Tag: #ireland

Ecofil Installs Iconic V Bottle Filling Station at Derrynane House

Ecofil Limited, Ireland’s leading provider of sustainable bottle filling stations, has completed the installation of its flagship Iconic V unit at Derrynane House, the ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell. The timing of this milestone coincides with preparations by the Office of Public Works (OPW) to commemorate the 250th anniversary of O’Connell’s birth.

The new Ecofil station provides a modern amenity for visitors to refill and reuse water bottles, encouraging environmentally conscious behaviour at a site deeply rooted in Irish history. Designed and manufactured in Ireland, the Iconic V units integrate seamlessly into heritage settings while championing sustainability.

This installation is part of a broader collaboration between the OPW and Ecofil, aimed at deploying Iconic V stations across a nationwide network of parks, public buildings, and historic landmarks.

Jimmy Guerin, Director of Ecofil, said, “We are extremely proud of having our Iconic V machine installed at such a meaningful and historic location. Derrynane House holds a special place in Irish history, and contributing to its sustainability journey aligns perfectly with Ecofil’s mission. Encouraging visitors to reuse and refill is a small act with a big impact—and doing that at a national hero’s home makes it even more significant.”

This initiative reflects Ecofil’s ongoing commitment to environmental leadership and its continued partnership with public sector organisations to reduce single-use plastics. The Iconic V water station has been installed in numerous public locations throughout Ireland including sports clubs and arenas, schools, universities and cultural locations. Ecofil is headquartered in Fingal, Dublin.

Why Businesses In Ireland Are Increasingly Investing In IT Support Services

In the modern business landscape, technology is no longer just a support function—it is the backbone of success. For businesses in Ireland, where digital transformation is accelerating rapidly, having reliable IT support services is crucial to staying competitive and resilient. From safeguarding sensitive data to ensuring seamless daily operations, professional IT support enables companies to focus on growth and innovation without being hindered by technical challenges. 

In this article, we are going to explore the various reasons why investing in IT support is essential for Irish businesses.

Strengthening Cybersecurity and Data Protection

Cybersecurity is a paramount concern for businesses worldwide, and Ireland is no exception. With cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated and frequent, companies face significant risks including data breaches, ransomware, and identity theft. Such incidents can lead to severe financial losses, legal consequences, and damage to brand reputation.

Professional IT support services like Hybrid TP provide businesses with robust cybersecurity measures designed to protect sensitive data and IT assets. These include firewalls, intrusion detection systems, antivirus software, encryption, and continuous monitoring to detect and respond to threats in real time. IT experts also conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify and address security weaknesses before they can be exploited.

In addition, IT support providers help businesses comply with stringent data protection regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which applies across the European Union including Ireland. Compliance involves implementing appropriate security controls, conducting regular audits, and maintaining detailed records—all of which IT professionals can manage effectively. This not only mitigates legal risks but also builds customer trust by demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding personal information.

Cost Savings and Scalability

For many Irish businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), maintaining an in-house IT department can be prohibitively expensive. Hiring, training, and retaining skilled IT staff, along with investing in infrastructure and software licences, can strain budgets.

Outsourcing IT support to managed service providers (MSPs) offers a cost-effective alternative. MSPs provide access to a team of experienced professionals and the latest technology without the overhead costs associated with full-time employees. This model allows businesses to convert fixed IT expenses into predictable operational costs.

Furthermore, managed IT services are scalable and flexible. As a business grows or experiences fluctuations in demand, IT support can adjust resources accordingly. Whether expanding IT capacity during busy periods or scaling down during quieter times, this adaptability ensures that companies only pay for the services they need, enhancing financial efficiency.

Enhancing Operational Efficiency and Productivity

Technology underpins virtually every aspect of modern business operations. From managing customer relationships and supply chains to handling internal communications, IT systems enable companies to streamline workflows and automate routine tasks. However, these systems can be complex, and technical issues such as software glitches, hardware failures, or network outages can disrupt operations and reduce productivity.

