Toyota Ireland has announced a new three-year partnership with The Camogie Association and GAA/GPA which sees Toyota become the Official Car Partner to these sporting organisations. The partnership is the latest in a long history of Toyota investing in and supporting Irish sport and athletes spanning Gaelic games, athletics, para-sport, rugby and cricket and at every level including men’s, women’s, grassroots, elite, able bodied and disability.
As part of the partnership, Dublin Camogie captain Aisling Maher and Galway footballer John Maher have been named as official Toyota ambassadors and will drive the Toyota C-HR Hybrid, which combines innovative design, style, Toyota’s cutting-edge hybrid technology and with reduced carbon emissions, it offers a smooth, low-emission driving experience – the perfect companion for winding down after training or a hard-fought match.
Commenting on the announcement, Steve Tormey, CEO of Toyota Ireland, said:
“Toyota has a proud history of supporting sport and athletes at both local and international levels. This new partnership is an investment in our national games and the inter-county players who are the heartbeat of the sport and role models for young children across the country. By supporting The Camogie Association, the GAA / GPA and our new ambassadors Aisling and John, we aim to deepen our connection with communities nationwide. Many of our Toyota dealerships already support their local GAA clubs, and this partnership builds on that grassroots commitment. It also reflects our belief in ‘Built for a Better World’ and by promoting inclusivity, community engagement, and supporting future generations through sport, we’re continuing our mission to improve lives and lead with purpose.”
Brian Molloy, President of The Camogie Association, added:
“Having Toyota on board as a partner is a strong endorsement of the growing profile and significance of Camogie. We welcome Toyota’s support as we continue to develop and promote the game at every level.”
Jarlath Burns, President of the GAA, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Toyota as Official Car Partner. Toyota has supported the GAA for generations, and their continued commitment to Gaelic games is a testament to the strong bond they share with our communities. Their focus on sustainability and community mirrors our own values, and we look forward to the positive impact this partnership will bring to Gaelic games across the country.”
Commenting on the announcement, Tom Parsons, CEO of the GPA:
“This partnership with Toyota represents a meaningful investment into the GPA and will strengthen our ability to support inter-county players the length and breadth of the country. It’s great to have a brand like Toyota who recognise the unique role GPA members, both male and female, play in Irish society, on board.”
Vodafone Ireland has been announced as the sponsor of the Walled Garden and the official Connectivity Partner for this year’s Flavours of Fingal, one of Ireland’s largest summer family festivals, organised by Fingal County Council. Taking place on July 5th and 6th at Newbridge House and Farm in Donabate, the event is expected to welcome in excess of 65,000 visitors.
As the official connectivity partner, Vodafone will deliver enhanced mobile connectivity across the festival grounds—supporting families, foodies, and local businesses alike. The Vodafone Walled Garden will serve as a vibrant hub for live music, food, and digital connection, while vendors and event organisers benefit from robust network infrastructure designed to keep everyone seamlessly connected.
Vodafone Ireland is gearing up to connect people at events across the country this summer with their improved network. After kicking off this summer of connectivity at Bord Bia Bloom, Vodafone will be enhancing connectivity at events such as Kaleidoscope, All Together Now, the National Ploughing Championship, Moynalty Steam Threshing Festival, Electric Picnic, St. Anne’s Park, and the Phoenix Park.
Vodafone has also enhanced the mobile service on its network locations such as Emerald Park and in Wexford Town for the Fleadh Ceoil, ensuring that families stay connected this summer. Vodafone will optimise its network services at large venues, such as the Aviva Stadium, to provide a better customer experience to those attending events such as Lana Del Rey and Dua Lipa.
Following a record-breaking summer last year, Vodafone is set for another summer of connectivity as they prepare to match the continuing surge in mobile data consumption, with usage continuing to grow year-on-year. This growth can be explained by richer content, real-time sharing, and an increasing number of connected devices at live events.
At festivals like Electric Picnic and Fleadh Cheoil in 2024, Vodafone customers used weather and map apps over 90,000 times. Social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok saw peak activity during headline performances, showcasing the growing demand for seamless, high-speed connectivity in the moments that matter.
