In addition to the diverse line-up of businesses that’ll be exhibiting this Friday at Biz Expo 2023, there will also be an Agenda Stage packed with live seminars an the much anticipated panel discussion. Branding Storytelling for Business Success will be moderated by Biz Expo compere, Ivan Yates, and will feature panellists Snap Ireland’s Group Marketing Manager, Natasha Rahman, Peninsula Ireland’s Chief Operating Officer, Moira Grassick and TAPiTAG Co-Founder, Ivan Eustace.
This panel discussion will be from 12:15 until 13:00 on the Agenda Stage inside Croke Park’s Hogan Suite. Don’t forget to register to get full access to the Agenda Stage, exhibitor hall and networking breakfast and lunch. Get your ticket here.
Natasha is the Marketing Manager at Snap Ireland. Passionate about creative concepts, designs, and streamlining processes, she believes humans can achieve anything they set their minds to!
With a versatile background spanning roles as a business associate, entrepreneur, and marketing manager, she has spearheaded a great number of projects. From intuitive product designs, prototyping, customer-centric strategies, to developing comprehensive marketing initiatives across both Pakistan and Ireland.
Moira joined the organisation in 2012 as a HR Consultant and has held a range of management roles prior to being appointed to her current role as COO. As COO, Moira has full responsibility for the management and expansion of Peninsula’s Irish operations.
Throughout her career, Moira has played a pivotal role in meeting Peninsula’s ambitious growth goals and ensuring high quality service delivery to a broad range of clients throughout the Republic of Ireland.
In 2020 Ivan founded TAPiTAG with his longterm Colleagues John and Mark.Their unique combination of NFC hardware powered by TAPiTAG cloud allows their clients to migrate their customer interactions seamlessly from analogue to digital. Their sustainable solution saves their customers money, provides a better user experience for their customers while providing great insight into their customers needs and habits through analytics and reporting.
We’re just one week away from Ireland’s premier business event – Biz Expo 2023!
On Friday, September 22, Biz Ireland’s largest B2B trade show, conference and networking event, is taking place at Croke Park’s bringing together thousands of business and decision-makers to network and shop for products and suppliers throughout Ireland.
If you haven’t registered yet, don’t miss this opportunity to drive the future of your business forward.
Here’s a taste of what attendees have to look forward to:
🔹 Informative sessions led by visionary speakers. Gain strategic insights from business leaders.
🔹 Cutting-edge exhibits showcasing new technologies and solutions. Discover what’s driving transformation across industries.
🔹 Prime networking and engage face to face with decision-makers and other business professionals. Forge valuable connections with peers and partners.
🔹 Inspiration to bring fresh thinking back to your company. Return recharged with bold ideas to implement.
Join ambitious organizations and business builders converging in Dublin. Register for Biz Expo 2023 today and get ready for an experience that will drive your company’s future success!
Biz Expo is Ireland’s largest B2B trade show, conference and networking event, dedicated to small business owners and business professionals. The event has been held in Dublin since 2011. Biz Expo brings together thousands of business and decision-makers to network and shop for products and suppliers throughout Ireland. In addition to our large exhibitor hall, there are a host of networking opportunities including: business-critical workshops, speed networking, business card exchange and main stage presentations. Admission is free to business owners and professionals.
Biz Expo, Ireland’s largest B2B trade show, conference and networking event, is taking place on Friday, 22nd September 2023 at Croke Park’s Hogan Suite in Dublin.
In addition to the large exhibitor hall, there is a host of networking opportunities including: business-critical workshops, speed networking, business card exchange and live seminars and panel discussions on the Agenda Stage.
Bronagh Cotter, CEO of Recruit.ie, the main sponsors of Biz Expo, said, “We are thrilled to welcome visionary leaders from diverse fields who will share game-changing insights on the Agenda stage at this year’s Biz Expo. The event is the perfect opportunity to learn from the best, collaborate with peers, and bring new thinking to your organization.”
Ivan Yates will be the event compère on the day.
Biz Expo is Ireland’s largest B2B trade show, conference and networking event, dedicated to small business owners and business professionals. The event has been held in Dublin since 2011. Biz Expo brings together thousands of business and decision-makers to network and shop for products and suppliers throughout Ireland. In addition to our large exhibitor hall, there are a host of networking opportunities including: business-critical workshops, speed networking, business card exchange and main stage presentations. Admission is free to business owners and professionals.
