Down To Business
Down To Business is Ireland's premier business show, hosted by Bobby Kerr. The podcast covers a wide range of enterprise-related topics, from personal finance to the latest business news. It promotes itself as offering conversation that counts, reflecting the ethos of Ireland's national independent talk station, Newstalk, which focuses on news, sport, analysis, and entertainment.
Episodes
Ask 3 Questions: How to live well in a distracted world
Bobby is joined by leadership consultant and author Rob Cross to talk about his new book, Ask Three Questions, and the big moments in life that force us to stop drifting and take stock.
Industry Review: Gems & Precious Stones
For this week's Industry Review, we're looking at the world of precious gemstones: what determines their value, the skill involved in cutting them, and what makes one stone more desirable than another. Joining Bobby are:Andrew Stuart - a Gem Stone cutter & Lapidarist at Stuart GemsMartin Commins - Director of Bespoke DiamondsCarol Clarke - Fellow of the Institute of Registered Jewellery
Revolut Outage: Why you still need cash
Bobby is joined by Nick Charalambus, Managing Director at Alpha Wealth, to unpack what the Revolut outage revealed about how we pay and how exposed we can be when systems go down.
Bobby's Business Roundup October 24th
Joining Bobby Kerr ito go through this week's business stories is Ronan Reid & Joan Mulvihill, Industry Engagement Lead at the Command Gateway at TUS.
EcoKinly: Reusable pappies for modern parents
Bobby is joined in studio by Kate Doyle, founder of EcoKinly, the Irish business she launched from home in 2022 with a three-month-old baby on a mission to make reusable nappies and wipes feel simple, modern and accessible.
Executive Chair: Seamus and Kay O’Hara
For this week's Executive Chair, Bobby is on location at the former Macardle brewery site in Dundalk to meet Seamus and Kay O’Hara, the couple behind one of Ireland’s pioneering independent craft breweries.
Bobby’s Business Roundup October 17th
Joining Bobby to go through the main business stories from the Saturday papers is Susan HayesCulleton, host of Taking Stock here at Newstalk as well as vRobert Whelan of Rockwell Finance.
Executive Chair: CEO of the Bellew Group, Ollie Bellew
Joining Bobby in the Executive Chair this week is CEO of the Bellew Group, Ollie Bellew.
Industry Review: AI Implementation
AI is increasingly being used by businesses to improve efficiency, reduce costs and develop new services but how much of a difference is it making in practice?For this week’s Industry Review, Bobby looks at how Irish businesses are implementing AI, from speeding up veterinary diagnostics to tackling cyber threats and transforming how companies operate.Charles Cosgrave - Co-owner of Village VetsKev
Are we heading towards the era of the "adaptive office"?
Chris Kane has previously spoken to Down to Business about the changing nature of offices following the paradigm shift of Covid. He’s the author of ‘Where’s My Office’ and writing recently he has turned his attention to something called the “adaptive office” and how we might all be working without desks. He joins Bobby to discuss.
The return of the iconic Citroën 2CV
For those of us young enough the phrase ‘Citroën 2CV’ may well evoke memories of our first, cheap car. While the original 2CV stopped production in 1990, Citroën had some exciting news for attendees at the Paris Motor show earlier this month. Emmett Ryan from the Irish Times joins Bobby to chat about the return of the iconic Citroën 2CV as a simple electric car.
The Archer's Edge: Ancient Wisdom and Modern Practice for Business Leaders
Olympic gold medal-winning archer Carlos Holgado and leadership expert Michael Watkins joins Bobby to discuss their new book ‘her's Edge: Ancient Wisdom and Modern Practice for Business Leaders’ which features Olympic archery as its central theme.
Who were the winners in the budget?
Following the latest budget announcements, Bobby is joined by economist Colm McCarthy and Paraic Burke, Head of Tax at PwC Ireland to analyse the winners, losers and long-term implications of Budget 2027. Our Budget coverage is thanks to PwC.
Focus Ireland's Shine a Light
Today is World Homelessness Day, and this morning thousands of people around the country woke up having spent the night sleeping out as part of Focus Ireland’s Shine a Light event. Newstalk reporter Bairbre Holmes visited the event at Dublin's Iveagh Gardens, and joined Bobby to discuss.
