Upload
rdc-dkit-ireland
View
232
Download
1
Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
A look back at the highlights and achievements of the Regional Development Centre from 1989 to the present.
Citation preview
section 3
company profiles
celebrating twentyfive years of
driving regional economic development
company profiles
1
Facilities management workshop Abcon IndustrIAl Products ltd armac systems bArrAcudA FX Big mountain productions bluEAcrE tEchnology castlecool cdE globAl digiweB hAnlEy
EnErgy intact soFtware MArA IrIsh surF co. matthews coach hire Mcor tEchnologIEs ltd measuresoFt MovIdIus oriel sea salt ProMEtrIc silver hill Foods stAtsPorts suretank tAscoMI
tsm vEnnEtIcs yapstone FAcIlItIEs MAnAgEMEnt workshoP aBcon industrial products ltd ArMAc systEMs Barracuda FX bIg MountAIn productions Blueacre technology cAstlEcool cde gloBal dIgIwEb hanley energy IntAct soFtwArE mara irish surF co. MAtthEws coAch
hIrE mcor technologies ltd MEAsurEsoFt movidius orIEl sEA sAlt prometric sIlvEr hIll Foods statsports surEtAnk tascomi tsM vennetics yAPstonE Facilities management workshop Abcon IndustrIAl Products ltd armac systems bArrAcudA FX Big mountain productions
bluEAcrE tEchnology castlecool cdE globAl digiweB hAnlEy EnErgy intact soFtware MArA IrIsh surF co. matthews coach hire Mcor tEchnologIEs ltd measuresoFt MovIdIus oriel
sea salt ProMEtrIc silver hill Foods stAtsPorts suretank tAscoMI tsm vEnnEtIcs yapstone FAcIlItIEs MAnAgEMEnt workshoP aBcon industrial products ltd ArMAc systEMs Barracuda FX bIg MountAIn ProductIons Blueacre technology cAstlEcool cde gloBal dIgIwEb hanley
energy IntAct soFtwArE mara irish surF co. MAtthEws coAch hIrE mcor technologies ltd MEAsurEsoFt movidius orIEl sEA sAlt prometric sIlvEr hIll Foods statsports surEtAnk tascomi
tsM vennetics yAPstonE Facilities management workshop Abcon IndustrIAl Products ltd armac systems bArrAcudA FX Big mountain productions bluEAcrE tEchnology castlecool
cdE globAl digiweB hAnlEy EnErgy intact soFtware MArA IrIsh surF co. matthews coach hire Mcor tEchnologIEs ltd measuresoFt MovIdIus oriel sea salt ProMEtrIc silver hill Foods
stAtsPorts suretank tAscoMI tsm vEnnEtIcs yapstone FAcIlItIEs MAnAgEMEnt workshoP aBcon industrial products ltd ArMAc systEMs Barracuda FX bIg MountAIn ProductIons
Blueacre technology cAstlEcool cde gloBal dIgIwEb hanley energy IntAct soFtwArE mara irish surF co. MAtthEws coAch hIrE mcor technologies ltd MEAsurEsoFt movidius orIEl
sEA sAlt prometric sIlvEr hIll Foods statsports surEtAnk tascomi tsM vennetics yAPstonE Facilities management workshop Abcon IndustrIAl Products ltd armac systems bArrAcudA FX Big mountain productions bluEAcrE tEchnology castlecool cdE globAl digiweB hAnlEy
EnErgy intact soFtware MArA IrIsh surF co. matthews coach hire Mcor tEchnologIEs ltd measuresoFt MovIdIus oriel sea salt ProMEtrIc silver hill Foods stAtsPorts suretank tAscoMI
tsm vEnnEtIcs yapstone FAcIlItIEs MAnAgEMEnt workshoP aBcon industrial products ltd ArMAc systEMs Barracuda FX bIg MountAIn ProductIons Blueacre technology cAstlEcool cde gloBal dIgIwEb hanley energy IntAct soFtwArE mara irish surF co. MAtthEws coAch
hIrE mcor technologies ltd MEAsurEsoFt movidius orIEl sEA sAlt prometric sIlvEr hIll Foods statsports surEtAnk tascomi tsM vennetics yAPstonE Facilities management workshop Abcon IndustrIAl Products ltd armac systems bArrAcudA FX Big mountain productions
celebratingtwentyfiveyears of driving regional economic development
Regional Development Centre at Dundalk Institute of Technology
1989 - 2014and beyond
celebratingtwentyfiveyears of driving regional economic development
1989 - 2014and beyond
celebrating twentyfive years of
driving regional economic development
2 fáilte
section 1
fáilte
Teachtaireacht an Chathaoirligh
cuireann sé lúcháir agus bród orm, mar chathaoirleach bhord rialaithe Institiúid teicneolaíochta
dhún dealgan, an deis seo a bheith agam iubhaile cúig bliana fichead an Ionaid Forbartha
réigiúnaigh a cheiliúradh. le 25 bliain anuas, tá an tIonad Forbartha réigiúnach ag tiomaint agus ag
spreagadh fiontair sa réigiún trasteorann oirthuaiscirt.
bíonn rath an Ionaid Forbartha réigiúnaigh ag bráth ar an chomhpháirtíocht. le blianta anuas,
tá maoinitheoirí, gníomhaireachtaí stáit agus leathstáit, Institiúidí Ardoideachais agus an earnáil
phríobháideach mar chomhpháirtithe againn. tá luach nach beag le réimse agus éagsúlacht na
gcomhpháirtíochtaí agus na gcaidreamh straitéiseach, a chuireann go mór le dul chun cinn an
Ionaid. chuidigh na comhpháirtíochtaí céanna linn aitheantas a fháil ar sheirbhísí agus ar éachtaí an
Ionaid agus a chliantchuideachtaí.
Aithnímid fosta na baill foirne uilig a d’oibrigh agus a oibríonn san Ionad Forbartha réigiúnach as
a bhfuil déanta acu ar son an Ionaid. ba mhór againn bheith ag obair le raon mór gnó-eagraithe
nuabhunaithe agus comhlachtaí sna hearnálacha éagsúla mar shampla an bogearraí agus tFc; an
Fuinneamh; an Innealtóireacht; an Earnáil digiteach; an déantúsaíocht agus na heolaíochtaí beatha.
guímid gach rath ar na cliantchuideachtaí atá, agus a bhí, againn.
gabhaimid buíochas leo siúd a chuir le rath an Ionaid Forbartha réigiúnaigh agus tá muid ag súil le
leanúint a róil straitéisigh agus iad ag tacú le forbairt eacnamaíoch an réigiúin.
andrew griffith, cathaoirleach an bhoird rialaithe, Institiúid teicneolaíochta dhún dealgan
celebrating twentyfive years of
driving regional economic development
3
section 1
welcome
chairp
erson
’s messag
e
Chairperson’s Message
As the Chairperson of Dundalk Institute of Technology Governing Body, I am delighted and
privileged to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Regional Development Centre. The last 25 years
have seen the Regional Development Centre as a driving force for economic development in the
North East and cross border region.
Partnership has been key to the success of the Regional Development Centre. Over the years our
Partners have included funders, State and Semi-State Agencies, Higher Educational Institutes
and the private sector. The breadth and variety of strategic partnerships and relationships has
been invaluable in informing the development of the Regional Development Centre. These
partnerships have helped us gain recognition for the services and achievements of the Regional
Development Centre and its client companies.
We acknowledge the tremendous work of those past and present Regional Development Centre
team members who have made such a huge contribution to the success of the Centre. We
have been privileged to work with a wide range of start-up entrepreneurs and businesses in
such sectors as Software and ICT, Energy, Engineering, Digital Content, Manufacturing and Life
Science. We wish all our client companies, past and present, continued success.
We thank everyone who has played a part in the success of the Regional Development Centre
and we look forward to its continued strategic role in supporting economic development in the
region.
andrew griffith, Chairperson of the Governing Body, Dundalk Institute of Technology
chairperson
celebrating twentyfive years of
driving regional economic development
4 welcome
section 1
fáilte
Teachtaireacht an Uachtaráin
rinneadh inneall réamhghníomhach nuálaíochta d’Institiúid teicneolaíochta dhún dealgan mar gheall
ar an Ionad Forbartha réigiúnach, atá ar cheann de na céad aonaid chothaithe fiontar ar an oileán.
tá caidreamh tréan ag an Ionad Forbartha réigiúnach leis an phobal, le gnó-eagraithe, le comhlachtaí
ilnáisiúnta, le gnóthais bheaga agus mheánmhéide agus le gníomhaireachtaí forbartha stáit agus
leathstáit.
Is é misean na hInstitiúide an geilleagar réigiúnach a thabhairt chun cinn trí thacaíocht a thabhairt
do ghnó-eagraithe agus do ghnóthais bheaga agus mheánmhéide sa gheilleagar eolasbhunaithe le
fiontar, nuálaíocht, taighde agus forbairt agus aistriú teicneolaíochta.
Is í aidhm an leabhair chomórtha seo cuntas a thabhairt i ról an Ionaid i rathúnas an réigiúin. le
linn a 25 bliain, tá an tIonad Forbartha réigiunach ag dul ó neart go neart, ní amháin ag tabhairt
tacaíochta do ghnó-eagraithe agus do chomhlachtaí sa réigiún ach ag cur le clár náisiúnta oideachais
fiontraíochta na hÉireann.
tá rath ar an Ionad mar gheall ar fhuinneamh, treallús agus dílseacht na foirne. tá uaillmhian ina gcroí
forbairt eacnamaíoch a thiomáint chun tosaigh le nuálaíocht, fiontar agus aistriú teicneolaíochta agus
mar sin de, tá torthaí ar dóigh sa réigiún.