Committed to delivering reliable service, managing substantial data volumes and maintaining consistent connectivity, Vodafone Ireland ensures a seamless experience for customers throughout the summer.
“At Vodafone Ireland, we have made significant investments in our network infrastructure to ensure customers experience fast, reliable connectivity wherever they are this summer,” said Sheila Kavanagh, Network Director at Vodafone Ireland. “Whether it’s a packed festival, a family day out, or a headline concert, our network is built to keep people connected when it matters most.”
As part of its commitment to sustainability, Vodafone Ireland is now using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel in its generators at events. HVO is a renewable, biodegradable fuel that significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional diesel. This ensures that powering connectivity this summer will not only be reliable, but environmentally sustainable as well.
In addition to optimising connectivity across the festival, Vodafone Ireland will support older adults through its Hi Digital initiative at Flavours of Fingal. Created by the Vodafone Foundation in partnership with ALONE, Hi Digital helps older adults build confidence with technology through a free, easy-to-follow online course. The programme covers everything from using smartphones and apps to staying safe online and avoiding scams. Festival-goers can visit the Vodafone Foundation Hi Digital stand to learn more, receive one-on-one guidance, and connect with volunteers working to bridge the digital divide.
Mayor of Fingal County Council, Cllr. Tom O’ Leary, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Vodafone Ireland as our connectivity partner and sponsor for The Walled Garden at Flavours of Fingal. Their support will not only enhance the overall visitor experience through improved connectivity and their commitment to improving digital inclusion through initiatives like Hi Digital is especially meaningful as we work together to ensure no one is left behind in our increasingly connected world.
”The Vodafone Walled Garden will be a popular go-to spot over the weekend, a space where visitors come to relax, enjoy live music and delicious food and drink. Designed as a chill-out zone and a connectivity hub, it being the perfect place for friends and families to unwind, connect, and recharge both digitally and socially.”
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.
The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) today announced OBSBOT, as an official camera and webcam partner for the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025, set to return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this summer. The two-year partnership will integrate OBSBOT’s next-generation AI camera technologies into the EWC’s production capabilities, providing enhanced video quality and immersive experiences for millions of fans around the world.
The partnership supports the EWC’s broader strategy to connect Chinese esports with its global ecosystem, strengthening ties with one of the world’s most dynamic gaming markets and bringing the best of China’s innovation to the global esports stage.
The 2025 Esports World Cup will spotlight every player’s journey, showcasing their skill, competitive excellence and relentless pursuit of victory. OBSBOT will support this vision by outfitting player areas, streaming stations, and venue activations with its latest devices, the Tail 2 smart-tracking camera and the Tiny 2 webcam, both designed with esports creators in mind.
“The Esports World Cup is built on innovation, and technology plays a crucial role in creating unforgettable moments for players, Clubs and fans,” said Mohammed Al Nimer, Senior Sales Director, Esports World Cup Foundation. “Our partnership with OBSBOT is at the heart of this vision. Its cutting-edge camera technology demonstrates the power of AI in esports today, capturing the intensity and emotion that defines competition at this level and bringing fans into the moment. We are thrilled to have OBSBOT as our Official Camera and Webcam Partner as we continue raising the bar for esports experiences worldwide.”
OBSBOT offers standout solutions like the Tail 2 and Tiny 2. Tail 2, a 4K PTZR live production camera powered by AI Tracking 2.0, delivers smooth, cinematic shots with minimal manual input and integrates seamlessly with professional broadcasting environments through NDI and other pro-grade outputs. The Tiny 2, the flagship webcam in OBSBOT’s lineup, provides exceptional image quality and unparalleled tracking performance in a compact desktop form. Whether on stage or at the desk, OBSBOT’s technology ensures streamers can stay focused on the game while the camera keeps up.
“We believe that everyone’s story deserves to be seen and shared, and the Esports World Cup provides the perfect platform for us to showcase our vision,” said Liu Bo, CEO & Founder of OBSBOT. “Through our partnership with the Esports World Cup, we are bringing our cutting-edge AI-powered camera technology to millions of gamers and content creators, celebrating the excitement, drama, and triumphs of elite competition on the world’s biggest stage. This collaboration is about more than just capturing moments; it’s about empowering a new generation of storytellers to create, share, and inspire with professional-grade tools that are as dynamic as the esports community itself.”
