Latest News

Laois Chamber Alliance is calling on local businesses to make the most of their Chamber membership and take part in its upcoming Regional Gathering on Friday, 12th June 2026 from 12:30pm to 13:30pm.  This event is designed to help members build stronger business relationships, increase their visibility, connect with other business owners and better understand how to use the Chamber network to support their business. Non members are welcome to [...]

Chambers Ireland and Laois Chamber Alliance Welcomes Infrastructure Action Plan, Calls for Delivery Across All Regions 03 December 2025 Chambers Ireland has welcomed the Government’s publication of the Accelerating Infrastructure – Report and Action Plan. Speaking earlier today Chief Executive Ian Talbot said that the Plan is a step toward addressing long-standing barriers to infrastructure delivery: “Across our network of affiliated Chambers the message is clear: housing and infrastructure must move from [...]

18 November 2025 Chambers Ireland today extends its appreciation and congratulations to Paschal Donohoe TD following his decision to step down as Minister for Finance to take up a senior management position with the World Bank. Speaking on the announcement, Ian Talbot, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland, said: “Having worked with Paschal Donohoe continuously since his first Ministerial appointment as Minister for European Affairs, our organisation has seen first-hand his talent and [...]

Chambers Ireland urges EU and Government action as survey shows businesses ‘treading water’ 11 November 2025 Chambers Ireland have today (11 November 2025) released the Irish results of Europe’s largest business sentiment survey. The 2026 Eurochambres Economic Survey (EES2026), based on responses from over 41,000 businesses across Europe, reveals that businesses are striving to get back on a growth trajectory after several challenging years. While the Irish results indicate a [...]

Chambers Ireland today launched its pre-budget submission reflecting the shared concerns and aspirations of affiliated Chambers of Commerce around the country. Calling on the Government to take decisive and long-term action, Chief Executive Ian Talbot highlighted the need for urgency: “Our economy continues to grow but our critical infrastructure has not kept pace with rapidly increasing demand. Few would have predicted today’s economic strength during the challenges of the past [...]

02 April 2025 Speaking after the announcement of US tariffs, Ian Talbot, CEO of Chambers Ireland and Secretary General of ICC Ireland, has called for a focus on competitiveness and strategic trade engagement to mitigate any adverse economic impact. “While the tariffs present immediate challenges, it is essential that Ireland and the EU respond with calm and resolve,” said Talbot. “To navigate these challenges effectively we should prioritise strategies that [...]

Laois Chamber Welcomes Easing of Covid-19 Restrictions   Monday, 24th January 2022 Laois Chamber has welcomed the announcement by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin on Friday, lifting most of the Covid-19 restrictions, including resuming normal trading hours for pubs, restaurants and nightclubs, the removal of capacity restrictions, and removing the requirement for Covid-19 passes and contact tracing details. Speaking following Friday’s announcement by An Taoiseach, Laois Chamber CEO, Caroline Hofman, said: [...]

Thank you to all of our sponsors and teams who took part in our Golf Classic in the Heritage Golf Resort, Killenard, on Wednesday 15th September 2021. Results 1st Place South Dublin Chamber 98pts 2nd Place Mulhall's SuperValu 97pts 3rd place Sean Eacrett Auctions 94pts (BB6) 4th place Midlands Park Hotel 94pts 5th place Webmill Mountmellick 93pts (BB6) 6th place Farrell McElwee Solicitors 93pts Best Front 9 - Finline Furniture [...]

New Member Niall O'Connell, Founder of Corporate HR Ireland joined our Chief Executive, Bernie Everard for a chat about his company. Corporate HR Ireland is one of Ireland's leading providers of Outsourced HR and is 100% Irish Owned. Founded in 2008, they work with businesses all over Ireland and across sectors. Offering SME's remote day-to-day HR support along with Elevated HR Support in addition to a wide range of individual [...]

Joined today by Jonathan Pim, General Manager of Manguard Plus, the largest privately owned Irish security company in Ireland, with over 1,300 employees. Manguard Plus are delighted to have chosen Laois for their most recent  expansion, as the company grows to over €30milliom Manguard Plus specialises in providing security guards for buildings and events, they also provide a full concierge service for companies and offices, and have the most advanced alarm monitoring system in the country. In addition, Manguard Plus [...]

We are joined by local lady Una Doogue to tell us about the new Laois branch of charity SOSAD (Save Our Sons And Daughters) . Since 2007, SOSAD has worked to raise awareness and help prevent suicide in Ireland. They have worked tirelessly in our communities to help those in need feel supported and know they are not alone on their journey. SOSAD is a non-profit organisation that provides free counselling services and support to people who are struggling [...]

