Tag: company

Custom Application Development Company — How to Choose the Right Partner & Maximize ROI

If your business needs software that fits exact workflows and scales with growth, hiring a reliable custom application development company is critical. Off‑the‑shelf solutions may work for many tasks, but when you require unique integrations, industry compliance, advanced security or AI‑driven features — bespoke software delivered by an experienced team becomes a business advantage.

Why choose custom application development? Custom application development provides a tailored solution that aligns with your specific processes and objectives. Compared to off‑the‑shelf software, a custom solution offers:

  • Full alignment with business workflows and unique user journeys.
  • Seamless integrations with ERP, CRM, payment gateways and third‑party APIs.
  • Better scalability and long‑term total cost of ownership.
  • Stronger security and compliance (GDPR, HIPAA, industry standards).
  • Competitive advantages through unique features and functionality.

Key services offered by a custom application development company:

  • Custom software development (web & mobile)
  • Custom ERP development and integrations
  • Fintech & payment solutions development
  • Healthcare software with compliance (HIPAA, data protection)
  • IoT / IIoT solutions and device connectivity
  • AI / ML integration and data engineering
  • MVP development & rapid prototyping
  • Legacy modernization and platform re‑engineering
  • QA, automated testing and performance optimization
  • DevOps, cloud migration and managed hosting
  • Staff augmentation and dedicated development teams

How to evaluate prospective vendors: 8 practical criteria

  1. Relevant industry experience
    Look for case studies in your industry: fintech software company experience for payment platforms, healthcare app experience for EHR integration, logistics experience for WMS or tracking systems.
  2. Technical stack and expertise
    Ensure the vendor works with technologies you need (backend: Node.js, Java, .NET; frontend: React, Angular, Vue; mobile: Swift, Kotlin, React Native; cloud: AWS, GCP, Azure). Also check experience with microservices, containerization and CI/CD pipelines.
  3. Portfolio and measurable outcomes
    Ask for metrics: conversion lift, process time reduction, cost savings, uptime improvements. Real numbers prove competence.
  4. Development process and communication
    Prefer partners with clear processes: Discovery → Architecture → MVP → Iterative development → QA → Deployment → Support. Regular sprint demos and transparent reporting matter.
  5. Security, compliance and QA
    Confirm the team follows secure coding practices, threat modeling, penetration testing, and compliance measures (GDPR, HIPAA, SOC2 when needed).
  6. Pricing models and engagement types
    Assess fixed‑price vs time‑&‑material vs dedicated teams. For uncertain scope, a Discovery + MVP approach reduces risk.
  7. Team composition and culture fit
    Meet the engineers and product owners who will work on your project. Team stability and domain knowledge help reduce ramp‑up time.
  8. Support and SLAs
    Make sure there are clear SLAs, incident response times and maintenance plans.

Common project types and typical timelines

  • MVP for startups: 6–12 weeks (basic features, core UX & API integrations)
  • Medium enterprise app: 3–6 months (multi‑module system, integrations)
  • Large enterprise solution / ERP: 6–18 months (architecture, compliance, migration)

Estimating cost: realistic ranges

  • Small web app / MVP: 10k–10k–50k
  • Mid‑sized business application: 50k–50k–200k
  • Enterprise / custom ERP with integrations: $200k+

(Actual costs depend on feature complexity, integrations, compliance needs and geographic makeup of the team.)

How to structure a low‑risk engagement\

  1. Start with Discovery & Technical Audit — clarify scope and constraints.
  2. Build an MVP — test assumptions, show value and collect user feedback.
  3. Move to phased delivery — deliver in increments with measurable KPIs.
  4. Scale via dedicated teams — staff augmentation or a long‑term managed team.
  • Custom software development (web & mobile)
  • Custom ERP development and integrations
  • Fintech & payment solutions development
  • Healthcare software with compliance (HIPAA, data protection)
  • IoT / IIoT solutions and device connectivity
  • AI / ML integration and data engineering
  • MVP development & rapid prototyping
  • Legacy modernization and platform re‑engineering
  • QA, automated testing and performance optimization
  • DevOps, cloud migration and managed hosting
  • Staff augmentation and dedicated development teams

When to consider staff augmentation or a dedicated team Staff augmentation makes sense when:

  • You already have product management and need extra engineers.
  • You need to scale fast for short‑term sprints or specialized skills (ML, IoT).
  • You want lower overhead and flexible headcount vs hiring full employees.