Are you looking to promote your courses and gain new leads to boost bookings? Nightcourses.com will be an exhibitor at Biz Expo 2023. Whether you are a college or a business that offers training, Ireland’s largest database for part-time and evening courses can help enhance your admission rates. Register for your ticket to Biz Expo right here.
Nightcourses.com is Ireland’s leading online search resource for part-time courses, evening classes and lifelong learning programmes. They are a national database of courses from hundreds of colleges and educational institutes throughout the country. As a result, they are a valuable resource for both students and education providers, linking learners to courses, colleges and educational institutions.
If you are eager to take your career to the next level, change job, improve your Leaving Cert results, learn a new skill or take up a hobby, Nightcourses.com is your one-stop-shop. Their database offers Ireland’s biggest selection of courses, as well as information on colleges and educational institutes, expert guidance and advice.
Returning to education, whether for professional or personal reasons, does not necessarily mean you need to do a college degree. A number of different fields and disciplines offer degree, diploma and certificate options, and deciding between these can be tricky. You need to consider your goals and interests, the industry you work in, and your professional experience before deciding on a course.
Nightcourses.com streamlines the search process. Furthermore, they work closely with providers to make sure they offer up-to-date information on their programmes.
As Ireland’s economy and jobs market evolves, interest in continuing education is broadening. Around 6,000 people use Nightcourses.com every day to search for courses in Ireland. As Ireland’s most popular course search database, Nightcourses.com helps education providers connect with students. They also offer a platform for institutions to showcase their courses, successes and benefits. Their vast database means that students have the latest and most complete information available.
We are delighted to have Procure.ie join Biz Expo 2023. They are sponsors of the business networking event and their team will be exhibiting at Croke Park on September 22nd. Don’t forget to register to get full access to the exhibitor hall, live seminars and networking breakfast and lunch. Get your ticket here.
Procure.ie are Ireland’s largest Utility consultants. With offices in Dublin and Cork they currently provide a service to over 20,000 customers nationwide. With over 20 years of industry experience, they specialise in reducing costs for businesses in two key areas of Energy and Merchant Services. Partnered with all major suppliers in each industry, they’ll conduct a free utility audit on your current Electricity, Gas and Merchant Service bills. A personal account manager will be provided to you throughout the duration of each contract, saving you time and money each year and to ensure you a first-class service every step of the way.
In most businesses energy is the largest utility spend. It is vital to ensure you are on the correct plan and are paying the least possible amount. They compare your Gas and Electric bills with multiple suppliers and make sure you receive the best rates. As Energy prices are so volatile, they return to your business every year and renegotiate your contract.
Make significant savings from a fully managed seamless switch by reducing transaction costs and terminal rental fees. A full audit of your current spend and systems is conducted. A reduction in your transaction fees results in an instant increase in your profit margins. Next day settlement as standard, in some cases, funds may be received instantly.
To get in touch and avail of a Utility Audit, visit our website www.procure.ie or contact our dedicated sales team below:
John.Small@procure.ie 087 0630546
Dean.Rock@procure.ie 087 7018607
Seanog@procure.ie 087 4741110
We are proud to have Magnet Plus sponsoring our upcoming Biz Expo event. Furthermore, their team will be exhibiting in Croke Park’s Hogan Suite between 9am and 4pm on September 22nd. Looking for a new connectivity provider? Learn more about what Magnet Plus can offer your business at our business networking event. Register for your ticket here.
Magnet Plus is Ireland’s largest connectivity provider. They offer connectivity to each business premises in every Irish town and city via a combination of an owned network and interconnections with 18 partner networks. Magnet+ draws on over 17 years’ experience driving the availability of ultra-high-quality connectivity via LAN, WAN, SD-WAN, WI-FI, 4G & 5G and FTTP technologies. Supported by over €270 million infrastructure investment.
Three words sum up why Magnet Plus is different: People Powered Connectivity. Magnet Plus has a access to over 54,000 KM of group owned fibre, 226 owned wireless high-sites, direct connections to every data centre in Ireland, plus primary data centres the UK and Mainland Europe. Plus over 220 Cloud Access providers including AWS, Azure and G-Suite.
Magnet Plus draws on a long and rich legacy. It blends the resources of AirSpeed and Magnet Networks – two of Ireland’s most successful telecommunications companies – to do more, give more and listen more. They’re Ireland’s largest connectivity provider. This means they ensure every corner of the country experiences world-class connectivity.