Mar gheall ar obair an Ionaid, is í Institiúid teicneolaíochta dhún dealgan an Institiúid is mó
fiontraíocht san Earnáil Ardoideachais.
ba mhaith liom, mar a rinne an cathaoirleach, mo bhuíochas a ghabháil leo siúd a chuir le rath an
Ionaid Forbartha réigiúnaigh agus tá muid ag súil bheith ag obair leat agus muid ag tabhairt aghaidhe
ar 25 bliain eile.
denis cummins, uachtarán, Institiúid teicneolaíochta dhún dealgan
5
celebrating twentyfive years of
driving regional economic development
president
presid
ent’s m
essage
President’s Message
By establishing the Regional Development Centre, one of the first on-campus incubation facilities on the island, the Institute has
become a pro-active engine of innovation in the region.
The Regional Development Centre has proven to be a successful vehicle for a strong interaction with the community, with
entrepreneurs, with MNCs (multi-national companies), SMEs (small-medium sized enterprises) and with the various regional State
and Semi-State Agencies.
Our mission is to develop and grow the regional economy through the support of entrepreneurs and SMEs in the knowledge
based sector through Enterprise Development, Innovation, Research and Development and Technology Transfer.
This commemorative book aims to provide an account of how the Regional Development Centre has contributed to the prosperity
of the region. Throughout its 25-year history the Regional Development Centre has gone from strength to strength, not only
in supporting entrepreneurs and businesses in the region, but it has also made a major contribution to the national agenda for
entrepreneurship education in Ireland.
Its success is as a result of the energy, drive and commitment of its staff. Their relentless ambition to drive economic development
through innovation, enterprise and technology transfer activities has delivered superb results for the region.
The work of the Regional Development Centre has positioned Dundalk Institute of Technology as the enterprising and
entrepreneurial Institute within the HEI sector.
I join the Chairperson in thanking everyone who has played a part in the success of the Regional Development Centre and we
look forward to working with you as we aim to make our mark in the next 25 years.
denis cummins, President, Dundalk Institute of Technology
section 1
welcome
ag ceiliúradh cúig bliana is fiche
ag tiomáint na forbartha
section 2
introduction
6 introduction
Introducing The Regional Development Centre
The Regional Development Centre at Dundalk Institute of
Technology is strategically positioned mid-way along the
Dublin-Belfast economic corridor, on the border into Northern
Ireland. Within 90 minutes drive of the campus, there is an
estimated population of 3.29 million, which accounted for
approximately 52% of the population of the island in 2011.
This makes the region an attractive location for inward
investment and other economic development.
The work of the Regional Development Centre ranges from
the promotion of entrepreneurship to students, supporting
knowledge based start-up businesses, providing specialised
supports to meet the needs of established businesses through
innovation, applied research projects and the commercialisation
of the Institute’s Intellectual Property.
In 2000 the Regional Development Centre was also the first
campus based innovation centre to be awarded ISO 9000
Certification by NSAI. The Centre has been successful in
maintaining this standard annually.
The 2013 Biggar socio-economic impact study of Dundalk
Institute of Technology reported that impacts generated by the
activities of the Regional Development Centre amounted to
€38.9 million gross value added per year.
InnovationSupports
EnterpriseSupport
CampusEntrepreneurship
StudentEnterprise
IncubationFacilities
AppliedResearch
TechnologyTransfer
Working inPartnership
Supporting FDI
Supporting Knowledge-Based Enterprises
Linking with Academia
Accessing Research Expertise
Supporting Existing SMEs
7
€24.3mFundIng sEcurEd
introduction
this commemorative
book features a timeline,
tracking the range of
activities and projects
delivered over the past
25 years. we are also
delighted to profile a
selection of the more
recent projects which aim
to deliver on our mission
and positively contribute
to the prosperity of the
region.
no account of the regional development centre would be complete without
crediting the huge contribution to its success made by gerry carroll. For nearly
25 years gerry was head of development overseeing the work of the regional
development centre. It was his initial vision in the 1980s that resulted in the first
on-campus incubation facility being opened in 1989. From then, his drive, energy,
and strategic vision have resulted in the outstanding impacts realised here today.
130
stArt-uPsIncubAtEd
238rEsEArchAPPlIEd
ProJEcts
1162suPPortEd
EntrEPrEnEurs
€38.9mAnnuAl EconoMIc
IMPAct oF rEgIonAl dEvEloPMEnt
cEntrE ActIvItIEs
gerry carroll head of development dundalk Institute of technology
section 2
introduction
ag ceiliúradh fichecúig bliain
ag tiomáint na forbartha
section 3
programme profiles
8 programme profiles
Campus Entrepreneurship
The Regional Development Centre has been at the forefront of entrepreneurship education in Ireland
since 2008, as lead Partner in the Accelerating Campus Entrepreneurship (ACE) Initiative.
The primary aim of the ACE Initiative was to embed
entrepreneurship and enterprise education within the
curriculum of Irish Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) particularly
for non-business disciplines. The objective was to create the
entrepreneurial graduate. Entrepreneurship education aims to
equip students with entrepreneurial and enterprising life skills
and behaviours. These can be applied whether they start their
own business, work for an SME, a large corporation or the
public and voluntary sectors.
The ACE Initiative was a Higher Educational Authority (HEA)
funded consortium of eight Higher Education Institutions, led
by the Regional Development Centre at Dundalk Institute of
Technology. Following the completion of the ACE project in
June 2014, the establishment of Campus Entrepreneurship
Enterprise Network (CEEN) marked ACE’s transition from an
eight partner consortium to a national network, inclusive of all
HEIs wishing to participate.
CEEN aims to raise the profile, extend engagement and further
develop entrepreneurship education across the Irish HEI sector.
CEEN builds on a body of work and expertise developed
through the internationally acclaimed ACE Initiative.
The Regional Development Centre as Chair of the Founding
Board of the Campus Entrepreneurship Enterprise Network
(CEEN) continues to promote excellence in the field of
entrepreneurship education.
Find out more: www.rdc.ie www.ceen.ie
9
introduction
broadening career choices
building and developing confidencenetworkingbuilding and developing confidence
broadening career choiceslearning about entrepreneurship
learning about real world business
learning how to start a businessbroadening career choices perspectives by including viable option of self-employment
networkingenhancing employability
section 3
programme profiles
ag ceiliúradh fichecúig bliain
ag tiomáint na forbartha
section 3
programme profiles
10 introduction
Student Enterprise @ DkIT Created in 2007, the Student Enterprise Internship Programme
was established to promote and actively support a spirit of
enterprise and self-employment and to foster the development
of entrepreneurial skillsets that will increase employability
amongst the student populace.
The programme, managed by the Regional Development
Centre, has grown organically from one Student Enterprise
Intern with a cross-campus focus to a total of four School-
based Student Enterprise Interns. Throughout the academic
year the Student Enterprise Interns host a range of initiatives
and activities including the Bright Ideas Programme.
They also coordinate the Student Innovation Fund for DkIT
students and graduates. This programme has supported the
establishment of student enterprises such as MaraSurf led by
Peter Carroll, Ireland’s Education Recruitment Company led by
Subhash Khanal and Atlantic Medical led by Andris Poga.
When combined, the initiatives of the Student Enterprise
Internship Programme at DkIT nurtures an encouraging
culture of entrepreneurship across the campus while also
offering concrete supports to those fledgling student
businesses and ideas.
The programme acknowledges the past contributions made
by Dundalk Credit Union and the Local Enterprise Office
Louth whose funding has accelerated the Student Enterprise
Internship Programme, enabling students to start businesses
and develop projects.
celebrating twentyfive years of
driving regional economic development
11
pro
gram
me p
rofi
les
Incubation: Supporting Start-Up Knowledge Based Enterprises
The on-campus incubation facility at the Regional Development
Centre and the satellite facility at the Millmount Development
Centre in Drogheda, provides knowledge based start-ups and
student enterprises with the ideal locations to develop and
grow their businesses.
The Regional Development Centre offers a pro-active
incubation support programme with access to state of the art
facilities, applied research opportunities and expert networks
coupled with business advice.
The programme supports innovative and entrepreneurial
businesses who are dealing with demand for increasingly
complex products and services.
During the critical stages of starting up and growing their
business, the Regional Development Centre provides a crucial
informative and supportive environment for entrepreneurs.
The goal is to increase their chances of success, foster their
resilience and grow their business. Previous clients such as
Redmere Technologies, Digiweb and Big Mountain Productions
to name but a few, are testiment to this.
section 3
programme profiles
section 3
company profiles
celebrating twentyfive years of
driving regional economic development
supporting 1162 Entrepreneurs over 25 years
the regional development centre has been supporting start-up knowledge based
enterprises since it opened its doors in 1989 through such initiatives as:
1989 - 1997 technology driven Enterprise Programme
1997 graduate Enterprise development Programme
1996 - 2002 the coca-cola national Enterprise Awards
2000 Food Enterprise development Programme
cross border technology Innovation Programme
2001-2010 FlAgshIP
north East Enterprise Platform Programme (nEEP)
2003-2004 creative Media Enterprise support Programme 1 & 11
2005 - 2008 Enterprise start Programme
2006 new Media Factory Enterprise Programme
border Innovation gateway Programme
2007 renewable Energy Enterprise Programme
2010 discovery Zone
2010 - 2014 the bright Ideas
2012 - 2015 new Frontiers Entrepreneur development
Programme (nFP)
12 programme profiles
the flagship enterprise programme over the last decade has been the north East
Enterprise Platform Programme 2001-2010 which demonstrated remarkable impacts
as reported in three surveys in 2006, 2008 and 2011.
€75m
€50m
€25m
2008
turnover
2006 2011
€15m
€10m
€5m
€20m
29%
20.2%
2008 2011
Export sales
€45m
€30m
€15m
€60m
€39m
2008 2011
€53m
vc Funding raised
€68.2m
€26.9m€17m
13
pro
gram
me p
rofi
lesthis programme was succeeded by Enterprise Ireland’s new Frontiers
Entrepreneur development Programme.
