Leading figures from industry gathered at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) to discuss how enterprises can adapt and grow in an era of rapid technological, environmental and global change.
The inaugural Midlands Business Summit, held at the Mary Ward Centre for Science on the Athlone Campus, brought together members of the business community, including owners, entrepreneurs, managers and senior decision-makers from across the Midlands and beyond.
Hosted by the Faculty of Business & Hospitality in partnership with Athlone Chamber, the summit explored the theme Leading Growth. Building Tomorrow, examining how enterprises can navigate the intersection of leadership, growth and sustainability.
Attendees heard from leading industry figures, alongside TUS academic experts, offering practical insight into organisational resilience, ethical leadership and the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Among the keynote speakers was Martin McVicar, CEO and Co-founder of Combilift. A global engineering leader and former Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, he shared insights on scaling a manufacturing business from Monaghan to more than 85 countries, sustained investment in research and development and building a people-driven culture of innovation.
Aoife Beirne, CEO of Mergon Group, discussed leading transformation across a global manufacturing organisation operating in Ireland, the Czech Republic, Mexico and the United States, while fostering a people-first culture that balances operational excellence with innovation.
Dr Dorothy Maxwell, Director, The Sustainable Business Group, explored how businesses can respond to increasing environmental and regulatory pressures while remaining competitive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Dr Maxwell, a sustainability expert, said: “It is a very noisy and turbulent time. As we try to move away from fossil fuels and respond to existential challenges such as the climate and biodiversity crises, businesses are faced with a myriad of issues — and a great deal of jargon — making it difficult to know what to prioritise. Most businesses now have a strong awareness of sustainability, environmental and social considerations, but not all are taking the right actions. We are up against the clock, and ensuring the planet is sustainable is fundamental to our collective success. At present, we are not moving quickly enough to address these challenges. Part of the solution lies in the power of education — particularly lifelong learning. Equipping business leaders with the knowledge, facts and skills to navigate these rapidly evolving issues is crucial, and that is where TUS can play a critical role.”
The event included a Q&A session, giving attendees the opportunity to engage directly with speakers and peers.
Professor Vincent Cunnane, President of TUS, said:
“The pace of change facing both higher education and industry is accelerating all the time, whether through technological disruption, economic uncertainty or the transition towards more sustainable ways of working. But at TUS we relish those challenges — just as the most ambitious and resilient businesses do.
“TUS is proud to work side by side with industry and as a result is able to respond quickly to emerging needs, support innovation and help develop graduates with the skills, agility and mindset required for a rapidly changing economy. That partnership between industry and higher education will be critical not just to navigating change, but to ensuring the Midlands region continues to grow, compete and thrive into the future.”
Regina Bushell, President, Athlone Chamber, added: ”Athlone continues to grow in confidence, ambition and national influence, and this business summit reflects the strength of collaboration between business, education and community leadership across the Midlands. The future of regional Ireland will be built through partnership, innovation and sustainable growth.”
Dean of the Faculty of Business & Hospitality at TUS, Seadna Ryan, said:
“What stood out most today was the strength of the relationship between TUS and the regional business community. Many of the companies represented here today are long-standing partners of the university — supporting student learning, collaborating on research and innovation, and helping to drive economic growth across the Midlands.
“It was hugely encouraging to see such a strong turnout for the inaugural summit. We believe this event can continue to grow from strength to strength in the years ahead.”
The Midlands Business Summit forms part of TUS’s ongoing commitment to supporting innovation, leadership and sustainable economic growth across the Midlands region.