#042: The Bottom Line - Irish Independent Business Editor, Health & Safety Authority, Gas Networks Ireland, Bolands Carlow & St. Canices Credit Union CEO

On this week’s episode of The Bottom Line on KCLR, John Purcell spoke with Donal O'Donovan, Business Editor with the Irish Independent. They talk all things business amidst the ongoing Covid-19 crisis and the weeks top business stories, including the recently announced Restart grant aimed at SME's.Mark Cullen, Assistant Chief Executive of the Health & Safety Authority joined John to talk through the recently published "Return to Work Safely Protocol" as some non-essential businesses begin to open up in phase one of the easing of restrictions. Mark discusses the changes that people will now face as they return to work and the importance of working collaboratively on ensuring the measures are put in place to prevent the spreading of Covid-19.John chats through some of the practical steps involved in "Return to Work Safely Protocol" document with Mark and how businesses can implement the protocol in their own workplace. The "Return to Work Safely Protocol" can be found at: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/22829a-return-to-work-safely-protocol/Fran McFadden, National Customer Acquisition Manager with Gas Networks Ireland, joined John to talk about the work that Gas Networks Ireland do,  as well as the work they have continued during lockdown. Fran talks about how Gas Networks Ireland have been supporting SME's for the last 40 years & how at the moment that has become even more important to them as many of the SME's face big challenges. He also talks about the supply suspension scheme and encourages businesses who have had to close their doors due to the Covid-19 crisis to contact their gas supplier as they may be able to avail of the scheme and charges can be suspended for a three month period. https://www.gasnetworks.ie/home/The Motor Industry like many has been hugely impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. Many car garages are now facing into their first week of opening up and Ollie Brannock of Boland’s of Carlow, joined John to talk about how they have continued business throughout the lockdown with virtual selling of cars and all the measures they have in place for welcoming customers back into their showrooms. https://bolandcarlow.ie/Claire Lawton, Chief Executive Officer of St. Canice's Credit Union joined John to announce her retirement after 22 years in the position, Claire chats through her career, the changes and the challenges that have occurred throughout her time within the organisation. John & Claire also talk about women in leadership and Claire's experiences during her career as well as her plans for the future.  https://stcanicescu.ie/Ashling Ward, Network Manager with Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet provides an update on the work that they have continued during the restrictions and an update on the programmes that are currently available. https://carlowkilkennyskillnet.ie/With thanks to O’Neill Foley Produced by Deirdre Dromey.To contact the show, email: [email protected]