Offaly entrepreneurs showcase innovative product ideas and business potential following successful completion of specialist programme led by renowned Irish business and product development expert Eddie Shanahan.

Offaly Local Development Company (OLDC) is celebrating the successful completion of its Create Green New Product Development Programme, which concluded this week with a final presentation day at Fiesta Hall, Kilcormac.

The programme brought together a talented group of Offaly-based entrepreneurs and businesses from across the creative industries and artisan speciality food sectors, providing them with an opportunity to explore new ideas, develop products and collections, strengthen their brands and identify opportunities for future business growth.

Delivered by renowned Irish business and product development specialist Eddie Shanahan, the programme consisted of three intensive development sessions followed by a final presentation day on 11 November. Participants worked through the different stages of product development, from initial inspiration and design development to branding, storytelling, pricing, presentation and identifying target markets.

The participating businesses included Lynda Deverell of Annaharvey Farm; David Claxton of Wagyu Wagon; Aisling Corrigan; Rita Daly of Rita Daly Designs; Helen Bracken of Fox Covert Farm; Cristine Ramirez Mora of Bia LaTina and Rebecca Whelan of The Next Chapter Bridal & Occasion.

Throughout the programme, participants were encouraged to challenge their thinking, explore new possibilities and look at their businesses from fresh perspectives. The final presentation day provided an opportunity to showcase their ideas, share their progress and receive constructive feedback, celebrating the innovation, creativity and ambition within Offaly’s business community.

The diversity of enterprises involved highlighted the wealth of talent and entrepreneurial potential across the county, with businesses demonstrating a commitment to developing distinctive products, creating value and responding to changing customer needs and market opportunities.

A key element of the programme was its connection to Create Green, OLDC’s wider initiative supporting businesses in the creative industries and artisan speciality food sectors to embrace more sustainable approaches to business development.

Sustainability was considered alongside creativity and commercial development, encouraging participants to think about the materials they use, their production processes, sourcing, packaging and the wider environmental impact of their products. The programme also highlighted the importance of genuine and meaningful sustainability efforts, helping businesses recognise that environmental responsibility and commercial success can go hand in hand.

Aileen Duffy , Rebecca Whelan, Eddie Shanahan, Aisling Corrigan, Helen Bracken, Cristina Ramirez Mora, Rita Daly, Caitriona Duggan, David Claxton, Des Regan  

Speaking following the successful completion of the programme, Roisin Lennon CEO of Offaly Local Development Company said:

“We are absolutely delighted with the success of this programme and the enthusiasm, creativity and commitment demonstrated by everyone who took part.It has been fantastic to see participants develop their ideas, challenge themselves and explore new opportunities for their businesses. The standard of innovation and the diversity of enterprises involved really demonstrate the talent and potential that exists within Offaly’s creative and artisan food sectors.

A particular highlight has been seeing participants think beyond the product itself and consider the importance of strong branding, storytelling, understanding their customers and building sustainability into their business development. These are important foundations for creating distinctive, resilient businesses that can grow and thrive into the future.”

OLDC also wishes to acknowledge and thank Eddie Shanahan for his outstanding contribution to the programme. His extensive experience, knowledge of the creative and artisan food sectors, practical guidance and ability to challenge and inspire participants have been central to the programme’s success.

Eddie brings considerable expertise in Irish product and business development, having worked with organisations including Design & Crafts Council Ireland and developed the CREATE project with Brown Thomas, supporting Irish design talent to reach new markets. His insight and mentoring provided participants with valuable opportunities to refine their ideas and consider the potential of their products from both a creative and commercial perspective.

The completion of the programme marks an important milestone for the participating businesses, but also the beginning of new opportunities to develop their ideas and bring their products to wider markets.

Through initiatives such as Create Green, Offaly Local Development Company continues to champion local enterprise, encourage innovation and support businesses to build more sustainable, competitive and successful futures.

OLDC congratulates all participants on their achievements and wishes them every success as they take their ideas and businesses forward.