Business owners and entrepreneurs gathered at the Castleblayney Enterprise Centre for a recent Ideas Over Coffee session, sharing honest insights into the day-to-day realities of running a business. 

The event is part of a wider pilot programme led by Connected Hubs and the Western Development Commission, in partnership with Local Enterprise Office Monaghan. It brought together people from a wide range of sectors, including retail, engineering, professional services, training, financial services and community organisations. 

The session was deliberately informal. There were no presentations or set agenda. Instead, participants guided the conversation, focusing on the issues that matter most to them. 

Several common themes emerged throughout the discussion. 

Staffing continues to be a major concern, particularly when it comes to finding and keeping the right people. Many businesses also spoke about the challenge of sourcing specific skills locally and the time required to train new staff. 

Participants highlighted the importance of stepping back from daily pressures to think more strategically about their businesses. Having the space to plan for the future, rather than simply reacting to immediate demands, was seen as valuable but often difficult to prioritise. 

Seasonality was another key issue, with some businesses experiencing significant fluctuations throughout the year. Managing these peaks and quiet periods remains an ongoing challenge. 

There was also strong interest in better connecting with major employers in the region. These organisations present opportunities as potential customers and also through their workforce as a local market. 

Rising costs were a consistent concern. Energy, insurance and the broader cost of doing business are putting pressure on many, and there was a clear need for practical supports to help businesses manage these challenges. 

At the same time, some participants spoke about the opportunities that come from becoming more efficient and streamlining operations. 

Finally, while networking was recognised as valuable, there was a sense that more structured or meaningful opportunities to connect with other businesses could be beneficial. 

The insights gathered during the session will help shape the next phase of the pilot. The aim is to develop practical supports, including mentoring, training and management development, which are grounded in the real experiences of businesses.