Bobby's Business Roundup 10th October
Joining Bobby to go through the main business stories from the Saturday papers is Valerie Cox, Journalist and Author, and Ciaran Hancock, Business Editor of the Irish Times.
Out & About: Howbert & Mays
Bobby was Out and About on Clare Street this week and he stopped in Howbert & Mays, where he chatted to co-owner, Tig Mays.
Industry Review: Fruit and Veg
Fruit and vegetables are a staple of the weekly shop but behind what we see on the shelves, there are some big challenges facing the people who grow, import, and sell our fresh produce. From changing shopping habits and rising costs to the impact of the weather, and the pressure on Irish growers, it’s a difficult time for the sector. So, for this week's Industry Review , Bobby is joined by three p
Executive Chair: Eoin Flanagan, Owner and Director of Siam Thai Restaurants & Candlelight Bar
Joining Bobby for this week's Executive Chair is Eoin Flanagan, Owner and Director of Siam Thai Restaurants & Candlelight Bar
Music from Eilis Kennedy and Gerry O'Breine
To draw a close to a wonderful show in Dingle, Bobby was joined by musicians Eilis Kennedy and Gerry O'Breine.
Industry Review: Business and Food at Dingle Food Festival
For this week's industry review, Bobby spoke to several people involved in the festivities of the weekend. Bobby was joined by, Mark Murphy , Owner of The Little Cheese Shop Fergal Carroll, Co-Founder of Fierce Mild Non-Alcoholic Beer Grainne Kavanagh, Owner of The Coach House in Dingle
Michael Healy Rae on his love for Dingle
Kerry TD and Kerry Native Michael Healy Rae joined Bobby in the Dingle Skellig Hotel to discuss his love for Dingle and some recent updates in his career.
Executive Chair: Bill Sheppard & Aileen Crean O’Brien of the Tom Crean Brewery
Joining Bobby in the executive chair this week is Bill Sheppard and Aileen Crean O’Brien the people behind the Tom Crean Brewery.
Neven Maguire on his new book and food empire
Chef Neven Maguire joins Bobby to discuss hi new book 'One Pan Wins' and his ever growing food empire. Image: Business Post
Blas Na hEireann Food Awards
This year marks the 19th year of the Blas Na hEireann Irish Food Awards. The Blas awards are the biggest blind tasting of produce in the country. There is bronze, silver or gold awards in over 170 food and drink categories. Bobby was joined by Fallon Moore, Co-Founder of Blas Na hEireann and Erica Drum, TV Chef and Judge at the awards.
Out & About: Murphy’s Ice Cream
Bobby was out and about in Dingle this week and stopped into a Kerry institution, Murphy’s ice cream.
Bobby’s Business Roundup 3rd October
Joining Bobby to go through the main business stories from the Saturday papers is Francis Fitzgibbon, Owner and CEO of Storystock Media.
Industry Review: Antiques
From sourcing unique pieces and restoration work to adapting to changing consumer tastes, antiques are a business built on expertise, craftsmanship and history. For this week’s industry review, Bobby takes a closer look at the antiquing industry in Ireland. Joining Bobby was, Eoin Ryan, Owner, Straffan Antiques, Kildare Garrett Weldon, Weldon's Jewellers
Executive Chair: Rosie Connolly Quinn of Irish Womenswear Label 4th Arq
Joining Bobby in the executive chair this week is Rosie Connolly Quinn of Irish Womenswear Label 4th Arq.
How much do we really know about Irelands economy?
When talking about Irish business, we often concentrate on large companies and multinationals, but what does Irish business actually look like on the ground? Irish Independent Columnist Conor Skehan joined Bobby to see what really goes on behind the scenes in Ireland’s economy.
Amplify You: How to Connect More Powerfully in an AI World
Communication expert and friend of the show Gina London joined Bobby to discuss her brand new book Amplify You: How to Connect More Powerfully in an AI World.
Davy Fitz and Andrew Trimble on life after sport
Ireland's Fittest Family continues to capture the public imagination, and showcase a thing or two about competition, leadership and performing under pressure. While at the Ploughing last week, Bobby bumped into Davy Fitz and Andrew Trimble and spoke about what life is like after sport.