Returning to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 7 to August 24, 2025, the Esports World Cup will unite global gaming communities for a celebration of esports culture. With 25 tournaments across 24 games, 2,000 elite players, and 200 Clubs from over 100 countries, the EWC will feature the largest prize pool in esports history, over $70 million. Fans can expect exclusive experiences, from high-stakes competition to live music, anime cafes, retro arcades, cosplay, and more, drawing millions of fans online and in person.
Today at the Amplify Conference, HP Inc. announced new benefits through its Amplify™ partner program to help partners navigate the evolving demands of the future of work with smarter, more connected experiences. Enhancements include the launch of the Amplify SuperPower Booster, an upgraded compensation structure that rewards portfolio-wide HP sales and supports flexible technology solutions. HP is also expanding the Amplify AI program with new resources and use cases to help partners accelerate adoption. Additionally, the HP Amplify Impact sustainability program surpassed its 2025 enrollment targets, with participating partners seeing an increase in request for proposal (RFP) win rates.
“In today’s fast-changing technology landscape, HP’s commitment to empowering our partners for success in the future of work is more important than ever,” said Neil MacDonald, UK and Ireland Channel Director at HP. “AI-powered solutions are transforming productivity, enabling more fulfilling work experiences, helping customers solve challenges with greater efficiency, creativity, and impact.”
HP Partner Program Evolves for Long-Term Growth
HP is dedicated to shaping the future of work by enhancing partner experiences and fostering positive customer outcomes, powered by the strength of HP’s AI-enabled portfolio of products and solutions. To create new opportunities for HP Amplify partners to grow and stay ahead of evolving market needs, HP has introduced the Amplify SuperPower Booster, an enhancement to the compensation structure of the HP Amplify partner program. This initiative rewards both commercial, distribution and retail partners for selling across the HP portfolio.
In 2023, HP introduced the More for More benefit, a rate multiplier that boosts sales and compensation for qualified partners. Building on More for More, HP is expanding the initiative to include the entire portfolio of HP products and solutions under the new structure. This new initiative will launch on May 1 for commercial partners, with a rollout for retail and distribution partners later this year.
For partners with specialised businesses, HP will continue to reward the unique value and capabilities their expertise brings to the market.
Expansion of HP Amplify AI Program Drives AI Adoption and Upskilling
Today HP announced the expansion of its HP Amplify AI program including new customer use cases, instant access to AI experts and personalised AI pathways and training modules including the HP NVIDIA Technical Sales Strategy AI Workstation MasterClass for advanced AI knowledge.
In addition, HP introduced a new tailored and condensed training path for partner executives, covering various AI-focused topics and featuring short video use cases that highlight the tangible business benefits of AI. These concise and practical resources enable executives to make informed decisions and facilitate discussions with customers that drive positive outcomes.
Through collaboration with Alliance Partners and the comprehensive education opportunities offered, HP reaffirms its commitment to lead in AI innovation and partner enablement, delivering effective solutions to customers worldwide. As the demand for AI continues to rise, HP remains at the forefront, empowering businesses to unlock the full potential of AI technologies.
Enhancing Productivity and Partner Experience
HP is continuously expanding its suite of AI-powered tools, including chatbots, to create positive experiences for partners. To further improve efficiency and streamline business processes, HP has outlined a two-year roadmap aimed at transforming the HP Partner Portal into a more comprehensive digital platform that leverages AI technologies. As part of this initiative, HP plans to launch a Partner AI Assistant to facilitate faster digital interactions, simplify onboarding, personalise user experiences, and provide real-time support, among other benefits.
HP Amplify Impact Surpasses Participation Goals and Doubles Sustainable Sales
Since 1939, HP has been committed to driving meaningful Sustainable Impact. In 2021, the company launched HP Amplify Impact, the IT industry’s first sustainability program for channel partners, which has now exceeded its goal of enrolling 50 percent of Amplify partners by 2025.
As sustainability becomes a key factor in evolving customer requirements, HP is equipping partners to meet legislative and customer demands. The HP Amplify Impact program offers best-in-class assessments, resources, and training to support partners on their sustainability journey. Participating partners have seen a 70 percent increase win rate, leading to a twofold increase in sustainable sales year over year.