2006 2008 2011
400
300
200
100
226
312
399
Employees
North East Enterprise Platform (NEEP)and New Frontiers Entrepreneur Development Programmes
One of the most important functions of enterprise development support is to assist entrepreneurs
to conduct opportunity analysis and customer discovery to determine whether their business idea
is feasible before they produce a business plan – an important step that is often overlooked.
This fits in with the Regional Development Centre’s enterprise development philosophy to support
three areas: the idea, the person and the business itself. Over the past 25 years the Centre has
piloted and delivered many programmes across multiple sectors to meet this objective. Some
of these programmes were subsequently mainstreamed by the private sector and rolled out
nationally, for example, the Discovery Zone Programme which was developed by the Regional
Development Centre in partnership with Cork Institute of Technology.
One programme which formed a large part of the Centre’s offering during the period 2001
to 2011. The North East Enterprise Platform Programme (NEEP) assisted over 130 start-up
entrepreneurs and created 400 jobs. In 2011 NEEP companies had a combined annual turnover
of €68million, a significant portion being export sales. NEEP companies raised approximately
€70million in VC funding. It is estimated that over the 10 years of the programme, revenues of
over a quarter of a billion euro were produced by its participant companies, including Armac,
Mcor Technologies, Barracuda FX and Blueacre Technology to name a few.
Since 2012 the Regional Development Centre manages and delivers Enterprise Ireland’s New
Frontiers Entrepreneur Development Programme which is the successor to the NEEP Programme.
The Regional Development Centre manages this programme in collaboration with Dublin City
University and supports approximately 45 entrepreneurs per year. The programme is delivered in
3 Phases. Phase 1 focuses on the business case (feasibility), delivered part-time over six weeks.
Phase 2 develops an investor ready business plan and includes €15,000 cash support for eligible
projects, requiring six months full-time commitment, and the Phase 3 which provides customised
supports focused on business growth to help promoters acquire first clients, investment or enter
export markets.
section 3
programme profiles
section 3
company profiles
celebrating twentyfive years of
driving regional economic development
14 programme profiles
Innovation for Competitive Enterprises (ICE) Programme
telestack
Improving the foundations to sustain High Growth in an
Innovation company.
Telestack is a Northern Ireland company that exports over
95% of its products. It designs, manufactures, installs and
commissions a range of mobile bulk handing equipment
for organisations operating in sectors such as rail, ports and
mining.
Telestack has benefited immensely from
participation on the ICE Programme by
using it as a vehicle to strategically plan
the business using a platform of formal
and structured events to support company
growth through thinking differently
adrian mccutcheon Managing director, telestack
pro stainless designs ltd.
New Product Development: Developing New Products to
compete in other industries.
PRO Stainless Designs Ltd, based in Ireland, fabricates and
provides solutions in a range of stainless steel fabrication,
design and related services in the custom engineering and
architectural metalwork sector.
The ICE Programme created a focus and
platform to analyse how we do things.
It helped set up a structure to evaluate
opportunities that will provide a better
future for PRO Stainless Designs Ltd.
david monaghan sales and Marketing director
Pro stainless designs ltd
The Innovation for Competitive Enterprises (ICE) Programme
reports outstanding results with 90 participating companies
on track to see an increased turnover by over 27% and the
creation of 360 new jobs, paving the way for 34 companies to
move into export markets.
These are the impacts of the Regional Development Centre’s
highly successful ICE Programme aimed at building innovation
capability and capacity in small and medium-sized enterprises
(SMEs). In the context of this initiative, innovation is seen as the
introduction of a new or significantly modified product/service/
process or business model and the opening of new markets.
27% Increase turnover
38% Increase Export sales
360 new Jobs
15
pro
gram
me p
rofi
les
castlecool ltd. Service Value Through Innovation
Castlecool is the largest independent temperature-control and logistics company in Ireland.
The company has gained in-depth knowledge and understanding of innovation related processes and implemented new ideas which
are already having a significant impact
paul shortt Managing director, castlecool ltd.
The programme is led by the Regional Development Centre at Dundalk Institute of Technology
and was in partnership with the University of Ulster, the University of Glasgow and Glasgow
Caledonian University. The Innovation for Competitive Enterprises (ICE) Programme is funded
by the European Union’s Regional Development Fund through the INTERREG IVA Cross- Border
Programme for Northern Ireland, the Border Region of Ireland and Western Scotland. The fund
is administered by the Special EU Programmes Body with a total investment of €2.5 million,
including matched funding provided by Scottish Enterprise and the accountable departments.
Fm environmental ltd.
Achieving Increased Efficiency in a Service Division
FM Environmental Ltd is a pump and wastewater treatment company based in Northern Ireland.
With installations from Ireland to Oman, or from Malta to Mexico, we challenge ourselves to work towards our corporate mission statement “towards a cleaner environment”
The ICE programme brought the concept of ‘managing by metrics’ into the organisation which was vital in assessing the contribution from our service operation. We are now implementing metrics across all departments to provide greater control and measurement of all aspects of the business from production to sales to after sales servicing.
kevin Fitzpatrick Managing director, FM Environmental ltd.
section 3
programme profiles
ag ceiliúradh fichecúig bliain
ag tiomáint na forbartha
section 3
programme profiles
16 programme profiles
Success Through Succession
The Success Through Succession (STS) programme was delivered in 2009-2012 to assist 22 family owned/family related
small/medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the six southern border counties, across a range of sectors to meet the challenges
of succession planning. Offering a psychology-focused approach to help manage succession challenges, this unique project
addressed succession planning from four potentially competing perspectives:
Just to have a roadmap for succession clearly articulated is such a weight off our shoulders.
Jim mccabe Managing director, Ferm Engineering ltd.
• The Family Perspective
• The Business Perspective
• The Ownership Perspective
• The Individual Development Perspective
The programme included a series of workshops, bespoke
mentoring, best practice visits and events.
The project was jointly developed and delivered by the
University of Ulster, Regional Development Centre at
Dundalk Institute of Technology and Glasgow Caledonian
University in Scotland and was part-financed by the
European Union’s INTERREG IVA programme managed by
the Special EU Programmes Body and supported by the
accountable departments in Ireland, Northern Ireland,
Scottish Enterprise and Co-operative Development Scotland.
the problem we faced was that we did not know what to do! the presentations throughout the sts Programme were excellent; they made clear the structures I needed to put in place for a successful exit. the entire programme was so very useful, it opened doors of communication between the first and second generation, it steered us in the same direction and helped us all to appreciate our skills and identified what skills we needed to go forward.
paddy matthewsManaging director, Matthews coach hire
When we first joined the STS Programme we had no idea that it would go on to play such a major part in the future direction of our company
liam mcnamee Managing director, Archway Products ltd.
celebrating twentyfive years of
driving regional economic development
17
pro
gram
me p
rofi
les
Making A Vital Difference
The VITAL project, led by the Regional Development Centre,
was launched in 2013. It is a project designed to create
new ventures and grow existing SMEs using a unique open
innovation model. VITAL identifies and commercialises good
ideas by evaluating them and matching those with potential
with SMEs and seasoned entrepreneurs with a track record
operating in the border region of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
VITAL is a €2.56 million project supported by the European
Union’s INTERREG IVA Programme, which is managed by the
Special EU Programmes Body. The project is a partnership
between Dublin City University, Queen’s University Belfast and
is led by Dundalk Institute of Technology.
VITAL was designed by the Regional Development Centre
for the many idea owners who don’t have time, resources,
knowledge or commercial expertise to make ideas happen.
Similarly it is appealing to those in need of new business
opportunities as it gives access to evaluated ideas and it
provides additional support with the commercialisation process.
The project is providing a customised range of supports to its
matched ideas including access to a priming capital fund to
assist with the fast track to market process.
Find out more: www.vitalforideas.com www.rdc.ie
section 3
programme profiles
ag ceiliúradh fichecúig bliain
ag tiomáint na forbartha
2005: the bright room high definition Post Production Facilities
was established and launched on the 11th May 2005 by President Mary
McAleese. the facility was a unique asset to the East border region as it
was the first dry hire definition postproduction facility in Ireland.
section 3
programme profiles
2004-2006: the Midas Initiative produced a major piece of extensive
research into the digital content sector in Ireland – ‘Investigating sMEs
in the digital content Industries on the Island of Ireland’ in 2004 as well as
establishing the foundation of a digital content cluster in the region.
2004-2006: digital
diversity Project I
and II
2003-2005: creative Media
Enterprise support
Programme I and II
Arts Meets Technology
In 2003, with the publication of the SQW Report, Dundalk Institute of Technology set out its
vision of Dundalk and the role of Dundalk Institute of Technology in realising this vision. This
vision articulated:
1 A central role for the Arts in shaping the economic future of Dundalk as well as in the
cultural and social dimensions.
2 A strategic focus in an economic development strategy which gives rise to the creation of a
new digital content cluster in Dundalk and its hinterland.
The proposed Creative Media Cluster
will consist of four key integrated
components, as follows:
north East digital
content cluster
research and
development support
structure
Ict Infrastructure
(Broadband, Teleworking
Infrastructure)
higher Education
and lifelong learning
Programmes
Appropriate Physical Facilities
(Studio Facilities, Incubation Facilities,
Post-production Capacity)
Over the next ten years, Dundalk Institute of Technology and the Regional Development Centre delivered on this strategy in the form of:
• €40 million investment in PJ Carroll Building for the newly constituted School of Informatics and Creative Arts
• Supporting new and existing enterprises in the digital content sector though such programmes as:
In this way the aim was to both exploit the cultural studies and ICT faculty strengths of the Institute (‘the content’) and the
ICT expertise of the local companies and the telecom providers (‘the technology’). In this process, it was proposed to focus
on those industries which emerge from the interaction between technology and the arts, delivering firms and employment
in areas such as film making; video; advertising; multi-media; computer games and animation.