Bobby’s Business Roundup September 26th
Joining Bobby to go through the main business stories from the Saturday papers are Louisa Meehan of Woodview HRM and Bob Hoffman of Vista Executive Search.
Industry Review: Technology Journalism
We have spent a lot of time talking about the technology industry and the extraordinary pace at which AI and other technologies are developing but what about the people whose job it is to keep up with all of it? Tech journalism has changed dramatically in recent years, with journalists having to cover everything from AI and billion-euro investments to regulation, job losses and the impact of new t
What are Creatime bars?
Ever thought of putting creatine in chocolate bars? Well that is exactly what Creatime Bars has done. Bobby chats to the founders behind Creatime bars, Milo O'Donohoe and Tom Glynn.
Bobby's Business Roundup September 19th
Joining Bobby to go through the main business stories from the Saturday papers is Linda Daly, Business Reporter with The Sunday Times and Robert Whelan of Rockwell Financial
Executive Chair: Stephen Smith, Kitman Labs Founder & CEO
Joining Bobby in the Executive Chair this week is Stephen Smith, Kitman Labs Founder & CEO
Who is Steven Bartlett?
Steven Bartlett is most famous for being a dragon in the UK version of Dragon’s Den and his successful Diary of a CEO podcast. But what is he really like?Bobby chats to one man who has spent time with him, Daniel Thomas, Global Media Editor with the Financial Times.
Bobby goes to the Ploughing
At the Bank of Ireland tent at The National Ploughing Championship, Bobby chats to Eoin Lowry Head of Agri, Bank of Ireland, Shane Halpin, FBD Young farmer of the Year and Vegetable Grower, Liam Barton FBD Land Mobility Winner and Grasstec Group and Contract rearing dairy and beef, and Aoife Mahony, Teagasc PHD student and Sheep and Beef farmer - the future of the agricultural sector.
Out & About: Volume Records
Bobby was out and about again this week, where he stopped into Volume Records record shop in Dun Laoghaire.
Industry Review: Canals
The canals of Ireland are more than just historic waterways running through the country, it has become a workplace, a destination and a business built around tourism, food, leisure and recreation. Nut what is it like to run a business on and around the canal and what opportunities and challenges does it present? Joining Bobby are Mícheál Ó Cionna, proprietor of Canal Boat Restauran
What does a contemporary business leader look like?
Justin Pennington is the author of The Intrapreneur Leader, and he joined Bobby to discuss why we need to reframe what or who a leader actually is.
Executive Chair: Conor Maning, MD of Pipelife Ireland
Joining Bobby in the Executive Chair this week is Conor Maning, MD of Pipelife Ireland.
Has Shannon town failed to decentralise the state?
Paul Gillespie, columnist with the Irish Times and UCD academic recently wrote about the town of Shannon and claimed it was a symptom of failure to decentralise the state. Paul joined Bobby this morning to share his thoughts.
Bobby's Business Roundup September 12th
Joining Boby to go through the main business stories in Saturday’s papers is Gina London, communications consultant and author of Amplify You: How to Connect More Powerfully in an AI world, and Newstalk’s own Eamonn Toursney.
Executive Chair: John Kelly of Suir Engineering
Joining Bobby in the Executive Chair this week is John Kelly of Suir Engineering.
Out & About: Morso
Bobby was out and about again this week where he stopped into the fabulously trendy sandwich spot on Dublin’s Drury Street - Morso!
What are the business implications of renaming Lake Ontario?
Doug Stephens is the Founder and CEO of Retail Prophet, and widely regarded as one of the world's foremost retail industry futurists. He joins Bobby to discuss the real world business implications of renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America.
Tesco’s Blue Token Fund: Every Little Helps
For a business, “giving back” can sometimes sound like a bit of a corporate cliché, but what does it actually mean when that support reaches the ground and makes a measurable difference to people’s lives? Tesco’s Community Fund has been doing that since 2014, distributing more than €10 million to some 27,000 community projects across Ireland. Joining Bobby to hear all about the initiative is:Louis
Bobby’s Business Roundup September 5th
Joining Bobby to go through the main business stories from the Saturday papers is Sarah Stone McDevitt, author of ‘The Round Table: How Relational Intelligence Will Become Your Human Advantage in the AI Age’ & Jon Ihle, Deputy Business Editor of the Sunday Times Ireland.