With partner capabilities expanding, HP has shifted the program’s focus from helping partners develop sustainability plans to addressing customer needs and enhancing business growth with a positive environmental impact. This strategic shift aims to further empower partners to thrive in a competitive market while maintaining a commitment to sustainability.
Envisage, a leading Sage partner and part of TheNoledge Group, today announces that it has deployed the Sage 200 business management solution to drive business growth for Italica, a family-run supplier of Italian wines and provisions to restaurants, delicatessens, and hotels.
Based in Newcastle, Italica was established as a family business over 15 years ago. The business handles an average of 100 orders per day and, as it continued to expand, outgrew its existing Sage 50 solution. To keep pace with Italica’s evolving needs, Envisage implemented the powerful Sage 200 system, which can flex and scale in line with business growth. It will enable Italica to expand and futureproof, while simplifying its operations.
The platform is accessible to all of Italica’s employees across the business – including office-based workers and the delivery team on the road – which is great for collaboration. It delivers much improved communication and easily available real-time data which allows it to streamline operations for all departments, from the warehouse, inventory, and invoicing, to sales, customer service, and delivery. This more connected business leads to enhanced productivity and the increased ability to innovate and roll out new products and services for customers.
The new system creates greater visibility of stock levels and Italica can easily identify popular or in-demand products, enabling it to meet evolving customer requirements and remain competitive. Italica can also identify upsell or cross-sell opportunities for customers. Clear data and actionable insights contribute to improved reporting for the business, leading to more informed decision making.
The highly scalable new solution also utilises automated cloud data backups which are carried out quickly and efficiently without interruptions, leading to a lower risk for Italica. Envisage also provides proactive customer care should any issues occur, which is crucial for Italica.
Envisage is part of TheNoledge Group, which last year announced that it is investing €1.8 million over the next three years to expand its business in Great Britain following growing demand for its solutions in the market.
Michelle Marrone, Director, Italica, said:“Our customers are at the heart of what we do, and our Sage 200 solution is enabling us to better meet their needs. The solution removes the guesswork and allows us to analyse data and effectively adapt product lines to suit changing demands.
“In addition, streamlined communication across all functions of the business is vital and our team can access the data they need – when they need it – regardless of location. The Sage 200 solution implemented by Envisage has given us the confidence to scale our business and seamlessly expand our offering for customers.”
Chris Hawley, MD Great Britain, Envisage, said:“Our end-to-end Sage 200 solution has transformed Italica’s operations and supports all aspects of the business. Increased capacity and reliable backups of critical information give Italica access to invaluable data which will form the basis for strategic business decisions as the company grows and expands.
“Furthermore, efficiency is key in the fast-moving food and beverage industry and the solution enables more streamlined workflows for employees. We have built a valued relationship with Italica and we are excited to continue to support and work closely with the team as the business goes from strength to strength.”
Most businesses nowadays utilize cloud support for various functions, be it to handle operations, improve efficiency, or stay competitive. Among the many options available, Amazon Web Services (AWS) leads the pack of cloud platforms.
AWS offers tools for everything from data storage to machine learning. However, maximizing its potential may require expert guidance, making the selection of the right AWS partner a critical decision. And that’s what this guide is for! Read on to learn how to pick the right one.
Define Your Cloud Objectives
The first step is identifying what you want to accomplish with AWS. Do you need to cut costs, improve scalability, or enhance performance? Defining clear objectives makes it easier to align with a partner. You should also think about industry-specific requirements. For example, healthcare companies often prioritize compliance with HIPAA regulations, while retailers may focus on robust e-commerce capabilities.
Look at your existing IT infrastructure and what you’ll need in the future. An AWS partner should help you transition seamlessly and ensure new solutions integrate with your current systems and tools. You might need a partner with expertise in handling database migrations, building serverless applications, or optimizing workloads. Clarify your technical needs to avoid mismatched expectations later.
Want to specifically find an AWS Premier partner, for instance? Your cloud objectives will do the trick. These will lead you to a partner that meshes well with your business. They’ll provide solutions such as budget monitoring and accounts management. They also combine advanced technology and human intelligence, which are necessary in the current business landscape.
