Positive Thinking

There was a fine gathering of local businesses last Wednesday night in the Deebert House Hotel in Kilmallock as the Ballyhoura Enterprising Network met for the second time of the New Year.

Even against the bleak backdrop of the deepest recession this country has seen since the World Wars, the 20 businesses present preferred to focus on the positive and are a testament to what local entrepreneurs can achieve.

They say it is an ill wind that blows no good and in a lively discussion those present pointed out it that although the trading environment was tough, it wasn’t all doom and gloom. Nora Lane, who runs Sew Soon, a  dressmaking businesses in Kildorrery, pointed out that her alterations business was up, as people sought to repair rather than replace. Laura Kelly, of Credit Control Covered, said it was the ideal time to launch her online tutorials on how to avoid bad debts.  

The downturn had other side effects and one Governement initiative had benefitted Spiralli Web Design. Sales Manager, Niamh Ní Chearmhaill, said they were able to take on someone through the FÁS placement scheme. At a time when they need all the help they can get, SME’s can now avail of talented workers looking to expand their CV, which is of mutual benefit to employee and employer.

Only time will tell who will be standing when the economy returns to an upward curve, but one thing is for sure, the businesses at the meeting last week were not going to mope around, sitting on their hands, waiting for it to happen!