Industry Review: Classic Cars
There's something about a classic car that goes beyond simply getting from A to B. Whether it’s nostalgia, an investment, a restoration project or just the pleasure of driving something with a bit of character, there’s a thriving business built around these cars. So today, we’re looking at the business of classic cars in Ireland - what’s driving demand, what makes a car valuable, and whether these
Andrew Brownlee, CEO of the Construction Industry Federation
The Budget is only a few weeks away so pre-budget statements are arriving thick and fast. We also know investment in infrastructure will be key to ensuring the Irish economy can function in the years ahead. Andrew Brownlee, CEO of the Construction Industry Federation joins Emmet Oliver to discuss.
Down to Business News Roundup August 29th
Joining Bobby to go through the main business stories from the Saturday papers is employment law expert, Caroline Reidy & Lorcan Allen of Keating and Associates.
Burn Bright, Build Slow: How to Build a Just Climate Future
When you think about climate change and its effects on your business, how do you feel? Stressed at every new regulation? Or do you see it as a positive challenge that may well add value to your company if you get it right. Sandhya Sabapathy follows the second path and her new book offers a guide to achieving this - she joins Emmet Oliver to discuss.
Carbon Tax: Is the Government rethinking its climate plans?
In a story on the front page of this morning’s Irish Independent, the Government is considering slowing or delaying planned carbon-tax increases as it weighs the cost-of-living burden against Ireland’s climate commitments. The current path towards a €100-per-tonne carbon price would add significantly to petrol, diesel and home-heating costs by 2030, but ministers are examining alternatives, from d
Executive Chair: Pam Stone, Chief Executive of Respa Beds
Joining Bobby in the Executive Chair this week is Pam Stone, Chief Executive of Respa Beds.
Industry Review: Vintage Clothes
From timeless pieces to one-of-a-kind finds, vintage clothes shops are reshaping the way we think about fashion, sustainability and style. But what does the business of vintage actually look like in Ireland? Where is demand coming from, what makes a vintage shop successful, and how is the industry changing? For this week’s Industry Review, we’re looking at the world of vintage clothing with t
Industry Review: Dentists
For this week's industry review Bobby talks to a group of professionals from an industry we're all familiar with in some way; Dentists. Though they provide us all with a huge service, this often-overlooked healthcare branch has unique challenges even compared to other areas of the health industry.Joining Bobby to discuss all of this is:National Group Advisor to Portman Dentex Ireland and Adju
Breaking Out of Founders' Prison: Make the Shift and Scale Your Business
When you have created your own business, brought it to market, and seen it grow, the time to step back and allow others manage it on your behalf can be the hardest decision you will make. Dennis Kuipers has personal experience of this and his observations on how to break free from doing everything yourself forms the backbone to his new book, ‘Breaking Out of Founders' Prison: Make the Shift and Sc
Bobby’s Business Roundup August 22nd
Joining Bobby to go through the main business stories from the Saturday papers is Joan Mulvihill, Digisation expert and artist & also by Stephen O’Leary the founder of Olytico.
Executive Chair: Declan Ryan, CEO and Founder of Project Foundry
Joining Bobby in the Executive Chair this week is Declan Ryan, CEO and Founder of Project Foundry.
Could the e-sim boom spell the end of roaming fees?
We all know how much of a hassle travel can be, from delayed flights and packed airports to the moment you switch off airplane mode and wonder just how much your phone bill is about to cost. But that last part might be changing as an e-sim boom might spell the end of roaming fees. Joining Bobby to discuss is Ciara O’Brien, Irish Times business and technology journalist.
What separates a good conference from a bad one?
Many of us over the years have attended various conferences and events for work, whether they’re in-house offsite events or larger gatherings of hundreds of businesses and industry professionals. But what separates a good conference from a bad one? What is the best way to organise one so that attendees get the most out of it? Joining Bobby to discuss is Professional Public and Motivational Speaker
Upcoming Anthropic IPO
Anthropic investors expect the AI stand-up to float at a valuation of $2 trillion in what would be the world's largest IPO. A listing at that level could unlock billions of dollars in gains for the five-year-old company’s early investors. Ronan Reid, the director of Cantor Fitzgerald, joins Bobby to discuss all things IPO.
