. We need to continue to see more organisations having advanced discussions with suppliers and putting sustainability reporting systems in place. Technology will have a critical role to play in supply chain engagement. Vast amounts of data from disparate sources will need to be collected, curated, analysed, and put into a form that meets regulatory standards. There is a huge opportunity for companies that want to get sustainable procurement right.”