IT support services provide businesses with the expertise needed to maintain and optimise their IT infrastructure. By offering rapid troubleshooting and problem resolution, IT professionals minimise downtime and ensure that employees can focus on their core responsibilities without unnecessary interruptions. Regular maintenance, including software updates and hardware checks, prevents unexpected failures and keeps systems running smoothly.

Moreover, IT support teams can advise on and implement automation tools and software solutions tailored to a company’s specific needs. This not only reduces manual workload but also improves accuracy and speeds up processes, contributing to overall operational efficiency.

Compliance with Regulations and Industry Standards

Irish businesses operate in a regulatory environment that demands strict adherence to data protection and IT governance standards. The GDPR, introduced in 2018, imposes rigorous requirements on how personal data is collected, stored, and processed. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines and reputational damage.

IT support teams help businesses navigate these complex regulations by implementing necessary technical controls and policies. They conduct regular compliance audits, ensure data is encrypted and access is controlled, and maintain detailed logs required for regulatory reporting.

Beyond GDPR, certain industries such as finance, healthcare, and retail may have additional standards and certifications to meet. IT support services provide the expertise to align IT practices with these requirements, reducing risk and enhancing credibility with customers and partners.

Proactive IT Management and Business Continuity

One of the greatest advantages of professional IT support is proactive management. Instead of waiting for issues to arise, managed IT service providers continuously monitor systems to detect potential problems early. This proactive approach reduces downtime by addressing vulnerabilities before they cause failures.

Proactive IT management also includes regular system updates, patch management, and performance optimisation. These practices keep technology current and secure, preventing compatibility issues and security breaches.

Business continuity is another critical area where IT support services add value. They develop and implement disaster recovery plans that ensure data is regularly backed up and can be quickly restored in the event of hardware failure, cyberattack, or natural disaster. Cloud-based backup solutions and off-site storage mean that businesses can recover swiftly, minimising operational disruption and financial losses.

Supporting Remote Work 

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote and hybrid working models, a trend that continues to shape the Irish business landscape. Remote work introduces new IT challenges, including secure access to company resources, reliable communication tools, and data protection outside traditional office environments.

IT support services enable businesses to implement and manage technologies that facilitate remote work. This includes setting up virtual private networks (VPNs) for secure connections, deploying cloud-based platforms for file sharing and collaboration, and configuring video conferencing tools to maintain communication.

By ensuring that remote employees have seamless and secure access to necessary applications and data, IT support helps maintain productivity and employee satisfaction. It also mitigates security risks associated with remote access, such as unsecured Wi-Fi networks or personal devices.

Gaining Competitive Advantage with Strategic and Thoughtful IT Planning

Beyond day-to-day technical support, IT service providers offer strategic guidance that helps businesses leverage technology for growth and innovation. They assess current IT infrastructure, identify gaps, and recommend solutions aligned with business objectives.

In a competitive market like Ireland’s, companies that adopt emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cloud computing can differentiate themselves. IT support teams facilitate this by managing technology integration, training staff, and ensuring systems are scalable and secure.

Strategic IT planning also involves budgeting for future technology investments and anticipating industry trends. This foresight enables businesses to stay agile, respond quickly to market changes, and seize new opportunities.

Conclusion

In an increasingly digital and interconnected world, IT support services have become a cornerstone of business success in Ireland. From enhancing operational efficiency and productivity to strengthening cybersecurity and ensuring regulatory compliance, professional IT support delivers tangible benefits that protect and propel businesses forward.

Cost-effective and scalable managed IT services provide flexibility for companies of all sizes, while proactive management and disaster recovery plans safeguard business continuity. Support for remote work and strategic IT planning further empower Irish businesses to adapt and thrive in a dynamic environment.

Ultimately, investing in robust IT support is not just about fixing problems—it is about building a resilient, innovative, and competitive organisation ready to meet the challenges of the future. For Irish businesses aiming to succeed in the digital age, partnering with expert IT support providers is an essential step towards sustainable growth and long-term success.

 

Introba Opens New Dublin Office, Plans to Create 30 Sustainability-Focused Jobs

Introba, a global building engineering and consulting firm, announced the opening of its new office in Dublin, marking the company’s first location in Ireland. With support from the Irish government through IDA Ireland, Introba plans to create 30 new roles over the next five years, many of which will focus on sustainability and climate-focused engineering services.