Bobby's Business Roundup August 15th
Joining Bobby to go through the main business stories from the Saturday papers are Declan Ralph of BWG Foods & journalist and author, Valerie Cox.
Industry Review: Civil Engineers
From designing bridges to building software, engineers are behind much of the world we rely on every day. But what does the business of civil engineering actually look like in Ireland? Where is demand coming from, what skills are most valuable, and how is the industry changing? For this week’s Industry Review, we’re looking at the world of civil engineering with four experts from the sector. Ma
Out & About: OpenHive Honey
This week Bobby was Out & About at OpenHive Honey.
The Executive Chair: William McCoglan
Joining Bobby in The Executive Chair this week is William McColgan of McColgan Quality Foods.
On The Pace Note
Killian Duffy began his working life as a Rally co-driver. This passion led him to start streaming the final stages of races both here and in the UK. In time, he became frustrated at companies like facebook either deleting his work too soon or not allowing him monetise the real value of the time and energy he put into his work. That has all changed now as On The Pace Note provides all sorts of spo
Industry Review: Personal Stylists
From wardrobe makeovers to confidence boosts, personal styling has become a growing industry, helping people decide not just what to wear, but how they want to be seen. But what does the business of personal styling actually look like in Ireland? Who is paying for these services, and how has the industry evolved? For this week’s Industry Review, we’re looking at the world of person
Out & About: Mark Moriarty
Irish food businesses are facing higher costs on almost every front, but many are still planning to invest. Bobby travels to Wilton Terrace in Dublin, to ask Mark Moriarty why this is.
Bobby's Business Roundup August 8th
Joining Bobby to go through the main business stories from the Saturday papers is Robert Whelan, Managing Director of Rockwell, and Louisa Meehan, of Woodview HRM.
Love Irish Food with Bank of Ireland
How is the Irish food sector doing? With external threats like fuel and fertilizer costs and domestic costs going up around labour, is it a good time to be a producer? Bobby was joined by Conor Kilduff, CEO of Love Irish Food and Lucy Ryan, Head of Food & Beverage at Bank of Ireland to discuss.
Paul Flavin's 'Build, Scale, Sell'
Now, running a business can be all-consuming, and without the right systems in place it's easy to become trapped in the day-to-day. In his new book, Build, Scale, Sell, entrepreneur Paul Flavin uses the fictional story of a business owner to explore the four pillars of building a successful company: marketing, sales, operations and finance. Paul joins Bobby to discuss.
Executive Chair: Caroline Bocquel
Caroline Bocquel, Chief Executive Officer, Fáilte Ireland joins Bobby in this week's Executive Chair.
Executive Chair: Bojana Djordjevic
Bojana Djordjevic, CEO and Director at Silver Stream Healthcare Group joins Bobby for this week's Executive Chair.
Industry Review: Funeral Directors
It’s an industry that every one of us will encounter at some point in our lives, but one that we don’t often talk about from a business perspective. Funeral directors provide an essential service, but behind the scenes they are also running complex businesses facing changing customer expectations, rising costs and evolving traditions. For today’s Industry Review, Bobby's look
Bobby's Business Roundup August 1st
Joining Bobby to go through the main business stories from the Saturday papers is Bob Hoffman, managing partner at Vista Executive Search, and Sarah Stone McDevitt, author of 'The Round Table - How Relational Intelligence Will Become Your Human Advantage in the AI Age.
Cliff Taylor's Update on the Housing Market
The Irish economy is in a strange position - we have strong employment and rising wages, yet many people feel under increasing pressure from housing costs and the tax system.House prices continue to rise despite widespread agreement that they are unaffordable for many buyers, while the debate over whether middle-income workers are carrying too much of the tax burden is intensifying ahead of the Bu
Out & About: Paudie Murray
Bobby popped out to County Clare, to meet a 9-year-old businessman going viral for his honesty box. Bobby meets Paudie Murray, founder of Ubh by Paudie.
Adam Kingl, Co-Author of Executive Eats
How much time should you give yourself for meals when you're working from home? What kind of food should you eat? How can food impact your performance? Adam Kingl joins bobby to discuss his new book on the subject, 'Executive Eats'.
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