Connectivity that stimulates innovation, encourages growth, enables success and, most importantly, connects people. People are at the heart of everything Magnet Plus does – and this has set a standard for support and service that no other provider in Ireland can match.
Being a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) is no easy task. With limited resources and a smaller customer base, it can be difficult to compete with larger organisations and maximize profits. Yet, successful SMEs will understand that they can adopt various financial strategies to increase profitability and achieve a competitive edge.
SMEs are businesses that employ fewer than 250 people and have a turnover of below €50 million. SMEs are a significant part of the global economy, representing 90% of all businesses in many countries, and are often of significant social value to their local communities. Assuming an SME’s goal is to maximize profits, there are various financial strategies which can be implemented to help achieve such a goal:
By making efficient use of the latest technology, an SME can fast-track its operations and significantly increase profits. Here are a few key digital focused technological strategies an SME can implement:
Setting financial goals allows an SME to stay focused and motivated. Good financial goals should have two components:
Analysing the finances of an SME is essential in order to understand its financial position and make sound decisions that will maximize profits. Generally, this involves regularly:
Optimizing prices requires an SME to continuously analyse current market prices, identify changes over time and be aware of their competitors’ pricing. To achieve this the SME should:
Accessing credit, such as bank loans and credit cards, can help an SME fund its growth and operations. It is important, however, to understand the key terms and conditions of the agreement, such as the repayment terms and interest rate. An SME should also:
The key focus when managing debt should be to pay off existing debts as quickly as possible and avoid accumulating additional debt. In order to achieve this, an SME can:
Growth is essential for business survival. An SME should continually reinvest in the business in order to keep up with competition. In particular, an SME can:
Securing new leads and increasing sales should always be on the business agenda. To increase sales, an SME should:
Where appropriate, non-core business functions can be outsourced to reduce costs and improve efficiency. An SME should:
The best way to reduce overhead costs is to analyse how the SME currently uses its money in order to identify potential cost-savings. This could involve:
Successful SMEs understand the importance of having the right financial strategies in place. This article has outlined 10 financial strategies for SMEs to maximize their profits and create an edge over their competitors. The implementation of these strategies can result in increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved customer service.
If you’re interested in shopping around for financial solutions Biz Expo 2023 will feature exhibitors specialise in the financial sector. Register for you ticket today and get full access to the Biz Expo exhibitor hall, live seminars and business networking breakfast & lunch. Learn more about Biz Expo here.
Biz Expo, Ireland’s largest B2B trade show, conference and networking event, is taking place on Friday, 22nd September 2023 at Croke Park’s Hogan Suite in Dublin.
Bronagh Cotter, CEO of Recruit.ie, the main sponsors of Biz Expo, said: “We are delighted to be able to bring together so many businesses from various industries for this year’s event. We are passionate about bringing businesses face to face to network and improve business opportunities. Biz Expo provides a great platform for businesses to showcase their products and services to a wide range of attendees who wish to network and discover new opportunities and do business.”
Exhibitors confirmed so far are:
EBS was established in 1935, by Alex McCabe and a small group of teachers working together to help each other buy their family homes.
Support and hospitality at the heart of Chateauform’s profession.
.IE is the national registry for .ie domain names and the trusted and progressive guardian of Ireland’s unique online .ie address.
Red Castle Technology is a cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS) provider company, providing cutting-edge employee management and planned maintenance solutions.
Web World are a hosting provider and data centre based in Dublin, Ireland.
Profile Technology is a small independent Software and IT company based in the Northwest of Ireland who specialise in Business Management and Accounts software.
Perhaps best known for inventing pop-up technology over thirty years ago, learn how Nomadic Display can help your business produce dynamic and creative exhibition stands that include backlit displays, counters, fabric displays and accessories
Fragomen is a leading firm dedicated exclusively to immigration services worldwide.
TAPiTAG Smart Business Cards are helping companies of all sizes, move to a paperless & sustainable way of connecting and networking with clients through our cloud-based platform.
Magnet Plus is Ireland’s largest connectivity provider.
CameraMatics is a driver-centric cloud system founded in 2016 by Mervyn O’Callaghan and Simon Murray.
ISME, the Irish SME Association, is the only independent representative association for Small and Medium Enterprises and currently has in excess of 10,500 members nationwide.