The new Dublin-based team will support Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon economy, aligning with national climate goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050. Initially, the team will provide sustainability advisory, mechanical, and electrical engineering services to institutional, cultural, commercial, and science and technology sectors.

“Introba’s expansion into Dublin is a natural extension of our mission to engineer a better, more sustainable world,” said David Glossop, Managing Director for the UK and Europe. “We’re proud to bring our expertise to Ireland and to support ambitious national goals around the built environment and emissions reduction.”

Introba’s Dublin office is led by Adam McLoughlin, Director – Ireland, who brings more than 19 years of international experience across Canada, the UK, and the Middle East. He is joined by John Moore and Padraic Greed, both of whom bring deep experience in building trusted client relationships and leading successful project delivery. Their shared commitment to exceeding expectations will play a key role in establishing Introba’s presence in the Irish market.

The team’s presence in Dublin also strengthens Introba’s relationship with related brand, TYLin, a global, full-service engineering firm specializing in infrastructure solutions such as bridges, highways, transit, and facilities. TYLin is a leading brand within a global alliance of consulting and engineering firms, known for its technical expertise, local knowledge, and forward-looking insights. This connection reinforces Introba’s growing ties across the broader European market.

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke said: “Congratulations to Introba on the opening of their first Irish office. The office will create 30 new sustainability and climate-focused engineering jobs in Dublin over the coming period, providing great opportunities for our talented engineering graduates. Introba’s focus is very much in line with the Government’s climate agenda, and we remain committed to supporting such initiatives. I wish to welcome the team and thank them for choosing Ireland for this investment. 

 

To learn more about Introba and its career opportunities in Ireland, visit www.introba.com.

Ireland ranks among Europe’s most affordable countries to start a business

For anyone thinking of going freelance or launching their own small business, new research from Europe’s second-largest neobank, bunq, reveals that Ireland is one of the most affordable countries in Europe to get started. Among the top 10 EU economies analysed, Ireland stands out as a highly attractive destination for entrepreneurs and digital nomads looking to kick off their next venture.

Low Entry Costs

Ireland saw a big boost in entrepreneurship in 2024, with 23,384 new businesses starting up – a 5.5% jump from the year before. That includes everything from limited companies to sole traders and partnerships. It was actually the second busiest year for new business registrations in over a decade – only 2021, right after the pandemic, saw more. A key factor behind this growth is Ireland’s low financial barriers that present a highly attractive environment for emerging business ventures. With a nominal fee of €50 charged by the Companies Registration Office (CRO) to register a business officially, combined with a €1 minimum capital requirement and an average business bank account setup cost of €7.17, Ireland remains a popular destination for entrepreneurs compared to other European countries giving self-starters a true head start.

Before professional advice and excluding tax advisor fees, potential staffing costs, and other overheads these mandatory government and basic setup costs total just €58.17 – which makes it on the third place in the European comparison, right after Greece and Portugal. Even though not legally required for setting up a business, the costs of tax advice in Ireland are fairly low with an average hourly rate of €50. By factoring in an average of 15 hours of tax support, the total projected costs for starting a business would increase to €808.17.

How Ireland Compares: A European Snapshot

While Greece (€287) and Portugal (€751) offer the lowest startup costs, Ireland’s total of €808.17 is competitive. In stark contrast are countries like Germany (€26.266) and Italy (€13.512), where LLC’s face significantly higher initial expenses, largely due to mandatory capital requirements. Notably, Ireland also compares favourably on the cost of essential tax advice (€750 for 15 hours), sitting well below countries like France (€3.300) and Austria (€3.000). For comparison, the UK’s post-Brexit startup costs are broadly similar, with a £50 registration fee and no minimum capital requirement, but business banking and tax advisory fees can run higher.

Ireland still tops the list with lowest tax rate

With its remarkably low corporation tax rate of 12.5%, Ireland offers an unbeatable advantage for businesses aiming to set up within the EU. This rate is notably the lowest in the study and compares very favorably to the UK’s tiered tax system, which varies from 19% to 25% based on profits. This factor, combined with the low initial setup costs, positions Ireland as a hidden gem for startups and expanding companies.