Christos Sempos founder and owner of Digital B2B Services Limited speaks to us about his digital marketing agency that provide complete e-commerce solutions, websites, branding, graphic design, blogs, social media advertising on Facebook, Instagram Twitter, online media like magazines, youtube channels, newspapers, radio and tv websites and of course Google ads. All creative work like logos, graphics, videos, web content, adverts, marketing strategies and more are developed in-house. Get in contact [...]

Arpad Szocs, owner of Pandora Marketing Solutions set up business during Covid and is based in Portlaoise. The company offers a one-stop-shop for all your advertisement and branding needs. We can cover your online web presence with a new or your updated website, Facebook and Instagram account, specific SEO and other online marketing solutions. We also provide a-to-z printing and branding solutions, such as vehicle and general signage, paper based prints, shopfront [...]

John Quinn, Business Development Manager introduces the newly launched Paypak, a payroll outsourcing company, based in Dublin and Abbeyleix. Paypak effectively become the clients “payroll department” We undertake all administrative aspects of our client’s payroll from “timesheet” to “payslip”. We electronically collect time and attendance information in advance (using our unique Paypak App.) of payroll processing, present completed timesheets to the client for approval and complete the process by sending pay slips [...]

Seamus Dooley tells us about the newly launched Laois Gaels The purpose of ‘Laois Gaels’ is to work alongside our county board to raise funds and support for our teams and players to ensure they can perform to their maximum potential. The association will provide support to all teams from Laois development squads to senior teams in all codes. One of the aims of Laois Gaels through the funds it [...]

Recently joined Chamber member, Therese Walsh of TWPS describes how her business helps companies and leaders deliver successful business change through their people. "Together Works" is her 4-step approach to help her Clients realise their full change potential, deliver and sustain successful change. Clients can engage with her on the framework as a whole or select the area where they need the most support. Engagements range from one off training sessions or workshops [...]

CHAMBER MEMBER INTERVIEW WITH DAMIEN MCCARTHY LANDSCAPES Recently joined Chamber member, Damien Mc Carthy, tells us about his thriving landscape business providing clients all across the Midlands including Dublin, Laois and Kildare. With his  team of highly experienced tradesmen and landscapers combine creativity, professionalism and over 2 decades of experience in landscaping they will create truly stunning outdoor and green areas for commercial and domestic clients. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sSTb1jkh14&t=9s  

CHAMBER MEMBER INTERVIEW WITH @HFS ACCOUNTANTS & HFS Customs located in Mountrath, Portlaoise & London.joined us for our latest Chamber member interview. Hearing from Zandra Horgan and @Donal Horgan, founders of the practice, on how they are well positioned to help businesses to keep your products moving through Customs whether importing or exporting to GB with HFS Customs. HFS Accountant services include automated book-keeping, accounting & tax, making the paperless office [...]

View speakers from recent Virtual conference "Supporting Business Together" Part 1 Introduction, Gas, Networks Irl, TSSG https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Qvlyrp50Qc Part 2 Laois Hubs, The Cube, LOETB / Solas, Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet, National Learning Network https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcgtWAujKmI Part 3 Laois LEO, Laois Partnership, Carlow IT https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUHTIZsn6TU Part 4  Business Support Unit, Carlow IT, University of Limerick, Anna May McHugh interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbL5RK0x8HY

Sean McManus, director at Vermac Gas Systems spoke to us about the family business Vermac Gas Systems. Vermac have almost 30 years experience working with Industrial and Commercial Customers in the Irish market. They offer a variety of products and services and  help set-up and maintain a safe, reliable and cost-efficient gas System. Laois offers a central location, allowing a quick response to their customers’ needs regardless of where in [...]

Shane Murphy, owner of One Stop Fulfillment based in Portlaoise tells how his business has grown and developed during the Covid 19 pandemic. One Stop Fulfillment provides e-commerce and order fulfillment service of pick, pack, storage and delivery for businesses of any size. Working closely with An Post, they are a cost effective solution for businesses selling online. They can also help with companies shipping to the UK that will [...]

Eamon Donovan is Marketing Director at Modus IT Ltd. which specialises in website design and development for a broad range of companies across the country. We see ourselves as our clients' web department, there to design, develop, support, maintain, advise, protect, and guide. We grow with clients and our long-term customers come back again and again for website redesigns and use us for continuous improvements and upgrades. Visit www.modus.ie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2NxAP1MDTE

Chamber member interview with Ruth Matthews, owner of RCM Services,based in Portarlington. RCM Services gives businesses the opportunity to keep on top of their paperwork by offering freelance bookkeeping & admin support.  This includes anything from day to day record keeping to completing grant applications.  We used the lockdown time to upskill and now also offer Customs Management, including preparation and filing of declarations for importing & exporting, as well [...]

