Castleblayney Community Enterprise recently hosted Ideas Over Coffee session on Thursday, 2nd April 2026 at Castleblayney Enterprise Centre, bringing together local business owners and entrepreneurs from Castleblayney who shared honest insights into the day-to-day realities of running a business.

The event was 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.

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.

A big thank you to Connected Hubs, Local Enterprise Office Monaghan, and to all the businesses who attended making the event a great success!