Dedicated teams are better for:

  • Long‑term product ownership and evolution.
  • Projects requiring continuity and deep product knowledge.

Local vs offshore vendors — how to choose

  • Local vendors offer easier overlap hours, face‑to‑face meetings and often better domain knowledge for local markets (e.g., London, Dubai).
  • Offshore vendors can provide cost efficiency and access to a vide pool of tools 

Fenergo creates 300 new jobs in Ireland with €100 million investment

Leading Irish Software as a Service (SaaS) financial technology solutions provider Fenergo, has today announced 300 new jobs at its global HQ in Dublin. This is part of a €100 million Research, Development & Innovation (RD&I) expansion plan supported by Enterprise Ireland. In addition to the new roles in Ireland, which will double the domestic headcount, Fenergo is creating new jobs across its international markets to meet increasing demand for its AI-powered solutions. A total of 500 new positions will be filled by the company globally within the next three years.  

With support from Enterprise Ireland, Fenergo has also invested in a new RD&I Centre of Excellence at its Dublin HQ where the new Irish roles will be based, supporting Fenergo’s innovation strategy. The new roles will enable Fenergo to further deliver on its mission to support financial institutions in fighting financial crime and creating a safer world. Fenergo will continue to build out its intelligent, AI-powered solutions for client lifecycle management (CLM), anti-money laundering (AML) and Know your Customer (KYC). This suite of solutions forms Fenergo’s FinCrime Operating System, which addresses all anti-financial crime events and operations, transforming compliance from a burden into a strategic competitive advantage. 

Recruitment for the new roles is now underway, with candidates being sought for a wide range of mid-level engineering and R&D positions. Fenergo is also rolling out a graduate programme with the intention to appoint up to 30 university graduates. Interested candidates can find more information about the new jobs and submit applications via: Let’s Grow Together | Fenergo. 

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD welcomed the jobs announcement: “The government and Enterprise Ireland are committed to supporting and accelerating the scaling of ambitious, innovation-led Irish companies. Fenergo is a clear example of ambition in action – a company that has expanded at pace since it first launched in 2009, and one which today represents a standout financial technology solutions provider both globally and domestically. Today’s announcement not only represents significant job creation within the Irish market and excellent opportunities for our homegrown talent, but it also reinforces our position as one of the largest and most important tech hubs in Europe. I would like to commend Fenergo on this milestone expansion and their continued investment in Ireland, which I’m confident will underpin further growth for the company while supporting our economy.”  

Marc Murphy, CEO and Founder of Fenergo, said: “I am delighted to announce Fenergo’s significant expansion in Ireland with the creation of 300 jobs at our new RD&I Centre of Excellence, which was made possible with the considerable support and investment we have received from Enterprise Ireland. This investment and growth of our Irish operations reflect our confidence in the excellent talent pool we have in this country, and a market where innovative thinking, entrepreneurship and evolving technology will propel Fenergo to new heights. With AI at the core of our RD&I strategy, we are committed to delivering future-proof solutions for financial institutions in Ireland, across Europe, the UK, America, Middle-East and Asia – supporting them during times of intensifying geopolitical tension and regulatory uncertainty.  

“We are actively recruiting for the new roles already, and I would strongly encourage prospective candidates to consider applying and join our world-class team of change-makers at Fenergo – shaping the future of financial services operations through innovation and AI.” 

Kevin Sherry, Interim CEO, Enterprise Ireland said, “Ambitious companies like Fenergo embody Enterprise Ireland’s mission that Irish owned, globally focused companies will be the primary driver of our economy. Fenergo, announcing 500 new jobs today, is a great example of an innovative Irish company growing customers, adding RD&I to drive forward AI powered solutions and creating an impact in global markets. I’d like to congratulate Marc and the team on this expansion and we look forward to working with them.” 

Due to the continued strength of Fenergo’s export activity, along with a growing portfolio of financial services clients in the Irish market over the past two years, Fenergo delivered a substantial profit in FY25 and is tracking well to deliver strong EBITDA profitability in this financial year, FY26.  Fenergo’s investment in its Irish and international expansion is expected to further bolster its ability to serve international markets while also growing its domestic business. 97% of Fenergo’s revenue in the year ending March 2025 was generated from exported business. 