Delighted to host our first event of 2021 on Jan 13th, discussing Chamber plans for the year ahead and introducing our new President Ciaran Finane, Finline Furnitue https://youtu.be/OV8Zcr5CAuk

KEEP YOUR SPEND LOCAL WITH THE LAOIS GIFT CARD To help our local businesses through these incredibly challenging months in the run up to Christmas we are urging everyone to KEEP YOUR SPEND LOCAL. Laois Chamber have recently launched the new LAOIS GIFT CARD in collaboration with the Local Enterprise Office and Laois Tourism This is a prepaid Me 2 You Gift Card that can be spent in over 100 businesses across the county including [...]

Kyra Fingleton, owner of Glamping Under the Stars shares her Covid 19 journey through 3 lockdowns  since March. Glamping Under the Stars is a unique family glamping site in the heart of Laois and offers a magical experience. Kyra has demonstrated great resilience throughout the pandemic and has taken the opportunity to upgrade facilities and promote her business. She is looking forward to hosting her guests in 2021 and is [...]

John Conroy describes how his company Leancobi can help use your data to improve efficiencies in your business and save money. Leaconbi can take your data from any source and create visuals to analyse the data, making decision making in your business easier. John kindly created, a user simple to use, CRM system for Laois Chamber that helps membership with management saving time and increasing efficiency. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiZLZgYak-A

Our newest Chamber member, Ger Ryan, owner of DG Services tells us how he can help businesses make massive savings on utility bills and much more. Ger choose Webmill in Mountmellick to base himself in a central location in Ireland to service his customers nationwide. He has seen an increase in productivity his own business as well as time savings in his working week. It seems remote working in Laois [...]

David Murphy, Programme Manager for the Age Friendly Business Recognition tells us about the benefits for making your business more Age Friendly while attracting new customers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKQrViFdj5s    

Recently joined Chamber member Marina Ryan of Laois Support Services Against Domestic Abuse tells us of the crucial work this charity provides in the county. Marina highlights the increase of domestic abuse during the Covid19 pandemic and importance of increasing awareness of what's happening in our community . The business community can help in a number of ways including fundraising, donations and creating awareness around the subject. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItrxM8NTdVo

  Dara Crusie, General Manager, of the Midlands Park hotel speaks to us following the re-opening of the hotel after the 2nd lockdown in Laois. He feels very strongly that the hotel sector is in full compliance and well positioned to host meetings within Covid19 restrictions and how crucial it is for the government to ensure that the numbers will be increased  from Sept 13th. The Midlands Hotel Park has experienced [...]

Carol Murphy, Head of Marketing and Business Development at People First Credit Union onc of the Chamber's newest members tells us about how the Credit Union has grown and expanded it's service offering to customers in the community. The organisation was well equipped to offer a remote service throughout Covid19 through phone calls and online options. In the coming months People First Credit Union plan to roll out member personal [...]

Dave Devery tells us about his business NetSupport, an award winning Business IT support service. The business remained busy throughout the lockdown with a reduction of 30% in revenue. They were well positioned to enable their customers to work remotely very quickly NetSupport focuses on the engineering and professional services sector , offering IT managed services. NetSupport service the Dublin Cork motorway route with an office in Portlaoise and Cork. Dave [...]

Delighted to chat to Eric Maher, co-owner of Rural Vagabonds, a "Free Wheeling Cafe". This start up business was hard hit during the pandemic with their 3 main markets, commuters, weddings and festivals totally disappearing. The lockdown gave Eric and his business partner the opportunity to reassess the business model and make adjustments quickly. Government supports,  especially those on offer through LEO has enabled the business to pivot and avail [...]

Catching up with Barry O'Loughlin, MD at Nostra we hear how the business has grown nationally and internationally over the past number of years, currently employing 130 staff in Dublin City, Lucan, Galway and Moutmellick Nostra is a Managed Service Provider and was well positioned to facilitate remote working solutions  and was well positioned to help his clients to transition to remote working.The pandemic resulted in many challenges but had [...]

Joined by Chamber member Kieran Lills, owner at Lilly's Bar and Restaurant to hear plans for the re-opening of their premises in mid Aug. Kieran took the first weeks of lockdown to recharge and focus on other things. Keeping communication going throughout with staff and suppliers was essential and difficult at times. Lilly's Bar are benchmarking themselves from another pub within the larger group of pubs they are involved to [...]

