Wednesday 23 September
HYBRID: Digital Management Development Prog- Personal Services & Retail Sector
Wednesday 23 September | 9:30AM – 1PM
Course Details:
Date: Wednesday 23rd September 2026
Time: 9:30am to 1pm
Venue: CITC Building, Dublin Road, Cavan H12 R6D6
Following the initial in person session there will be 1 x online session on Wednesday, 30th September from 10am to 12:30pm (Trainer will provide login details).
This programme also includes a 1 to 1 session (3 hours) with the trainer and will be arranged after the 2 x workshops.
Programme Objectives & Outcomes
Each participant will leave the programme with at least 2-3 concrete digital and/or AI-based improvements implemented in their business.
Personal Services Outcomes
• Digital booking & rebooking system fully operational
• Automated reminders and personalised client offers
• AI-generated monthly content or promotional plans
Retail Outcomes
• Integrated POS system across online and in-store sales
• Inventory management system established
• AI tools used for customer engagement and marketing
Professional Services Outcomes• Cloud-based, secure client data storage system in place
• Automated admin task (e.g. document prep, scheduling)
• Digitised client onboarding workflow
Session Overviews
Session 1: In-Person – Kick-off & Digital Discovery
• Digital readiness self-assessment
• Common challenges and opportunities in each sector
• Introduction to fit-for-purpose digital tools and systems
• Introduction to the Digital Action Plan
Session 2: Online – Sector-Specific Digital Tools, AI & Implementation
• Demonstration of fit-for-purpose systems for each sector
• Overview of AI applications by sector with hands-on examples (content generation, automation, analysis)
• Real-world implementation case studies
1:1 Mentoring Session (per participant)
• Custom support based on the participant’s Digital Action Plan
• Troubleshooting, fine-tuning, and completing implementation
• Advanced customisation based on specific business needs
About the Trainer:
The session will be delivered by Gordon MacArdle, a member of the Digital for Business Panel, who helps firms adopt practical, affordable digital and AI-based solutions to streamline operations.
Connected Hubs is a central driver of the Irish National Hub Network, a Government of Ireland initiative aimed at establishing and strategically expanding a network of interconnected hub facilities throughout the country. Connected Hubs is a Government of Ireland initiative under Our Rural Future. Connected Hubs is managed by the Western Development Commission in conjunction with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