Enterprise Ireland Export Results 

This expansion announcement was made in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland’s client company export results for 2024. Enterprise Ireland today announced that its clients have achieved record exports of €36.75bn in 2024, up 7% on 2023, with all territories and major sectors recording increases, surpassing the 2022 – 2024 strategy target of €30bn exports.  

Exports to Europe, grew by 8% to €10.63bn representing 29% of total exports. This is the first time that exports to this region have surpassed the UK, making Europe now the largest export territory for Enterprise Ireland’s client base. 

·       Within Europe, the Eurozone, which represents 26% of total exports, continued to perform. Exports increased by 9.6% to €9.42bn in 2024 with growth across the majority of countries, including Germany, the Netherlands and France. 

·       The UK, now the second largest export territory for clients achieved €10.52bn exports in 2024, up 4% on 2023 and surpassing the €10bn mark for the first time.  

·       North America also delivered growth, with exports of €7.30bn in 2024, up 8% on 2023. USA, the main export market had exports of €6.66bn, up 8% on 2023. 

 

All sectors showed strong export growth. The Food and Sustainability sector reached €16.25bn, up 5% on 2023. Non-food exports surpassed this, achieving €20.5bn, up 8%, with the Industrial and Lifesciences sector recording €11.46bn exports, up 9%. Of this, High Tech Construction exports increased by 20% to €4.66bn. 

The Technology and Services sector also grew, with exports of €9.05bn achieved in 2024, up 7% on 2023. Of this, Digital Tech exports reached €3.16bn in 2024, up 9% on 2023. Fintech, Financial & Business Services also saw an increase, up 5% to €2.90bn in 2024.  

Enterprise Ireland client companies spent €42.65bn in the Irish economy in 2024, including €13bn on payroll.  

 

Welcoming Enterprise Ireland’s export results, Minister Burke said: “The strength of Ireland’s exporting base of companies is reflected in Enterprise Ireland’s strong 2024 export performance results. Despite a more challenging international environment, Irish exporters have made significant gains and continue to grow their influence internationally. These companies are a critical part of the Irish economy, and the government through Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting this sector to scale further, while preparing for and mitigating against disruption in global trade tariffs.” 

 

Announcing Enterprise Ireland’s export results today, Kevin Sherry Interim CEO of Enterprise Ireland said: “Despite ongoing challenges in recent years, such as economic headwinds and rising costs our client companies continue to show their agility and resilience as they scale internationally, achieving yet another year of record export growth with €36.75bn in exports in 2024. This robust performance by clients like Fenergo, reflects a strong and resilient exporting base which fuels our economy, delivering sustainable prosperity nationwide.” 

 

“Our results show that for the first time Europe has surpassed the UK as the number one export territory. This demonstrates that while our client base continues to grow exports in the UK, there is less reliance and dependency on this one market with many clients broadening their base and winning business in other markets. Amid future geopolitical instability, Irish businesses proven ability to diversify across markets will stand to them when facing challenging and uncertain times. Enterprise Ireland remains committed to supporting companies as they explore potential mitigation and market diversifications strategies to navigate the challenges of export tariffs.” added Kevin Sherry.

Irish tech company Miagen to help elite football clubs avoid financial ruin

Miagen, the leader in financial modelling technology solutions, today announces the launch of a solution that will help Europe’s football clubs to comply with financial sustainability rules. With football clubs across Europe facing mounting financial scrutiny and risking crippling sanctions, the solution, SportsGen will help clubs to navigate their finances, protect their long-term survival and save up to €3M on wages per season.

Financial sustainability rules have shaken up the world of football recently, after a number of clubs were docked points and even rendered bankrupt for falling foul of them. The rules, which mostly apply to European and English football leagues, were introduced to ensure football clubs operate within their financial means, promoting long-term financial stability and preventing reckless spending.

SportsGen is a financial planning & analysis (FP&A) platform built for mid-tier and elite football clubs. Miagen estimates that that insights enabled by its software can help clubs to increase match-day revenues by up to 10%. The platform enables clubs to see missed revenue opportunities – including those relating to attendance, pricing and scheduling – so they can implement new strategies to optimise ticket sales.