Neala Keating, Director at Sherry Fitzgerald Hyland Keating speaks to us on the changes in work practices and how the business has adapted during Covid19. While virtual tours were happening pre Covid19 the pandemic has made them a must and customers have and they are working extremely well. Neala has seen a surge in demand from commuters that have embraced remote working. One of the first questions from prospective buyers [...]

Sally McEllistrim, owner of Get It Across PR, tells us about the importance of PR for every business now more than ever. Sally is dedicated to getting the best result her clients and works tirelessly to get regional and national exposure. With a great talent for putting words around a business story and will always find the hook that will get the attention of journalists and media. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbYF0kTQd3I  

Great to catch up with Alastair Roe director and co-founder at Vimar. Vimar is a Portlaoise based Digital Marketing agency  offering a suite of services including Digital Marketing, Website development, SEO, Content Production and Online Advertising. The team were set up to work remotely and continued through lockdown to help businesses avail of the LEO online trading vouchers as well as advise their customers what actions to take with online [...]

Amie Colgan founder and owner of Nuvo recruitment based in Portlaoise shares her experience over the past few months. Nuvo relocated to their new office in Parkside 2 days before lockdown was announced. The business is well established in the healthcare sector and were in a great position to help place front line staff with long standing clients. Nuvo are keen to add value to their current suite of services [...]

Speaking to David Maher, owner of Free TV and The GardenShop.ie based in Portarlington, we hear  how  sales in both businesses showed a dramatic increase over the last 4 months. The demand for certain products brought with it challenges around managing stock levels, supply chain and cashflow. David is a serial entrepreneur and is currently working on an exciting project that will certainly put Portarlington on the map.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmKemlLY-TE [...]

Clement Herron speaks to us about how he has built up his business over the past number of years. CHRE stayed open during lockdown to manage properties on behalf of clients, working with the Department of Justice and housing healthcare workers. While sales and rentals  stalled things have slightly improved. Clement is confident that demand remains for new houses and Laois is the ideal location to live, work and have [...]

MEMBER INTERVIEW WITH AISLING KIRWAN, IntegriLeads Aisling Kirwan Co-founder and Sales Director of award winning Laois based company IntegriLeads, speaks to me on how they have grown over the past 18 months securing clients in Benelux and Nordic countries, with 80% of business outside Ireland. Feeling very fortunate to have maintained and identified opportunities during Covid19 they continue to build long term relationship with clients. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsk8gSo1njg&t=4s        

Laois Tourism Chairperson, Caragh Burns- Sharma, LaoisToday Steven Miller and Laois Chamber tell us about their joint efforts to promote Laois to Laois people as a place to explore, staycation, shop and enjoy as the local economy aims to survive and recover during these very challenging times. Thanks the Ger Alley The Heritage and Martin Cullinan All Events for the use of the brand new, state of the art Live Stream Studio where the webcast was recorded. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gd9V6mLmvm8

Barry Lambkin owner of @Medichem based in Portarlington, suppliers of specialist First Aid supplier, remained open throughout the lockdown supplying his existing and new customers a variety of products to aid in the battle against Covid19. The last 4 months have resulted in an increase in business and was well supported by his local bank to manage cashflow ensuring a continuous supply to his customers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aldVLv38mVM

Paddy Buggy, Manager at the Beale Centre and Webmill Mountmellick Co-Working hub in Mountmellick tells us how the centre has developed over the years and how the Co-working space is the ideal location for remote working in a shared facility. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9tVe-XKavs

Gary Devane, owner of Portland Barber Male Grooming based in Laois Shopping Centre shares how his business closed and the preparations in the shop to ensure customers and staff can operate under strict restrictions. Gary is concerned about the black market that has arisen during Covid19 and the long term implications for his industry. Luckily Portland Barber had a robust online presence which will enable booking and appointment and will allow contact tracing for [...]

INSURANCE THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE Many thanks to Damian Smith, Regional Manager with Campion Insurance for his expert advice on the landscape of commercial  insurance and key considerations for all business. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfLfFjy88Ek&t=12s

Recently appointed Centre Manager at Bloom HQ, Regina McGinley, gives us the background to the recent re-development of the Brigidine Convent and how it has been transformed into a co-working space and community hub with its main aim is to bring business back into the heart of rural community. The centre remained open for essential services businesses located in the building, with more business re-opening under Covid restrictions. Regina tells [...]

Allan Boyle, Centre Manager at the National Learning Network describes how the centre has over 80 students with additional support needs in training and  education. Working closely with LOETB, schools and colleges with a 90% success rate for the students gaining employment. The centre has continued to provide the service and supports throughout Covid19 through online platforms https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RDzO80LO5E

Corporate Chamber member, Pat McDonagh, owner and founder of the Supermacs group including The Killeshin Hotel and Supermacs Portlaoise speaks to the Chamber members sharing his views on the importance for businesses to focus on survival as the economy reopens. Pat also announced great news for Laois with the opening of the new Motorway Plaza at Junction 17 opening on 31st July. The new Plaza will employ between 80-100 employees. [...]

