Breakfast Business

Friday's business news review with Kate English from Deloitte .

We don't have nuclear power stations in Ireland Britain does. But like Ireland it has had major problems getting big infrastructure projects such as nuclear power built on time and on budget.  John Fingleton was born in Laois and used to be a competition watchdog in the UK but lately has written a major report about how Britain can get things done quicker. And it has been accepted in full by Keir Starmer's government.  But can we learn here?  All to discuss with John Fingleton the head of the nuclear taskforce and former UK Competition regulator.

Thursday's business news headlines along with Joe Lynam.

So we know the 30 points in the Government’s infrastructure action plan. We know that the government needs to introduce 2 urgent pieces of legislation to speed up delivery and cut down on regulatory and legal delays.  But will it work?   IImelda Mannion used to work for Jacobs Engineering and advised numerous governments on infrastructure planning but crucially she sat on the accelerating infrastructure Taskforce whose work was published yesterday . 

They may be Danish and not Swedish.  They may use blue instead of yellow and they might even be a bit cheaper but the comparisons between Jysk furniture stores and IKEA abound.  Jysk is a newer entrant to the Irish market business is brisk and now it’s opened its 30th store in Mahon Point in Cork with 6 more slated for next year.  It’s also making some money. Joining Joe on the show was Roni Tuominen the head of Jysk Ireland. 

The online safety regulator Coimisiún na Meán has launched a new investigation into the social media giants Tiktok and LinkedIn.  It suspects that they both have confusing and difficult to access ways for users to complain about if they suspect some content of being illegal.  Coimisiún na Meán is taking action under the new EU rules called the Digital Services Act.  All to discuss with John Evans is the Digital Services Commissioner with Coimisiún na Meán.

Wednesday's business new headlines with Joe Lynam.

It’s not that long ago when China was the second most popular destination for European goods. But things have shifted against Europe since then. With the exception of luxury goods, China is increasingly offering viable and in some cases better versions of cars, machinery and technology than we export from the EU.  So, are we in a deep hole now or could China leverage our need to sell to it for geopolitical reasons? All to discuss with  Robin Harding is Asia Editor with the Financial Times, and he wrote a controversial piece last week in which he painted a bleak picture for European exports to China. 

Two in three AI users in Ireland have seen higher productivity at work.  That’s according to PwC’s 2025 Irish & Global Workforce Hopes & Fears Survey, which also reported most people who use AI at work see greater creativity in their jobs.  All to discuss with Laoise Mullane is Director and AI Adoption Lead, at PwC Ireland.  

Less than half of adults hold any investments, while most investors prefer low-risk options.  That’s according to new research from the Banking & Payments Federation of Ireland, whose CEO Brian Hayes joined Susan this morning on the show.

Tuesday's business headlines along with Susan Hayes Culleton in for Joe Lynam today.

For 10 consecutive years, UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School has been listed in the top 30 European Business Schools as ranked by the Financial Times.     Considered the 'ranking of rankings' in terms of measuring business schools’ quality, the latest Financial Times European Business Schools Rankings place UCD Smurfit School at 23rd.   Professor Tony Brabazon Dean of UCD College of Business.  

Today is Cyber Monday, one of the biggest dates in the retail calendar in the heart of the festive season, which presents an exciting opportunity for businesses to lure in new customers with the right kind of sales and promotions.   But how should business leaders know what kinds of promotions work best? And what are the pitfalls they should be hoping to avoid? All to discuss with Jenny Millar CEO of Untapped Pricing.

Susan Hayes Culleton brings us Monday's business news headlines along with Russ Mould from AJ Bell.

Fernhill House Hotel & Gardens in Clonakilty has been awarded the prestigious “Best Wedding Venue” prize at the international Historic Hotels of Europe Awards.   The West Cork hotel is celebrating 200 years in business next year. Joining Susan to explain what goes into organising the best day of someone’s life is Michael O’Neill, Manager and Part proprietor of Fernhill House Hotel & Gardens. 

WaterWipes founder Edward McCloskey has been named EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 at their annual awards last night. Edward joined Susan this morning after his big win.

Susan Hayes Culleton takes a run through Friday's business news headlines.

Thursday business headlines with Newstalk's Business Editor Joe Lynam.

Microsoft celebrates 40 years and €40bn investment in this country.  But even amid this boom in investment the technology giants have openly expressed concern that we may be looking at an AI bubble which could burst and bring on a recession. Joining Joe on the show was Catherine Doyle runs Microsoft here in Ireland which employs 6,400 people including LinkedIn as well as a huge cloud business.

For years Ireland used to look with envy at the economic stability of our near neighbours in the UK.  They enjoyed steady growth, a global trading footprint, strong productivity and normal levels of debt.  Now none of these things apply to Britain.   So what can we expect from Rachael Reeves and what would it mean for us here?  Chris Beauchamp is Chief Market analyst with IG