Dublin branch business and networking panel discussion

Report on Careers panel discussion/workshop for Cistercian College Union hosted by solicitors, Mason Hayes and Curran (MHC), Dublin 4 on 11^th April 2019.

Just under 40 people arrived between 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., enjoyed coffee, glass wine, cakes, compliments of MHC and chatted in the stunning fifth floor boardroom overlooking Grand Canal Dock.

After a brief introduction by the Dublin branch chairman, Liam Nicholl, in which he expressed his appreciation to all participants and offered a special word of thanks to MHC for hosting, Jevan Neilan, a Senior Associate on MHC Commercial Team responded, welcoming all present and wishing success in our endeavours.

Then the baton passed to the moderator for the evening, Mr Fergal Cox, who engaged with a strong panel consisting of ;

Shay Garvey (1972)  Founding Partner                                                          Frontline Ventures

Greg Swift (1975)     Head of Economic Development and Enterprise     Local Enterprise Office, Dublin

Claire Nicholl            Co-founder                                                                      Compensave

John W Crowley       Manager, Leaders of Tomorrow Programme           Accenture

Fergal Cox (1972)     COO                                                                                  Three Rock Capital

Following a brief introduction by each of the panellists, the Moderator posed a number of questions, a sample of which is listed below ;

• To Shay: what is the number one attribute you seek in a start-up when investing?
• To Greg: What are the primary supports in place to start-ups from local Enterprise Offices and Enterprise Ireland?
• To Peter: A lot of start-ups focus on the product and the pitch – how important is it to get the business management and financial management sides of the business right as well?
• To Claire: What is the main lesson you learned when setting up a business that you would pass on to new start-ups?
• How important is trust and the creation of strong personal relationships between the business partners in a start-up?
• What new and interesting avenues of funding are potentially available to start-ups now?
• Is Ireland conducive to start-ups?

Each panellist gave robust answers to all questions which were well received by those attending. A video clips has been posted below for the benefit of those who could not attend. More video clips of the event will be posted on this site over the next 2 weeks.

Following the formal part of proceedings MHC laid on canapes, wine and coffee which enhanced the networking experience. Those with stamina adjourned to the Beggar’s Bush pub for a night cap and further networking.

Overall the event was deemed to be a success.

 

Note: The audio on the video clip is very much home production standard. We recommend using head phones or an audio enhancing device.

Liam Nicholl,

Chairman,

CCR Union, Dublin Branch.