18 programme profiles
celebrating twentyfive years of
driving regional economic development
19
pro
gram
me p
rofi
les
2012-2014: And more
recently the honeycomb
creative works Project.
2009: refurbishment of the
PJ carroll building to house the
school of Informatics and creative
Arts
2006-2008:
new Media Factory
Project.
2005: the bright room high definition Post Production Facilities
was established and launched on the 11th May 2005 by President Mary
McAleese. the facility was a unique asset to the East border region as it
was the first dry hire definition postproduction facility in Ireland.
Honeycomb - Creative Works
The Regional Development Centre continues to build on its partnerships in Northern Ireland
and Scotland through the Honeycomb – Creative Works project - a €4.2 million INTERREG IVA
project that aims to strengthen the ever-growing digital content sector.
Since 2012, Honeycomb has been delivering training, networking and business support
programmes from Donegal to Louth, as well as in Northern Ireland and the west of Scotland.
To date, more than 100 Honeycomb networking and skills events have been delivered to film
makers, animators, game developers and interactive media specialists from across the regions.
Delegations have also attended trade shows and conferences in Dublin, Inverness and Seattle,
with further trips planned for New York and Texas.
Honeycomb has also worked with Digital Dundalk and Refresh Boyne, the web and tech
communities in the Dundalk and Greater Boyne areas. Honeycomb has helped them to build
links between digital content companies and freelancers which has led to the development of
several partnerships being built between digital content creators and other sectors.
Find out more: www.thehoneycomb.net
www.rdc.ie
section 3
programme profiles
ag ceiliúradh fichecúig bliain
ag tiomáint na forbartha
section 3
programme profiles
20 programme profiles
iOTA Programme Innovation • Opportunity • Training • Advice
iOTA is a cross border business development programme with an emphasis on innovation as a driver
of business achievement and wealth creation of which the Regional Development Centre is a delivery
partner organisation. The programme focuses on fostering the development of new ideas leading to
new or improved products, new or improved services or new or improved business processes that add
value and create wealth.
The programme is focused on providing two strands of support, Strand A focuses on individuals who
want to explore a new innovative idea and Strand B focuses on supporting existing SMEs. Within
Strand A, the Regional Development Centre has taken 20 individuals through the process with the
development of bespoke innovation action plans, innovation and enterprise development training and
clinics exploring ideas in such diverse areas as the consumer product, e-Learning gaming, artisan baking
and earthmoving sectors.
Within Strand B the Regional Development Centre is facilitating local businesses to explore how
innovation relates to them and how embracing an innovation strategy can be leveraged to expand
and grow their businesses, in such sectors as specialist recruitment, electronics, food and beverage,
surgical equipment, software development and software testing. With a blend of activities including
bespoke innovation action plan development, specialist mentoring and access to topical workshops and
masterclasses the programme helps address the identified innovation challenge for each business.
The iOTA Programme is a project supported by the European Union’s INTERREG IVA Programme
managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.
section 3
company profiles
company profiles
21
Technology Transfer
The Regional Development Centre has been engaged in the process of transferring skills,
knowledge, technologies, methods of manufacturing and applied research from the Institute to
industry to ensure that scientific and technological developments are accessible to a wider range
of users who can then further develop and exploit the technology into new products, processes,
applications, materials or services.
This knowledge exchange with industry occurs mainly through two routes;
a Through funded Applied Research in collaboration with Industry
b The Regional Development Centre identifies potential technology transfer opportunities
and negotiates licensing and Technology Transfer Agreements of mutual benefit in the
Institute’s areas of expertise in ICT, Health and Ageing, Energy and the Environment and
the Creative Arts.
transfer
transfer
transfer
innovationtechnology
transfer
In this way, Dundalk Institute
of Technology through
the Regional Development
Centre, is committed to
ensuring that the knowledge
it generates, particularly in
the area of research and
development in strategic
and defined thematic areas
is disseminated, transferred,
applied and commercialised.
22 company profiles
section 3
company profiles
celebrating twentyfive years of
driving regional economic development
Facilities management workshop Abcon IndustrIAl Products ltd armac systems bArrAcudA FX Big mountain productions bluEAcrE tEchnology castlecool cdE globAl digiweB hAnlEy
EnErgy intact soFtware MArA IrIsh surF co. matthews coach hire Mcor tEchnologIEs ltd measuresoFt MovIdIus oriel sea salt ProMEtrIc silver hill Foods stAtsPorts suretank tAscoMI
tsm vEnnEtIcs yapstone FAcIlItIEs MAnAgEMEnt workshoP aBcon industrial products ltd ArMAc systEMs Barracuda FX bIg MountAIn ProductIons Blueacre technology cAstlEcool cde gloBal dIgIwEb hanley energy IntAct soFtwArE mara irish surF co. MAtthEws coAch
hIrE mcor technologies ltd MEAsurEsoFt movidius orIEl sEA sAlt prometric sIlvEr hIll Foods statsports surEtAnk tascomi tsM vennetics yAPstonE Facilities management workshop Abcon IndustrIAl Products ltd armac systems bArrAcudA FX Big mountain productions
bluEAcrE tEchnology castlecool cdE globAl digiweB hAnlEy EnErgy intact soFtware MArA IrIsh surF co. matthews coach hire Mcor tEchnologIEs ltd measuresoFt MovIdIus oriel
sea salt ProMEtrIc silver hill Foods stAtsPorts suretank tAscoMI tsm vEnnEtIcs yapstone FAcIlItIEs MAnAgEMEnt workshoP aBcon industrial products ltd ArMAc systEMs Barracuda FX bIg MountAIn ProductIons Blueacre technology cAstlEcool cde gloBal dIgIwEb hanley
energy IntAct soFtwArE mara irish surF co. MAtthEws coAch hIrE mcor technologies ltd MEAsurEsoFt movidius orIEl sEA sAlt prometric sIlvEr hIll Foods statsports surEtAnk tascomi
tsM vennetics yAPstonE Facilities management workshop Abcon IndustrIAl Products ltd armac systems bArrAcudA FX Big mountain productions bluEAcrE tEchnology castlecool
cdE globAl digiweB hAnlEy EnErgy intact soFtware MArA IrIsh surF co. matthews coach hire Mcor tEchnologIEs ltd measuresoFt MovIdIus oriel sea salt ProMEtrIc silver hill Foods
stAtsPorts suretank tAscoMI tsm vEnnEtIcs yapstone FAcIlItIEs MAnAgEMEnt workshoP aBcon industrial products ltd ArMAc systEMs Barracuda FX bIg MountAIn ProductIons
Blueacre technology cAstlEcool cde gloBal dIgIwEb hanley energy IntAct soFtwArE mara irish surF co. MAtthEws coAch hIrE mcor technologies ltd MEAsurEsoFt movidius orIEl
sEA sAlt prometric sIlvEr hIll Foods statsports surEtAnk tascomi tsM vennetics yAPstonE Facilities management workshop Abcon IndustrIAl Products ltd armac systems bArrAcudA FX Big mountain productions bluEAcrE tEchnology castlecool cdE globAl digiweB hAnlEy
EnErgy intact soFtware MArA IrIsh surF co. matthews coach hire Mcor tEchnologIEs ltd measuresoFt MovIdIus oriel sea salt ProMEtrIc silver hill Foods stAtsPorts suretank tAscoMI
tsm vEnnEtIcs yapstone FAcIlItIEs MAnAgEMEnt workshoP aBcon industrial products ltd ArMAc systEMs Barracuda FX bIg MountAIn ProductIons Blueacre technology cAstlEcool cde gloBal dIgIwEb hanley energy IntAct soFtwArE mara irish surF co. MAtthEws coAch
hIrE mcor technologies ltd MEAsurEsoFt movidius orIEl sEA sAlt prometric sIlvEr hIll Foods statsports surEtAnk tascomi tsM vennetics yAPstonE Facilities management workshop Abcon
IndustrIAl Products ltd armac systems bArrAcudA FX Big mountain productions bluEAcrE
years twentyfive
section 3
company profiles
celebrating twentyfive years of
driving regional economic development
company profiles
23
Facilities management workshop Abcon IndustrIAl Products ltd armac systems bArrAcudA FX Big mountain productions bluEAcrE tEchnology castlecool cdE globAl digiweB hAnlEy
EnErgy intact soFtware MArA IrIsh surF co. matthews coach hire Mcor tEchnologIEs ltd measuresoFt MovIdIus oriel sea salt ProMEtrIc silver hill Foods stAtsPorts suretank tAscoMI
tsm vEnnEtIcs yapstone FAcIlItIEs MAnAgEMEnt workshoP aBcon industrial products ltd ArMAc systEMs Barracuda FX bIg MountAIn ProductIons Blueacre technology cAstlEcool cde gloBal dIgIwEb hanley energy IntAct soFtwArE mara irish surF co. MAtthEws coAch
hIrE mcor technologies ltd MEAsurEsoFt movidius orIEl sEA sAlt prometric sIlvEr hIll Foods statsports surEtAnk tascomi tsM vennetics yAPstonE Facilities management workshop Abcon IndustrIAl Products ltd armac systems bArrAcudA FX Big mountain productions
bluEAcrE tEchnology castlecool cdE globAl digiweB hAnlEy EnErgy intact soFtware MArA IrIsh surF co. matthews coach hire Mcor tEchnologIEs ltd measuresoFt MovIdIus oriel
sea salt ProMEtrIc silver hill Foods stAtsPorts suretank tAscoMI tsm vEnnEtIcs yapstone FAcIlItIEs MAnAgEMEnt workshoP aBcon industrial products ltd ArMAc systEMs Barracuda FX bIg MountAIn ProductIons Blueacre technology cAstlEcool cde gloBal dIgIwEb hanley
energy IntAct soFtwArE mara irish surF co. MAtthEws coAch hIrE mcor technologies ltd MEAsurEsoFt movidius orIEl sEA sAlt prometric sIlvEr hIll Foods statsports surEtAnk tascomi
tsM vennetics yAPstonE Facilities management workshop Abcon IndustrIAl Products ltd armac systems bArrAcudA FX Big mountain productions bluEAcrE tEchnology castlecool
cdE globAl digiweB hAnlEy EnErgy intact soFtware MArA IrIsh surF co. matthews coach hire Mcor tEchnologIEs ltd measuresoFt MovIdIus oriel sea salt ProMEtrIc silver hill Foods
stAtsPorts suretank tAscoMI tsm vEnnEtIcs yapstone FAcIlItIEs MAnAgEMEnt workshoP aBcon industrial products ltd ArMAc systEMs Barracuda FX bIg MountAIn ProductIons
Blueacre technology cAstlEcool cde gloBal dIgIwEb hanley energy IntAct soFtwArE mara irish surF co. MAtthEws coAch hIrE mcor technologies ltd MEAsurEsoFt movidius orIEl
sEA sAlt prometric sIlvEr hIll Foods statsports surEtAnk tascomi tsM vennetics yAPstonE Facilities management workshop Abcon IndustrIAl Products ltd armac systems bArrAcudA FX Big mountain productions bluEAcrE tEchnology castlecool cdE globAl digiweB hAnlEy
EnErgy intact soFtware MArA IrIsh surF co. matthews coach hire Mcor tEchnologIEs ltd measuresoFt MovIdIus oriel sea salt ProMEtrIc silver hill Foods stAtsPorts suretank tAscoMI
tsm vEnnEtIcs yapstone FAcIlItIEs MAnAgEMEnt workshoP aBcon industrial products ltd ArMAc systEMs Barracuda FX bIg MountAIn ProductIons Blueacre technology cAstlEcool cde gloBal dIgIwEb hanley energy IntAct soFtwArE mara irish surF co. MAtthEws coAch
hIrE mcor technologies ltd MEAsurEsoFt movidius orIEl sEA sAlt prometric sIlvEr hIll Foods statsports surEtAnk tascomi tsM vennetics yAPstonE Facilities management workshop Abcon
IndustrIAl Products ltd armac systems bArrAcudA FX Big mountain productions bluEAcrE
companiestwentyfive
a flavour of some of the companies we have supported over the past 25 years
24 company profiles
section 4
company profiles
ag ceiliúradh fichecúig bliain
ag tiomáint na forbartha
1Facilities Management Workshop (FMW) was established by
Architect Rodd Bond in 1988 and was the first incubation
tenant in the new RDC facility.