Bianca Zwart, Chief Strategy Officer at bunq, comments on the research: “Starting something new takes courage, but where you start can make all the difference. Our research shows that in the right environment – like Ireland’s – ambition meets opportunity in a very real, tangible way.”

Desire2 Supreme Dual Pivot 360 stand for laptops review

The Desire2 Supreme Dual Pivot 360 stand for laptops is an ideal piece of kit for home or the office which can in effect save your eyes and posture, I use a sit-stand desk at home which enables me to sit or stand and most of the time I stand as i find it better but with long hauls at the desk where I do reviews etc I often sit down.

This is where the Desire2 Supreme Dual Pivot can come in for you with the same kind of desk or a standard desk and it can move to virtually any position and rotate 360 degrees for your convenience.

This is a super robust stand with rubber footing and rubber protection on the plate where you tablet of laptop will reside when in use and will not budge at all.

The angles you can set this at is also excellent and makes way to have a second device at your fingertips if you have one and it makes life much easier with how this can be set up and used.

There is also airflow so your laptop or tablet can breathe and it can hold up to 6KG which is more than plenty and from 10-17.3 inch laptops and can be raised from 0-30cm.

This is an affordable must have in my eyes and check the video below for more.

 

Features 

Performance – Take Your Laptop to New Heights

The Desire2 Supreme Dual Pivot 360 is highly compatible and can support laptops from 10-17.3″ in size. It can hold up to 6KG and its increased elevation enhances cooling and airflow, leading to optimal laptop performance. Adjust the height from 0-30cm to find the perfect position.

Protection – The Best Posture for You and Your Laptop

This laptop stand provides extra protection for both you and your device. Equipped with silicone rubber pads, it holds your laptop securely without damaging it. The ergonomic design raises the laptop screen by up to 30cm, promoting good posture and reducing neck and eye strain..

PERFECTION – PREMIUM MATERIALS AND BUILD QUALITY

The premium aluminium alloy enhances minimalist desk setups, especially when paired with Apple products such as Macs, iMacs, and MacBooks. Ideal for home offices, work, and gaming.

QUALITY 

Backed by a 3-year warranty, the Desire2 Supreme Dual Pivot 360 is a product that is built to last.

BUY 

Other accessories reviews 

Video Review

 

SIRO has announced the rollout of its full fibre network in Sandyford, Dublin.

SIRO, Ireland’s leading 100% fibre broadband network operator, has announced the rollout of its full fibre network in Sandyford, Dublin.

SIRO’s fibre to the premise network will be available to over 2,300 premises – residential and businesses – within the Sandyford area. To date about half of this number of premises can already access SIRO’s network, with the rollout on track to be completed by the end of June. This will deliver future-proofed, reliable and fast broadband to homes and businesses in the area. SIRO’s broadband network provides up to 2 Gigabits for homes and up to 10 Gigabits for business.

SIRO’s rollout represents a large investment in digital infrastructure in Sandyford – one of Dublin’s growing and most vibrant residential and commercial districts.

Sandyford is a thriving commercial centre with more than 1,000 Irish and international companies employing over 6,000 people directly. In parallel, Sandyford’s residential footprint is also growing rapidly, with several new housing developments and an expanding population of over 6,000 residents. Both the number of homes and businesses based in Sandyford is expected to increase further in the coming years. The arrival of SIRO’s future proofed full fibre network marks a timely addition to the area’s infrastructure and overall future development.

Areas included in the SIRO rollout in Sandyford include (but are not limited to) The Edges, Beacon South Quarter, The Cubes, The Forum, Carmanhall Court, The Maple, The Arcs, Beacon One, Time Place, South Central, and The Points.

The Sandyford deployment is part of SIRO’s wider expansion across South Dublin, where the company has invested significantly to bring full fibre broadband to high need, high-demand areas, stretching from Shankill to Stillorgan.

To date, SIRO’s national network has reached more than 650,000 premises across 143 towns and cities, as part of its €1 billion investment. The company is on track to pass over 700,000 premises by 2026, helping to future-proof communities right across Ireland.