SportsGen’s real-time financial insights are enabled by integrating live data from ticketing, sponsorships, broadcasting and merchandising. It allows clubs to model different league finishing positions, assess financial implications, and stay within spending limits to avoid harsh penalties like point deductions and relegation. With smart forecasting for wages, transfers and operational costs, SportsGen helps clubs to make informed decisions during transfer windows and remain competitive while staying compliant with financial regulations. Additionally, Miagen is already planning updates that will integrate AI-driven player valuation and scouting insights.

The new solution comes on the back of Miagen’s dominance in financial modelling for the world’s aircraft leasing market. The Dublin-based company’s financial modelling platform, LeaseGen, is now used for one in five of the global leased aircraft fleet.

Brian Byrne, COO, Miagen, said: “Football is no longer just about success on the pitch; it’s about sustainability off it. Clubs are making high-risk financial decisions on transfer spending, wage structures and operational costs, but often without the right tools. The stakes have never been higher, as financial miscalculations can mean relegation, massive revenue losses and even club extinction.

“Football clubs are more than just businesses; many have been at the heart of communities for more than a century. They bring people together and are playing a major role in funding and supporting women’s sport. Through better financial planning with SportsGen, they can make even greater progress on this work and ultimately, ensure they thrive in today’s uncompromising football economy.”

About Miagen

Miagen is a consultancy firm specialising in agile business planning solutions that empower finance to lead using real-time business and industry insights. It has developed industry-specific solutions that enhance business performance and unlock competitive edge.

For more information, visit www.miagen.com

Ardanis Technologies to Create 30 New Jobs as it Continues to Expand and Innovate

Irish software and digital consulting company, Ardanis Technologies is to create 30 new jobs to increase its workforce. The expansion and investment will support the company’s strategy to drive international growth and develop software and AI solutions and services that will deliver next generation digital solutions.

In September 2024, Ardanis announced 20 new jobs as a result of its revolutionary AI enablement solution, Aileen.  These jobs have been fulfilled.  The creation of the additional new positions comes in response in Ardanis’ strong growth and increasing demand for its industry-leading services.  The company’s expertise in AI, software development and digital technologies has positioned Ardanis as a trusted partner for some of the world’s largest companies worldwide.  The new jobs will be distributed in Ireland, Portugal where the company has an office in Porto, other parts of Europe, the US, and Brazil.

The 30 new jobs will be created over the next 18 months to serve international clients and will include opportunities for experienced software engineers, scrum masters and software architects, DevOps engineers, software developers and product owners.

“This growth will accelerate our product development roadmap, facilitate customer base expansion, and support the company’s strategy to drive international growth and develop software products and services that will deliver next generation digital solutions”, explains Ivan Goor, CEO at Ardanis.  “The growth has resulted in a move to larger offices in both Dublin and Porto and include a variety of meeting rooms and open spaces to foster collaboration, innovation and creativity – elements which have been the key to our success as a company, and which will continue to fuel our success.”

Ardanis delivers innovative software solutions to progressive, digital organisations globally.  The company works closely with clients to create software systems that can evolve and adapt as customer needs change.  Industry-leading development expertise is inherent to Ardanis.  With their combined strengths and diverse expertise, the company is committed to making a difference to each client’s unique requirements.

Ardanis’ clients span finance and fintech and other large enterprises such as pharma, technology, e-commerce and healthcare companies.

Why Online Dating Is Ideal for Busy People Looking for Love or Companionship

Whether we like to admit it or not, it seems a vast majority of people have turned into robots who do things automatically because they simply do not have enough time in their lives to stop for a brief moment and just breathe.

It doesn’t matter whether they are dealing with house-related chores, family stuff, business tasks, school, or anything else, the reality is that life has become extremely hectic, forcing us to lead fast-paced lives that are at times difficult to “handle”.

And then, you ask yourself, how are you supposed to find love in these circumstances? But don’t fret! There’s a silver lining after all and it comes in the form of online dating that provides major “relief” even to the busiest workaholics. 

It’s So Time-Effective!

Let’s be frank for a moment! No matter how busy you are, there’s a very high chance that you spend a lot of time online doing whatever. Sometimes it’s work-related, and at times, you’re simply scrolling.