FMW developed CAD/GIS applications for organisations
to plan, design and maintain utilities, banks, hospitals
and aviation networks. FMW used the McDonnell Douglas
and Smallworld software frameworks linked to an Oracle
database on open systems platforms. FMW graduated from
the RDC in 1993 moving to the Carrick Road, Dundalk. As an
internationally traded services company, FMW was also assisted
by Enterprise Ireland and venture capital funding.
Rodd sold the business in 2000 before embarking on research
into ageing and the environment. He subsequently founded
the Netwell Centre at Dundalk Institute of Technology in 2005
and is currently the Director.
Facilities Management WorkshopOur first incubation company
celebrating twentyfive years of
driving regional economic development
25
Returning home to Dundalk from the USA with expertise in hospital design and CAD/GIS, I sought a better quality of life here with the opportunity to form a software services business. In 1989 FMW located at the RDC on the campus of the then Regional Technical College (RTC). I was the first tenant and witnessed the first carpets being laid and phone systems being installed. It was tough starting up in those days. We had major overheads for software licences and to save money kitting out the office I made the desks and shelves myself! But the Regional Development Centre was a great place to start, a vibrant centre with lots of activity and connectivity opportunities. The assistance from the RDC, RTC and the other incubation tenants during my time there was critical, providing support and access to build and strengthen the company.
rodd Bond Founder & director
section 4
company profiles
26 company profiles
section 4
company profiles
ag ceiliúradh fichecúig bliain
ag tiomáint na forbartha
Participation in the ICE Programme was our first interaction with the RDC. This excellent programme assisted the company in embedding new thinking on business development and KPI’s. The interaction with the RDC has been very positive and we are delighted once again to engage with the RDC on the VITAL Programme.
Barry smith Managing director
Abcon Industrial Products Ltd. is owned by Cavan
businessmen, Barry Smith, Paul Gilsenan and Sean Daly.
Specialising in manufacturing activities including Abrasive
Belts and Discs, Abcon produce mainly for the domestic
joinery, engineering, stainless steel and automotive market.
Abcon also produce specialist disc products for export
markets. This market has grown from 5% to 30% of the
abrasives business in the past three years with renowned
clients such as Bosch.
In 2007 and 2010 Abcon further expanded into the
industrial rubber hose and large bore hose markets. This
has expanded their client base to include oil, mining,
aggregates, chemicals, food and dredging companies.
Now employing almost 100 people at their 74,000sq ft
Cootehill facility, Abcon has an annual turnover of €8m.
The core manufacturing principles of Abcon are based on
excellence in manufacturing, customer service, processes
and quality. These principles continue to ensure customer
confidence in the Abcon name as the company goes from
strength to strength.
abcon industrial products ltd.
celebrating twentyfive years of
driving regional economic development
company profiles
27
Armac Systems is at the forefront of new-generation,
intelligent MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) inventory
planning solutions. With a strong focus on the aviation MRO
sector, Armac have helped airlines and MROs save millions of
dollars to date by enabling them to optimize the quantity, cost
and availability of their aircraft spare parts.
Armac’s solution is a strategic decision support and policy
execution tool which enables inventory planners to identify
and execute optimal target stock levels. This core desktop
interface allows planners to maximise availability throughout
the network while minimising investment.
The Armac solution has been developed in collaboration
with Irish academic institutions and industry leading MRO
organisations. It has been implemented in major airlines and
MRO organisations across Europe with customers achieving
up to 40% reductions in inventory investment and up to 25%
reduction in inventory spend year-on-year. Armac Systems is
part of the SR Technics Group.
armac systems
The RDC provided Armac with access to unique resources and skills which helped to develop our solution from a successful prototype to a commercially viable product. We worked with experts who fully understood what we were developing and believed in the potential of the solution, providing the supports we needed to develop the industry leading solution we have today.
micheál armstrong chief Executive officer
Participation in the ICE Programme was our first interaction with the RDC. This excellent programme assisted the company in embedding new thinking on business development and KPI’s. The interaction with the RDC has been very positive and we are delighted once again to engage with the RDC on the VITAL Programme.
Barry smith Managing director
section 4
company profiles
28 company profiles
section 4
company profiles
ag ceiliúradh fichecúig bliain
ag tiomáint na forbartha
Participation in the RDC’s North East Enterprise Platform Programme played a key part in Barracuda’s start-up journey. It was an excellent, practical programme, delivered in a supportive yet challenging environment by a great team. It helped lay the foundations for our future growth.
kieran Fitzpatrick chief Executive officer
Founded in 2009 by Cavan man, Kieran Fitzpatrick and his colleague Maurice Curran,
Barracuda FX provides Front Office Capital Markets trading and risk management software
solutions to leading global banks and financial institutions.
Their flagship product, Foreign Exchange (FX) Order Management System (OMS), enables
clients to more efficiently manage their global FX business.
Barracuda FX provides global solutions to a number of the world’s largest banks, managing
over $50 billion per day in over 45 countries. They have been recognised as the leading OMS
provider in the industry. This is backed up by on-going client wins and continued industry
acknowledgement.
The company has been recognised as one of Ireland’s most innovative early stage companies
winning the InterTradeIreland All-Island Seedcorn High Growth competition in 2010, the
Irish Software Association’s Emerging Company of the Year in 2011 and the Ernst and
Young Entrepreneur of the Year Emerging category winner in 2013.
Barracuda FX
celebrating twentyfive years of
driving regional economic development
29
Big Mountain Productions is one of Ireland’s leading TV
companies creating and making entertainment formats for the
local and international markets.
Hit TV series include Genealogy Roadshow for RTÉ1, IFTA-
nominated The Tenements and The Big House for TV3,
Traffic Blues and Craftmaster for RTÉ1 and Opry an Iuír with
Daniel O’Donnell for BBC Northern Ireland and TG4. Recent
programmes include a major feature length documentary,
Addict’s Symphony with the London Symphony Orchestra for
channel 4 and a new six part series filming in Ireland for ITV1.
The Genealogy Roadshow and CraftMaster formats have been
licensed in the US while Traffic Blues has been exported to the
UK and Australia.
Big mountain productions
Despite the recession, Big Mountain Productions have grown
into a major supplier in Ireland and have also broken into the
UK/US markets. Employing over 130 production personnel the
company made over 23 hours of television last year.
From the start the RDC put us on the right path with the North East Enterprise Platform Programme. We benefited from incubation space and valuable supports. Now we continue our association through Honeycomb. Our strong relationship with DkIT has provided us with even more: a location for filming our CraftMaster Finale, a great source of students for productions and our in-house team and even extras. We are delighted to be part of the RDC family.
Jane kelly creative director philip mcgovern Managing director
Participation in the RDC’s North East Enterprise Platform Programme played a key part in Barracuda’s start-up journey. It was an excellent, practical programme, delivered in a supportive yet challenging environment by a great team. It helped lay the foundations for our future growth.
kieran Fitzpatrick chief Executive officer
section 4
company profiles
section 4
company profiles
ag ceiliúradh fichecúig bliain
ag tiomáint na forbartha
Working with the Regional Development Centre gave Castlecool access to incredible resources, helping us to develop and refine our business practices. In particular, the ICE Programme evolved some of our management procedures to a whole new level.
paul shortt general Manager
The RDC provided Blueacre Technology with much needed advice in the early stages of the company's growth. They assisted us in developing the initial business plan, which provided a firm basis for the company growth.
dr david gillen Managing director
Blueacre technology
Founded in 2006 by Dr. David Gillen, Blueacre Technology provides a
dedicated, high quality laser processing and consulting service.
