WhiteLight Consulting were delighted to plan and manage the McEvoy Accountants Spring Business lunch on March 26th. Over 100 business people thronged to the event at The d Hotel and guest speaker Sean Gallagher did not disappoint.

Long hailed as a champion of small and medium enterprises, Sean drew on his personal experience and work with SMEs to deliver a really inspiring speech.

He described SMEs as the “unsung heroes of the Irish economy and local communities”. By being innovative, adaptable and resilient, SMEs provide enormous employment, pay taxes and respond to the services needed by their clients. SMEs are major employers in Ireland and have the greatest potential for job creation, one job at a time.

This networking event was hosted by accountant Gail McEvoy of McEvoy Accountants. Gail is acknowledged as a global specialist on the development of SMEs, especially through her work in IFAC. Gail works with companies of all sizes right across the region to provide expertise, advice and of course accountancy services.

Sean explained that surviving and thriving in business in Ireland is “a combination of skillset and mindset”. He urged business owners to take time to take care of themselves. He also encouraged them all to not only develop a business strategy but to share it with their team so that everyone plays their part and contributes to strengthening the business. And he was clear in his assertion that “Hope is not a strategy”.

He concluded by reminding guests of the wealth of their business to the local economy. He encouraged them to look around and consider how they can support each other and to remember to be the leader in your business, not just the manager.