When you are doing nothing important on the web, that is the moment you should focus on online dating. For starters, you can download a dating app, or create a profile on a dating site, and that’s good for now. Once the first step is done, the next one involves exploring these places to see if you see someone who’s a potential love interest.

What’s superb about these tools, and online dating, in general, is the fact that in a relatively short period of time, you can talk to a lot of different people (or at least cast your eyes on their profiles) to see if you’re a match or not.

You do not need to spend hours or days going on various conventional dates, only to conclude that most of the people you talked to have done nothing but waste your time. In the virtual world, everything is simplified when it comes to this, which means much more time-effective.

Time is valuable for everybody, particularly for extremely busy people, so allow yourself to connect with numerous individuals simultaneously to see if they are worth your precious time or not.

Online Dating Offers A Phenomenal Convenience Too!

When you’re flooded with various tasks and obligations, and you’re just in the mood to be a couch potato, the best thing that you can do is to open an app or website and scroll through different profiles.

That’s one of the advantages of online dating. Unlike conventional ones, it provides you with the convenience of connecting with all sorts of people without leaving the comfort of your home. That’s the type of flexibility that busy people appreciate a lot because then they are able to fit their dating into other areas of their lives without feeling emotionally and physically drained.

You Get The Opportunity To Talk To Lots Of People At The Same Time 

Dating when you’re constantly busy can frequently be extremely challenging because you simply do not have enough time, will, and energy to talk to so many people just so you can “single out” someone who’s worth your time.

On the other hand, when you turn to online dating, you get the chance to talk to a lot of different people at once, which is something that isn’t provided with “offline” dating. When you choose traditional dating, you are practically forced to consistently plan things ahead, or spend lots of time traveling to meet them.

In contrast to that, when you utilize dating apps or sites, you can talk to a lot of cool and interesting people without wasting too much time.

You’re In Control

So-called offline dates can oftentimes be very interesting and exciting, but the truth is, they can be very boring and exhausting as well. This normally occurs when you encounter someone who isn’t particularly interesting to you.

And then if you are too nice, you will force yourself to spend hours talking to them just because you do not know how to simply walk away. On the flip side, even if somebody is very interesting and you have many things in common, you sometimes do not have a lot of free time on your hands to talk to them.

However, when these things happen in the virtual world, you do not need to spend an eternity interacting with anyone. If you do not come across like-minded people you can simply leave the chat and tell them that you have an urgent situation.

Since they cannot see you, they won’t be able to tell whether you are lying or not. This may seem harsh a bit, but at times you just need to rely on little white lies to avoid any further inconvenience.

The bottom line as far as this segment is concerned is that you have way more control when you talk to people online. You are the one who gets to decide when they will start and/or stop communicating with others for whatever reason, which cannot easily be pulled off on conventional dates.

You Can Use These Tools Anywhere You Are

People who work a lot, usually go on lots of business trips or are generally oftentimes on the go. When you’re stuck at the airport, or you’re waiting for a business partner to arrive, you can use this time to open your favorite dating app or dating website and talk to others.

This will not only help you kill boredom but who knows, maybe the person you currently talk to lives at the location that you traveled to. Meeting them is going to make your business trip even more enticing.

That’s another convenience that comes with these tools. You can literally employ them wherever you go and, concurrently, get the chance to talk to individuals from different locations, cultures, traditions, and other things. 

Not to mention the fact that there are dating apps that will tell you who is in your vicinity from your potential suitors.

 

It’s safe to say that online dating was designed to make the lives of all of us so much better and simpler, regardless of age, profession, gender, etc. If you want something that’s going to change your love life in a flash, then you know what your next step should be!

Irish tech company develops first recreational app (Able Active) in Europe for people with disabilities.

A progressive Irish Tech company has developed the first app in Europe to give people with disabilities information on a wide range of accessible amenities across the country.

Regarded as a major breakthrough in the promotion of accessible facilities, Able Active builds on technology designed for participation in sport, with considerable input from potential service users and advocacy groups.

Able Active, a fully integrated and comprehensive app that signposts accessible recreational facilities for people with disabilities is the fruition of a long-term project, developed with support from the European Space Agency following a successful application.

Able Active uniquely captures feedback and gradings on accessibility and inclusivity, based on real users’ experience, by distinct disability categories, ensuring that others with similar needs can trust the rating and have better confidence that their needs will be met. 