Through continuous investment in research, development
and engineering, the company has evolved to offer
customers highly sophisticated solutions to the
most demanding engineering problems. Blueacre
Technology specialise in solutions for the medical
devices industry.
Blueacre Technology now supplies specialised laser
micromachining equipment to the Life Science and
Electronics industries. These laser micromachines
are used to process various polymers, metals
and alloys and are among the most
advanced on the market.
30 company profiles
celebrating twentyfive years of
driving regional economic development
company profiles
31
Working with the Regional Development Centre gave Castlecool access to incredible resources, helping us to develop and refine our business practices. In particular, the ICE Programme evolved some of our management procedures to a whole new level.
paul shortt general Manager
Castlecool is one of Ireland’s leading providers of temperature controlled supply chain solutions.
The company has established itself as a leading food services facilitator to many Irish and International food manufacturing
companies. Castlecool provide value added processes including production line fulfilment, front and back end
manufacturing services, cross docking, order picking and management as well as route to market and international
distribution services.
Established in Castleblaney in 1994, Castlecool has been chosen as a Deloitte Best Managed Company for five consecutive
years, 2009 to 2014. Castlecool were proud to be accredited as a Deloitte Gold Standard company in both 2013 and 2014,
a first in this industry.
castlecool
The RDC provided Blueacre Technology with much needed advice in the early stages of the company's growth. They assisted us in developing the initial business plan, which provided a firm basis for the company growth.
dr david gillen Managing director
section 4
company profiles
32 company profiles
section 4
company profiles
ag ceiliúradh fichecúig bliain
ag tiomáint na forbartha
We have engaged with the FUSION Programme to develop new technologies for wastewater treatment plants (WwTPs). We started with a different topic but through the due diligence process we decided to redirect to a different project in the same industry. That project, in conjunction with DkIT, is progressing exceptionally well.
Brian mccullough head of talent and organisational development
CDE Global design and manufacture materials processing equipment for the global construction materials,
mining, specialist industrial sands and environmental sectors. Over the last 20 years CDE Global has grown to
become a recognised leader in this field.
Their unique business model involves collaborating with customers to co-create their processing plants. This
maximises the efficiency of their operations and ensures they can command the highest commercial value for
the materials they produce.
Their technologies are applied to sand and gravel for concrete production, iron-ore for steel production, silica
sands in glass making and other industrial applications or recycling gulley waste to maximise material recovery
and minimise waste volumes.
Operating across 7 regions, CDE Global takes in Europe, Middle East & Africa, Australasia, North America,
Latin America and Asia, theirs is truly a global operation.
cde global
section 3
company profiles
celebrating twentyfive years of
driving regional economic development
company profiles
33
Digiweb is Ireland’s leading independent telecommunications company.
Founded in Dundalk in 1997 and now headquartered in Dublin, Digiweb is a full-service
national communications and managed services provider. It provides nationwide broadband
access, enterprise data networks, data centre and web hosting services, managed services and
telephony to residential, business and public sector customers.
By virtue of its national fibre and wireless networks, unbundled exchanges, and satellite services,
Digiweb owns and operates Ireland’s largest alternative last-mile access network.
Digiweb Group is led by Chief Executive Officer and Founder Colm Piercy, the 2012 winner of
the Ernst & Young Industry Entrepreneur of the Year.
digiweb
Being based in the Regional Development Centre Dundalk during our start-up phase provided us with a business-ready environment which allowed us to concentrate on growth and development of the business. The Centre was also full of likeminded start-up companies which provided a keen sense of friendship and a source of valuable information on a daily basis.
declan campbell Managing director of consumer operations and services
We have engaged with the FUSION Programme to develop new technologies for wastewater treatment plants (WwTPs). We started with a different topic but through the due diligence process we decided to redirect to a different project in the same industry. That project, in conjunction with DkIT, is progressing exceptionally well.
Brian mccullough head of talent and organisational development
34 company profiles
section 4
company profiles
ag ceiliúradh fichecúig bliain
ag tiomáint na forbartha
Hanley Energy is a globally recognised award-winning innovator, headquartered in Stamullen,
County Meath and with offices based in the US and Germany. Hanley Energy are committed
to reducing energy costs through structured energy management and ensure uninterrupted
electrical supply for key operators.
Equipped with a wealth of experience and expertise Hanley Energy supply, design, install and
support energy monitoring and management systems, critical power and data-centre control
solutions for a range of Irish and International clients.
Irish-owned and managed, Hanley Energy are renowned for innovation and excellence. In 2013
the Global Cleantech Cluster Association announced Hanley Energy as the number one Clean
Technology Company in the World. In July 2014 Hanley Energy was named the Schneider
Electric EMEA Elite Partner of the Year.
Clients include Roadstone Wood, CIE, Wexford Creamery and Largo Foods. Hanley Energy has
saved these customers over €8m since 2009.
hanley energy
The Hanley Energy journey thus far has been one of absolute resilience particularly when faced with the challenges of being a start-up business. Our philosophy is one of dynamism and progressive thinking. Whilst building on our natural ability to strive for excellence we look forward to enhancing and sustaining our already strong local links with the RDC.
clive gilmore chief Executive officer dennis nordon Managing director
celebrating twentyfive years of
driving regional economic development
company profiles
35
Focused on developing innovative accounting and business
management solutions, Intact Software is an Irish-owned and
progressive company. Their products satisfy the needs of the
wholesale, distribution, service and retail industries.
Established in 1992, Intact Software is now trusted by
2,500+ customers with over 18,000 end users. The company
are deeply committed to delivering the latest in Enterprise
Resource Planning (ERP) software technologies and providing
clients with the necessary tools to measure, manage and grow
their business. Intact Software products are sold, implemented
and supported through a network of fully trained, accredited
channel partners across Ireland, the UK, Europe, Australasia
and Canada.
2012 saw Intact Software introduce their latest business
management software package, Intact iQ to the market. This
innovative product is the result of 22 years of experience
and extensive research and development. Intact iQ enables
companies to streamline their business processes from sales
lead management to sales invoicing to stock control to
management information all in a single system. A powerful,
flexible and customisable package, Intact iQ integrates
seamlessly across all areas of a business.
intact software
Relocating our R&D team to the Regional Development Centre removed them from the daily operations and surrounded them with entrepreneurs. It was exactly what we needed to bring that start-up spirit to an established business and the link to the resources of DkIT has proved pivotal in many areas.Justin lawless chief Executive officer
section 4
company profiles
36 company profiles
Big thanks to all the guys in the RDC for helping me to get started. My tip - be flexible with your business idea, it usually takes you in a different direction than you thought you were going to go.
peter carroll Founder and Managing director
section 4
company profiles
ag ceiliúradh fichecúig bliain
ag tiomáint na forbartha
Peter Carroll was a student at Dundalk Institute of Technology
(DkIT) and President of DkIT’s Surf Society when he asked the
question “Why is there no major Irish Surf brand serving cold
water surfers?”
His next question “How can I create one?” led him to
the Regional Development Centre. He spent 15 months
researching, testing and developing a product range for his
new brand Mara Irish Surf. During that time Peter (pictured
in action above) participated in a number of support
programmes, such as the Bright Ideas Programme for students
and the North East Enterprise Platform Programme before
moving into incubation at the RDC.
mara irish surf co.
Design, prototyping and branding activities went well
but production delays caused problems. His product only
became available in Spring which was too late for the colder
temperatures that the products were designed for. This delay
jeopardised business cash flow and the future of the company.
Not to be deterred, Peter launched a new business, ‘Outdoor
Dublin’, providing surf and water sports instruction. With a
new income secured Peter has been able to pursue additional
investors. He has even widened Mara’s product range beyond
surfers to reach kayaking, canoeing and triathlon enthusiasts.
celebrating twentyfive years of
driving regional economic development
37
Matthews Coach Hire is an expanding business with a family
ethos. Employing 72 people and with a fleet of 35 vehicles,
Matthews operates a high-frequency commuter service to
Dublin from the North East. In addition they offer corporate
and tours services.
Perpetually seeking to be leaders in industry, Matthews Coach
Hire always succeed. They have received numerous awards and
national media attention for their ground-breaking work in
management, safety and energy conservation.
Matthews Coach Hire recently became the first passenger
transport company in the UK or Ireland – and only the
matthews coach hire
Matthews.ieMatthews.iesecond in the world – to achieve the new ISO 50001 energy
management accreditation. They are twice national winners at
the SEAI Sustainable Energy Awards.
They are the only company in Ireland to have secured a
transport contract at the London Olympics. They are also the
only fleet in Ireland to have Alcolocks (alcohol activated vehicle
immobilisers) installed on all their fleet and support vehicles.
Matthews’ commuter, corporate hire and tour services have
been built on the highest standards of customer safety and
comfort and this family business continues to go from strength
to strength.
The Regional Development Centre has played a large part in our company’s evolution. Its “Success Through Succession” programme outlined a clear path to a successful business transformation and future handover. It also helped us identify both the skills that we had, and the ones we needed to move forward.
paddy matthews Managing director
Big thanks to all the guys in the RDC for helping me to get started. My tip - be flexible with your business idea, it usually takes you in a different direction than you thought you were going to go.
peter carroll Founder and Managing director
section 4
company profiles
38 company profiles
section 4
company profiles
ag ceiliúradh fichecúig bliain
ag tiomáint na forbartha
Mcor engaged with the RDC when we had just started to commercialise our first product. It was a real pivotal time for the company and the RDC provided wonderful support through mentoring and networking events. It was during participation on the NEEP programme that we were victorious in the National Seedcorn Competition.
deirdre maccormack
chief Marketing officer
Mcor Technologies Ltd, winner of the 3D Printshow Brand of the Year Award, is
an innovative manufacturer of the world’s most affordable, full-colour and eco-
friendly 3D printers.
