Provincial towns across the country have been severely hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, with small businesses forced to close, staff laid off and footfall on streets reduced.
In its first episode, RTÉ One's new business programme Open For Business will be turning the spotlight on one such town.
The programme, presented by Richard Curran and Ella McSweeney, will examine how small firms in the town have been coping with the slow, phased reopening of our economy.
The episode, which will air at 7pm tonight, will also hear from David McGee, a Partner at consultancy firm PwC, who will discuss how SMEs are trying to restart after months of freezing supply and demand.
.@McGeeDavid from @PwCIreland on how the Trading Online Voucher Scheme works.@Loc_Enterprise @Entirl #OpenForBusinessRTE pic.twitter.com/wlLzYhnZOj
— RTÉ One (@RTEOne) July 21, 2020
Another part of the domestic economy that has managed to remain strong despite the Covid-19 challenges is the export sector.
To explore this further Open For Business will travel to Monaghan to meet one forklift manufacturing company Combilift, which has seen a 50% increase in enquiries for their products as a direct result of the pandemic.
One sector that has seen a significant uptick in demand in the last four months and faced huge challenges at the same time, is grocery retail.
The programme will chat with Noel Keeley, CEO of Musgrave, which operates the SuperValu and Centra brands, about the change in grocery spending and shopping habits during the crisis.
Noel Keeley, CEO of @MusgravePLC, on changing consumer habits as a result of COVID-19.#OpenForBusinessRTE pic.twitter.com/G3cA7rHpzM
— RTÉ One (@RTEOne) July 21, 2020
It will also look at whether these trends are here to stay.
This week's Gold Star business is Bensons Workwear from Midleton, Co. Cork for their attempts to revitalise a dying trade in Ireland. ⭐#OpenForBusinessRTE pic.twitter.com/gDcnA7cgxm
— RTÉ One (@RTEOne) July 21, 2020
Relevant Links
Trading Online Voucher Scheme:
https://www.localenterprise.ie/Discover-Business-Supports/Trading-Online-Voucher-Scheme-/
Full list of supports available for businesses:
Wage subsidy scheme:
Watch Open For Business on RTÉ One Tuesdays 7pm or catch up on RTÉ Player here