Speaking at the launch of Able Active, Adrian Geissel CEO said  

“Able Active is the result of 6 years of investment and software development, applying data for the benefit of people with differing types of disabilities and with deep commitment to data privacy and safeguarding”.

“I am passionate about outdoors pursuits and sport, and passionate that they are accessible for all. People living with disabilities should have access to outdoor amenities and facilities suitable for their needs and Able Active provides deeper information that aims to inform and hopefully inspire greater participation for their enjoyment, health and wellbeing. This is so important for people who have varying levels of disability, many of which are hidden.

Able Active is a fully integrated and highly user-friendly guide which maps tracks, trails and amenities and allows each user to determine if these routes are suitable for their particular needs, supported by the ratings and feedback from other users with similar needs. It allows people plan their days around the various amenities from forests to beaches and gives ‘real time ‘live data on weather and pinpoints where safety equipment is located, crucial to ensure safety for users. It also allows for users to record, replay and repeat their own favourite routes which is very valuable”.

“It is interactive so will allow people with disabilities to rate on accessibility based on their experience, which is vital for both their peers and for the owners or providers of the amenities as they can use this information to further adapt the facilities in order to make them more accessible and user friendly”.

“Able Active allows for inclusivity in the fullest sense as users can record trails, save their favourite routes and research amenities to plan future outings with friends ,family or indeed for informal or formal groups”

“It allows for users to connect with family and friends through the app and for group leaders, to plan ,share and co ordinate activities for any gatherings and this helps to bolster safety and security as well as strengthen the community of people with disabilities”.

“Facilities including accessible toilets and parking, surfaces, obstacles, inclines or declines can be detailed”.

“The wonderful thing too is that people with an interest in full inclusion for those living with disabilities to get involved, to identify amenities they know to be accessible, in addition to using many available databases”.

“Able Active is a community platform for gathering new data that is important to the community. For example, disabled parking spots outside of urban areas, especially at amenity or trailhead locations can be submitted through the app”.

“This is a very important platform for amenity operators and sports organisations to connect with this community of users, highlighting the investments they’ve made to support their needs and also to understand how these supports are valued by their users.”.

“There is so much potential for collaboration and partnership across the entire range of amenities, organisations and events and this is only going to be an incredibly positive way forward for people living with a disability”. 

“This only the start of a journey, where we look to present more options where people with disabilities can be active, based on the experiences of others with similar needs and in doing so, make being active a more inclusive experience, for all. “

 

This is a vision shared by Sarah Kerrigan, project lead for Able Active, who adds “I love the outdoors, but know from personal experience how little information is available on the accessibility of trails and other amenities. Working with Able Active allows me to make sure that the app and platform meets the needs of our users and for those who, like me, also want to share their knowledge to help others benefit from nature and being active. “

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Michael McAteer joins leading Irish EV charging company EasyGo

Erapid Charger Company Limited, trading as “EasyGo”, the largest private car charging network operator in Ireland, has today announced the appointment of Michael McAteer, former Managing Partner of Grant Thornton, as a member of its Executive Committee.

With in-depth technical and practical experience across numerous sectors including retail, aviation, leisure, construction and IT, Mr McAteer was Managing Partner of Grant Thornton, from 2018 to 2023, after previously leading the firm’s Advisory Services practice.

Commenting on the news, Chris Kelly, co-founder and CEO of EasyGo said: “This strategic move by one of Ireland’s most prominent business leaders underscores the enormous opportunities, confidence and growth trajectories within the Electric Vehicle (EV) sector, and specifically in EasyGo.

“Our mission is to decarbonise transport by providing accessible and efficient EV charging solutions across Ireland. We welcome Michael’s expertise, experience and insights, as we make a significant leap forward in our expansion plans. By 2032, we will roll out over 3,000 fast DC chargers onto the national charging network while adding over 20,000 commercial AC chargers into apartment buildings, hotels and other key locations.

Mr McAteer added: “I am excited to be part of EasyGo, a company that is playing a pivotal role in delivering a decarbonised transportation future in Ireland. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, EasyGo is well-poised to lead the charge in the EV sector by enhancing infrastructure, network reach and charging options. I look forward to contributing to the company’s continued success.”