Established in 2004, Mcor’s vision is to make 3D printing more accessible to
everyone. This vision of the future would allow everyone to easily turn their ideas
into low-cost, full-colour, safe and eco-friendly 3D objects.
Providing accessibility to a once niche technology is the driving force behind the
company, with the Matrix 300+ and Mcor IRIS in its current product line and
further products planned. Mcor machines are the only 3D printers to use ordinary
mcor technologies ltd
business A4 and letter paper as the build
material, a choice that renders durable, stable
and tactile models.
The company was founded by brothers
Dr Conor MacCormack and
Fintan MacCormack and it operates
internationally from offices in Ireland,
the UK and the US.
celebrating twentyfive years of
driving regional economic development
39
Measuresoft designs, develops and distributes data acquisition software
and hardware ranging from generic SCADA products to fully customised
oil and gas solutions.
Measuresofts Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System
is applied in industries including Energy Management, Electronics and
Power Generation, Mechanical and Electrical Test Solutions, Aerospace,
Manufacturing, Pharma/Medical and Food & Drink.
Measuresofts solutions enable engineers and service companies to obtain
a better business performance, reduce exploration and development
risk and reduce costs while benefiting from a more efficient solution for
measuring and logging data.
International clients include Baker Hughes, Expro, Intergas, Siemens
Turbomachinery and Ford. Based in Dundalk, Measuresoft now have
operations in Texas, Nigeria and Egypt. Founded by Fergal Cassidy in
1989, the company’s proud history is based on a continuous focus on
quality and innovation.
measuresoft
After 5 years working in the US and UK as a software engineer I returned to Ireland. As an exporting technology company, the opportunity arose for Measuresoft to locate in the RDC, which we did in 1989. We received invaluable assistance to ensure the company was viable in its early stages of development. The RDC provided a contact network and environment which assisted greatly in the development of our business.
Fergal cassidy chief Executive officer
Mcor engaged with the RDC when we had just started to commercialise our first product. It was a real pivotal time for the company and the RDC provided wonderful support through mentoring and networking events. It was during participation on the NEEP programme that we were victorious in the National Seedcorn Competition.
deirdre maccormack
chief Marketing officer
section 4
company profiles
40 company profiles
section 4
company profiles
ag ceiliúradh fichecúig bliain
ag tiomáint na forbartha
Movidius is a vision processor company that designs compact, high-performance, ultralow power, computational imaging and
vision processing chips, software, development tools and reference designs. Founded in 2005, Movidius were resident in the RDC
during their crucial start-up years. Movidius’ architecture is ushering in a new era of intelligent and contextually aware camera
devices ranging from mobile and wearable devices, to consumer cameras, to embedded and industrial camera applications.
Essentially, Movidius is solving the problem of enabling innovative vision technologies that come closer to human vision
capabilities. Until now, this has been difficult to achieve with previous chip implementations due to limitations in application
performance. At another level, Movidius is bringing new capabilities in complex imaging and visual awareness to very tightly
power-constrained devices such as mobile camera-enabled handsets where battery life is paramount.
Their product ‘Myriad2’, launched in July 2014 is described as ’a breakthrough in vision technology’.
movidius
Movidius
Movidius has really benefitted from being in the Regional Development Centre; a dynamic incubation space where ideas and experiences were easily exchanged with likeminded high technology start-ups.
sean mitchell co-Founder and chief operating officer
celebrating twentyfive years of
driving regional economic development
company profiles
41
Founded by John Delany and Brian Fitzpatrick, the Oriel Sea Salt Company in Clogherhead
commenced production in November 2013.
Oriel Deep Sea Minerals are a revelation and this is the first harvesting facility of its type
globally. They harvest two powerful products: a Fine Grain Mineral Sea Salt for the food
sector and a rare liquid blend of Concentrated Deep Sea Minerals used in skincare,
cosmetics, food/health supplements and functional water.
Elemental Magnesium and more than 65 Trace Minerals in a potent and pure liquid form
make this very special. The unique efficacy, moisture and safety of their product have
generated major interest from global skincare brands. They also know that the health
supplements and functional water products market follows next.
Food customers include Google, Aviva (Compass Group), Ballymaloe, Merrion Hotel, Aniar,
Chapter One, Lough Erne, Pichet and over 150 Irish and UK food service companies. Their
most recent launch is revolutionary in the meat trade: 'Sea Salt Aging' is a wall of Sea Salt
that delivers dynamic improvements to the art of Dry Aging.
There are exciting and challenging times ahead for
the Oriel Sea Salt Company.
oriel sea salt company
The RDC Team ‘got’ the concept of Oriel Sea Salt and its sustainability, its natural and historical connotations and its provenance straight away, the first time we met. They challenged the idea that I thought Oriel Sea Salt was so bloody good and ensured that it became what I believed it could!
John delany Founder and director
Movidius has really benefitted from being in the Regional Development Centre; a dynamic incubation space where ideas and experiences were easily exchanged with likeminded high technology start-ups.
sean mitchell co-Founder and chief operating officer
section 4
company profiles
42 company profiles
section 4
company profiles
ag ceiliúradh fichecúig bliain
ag tiomáint na forbartha
Silver Hill Foods were delighted with our partnership with the RDC through the ICE Programme. As a result of participating in the programme, we now run our business using a bespoke monthly KPI system. This has proven to be a very effective management tool in driving our business forward.
stuart steele Managing director and owner
Prometric is Ireland’s leading testing company, administering nearly 2 million exams throughout the country since 2001.
Services provided by Prometric give people the opportunity to improve their jobs and education by earning licenses, certifications
and other important qualifications. Globally the company delivers nearly 10 million exams per year which provide a means for
people all over the world to become licensed physicians, architects, accountants, software engineers and many other accredited
and distinguished professionals.
Prometric, which operates a major business and test development enterprise in Ireland, began its Irish presence with a staff of five
in 2001. Now, with major operations in Dublin and Dundalk, Prometric supports over 140 jobs throughout the country.
prometric
Working with regional organisations such as the RDC and DkIT, Prometric has become the performance leader in secure, fair and valid testing throughout Ireland. Partnering with the RDC has given us invaluable links to DkIT and other leaders in Business, Education and the Community.
michael Brannick
Prometric chief Executive officer and President
Prometric cEo Michael brannick speaks during a full staff meeting in the company’s dundalk-based operations centre. Prometric supports more than 140 full-time jobs in Ireland.
celebrating twentyfive years of
driving regional economic development
company profiles
43
Founded over 50 years ago by Ronnie and Lyla Steele in Emyvale, County
Monaghan, Silver Hill Foods is a fully integrated family-owned duck company.
The current Managing Director, their son Stuart Steele, is driving the company
forward in an innovative and exciting manner.
Silver Hill Foods have expanded beyond Emyvale with sites in County
Tyrone and County Monaghan and they cover all trade sectors from Retail
to Foodservice. All aspects of their duck production from breeding, egg
production, hatching and selection to processing and cooking are owned and
controlled by Silver Hill Foods.
For over 50 years, exports have played an important part in the Company’s
marketing strategy. As a result the Silver Hill brand is well known and highly
respected throughout Europe, China and beyond.
silver hill Foods
Silver Hill Foods were delighted with our partnership with the RDC through the ICE Programme. As a result of participating in the programme, we now run our business using a bespoke monthly KPI system. This has proven to be a very effective management tool in driving our business forward.
stuart steele Managing director and owner
section 4
company profiles
44 company profiles
section 4
company profiles
ag ceiliúradh fichecúig bliain
ag tiomáint na forbartha
STATSports provide the world’s leading sports GPS analysis system and consultancy service. Their ground-breaking system allows
teams and individual athletes to train and test themselves using the Viper pod and software. Coupled with their complementary
custom designed products including the Viper vest, heart rate monitor, Viper dock and live stream antenna clients experience
unparalleled insights into elite athlete performance.
STATSports Viper pod sits in a specifically designed Viper vest on a players’ upper back and collects data at a rate of up to 100
times per second. The pod measures a number of parameters including: distance, speed, heart rate, accelerations, decelerations,
impacts and dynamic stress load. This data can be used by managers and coaches to make real-time decisions during training and
matches. It allows them to tailor training sessions to ensure they keep each player at their physical peak throughout the season.
Based at the RDC, STATSports has been on a path of continual growth. They have developed partnerships with leading sporting
organisations across different sporting codes throughout the UK, Europe and the USA including: Manchester United, Barcelona,
The English FA, The Irish and English Rugby Football Unions, Chicago Bulls and the Carolina Panthers. Growth looks set to
continue as they expand into the American marketplace with the STATSports America launch later this year.
statsports
The RDC has been a fundamental part of the growth of STATSports. It wasn’t just about having a roof over our heads. The endless support network we could tap into was the leg-up we needed at the crucial early stage. We benefitted from in-house workshops and courses tailored to young companies and access to resources and expertise that would normally be out of reach for early start-ups.
sean o’connor co-Founder and chief operations officer
celebrating twentyfive years of
driving regional economic development
company profiles
45
Suretank is the world’s leading provider of engineered solutions
to the Offshore Oil and Gas Industry.
Founded by Patrick Joy back in 1995 to supply offshore
chemical tanks to the North Sea, the company is now a global
supplier of offshore tanks and offshore containers. They are
also recognised as the largest manufacturer of DNV 2.7-1
certified products and the only company to produce all of
their products to DNV standards. Their product range includes
chemical and acid transport tanks, helifuel tanks, offshore
containers, baskets, offshore mudskips and cryogenic tanks.