Research Potential AWS Partners
As one of the most popular cloud providers, AWS earned over USD$90 billion in 2023. It’s quite large as well; AWS got more than a third of the whole cloud computing market as of 2024’s first quarter. So, you can expect it to have a vast network of partners, each offering various services. But which one’s best for your business? That’s where research comes in. (1) (2)
AWS organizes its partners into tiers like Select, Advanced, and Premier. These categories indicate varying levels of expertise, certifications, and experience. Use the AWS Partner Network portal to search for partners specializing in areas relevant to your goals, such as migration, data analytics, or security.
Many AWS partners hold certifications in specific competencies, such as DevOps or machine learning. Look for those with experience directly tied to your objectives. If you’re moving legacy systems to the cloud, a partner with migration competency could be an ideal fit.
Case studies provide real-world insights into how a partner handles projects. Focus on examples involving businesses similar to yours, as they often highlight whether a partner understands your industry and its unique challenges. Testimonials from other clients can also reveal their responsiveness and problem-solving abilities.
Evaluate Technical Expertise
Even when you’ve narrowed your choices, you’ll still be left with a considerable number. AWS, after all, has millions of partners globally. To reduce the pool further, look for a strong AWS partner that employs certified professionals who demonstrate expertise in AWS services. Credentials like AWS Certified Solutions Architect or AWS Certified DevOps Engineer indicate technical depth.
Ask about the partner’s experience with the AWS tools you’ll rely on. Whether you need Amazon EC2 for scalable computing, RDS for databases, or Lambda for serverless applications, their familiarity with specific services matters.
Also, you’d want to avoid surprises down the line. Make sure your chosen partner has a proven approach to designing secure, efficient, cost-effective cloud architectures.
Assess Support and Communication
Support availability varies among AWS partners. Some offer 24/7 assistance, while others operate during standard business hours. Keep that in mind during your search. Review each one’s service level agreements (SLAs) for response times and ensure they align with your needs.
Your AWS partner should communicate clearly and transparently. Look for someone who explains technical concepts in plain terms and takes time to educate your team. Strong communication fosters collaboration and reduces misunderstandings.
Examine Cultural Fit
Much like hiring new team members into your business, you must select an AWS partner that shares your company’s values. The right partner can improve the working relationship. You’ll benefit from mutual respect and aligned goals, which are crucial for long-term success.
The partner’s team should complement yours in terms of working style. Ask how they handle feedback and conflict to ensure smooth collaboration. Over time, a partner who feels like an extension of your team will be easier to work with.
Financial Considerations
AWS gains at least 50 new partners daily. Each offers different pricing models, such as hourly rates, fixed fees, or subscription plans. Make sure you choose one that aligns with your budget. Be upfront about costs to avoid hidden fees, such as charges for training or additional support. (3)
The price alone shouldn’t dictate your choice. Evaluate the value the partner brings in terms of expertise, efficiency, and long-term benefits. Investing in the right AWS partner could lead to smoother operations and better results.
Conduct Interviews and Demos
Discussions with potential partners allow you to clarify your objectives. You can also ask about their project management style and approach to challenges. These discussions reveal whether their methods suit your business.
Demos let you see how their solutions address your needs. Plus, these showcase a partner’s confidence in their skills and give you a clearer picture of what to expect.
Make a Decision
Create a comparison chart that highlights each partner’s strengths and weaknesses based on your criteria, such as expertise, support, and pricing. Seeing the data side-by-side simplifies decision-making.
Professionalism and reliability often become apparent during initial interactions. If a partner feels right based on these initial meetings (plus your research), they’re likely a strong choice.
Reach out to previous clients to confirm your impressions. Ask about their experience working with the partner, focusing on areas like problem-solving and responsiveness. This final step often provides valuable clarity.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right AWS partner impacts the success of your cloud strategy. Taking time to evaluate your needs, research options, and assess potential partners ensures the best match. A well-chosen partner becomes a trusted ally, helping you achieve cloud objectives efficiently and effectively.
With thorough planning and careful selection, your AWS partnership could yield long-term gains, streamlined operations, and improved business outcomes.