Speaking at the launch of SIRO’s network in Sandyford, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora (and T.D. for the area) Neale Richmond noted:

“The rollout of 100% fibre broadband for Sandyford is a fantastic development and one which demonstrates the dynamic growth prospects for the Sandyford area. This investment in digital infrastructure paves the way for Sandyford to really develop as a future proofed hub for business and families in the area.

SIRO Chief Executive Officer, John Keaney commented:

“Sandyford is a dynamic and growing area, with a strong mix of residential, business and retail. The area has grown significantly in recent years with ambitious plans for further growth.

“By bringing SIRO’s 100% fibre broadband network here, we are ensuring that this community has access to the digital connectivity it needs today and into the future. Whether it’s for remote work, business operations, or home entertainment, our network offers fast, reliable broadband that supports modern living.”

Sandyford Business District CEO Ger Corbett commenting on SIRO’s fibre broadband network in the district noted:

“The transition to high-speed broadband in Sandyford Business District is a gamechanger as the benefit to homes and businesses in the area will be immense, enhancing connectivity, boosting efficiency, and supporting long-term productivity.

“The investment in fibre broadband aligns with SBD’s core goals of innovation and future-proofing the district, ensuring it remains a competitive and dynamic hub for decades to come.”

Woodie’s expand online product range by thousands through Virtualstock partnership

 Woodie’s, Ireland’s leading DIY, Home and Garden retailer, has partnered with Virtualstock, the range extension platform, to scale its online product offering and deliver a richer customer experience. The collaboration has already seen Woodie’s expand its product range by 10% in the first quarter since going live, with a further 10,000 products set to go live in the coming months.

By integrating Virtualstock’s user-friendly dropshipping and supplier management tools, Woodie’s can now onboard suppliers faster and more efficiently, cutting time to market whilst increasing choice. The partnership is central to Woodie’s ambition to lead in omni-channel retail, offering customers an even wider selection of products both online and in-store.

Customers are already seeing the benefits with hundreds more orders processed each month, improved returns via Drop2Shop integration and easier access to new product categories. The returns process is also more convenient, with customers now able to return online purchases via QR code at any of Woodie’s 35+ stores nationwide, enhancing the post-purchase journey and brand loyalty.

“At Woodie’s, our mission is to be Ireland’s leading omni-channel DIY, Home and Garden retailer,” said Damien Dwyer, CEO, Woodie’s. “Our partnership with Virtualstock is a key part of that journey, enabling us to rapidly expand our product catalogue and offer customers more choice and flexibility than ever before. Virtualstock also allows us to bring new products and brands to market quickly, helping us stay ahead in delivering the variety and convenience our customers expect as market leaders.”

Ed Bradley, CEO, Virtualstock, added, “People are shopping online more than ever before – Ireland leads this trend, with 96% of internet users making online purchases last year. Purchasing home, furniture, and garden accessories online is on the rise. We want Woodie’s to be able to capitalise on that – giving them the tools to stay one step ahead of shifting demand.

Woodie’s has experienced an impressive 10% range uplift in the first quarter, and there’s lots more where that came from. Strategic range expansion is the fastest, smartest way to meet customer demand without overextending operations, and it’s a clear example of how smart technology can unlock scalable growth.”

Woodie’s is the latest in a growing cohort of major retailers investing in technology-first range expansion. With demand shifting fast and consumer confidence still recovering, giving customers more choice, without the stock risk, has become a strategic imperative.

CCI Global Expands European Operations at Platform94, Galway

Just six months after opening its first European base at Platform94 in Galway, global customer engagement leader CCI Global have announced a major expansion, moving from a 3-desk startup space into a 30-person office unit. The new office space will provide the capacity needed to support CCI’s ambitious growth plans in the region, with room to scale their team steadily over the coming months.

CCI Global operates across key African markets including Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Egypt and South Africa, with Botswana launching soon. With over 15,000 employees across 15 sites on the continent, the company’s expansion into Galway marks a strategic step in building distributed global tech hubs. Galway’s vibrant talent pool, innovation-driven culture, and strong connectivity make it an ideal European base to complement CCI’s growing African operations.