Recruit.ie is a specialist recruitment consultancy and event organiser.
Nightcourses.com is Ireland’s leading online search resource for part-time courses, evening classes and lifelong learning programmes.
Peninsula has been helping businesses to be compliant with HR and health & safety legislation for over 35 years.
Established in July 2022 by the Companies (Corporate Enforcement Authority) Act 2021, the CEA’s statutory mandate derives principally from the Companies Act 2014.
Your Trusted Business Partner 40 years in business Trusted for 40 years, Snap has been a reliable partner for all your business needs.
EVAD Technology Group has been empowered by organisations all over Ireland, The UK, Europe, America, and Africa to protect and manage their mission-critical business services for nearly 15 years.
iplicit is the latest innovation in True-Cloud accounting software.
PE Global stands as a prominent global recruitment agency, specializing in delivering personalised recruitment solutions to SMEs as well as multinational organizations across domestic and international markets.
Enable ISO was established to provide Auditing, Contracting & Consulting services to organizations who subscribe to ISO Management Systems Standards and other applicable Codes of Practice.
DHL Express Ireland is the market leading provider of Time Definite and Day Definite international express services in Ireland.
In addition to the large exhibitor hall, Biz Expo also features main stage presentations from influential keynote speakers that are guaranteed to inspire you and boost your business IQ, including broadcaster, columnist, businessman and former politician, Ivan Yates; Irish Times and Sunday Times best selling author, Andrea Hayes; Mags Boland Murphy, CEO at Bofin Consultancy and Growth & Profit Business Strategist; and Business Mentor and John Lowe, ‘The Money Doctor’.
Further details on speakers at Speakers at the Biz Expo: Boost Your Business IQ!
Biz Expo is Ireland’s largest B2B trade show, conference and networking event, dedicated to small business owners and business professionals. The event has been held in Dublin since 2011. Biz Expo brings together thousands of business and decision-makers to network and shop for products and suppliers throughout Ireland. In addition to our large exhibitor hall, there are a host of networking opportunities including: business-critical workshops, speed networking, business card exchange and main stage presentations. Admission is free to business owners and professionals.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a vital part of any economy. According to the US Small Business Administration, SMEs make up 99.7% of businesses in the United States, and employ half of the private sector’s workforce. Despite the valuable contribution of SMEs, these businesses often face deceptively complex challenges in order to remain successful. In this article, we dive into what those challenges are and provide helpful strategies for overcoming them.
An SME is a business which employs fewer than 250 people and has an annual turnover less than €50 million or a balance sheet total less than €43 million. According to Eurostat, this definition is widely recognized and used internationally.
SMEs face a variety of challenges which can cause disruption to operations and revenue. The four main categories of challenges are: Financial, Human Resources (HR), Operations, and Marketing. Each of these categories includes several specific challenges which we will go into further detail about in the following sections.
Financial challenges can easily disrupt cash flow and make it hard for a small business to survive. The following strategies can help an SME overcome financial difficulties.
Budgeting and forecasting are essential for an SME to survive. Before an SME owner begins to make investments or other long-term financial decisions, it is important to plan out finances so that future cash flow is managed accurately. This will allow the SME to create realistic projections and ensure that there are sufficient funds to cover necessary expenses.
One of the biggest challenges that SMEs face is having access to financing. Traditional loans can be difficult to obtain for an SME, especially one with limited years in business or a low credit score. However, there are other financing options which can be utilized to offset these obstacles. For example, crowdfunding and venture capital are becoming increasingly popular financing methods for SMEs.
Tax laws vary from country to country and change regularly. It can be a challenge for SMEs to stay up to date with the changes and ensure that they are compliant. This is why it is important for an SME owner to consult with an accountant to ensure that they are aware of any new tax regulations and filing requirements.
Financial advisors and professional business consultants can provide valuable insight into the financial health of an SME. Consulting with an expert can reveal challenges that the business owner may not have been aware of and can help them develop strategies to address these issues.
Staffing is not an easy task for SMEs. This section covers strategies for reducing HR challenges.
It is important for any business, large or small, to ensure that only the best candidates are hired, as this can make a huge difference for the success of a business. Before hiring, SMEs should make sure to research candidates thoroughly, make use of behavioural assessments, and involve multiple stakeholders in the hiring process.