If you want to start a business that sells physical products, you need to find a supplier or a custom manufacturing partner. A custom manufacturing partner is a company that engineers and produces products for clients. These companies and their clients design products together, so finding the right custom manufacturing partner is important. A large amount of collaboration is guaranteed, so it’s important to find a partner you can work comfortably with. This post will tell you about the qualities you need to look for in a custom manufacturing partner.
Tailored Manufacturing
You need to find a manufacturing partner that’s able to manufacture products that are tailored to your needs and specifications. According to this manufacturer, exceptional quality and adaptable production are also important. Something to note about tailored manufacturing is that while many companies claim to offer it, not all do. You need to be confident that the products your partner produces for you are entirely unique and not just slightly altered versions of products they either sell themselves or produce for other companies. Having your own unique products is important in business, as otherwise, nobody is going to want to buy them.
Quality Products
Quality products are arguably just as important as tailored manufacturing. No matter what type of product you are selling, it needs to be made out of sturdy, reliable, high-quality materials. Consumers have a lot of choices today. If the things you are selling are not worth the money you are charging for them, consumers will have no trouble finding an alternative company to buy from. There is no shortage of businesses in the modern world. No matter what your niche is, there will be somebody else selling the same thing as you. High-quality products are therefore very important and can make you stand out.
Responsive Support
You never know what kind of problems you are going to encounter in business. If you have issues with your business’s products, you need to be able to get in touch with your supplier or manufacturing partner and resolve them immediately. However, if the company you buy your products from does not have responsive customer support, they are not going to be able to help you. You therefore need to make sure that your business partner is one with a supportive customer service desk that is able to respond to and resolve queries quickly and efficiently.
Delivery Times
Finally, try to find a customer manufacturing partner who is able to produce products quickly and get them shipped out to you in a timely manner. The last thing you need is for your supplier to have slow turnaround and delivery times. When you first get in touch with a customer manufacturer, make sure that you ask them about how long it takes them to produce products and get them shipped out to their customers. If your chosen partner’s warehouse or factory is in close proximity to your business, you can pick things up yourself rather than paying for delivery.
Custom manufacturing partners save you the hassle of having to produce products in-house. Use the guidance given here to find a partner that’s right for you. Make sure that in addition to following this post’s advice, you take a look at your chosen manufacturer’s reviews. Their reviews will tell you a lot about them.
Bank of Ireland Finance has been announced as the exclusive finance partner of the all-electric motor franchise Smart – with two new Smart electric vehicles (EVs) now available on the Irish market.
Both new cars, the Smart#1 and Smart#3, feature a premium design fitted with advanced technology, with a range of both four-door and five-seater models available. The new Smart cars are exclusively distributed in Ireland by Motor Distributors Limited (MDL) and sold nationwide through their Smart dealer network.
Following a period of steady rather than spectacular EV sales performance over the past couple of years during market reconfiguration, interest in EVs and applications for EV financing are trending higher again with the latest Bank of Ireland figures revealing;
Used EV purchase applications up 125% in Q1 2024 compared to Q1 2023
New EV purchase applications up 41% in Q1 2024 compared to Q1 2023
Overall, 56% increase in EV purchase funding in Q1 2024 compared to Q1 2023
9 out of 10 EV drivers move into another EV after their original PCP contract ends
Bank of Ireland Finance, which works with 23 motor franchises nationwide to provide low-rate APR offers for EVs, is the largest provider of wholesale finance for both battery electric and plug-in hybrid EV purchases. The EV market continues to evolve as the number of owners with range anxiety falls due to improved charging infrastructure, and awareness levels surrounding EV choice and value rise as motorists become more environmentally conscious.
John Feeney, Head of Property, Project and Asset-backed Finance, Bank of Ireland said: “It’s an exciting time for Smart to introduce these two new models to the Irish market, and Bank of Ireland Finance has an extensive range of flexible finance options available to customers looking to purchase a Smart car.”
“The switch to EVs is an important part of Ireland’s overall green transition, and with more than €11 billion in sustainable lending already extended, and a target to reach €30 billion by the end of the decade, our focus is on helping consumers and businesses on their green journey. We look forward to supporting customers in making a plug-in or hybrid EV purchase as the market develops further and the sustainable motoring transition gathers speed.”