The expansion was officially announced at a private event today at Platform94, with speakers including Mervyn Pretorius, Group CTO and CCI Ireland Lead and Marie Donnellan, CEO of Platform94. The event was also attended by IDA Ireland.

Martin Roe, Group CEO of CCI Global commented: “This strategic move has been thoughtfully planned and is a key step in our global growth. We chose Ireland as the home of our IT Hub because of its strong reputation for tech talent and the incredible support from the government and local ecosystem. We’re excited to be expanding into a larger space in Galway, strengthening our IT capabilities, and creating more high-quality jobs here in Ireland.”

Mervyn Pretorius, Group CTO and Ireland Lead, added: “Establishing our European base at Platform94 is a strategic move for CCI as we continue to grow our global delivery capability. The team here is already contributing to key areas of our technology and client support operations, and this expansion positions us to deliver even more value to our partners worldwide.”

Marie Donnellan, CEO of Platform94, welcomed the news:
“The speed of CCI’s growth speaks not only to the strength of the local ecosystem for ambitious global tech businesses, but also to the calibre of the team they’ve built here in Galway. We’re proud to support them on this journey and excited to see what’s next as they scale their European presence from their base here at Platform94.”

Denis Curran, Head of Emerging Business at IDA Ireland said: “CCI Global’s expansion in Galway is a strong endorsement of Ireland’s position as a strategic location for ambitious, growth-focused companies. Our pro-business environment, combined with access to skilled talent and a supportive innovation ecosystem, continues to attract firms from across the globe”

This expansion marks a significant milestone for CCI Global. Galway’s rich talent base and dynamic innovation ecosystem have positioned it as a cornerstone of CCI’s global growth strategy.

Kinore Named Xero Ireland Partner of the Year 2025 For the Fifth Year Running

Kinore, formerly known as Accountant Online, a leading cloud accounting and advisory firm, has been awarded Xero Ireland Partner of the Year 2025, marking the fifth year in a row the firm has received this accolade.

The award, presented by Xero, a global leader in cloud-based accounting software, recognises outstanding performance, innovation, and commitment to excellence in delivering cloud accounting services. Kinore’s consistent recognition is a testament to its expertise, personalised client support, and full-service finance and business support that leverages technology to provide innovative, client-focused solutions.

Members of the Kinore team pictured at the XERO Awards, where the business was awarded Xero Ireland Partner of the Year 2025 for the fifth year in a row.

Accepting the award, Kinore’s founder and CEO, Larissa Feeney said:

“We’re delighted to receive this award for the fifth consecutive year. It’s a strong reflection of the consistent effort and high standards our team brings to their work, and the steady growth we’ve achieved as a business. Recognition like this reinforces our commitment to delivering excellent service and continuing to move forward, year after year. A sincere thank you to our team for their professionalism and dedication, and to our clients for their continued trust.”

Members of the Kinore team pictured  at a recent awards’ ceremony

Since launching in 2017, Kinore has seen impressive growth, with an average annual revenue increase of 30% serving over 2,500 clients across Ireland and the UK. CEO, Larissa Feeney’s visionary approach is highlighted by the development of MyKinore, the company’s onboarding platform, which has streamlined operations, enhanced client experiences and positioned Kinore as a leader in digital transformation. 

In 2024, the company rebranded to Kinore to better reflect its evolution and the expanding range of services it provides. The rebrand underscores Kinore’s future ambitions, with projections indicating the firm is on track to achieve €15 million in revenue by 2028 (currently €4.1million). The company is expanding its service offerings, providing clients with outsourced financial management, bookkeeping, payroll services, and more, ensuring businesses have the tools to thrive in a competitive business landscape.

Kinore’s founder and CEO, Larissa Feeney

In addition to winning the Xero Award, Kinore was also shortlisted in five categories for the Irish Accountancy Awards. Additionally, Kinore has been recognised in the Digital Transformation & AI Awards, with nominations for Best Customer Experience Impact, Best Operational Impact, and Best Digital Transformation in Financial & Professional Services for the My Kinore Platform.

As Kinore looks ahead, the team remains committed to delivering forward-thinking, people-first solutions for businesses across Ireland and beyond.

For more information about Kinore, visit www.kinore.com