Suretank design and manufacturing facilities are located in
Ireland, UK, Poland, USA, Brazil, Thailand and China. They also
have sales offices in the Ireland, UK, USA, Norway, Australia,
Thailand, The Netherlands and Brazil. Suretank engineers work
on the ground in all the areas they supply ensuring that they
provide support and advice to clients whenever and wherever
it is needed.
From Thailand to the North Sea, from Poland to the People’s
Republic of China, Suretank has designed, manufactured and
installed specialist offshore tanks and CCUs for some of the
world’s leading oil-producing companies.
suretank
The RDC at DkIT provided Suretank with FEA (finite element analysis) of our tank container designs in the early years of our development. We have now built on this and have our own FEA capability in house but at the early stage of our product and company development, this co-operation was instrumental in allowing us to optimise our design and to provide assurance to our customers of the integrity of our designs.
patrick Joy
Founder & Executive director
The RDC has been a fundamental part of the growth of STATSports. It wasn’t just about having a roof over our heads. The endless support network we could tap into was the leg-up we needed at the crucial early stage. We benefitted from in-house workshops and courses tailored to young companies and access to resources and expertise that would normally be out of reach for early start-ups.
sean o’connor co-Founder and chief operations officer
section 4
company profiles
46 company profiles
section 4
company profiles
ag ceiliúradh fichecúig bliain
ag tiomáint na forbartha
Hillsborough based software company Tascomi has almost 15 years experience in delivering web
application systems to Local Authorities and Government departments throughout the UK and
Ireland. Tascomi are an open-source company, pioneering web apps, cloud based technology
and GIS are only a snapshot of the arenas where they have gained a reputation for excellence.
Their company philosophy is to keep the customer at the heart of all that they do. Their focus
on innovation and cost effectiveness has seen them become the market leader in Northern
Ireland. Tascomi deliver high quality products and service backed up with after-sales support
thereby ensuring superb levels of customer satisfaction and long-term client retention.
tascomi
FUSION helped us to achieve development of a key enhancement to one of our products, which has increased the desirability of this product in the marketplace. In addition, the educational aspect of the project allowed us to improve some of our internal processes, which was an unexpected, but welcome benefit.
rick hassard development Manager
celebrating twentyfive years of
driving regional economic development
company profiles
47
It has been a very challenging journey in preparing to fully take over the family business from our father Jim who founded it nearly 40 years ago. We’ve been very disciplined about it and a lot of planning has gone into it. The team at the RDC and participating on its Success Through Succession Programme and the Innovation for Competitive Enterprises Programme has assisted us greatly with those preparations and plans.
richard o’callaghan general Manager
TSM Control Systems have been providing world class automation and blending solutions to the
plastics industry for almost 40 years. From the cap of your toothpaste tube to the milk carton
on your breakfast table or the plastic bag that you buy your vegetables in, you’ll find that TSM
Control Systems has played a vital part in the manufacturing process.
Founded in 1977 by Jim O’Callaghan, he introduced the first width controller to the industry.
Business grew rapidly and TSM Control Systems now produce a large portfolio of blending
equipment and controls for over 10,000 clients in over 60 countries from their offices in Ireland,
USA, Taiwan and China.
With Jim stepping away from the day-to-day operations of the family business, the company
is being led into the future by sons Richard O’Callaghan, General Manager and Shane
O’Callaghan, European Sales Manger, who are putting their stamp on TSM Control Systems.
tsm control systems
FUSION helped us to achieve development of a key enhancement to one of our products, which has increased the desirability of this product in the marketplace. In addition, the educational aspect of the project allowed us to improve some of our internal processes, which was an unexpected, but welcome benefit.
rick hassard development Manager
section 4
company profiles
section 4
company profiles
ag ceiliúradh fichecúig bliain
ag tiomáint na forbartha
We now have 5 full-time employees, all DkIT graduates. This should rise to 7 or 8 in the coming months. The first few years were pretty hairy and there were times when I wondered how we would make payroll for the month, but the grant aid, advice and practical supports provided by the RDC was absolutely invaluable.
John hamill Founder
Vennetics provides Video on Demand software to service providers, such as mobile network operators. Formed in 2007 the
company has won deployments of their product technology in Europe, the Caribbean and North America.
Many of their customers seek to bundle content offerings with their data services and the Vennetics products are used to
support this ambition. A practical example of this is in Bell, Canada where Vennetics technology is used to support their TV
Anywhere service.
The company has an aggressive roadmap to expand the set of novel features that they offer. In parallel they plan to support
greater deployment of the innovative Vennetics technology around the world from their Dundalk base.
vennetics
48 company profiles
celebrating twentyfive years of
driving regional economic development
49
The RDC team took time to understand our needs. They provided a great base camp facility allowing us to establish our company in the region. Aidan and his team were always supportive and available to us. They encouraged and facilitated our growth every step of the way. The flexibility they offered us in terms of facilities was invaluable to our planning and expansion process. Also, being part of a community of start-up companies offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to engage in networking events with their peers. This is a great forum for sharing ideas, accessing support and expanding your marketplace.
tracey dollard European operations Manager
yapstone
YapStone is an online payment processing platform that
caters to niche industries with high-volume complex
transactions. Founded in 1999 by entrepreneurs Matthew
Golis and Tom Villante, in 2012, Yapstone embarked on an
exciting journey, to launch a European Headquarters.
Headed up by Louth native Tracey Dollard, their European
Operations commenced in the RDC Incubation Centre at
Millmount, Yapstone soon graduated to The Mill Enterprise
Hub in Drogheda.
The Yapstone goal is bold, ambitious and revolutionary –
Changing How The World Pays. With 15 years of expertise
bringing electronic payments to new markets, YapStone’s
sophisticated processing platform powers payments for all
types of companies – from international marketplaces to
specific industries, including apartment rentals, vacation
rentals and non-profits. With over $8 Billion in payment
volume last year, Yapstone are certainly on our way to
changing how the world pays..
We now have 5 full-time employees, all DkIT graduates. This should rise to 7 or 8 in the coming months. The first few years were pretty hairy and there were times when I wondered how we would make payroll for the month, but the grant aid, advice and practical supports provided by the RDC was absolutely invaluable.
John hamill Founder
section 4
company profiles
ag ceiliúradh fichecúig bliain
ag tiomáint na forbartha
50 partners and funders
section 5
partners and funders
Friends of the Regional Development Centre
Partnership has been key to the success of the Regional Development Centre for the last twenty five years. We want to thank all the funding organisations who have supported us throughout the
years and without whose backing we could not have achieved so much. We especially thank the private sector funding from Coca-Cola Foundation and Diageo. We thank all our Partners who have
jointly spearheaded and delivered new and innovative programmes which have placed us at the forefront of economic development in the North East and Cross Border Region. We have enjoyed
long and rewarding alliances and we look forward to growing these into the future.
EASTBORDERREGION
Partners
Funders
section 3
company profiles
celebrating twentyfive years of
driving regional economic development
company profiles
51
Meet The Team At The Regional Development Centre
kevin FearonProject Manager
Honeycomb – Creative Works Programme
Management research and support team
irene mccausland Manager, Regional Development Centre
douglas nanka-BrucePost-Doctoral Researcher
anne tinnellyIndustrial Services Office Administrator
pauline QuinnDevelopment Office Administrator
start-up supports
aidan BrowneIncubation Centre
Manager
garrett duffyEnterprise Development
Manager
Joanne kearnsReceptionist and
Operations Administrator
technology transfer
neil mcloughlinTechnology Transfer
Manager
sME supports
Frances QuinnMarket Research Executive
VITAL Programme
kieran FeganProject Director
VITAL Programme
Brainin coxProject Administrator
VITAL Programme
agnieszka walsh Project Administrator
Honeycomb – Creative Works Programme
campus Entrepreneurship
Bridget kerriganProject Manager
Campus Entrepreneurship Enterprise Network
ag ceiliúradh fichecúig bliain
ag tiomáint na forbartha
52 the way forward
section 6
the way forward
Building on the Past – Looking to the Future
The RDC has an innate understanding of the environment in which it operates and an astute
ability to adapt and innovate to meet the ever-changing and ever-challenging requirements of a
centre of innovation, technology transfer and enterprise development.
It is these qualities that will ensure the continued success of the Regional Development Centre
in its vision to be a driving force for economic development.
Over the last twenty five years we have been at the forefront of innovative endeavours and
our challenge for the next twenty five years is to ensure that we continue to lead the field in
innovation, enterprise development and technology transfer.
Looking to the future, we will continue to evolve our economic engagement and seek out
new international alliances to drive regional economic development. We look forward to many
challenging and exciting years ahead!
irene mccausland, Manager, Regional Development Centre
The Regional Development Centre’s success is rooted in its capacity and capability to continually
innovate and adapt to meet the needs of its client companies. In this regard it has strategically
identified and resourced key initiatives aimed at meeting its economic development remit. In
doing so, it has successfully bridged the needs of industry with the expertise and resources
within its parent institution and at all times demonstrating a business-facing approach to all of
its work.
Key milestones include:
• Being the first on-campus incubator in the HEI sector to support high-tech knowledge based
start-up companies, with 68% of companies still in business after 5 years.
• Playing an instrumental in devising the strategy for embedding entrepreneurship education
into the Third Level Sector and fostering student enterprise resulting in influencing policy
through such practice.
• Spearheading and delivering on new models of innovation and succession planning within
SMEs.
• Building sectoral capacity within the digital content sector.
• Externally resourcing its activities since 1989 making it one of the most successful and
sustainable centres in the sector.
• Making a real difference to the companies and entrepreneurs we support.
The success of the Regional Development Centre over its 25 year history has been the vision of
its leaders, the strength and expertise of the team and its ability to forge long lasting strategic
alliances.
regional development centre Dundalk Institute of TechnologyDublin Road Dundalk Co Louth
t +353 42 9370400 F +353 42 9370499e [email protected] www.rdc.ie