In addition, EasyGo has announced that David Fitzgerald will join the company as Chief Revenue Officer, working alongside Gerry Cash, co-founder and commercial director. Mr Fitzgerald has over two decades of experience building and managing high-performing sales platforms across the digital and software sectors for market leaders such as Microsoft and Siemens. His role at EasyGo will be to lead the sales and marketing function for all of the company’s B2B and B2C products and services.

Mr Cash said: “We are delighted to add David to our executive suite. With EV adoption rates continuing to grow, there is an urgent need to expand the charging network nationwide. Building on recent investment and the work EasyGo has delivered to date, David’s deep industry knowledge will no doubt accelerate the delivery of much-needed infrastructure and technology, helping Ireland meet its 2030 Climate Action Plan targets.”

Today’s news follows the recent funding announcement of €30 million by Aviva Investors, the global asset management business of Aviva plc, leading to the creation of 60 new jobs at EasyGo. Last month, Rubicon Capital Advisors, through its asset management business, also announced it has increased its investment in EasyGo to over 50% shareholding, following its initial investment three years ago.

EasyGo is Ireland’s fastest-growing and largest privately owned EV charge point operator and turnkey solutions provider. Its EV charging network provides access to over 4,000 charging points in 1,500 locations across the island of Ireland. The EasyGo app currently has over 60,000 registered subscribers and grew by approximately 2,000 new users each month in 2023.

What to Look for in a Business Broker When Selling Your Company

Selling a company is a significant milestone that requires careful planning, strategic decision-making, and expert guidance. Choosing the right business broker is one of the most crucial steps in this process. A skilled and experienced broker can make all the difference in securing a successful sale and maximizing your company’s value. In this blog, we will explore the key factors to consider when selecting a business broker to guide you through the complex process of selling your company.

Experience and Expertise

When it comes to selling a company, industry-specific knowledge and experience are paramount. Business advisors at www.hedgestone.com/ recommend looking for a business broker with a proven track record in your industry. They should be familiar with your niche market’s unique challenges and opportunities. An experienced broker will deeply understand industry trends, valuation methodologies, and potential buyers. This expertise will enable them to position your company effectively and attract the right buyers who can recognize its true value.

Reputation and Track Record

Before committing to a business broker, it’s essential to research their reputation and track record. A reputable broker will have a strong reputation based on their past performance and client satisfaction. Look for brokers who have positive testimonials and reviews from previous clients. Additionally, seek referrals from trusted sources in your industry or professional network. A broker with a solid track record of successful transactions demonstrates their expertise, professionalism, and ability to achieve favorable outcomes for their clients. Conduct thorough research to ensure that the broker you choose has a proven history of delivering results and can be relied upon to guide you through the selling process effectively.

Marketing Strategy

A well-executed marketing strategy is crucial when selecting a business broker. A reputable broker will have a comprehensive plan to market your company and attract potential buyers. They will leverage their extensive network, online platforms, and industry connections to maximize exposure for your business. Look for brokers who utilize targeted advertising, confidential listings, and proactive outreach to qualified buyers. A strong marketing campaign will ensure that your company receives the attention it deserves, generating more significant opportunities and competitive offers. By selecting a broker with a solid marketing strategy, you can increase the chances of a successful sale and achieve the best possible value for your company.

Communication and Transparency

Effective communication and transparency are key factors to consider when choosing a business broker. A reputable broker will prioritize clear and open communication with their clients throughout the entire process. They should promptly respond to inquiries, provide regular updates on the status of the sale, and address any concerns or questions that may arise. Transparency is equally important – a trustworthy broker will be upfront about potential challenges, market conditions, and realistic expectations. They should provide detailed information about their fees, contracts, and any other relevant aspects of the transaction. By selecting a broker who values communication and transparency, you can establish a strong working relationship built on trust and ensure a smoother and more successful business sale experience.

Negotiation Skills

Negotiation skills are critical when it comes to securing the best possible deal for your company. A skilled business broker should possess strong negotiation skills and be adept at navigating complex agreements. They should be able to represent your best interests while maintaining a collaborative approach with potential buyers. Look for a broker who can demonstrate their ability to negotiate favorable terms, maximize the value of the sale, and resolve conflicts effectively. Their expertise in negotiation can significantly impact the outcome of the sale and ensure that you achieve your desired goals.