Joined today for a catch up with Patricia Frayne, Portlaoise Enterprise Centre. The Co-working facility based in Portlaoise has remained open during the pandemic for the tenants that were on the essential services list. The centre is well set up for companies and individuals considering remote working with state of the art working spaces,  Covid19 compliant and ideally located in the heart of Laois https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYtWSH5DO8I

We catch up with David Delaney to chat about how The Laois Nationalist, as part of The Irish Times group have adapted and diversified over the last few months and some of the new initiatives as a result of covid19. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fhz5Y5QnvVo

Ken Finnegan the Managing Director of Greenfield Global brings us up to date on the progress on the new facility at the IDA Business Park in Portlaoise. Greenfield Global were deemed essential business in the fight against Covid19 globally, being one of  the world's largest producers on Ethanol, a chemical used in kits, vaccines and as a key ingredient of hand sanitizers. The construction remains on target with a planned [...]

Evelyn Preston, SME Sales and New Connections Manager at Gas Network's Ireland speaks to us about GNI's presence in Laois with over 8,000 customers. GNI have been working with customers during Covid19 by offering a supply suspension scheme, promoting local heroes and working with Age Friendly Ireland https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJltAIGmnnQ

Adrian Foy, the new General Manager of the Maldron Hotel, Portlaoise was only in the role a few days when Covid19 pandemic struck. The hotel has remained open at 50% capacity throughout providing accommodation to essential workers. Adrian also discusses plans for the re-opening of the hotel to the general public and keeping his staff motivated throughout the crisis. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLN-LBrUwgQ

It was pleasure to interview Gillian Reidy, founder Penhouse Design from her creative studio in Ratheniska. Gillian's passion and upbeat nature certainly shines though in her work and attitude during the Covid19 pandemic. Penhouse has stayed open during the lockdown, continuing to work on projects and staying engaged with her clients https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XI8IEIBJt_s  

Ger Alley, General Manager of the Heritage Hotel gave us great insights on how the Heritage has been preparing for the re-opening since the lockdown, maintain contact with staff, staying connected with customers and adapting the hotel to ensure guests will feel safe and will continue to enjoy a luxury experience https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUG4nNyUPXw

Cian Prendergast founder of Ortus Cloud Computing and Managed and IT services joins us from his newly refurbished office in Abbeyleix, sharing how his business has operated during Covid19 https://lnkd.in/dt83mkZ https://youtu.be/4yAXq75U6PE

Ashleigh Dolye, Director at CJ Sheeran Ltd, Ireland's largest manufacturer of timber pallets and packaging, tells us how they were classified as an essential service during the Covid19 lockdown and have continued to supply, Pharma, food and healthcare industries over the past few months https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39ucQoDFa-o

Portlaoise is Ireland’s 16th largest town and is a vibrant, multi-cultural and economic engine for the Midlands region. Its proximity to Dublin, Limerick and Cork, provide amply opportunities for residents and businesses alike https://www.midlandsireland.ie/custom/public/files/portlaoise-midlandsireland.ie.pdf

General Manager, Dara Cruise, of the Midlands Park Hotel, Corporate Chamber members,  speaks about how the hotel is preparing to welcome guests back to the hotel and to let us know Kelly's Steakhouse is open for collection https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnJabuVvr1c&t=98s

Helena Gleeson, HSQE Manager with Fingelton White shares her experience of working remotely during Covid19 and how the company is keeping their staff connected and engaged https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnrjTJMEk-Q

Seamus Dooley speaks to us on how his building contracting company is planning for the return to to work next week in Phase 1 of the  Roadmap and how the business has adapted during the crisis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucBarN8lNPw

Steven Miller sharing his experience on how Covid19 has effected his business and plans for the future https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I85gOn0iwj8&t=13s

David explains how online sales for his Craft beer has become his new focus during Covid19 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQoDtaT9nPc&t=307s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQoDtaT9nPc&t=113s

Ciaran Finane explains how the 40 year old family business has coped during the crisis and plans for the reopening during phase 2. With a drop of 98% in turnover, Finline Furniture availed of the wage subsidy scheme for their 50+ staff. With a strong pipeline, new collaborations and tender opportunities, Ciaran is looking to the future continuity of the business https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nY5FaSIa0o&feature=youtu.be https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nY5FaSIa0o&feature=youtu.be