Press release from Meath County Chamber
22.04.22
Meath Business Owners Network meet on Zoom
This Friday the 22nd of April, the Meath Business Owners network met over Zoom for their monthly networking call. The theme of the meeting this month focused on celebrating the local success of Irish Grand National winner Dermot McLaughlin and The Fairyhouse Easter Festival. The meeting was once again chaired by Raymond Gibbons of BMS accountancy. The Meath Business Owners Network is a partnership between County Meath Chamber and Meath Local Enterprise office.
Raymond started the meeting by reading a statement from the Callaghan family after the devastating fire on their business premises, Timeless Sash Windows, during the week. He spoke on behalf of the entire business community in County Meath when he wished them well on recovering from the fire.
The first speaker of the morning was Dermot McLaughlin, back-to-back Irish Grand National Winning Trainer and owner of Dermot McLoughlin Racing, Ratoath. Raymond started by congratulating him on his amazing success at this years Fairyhouse racing festival with Lord Lariat. Dermot explained how he is just now able to sit back and relax with his family after a hectic few days celebrating. Dermot spoke about how he bought the horse as a foal and how he never expected him to go on to win the Irish Grand national. “This horse has no pedigree so we weren’t sure where he would bring us. He is a bit of a freak, but he has brought so much joy to Meath and Clare in the past few days”. Dermot told participants how his business overcame the challenges of Covid, and how they are constantly striving to be better and grow the business. “I would be nowhere without the team around me. I have 100% confidence in my staff, and I rely on their opinions and advice”.
Raymond then introduced the Peter Roe, Fairyhouse General Manager celebrating 150 years of hosting the Irish Grand National. After 2 years of not having attendees at the festival Peter explained what a momentous weekend it was to have the buzz around the Ratoath site again. “On Easter Monday alone there was a 1000 strong team at Fairyhouse between the totes, catering, and everything in between. To echo what Dermot said- this festival would not be what it is today without the team”.
Peter explained how rising costs posed a challenge at this year’s festival. Utilising the facility more for events is important for the continued success of Fairyhouse. He also congratulated Dermot McLaughlin on another amazing achievement this year.
Raymond Gibbons continued the call with a comprehensive presentation on revenue’s debt warehousing scheme along with updates and advice for all attendees. Raymond explained the taxes covered by the scheme, the three periods involved and the warehousing extension available for businesses that are still in receipt of Covid 19 supports. Raymond gave advice on what to do and tips on how to take the next steps with the scheme. Raymond is the managing director of BMS accounting in the county and can be contacted for any questions on debt warehousing.
Participants then got the chance to engage in a breakout room with other business owners. The breakout session is a chance for attendees to network with other business owners on the call and offer advice and support to each other.
Paula McCaul, CEO of Meath County Chamber welcomed new members of the Meath Chamber Trim Engineering. “We are delighted to welcome Trim Engineering to the Chamber. We have had great feedback from the 80 businesses that attended the apprenticeship expo in Knightsbrook hotel last month. Lots of networking happened at that event and we are delighted that Trim Engineering have joined us as a result”.
Paula also mentioned the upcoming jobs fair due to take place in the Ardboyne Hotel in October 2022. The Meath Women in Business and Technology network meeting will take place virtually next Friday at 11am and is open to all women in business in the County and beyond.
The next MBON will take place on Friday the 20th of May.To register, please keep an eye on the County Meath Chamber social media pages or www.countymeathchamber.ie. Pre-registration is necessary. To sign up to accept the Mí Meath Mastercard, claim your free listing on the Meath Business Directory or to become a member just email info@countymeathchamber.ie