Confidentiality and Privacy

Maintaining confidentiality is of utmost importance during the selling process. A reliable business broker should have a proven track record of safeguarding sensitive information and protecting your company’s privacy. Inquire about their confidentiality policies and strategies for minimizing the risk of leaks or breaches. Their commitment to maintaining confidentiality will provide you with peace of mind and protect your company’s reputation throughout the selling process.

Fees and Contracts

When engaging a business broker, it’s essential to understand their fee structure and ensure it aligns with your budget and expectations. Clarify any upfront costs, commission rates, or additional fees associated with their services. Review all contractual agreements carefully before committing to ensure that you are comfortable with the terms and conditions. A reputable broker will be transparent about their fees and contracts, offering clarity and answering any questions you may have.

Choosing the right business broker is a critical step in successfully selling your company. Their experience, reputation, marketing strategies, communication skills, negotiation expertise, commitment to confidentiality, and transparent fee structure are all essential factors to consider. Take the time to research potential brokers, interview them, and ask for references. By selecting a trusted and experienced broker, you can navigate the complexities of selling your company with confidence, securing the best possible outcome, and maximizing the value of your hard-earned business.

Finalists announced for inaugural BIM Aquatech Business of the Year

Three cutting edge Irish aquatech companies using technology to drive sustainable seafood farming have been announced as finalists in the inaugural BIM Aquatech Business of the Year.

The winning company will be announced at a conference titled “Aquatech – Ireland’s Global Opportunity” in Killarney, Co. Kerry, on Thursday, 19 October. Some of the world’s leading experts in aquaculture will be speaking at the conference.

The three finalists in the BIM Aquatech Company of the Year are:

  • Aquamonitrix, led by CEO Mark Bowkett and based in Co. Carlow. It provides a revolutionary new analyser for measuring nitrate and nitrite in fresh, saline and waste-water.

 

  • Aqualicence, founded by Kate Dempsey and based in Co. Wicklow. This is a marine and offshore windfarm consultancy firm supporting on all aspects of licensing applications and support services required for successful submissions.

 

 

  • Konree Innovation, founded by Margaret Rae and based in Co. Galway.  The company uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to outsmart infestation by sea lice, a parasite that affects salmon and other fish, and impacts on production.

 

According to Richard Donnelly, Development and Innovation Director at BIM, there are currently 62 aquatech companies operating in Ireland, all using technology to enable sustainable seafood farming at a time when the sector is facing many challenges. Between them the companies turned over €212 million last year.

“Ireland has the potential to be a world leader in aquatech and BIM is driving the sector’s development. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s Food Vision 2030 strategy is to “promote Ireland as a knowledge base for aquaculture technology and research and attract external investment into the sector”. The scale of the opportunity is enormous.” said Mr. Donnelly.

He added that the three finalists in the first BIM Aquatech Company of the Year are examples of the energy, innovation and talent in the sector in Ireland. “We believe that with proper supports Ireland has the potential to be the “Silicon Valley” of the aquatech world.”

Technicians testing a nitrate sensor in the Aquamontrix lab in Tullow, Co. Carlow

Currently 8 emerging aquatech companies are taking part in the Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) Aquatech Innovation Studio Programme in Kilorglin. The programme, being delivered by aquaculture accelerator Hatch Blue, and supported by the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, is now in its fifth year.

The Innovation Studio will culminate with Thursday’s conference. Leading experts in aquaculture taking part include Kristen Virega, SVP Global Shrimp efishery, Neil Sims, Founder and CEO, Ocean Era and Jennifer Bushman, Sustainable Aquaculture Strategist and Communicator. BIM CEO, Caroline Bocquel, is also among the key speakers.

The panel discussion will focus on what’s required for Ireland to take advantage of the global opportunity in aquaculture, and how the ecosystem can be nurtured. Panellists include:

  • Antonios Chalaris, Aqua Business Manager of Devenish Nutrition, an agri-technology company based in Belfast.
  • Róisín O Shea, a Senior Investment Manager in the Food and Agri team at Ireland’s Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF).
  • Fearghal O Donncha, a research scientist at IBM Research Europe. Research includes high-resolution modelling of coastal systems and data driven management of fish farms and
  • Jennifer O Brien, CEO of food tech company Sea & Believe.