Having a job description which outlines what a position entails will prevent future confusion or conflicts. Having a fair wage structure is also crucial for employee satisfaction. It can be helpful for an SME to do research to find out the industry standards for a specific role.
Having an enjoyable work environment is important for employee retention and productivity. SMEs should create an open work space which fosters collaboration and creativity. Encouraging employee feedback and providing team-bonding activities can help employees feel valued and appreciated.
HR laws vary from country to country, and it is important for SMEs to stay updated and compliant. Laws regarding employee rights, wages, and working hours are important for every business, regardless of size. It is best to consult with an HR advisor or check government websites to make sure that an SME is following the latest laws and regulations.
Operational challenges can be difficult to anticipate, and can disrupt the everyday operations of a business. The strategies explained below can help an SME manage its operations.
Technology can be a great asset for an SME. Automation tools can take care of mundane tasks, allowing employees to focus on the more important aspects of their jobs. These tools can also help to track productivity in order to provide valuable insight into the overall effectiveness of the business.
Analyzing customer data can help SME owners to better understand their target market and identify new opportunities. Tools such as social media analytics can track customer trends and behaviors, allowing business owners to make informed decisions for product development or marketing strategies.
For SMEs, efficiency is key. Streamlining processes can help businesses to reduce costs and increase productivity. This applies to everything from customer service to the overall management of the business. Finding ways to optimize processes can help SMEs to reduce their overhead costs and maximize their profits.
Investing in employee training is essential for any business. Training will help employees become more efficient and productive in their roles, and it can also provide a morale boost for employees. Investing in training can be expensive, but the benefits will last long after the training is complete.
SMEs often have limited resources and budgets when it comes to marketing. The following strategies can help to overcome these challenges and create an effective marketing strategy.
Having a clearly defined target market is essential for any business. For SMEs, it is important to identify the customer segments in which they are most likely to succeed. It can also be beneficial for them to research competitors to see what they are doing to reach their target markets.
In this digital age, it is important for businesses to have an online presence. Relevant social media accounts and a website should be set up to reach the optimum number of potential customers. Tools such as email marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), and pay-per-click (PPC) can also be used to increase visibility online.
Content marketing is a great way for businesses to reach their target audiences and to demonstrate their expertise. Content can be used to educate customers and generate leads. Creating a consistent content strategy which blends website, blog, and social media content can be useful in increasing engagement and improving brand awareness.
Word of mouth is an effective form of referral marketing, and customer reviews are an extension of that. Customers often read reviews before deciding to purchase a product or service, and having a good reputation is essential for any business, large or small. SMEs can use customer reviews to improve their business, identify customer pain points, and build trust with potential customers.
This article has explored the four main categories of challenges that are faced by SMEs and some strategies for overcoming them. From developing a budget and cash flow forecast, to leveraging customer reviews, this guide has highlighted some of the key techniques that can help SMEs succeed. It is important to remember that success is achievable for any SME, regardless of resources or industry. All it takes is a bit of planning, dedication, and motivation. The strategies mentioned above can help an SME to identify challenges and develop strategies to overcome them. Above all, it is crucial to remember that entrepreneurship is a journey full of ups and downs. The successful SME owner is the one who is able to stay focused and be proactive in the face of challenges.
If you’re currently looking for solutions to help your business overcome challenges check out Biz Expo 2023. Tickets are still available. Register your business for the event and get full access to the exhibitor hall, workshops, seminars and an all-inclusive networking breakfast and lunch. Learn more here.
Are you looking for immigration law services for your business? Fragomen are returning to exhibit at Biz Expo. Their team will be available to chat and discuss their services between 9am and 4pm inside Croke Park’s Hogan Suite on September 22nd. If you’re interested in find new products and services that can help you business register for Biz Expo today. This ticket will give you full access to the exhibitor hall, networking breakfast & lunch, workshops and seminars throughout the day. Find out more here.
Fragomen is a leading firm dedicated exclusively to immigration services worldwide. The firm has more than 4,900 professionals and staff in more than 55 offices spanning the Americas, Asia Pacific and EMEA. In total, Fragomen offers support in more than 170 countries.
Fragomen’s professionals are recognized year after year by Chambers, Best Lawyers and Who’s Who. Fragomen is structured to support all aspects of global immigration, including strategic planning, efficiency, quality management, compliance, government relations, reporting, and case management and processing.
These capabilities allow the firm to represent a broad range of clients to facilitate the transfer of employees worldwide.
