Business
Kenny Galway appointed Peugeot dealers
Gowan Distributors Limited, Peugeot Importers in Ireland, have been on the lookout for a new dealer in Galway since the closure of Arch Motors last year. This week they announced the appointment of Kenny Galway to the Peugeot Dealer Network.
Kenny Galway was established in 1992 and in 2003 the family-run business relocated to its new premises on the Tuam Road, on the outskirts of Galway, where significant investment was made in both customer facilities and staff.
The extensive facilities and 520 sq m showroom will exhibit the full range of award-winning Peugeot passenger cars and light commercial vehicles on sale from now.
A 12-bay workshop is staffed by highly qualified technicians who offer servicing for all makes and models for both passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.
Dealer Principal, Brian Kenny said: “The success of Kenny Galway to date is down to our team of highly experienced and committed staff who are totally dedicated to giving the best customer care possible, both in sales and aftersales. I am very pleased to join the Peugeot Dealer Network and I look forward to working with the team at Gowan Distributors Limited.”
Speaking at the signing of contracts, Managing Director at Gowan Distributors Limited, Des Cannon said: “Gowan Distributors Limited has a long standing history in Ireland, with a strong sense of community. Since 1969 we’ve partnered with our Dealer Network, working alongside Irish family-run motor businesses.
“Our latest appointment, Kenny Galway, is a fine example of one such Dealer, long-recognised for providing superior sales and service to the Galway community with integrity, reliability and the utmost professionalism. I wish Brian and his team every success for the future as Main Peugeot Dealers.”
Meanwhile, Bradley Renault, Galway have expanded their showroom space with the acquisition of the former Renault Showrooms on the Tuam Road in Galway.
Bradley Motors, who are also main dealers for Land Rover, Range Rover and Jaguar in Galway, took over the Renault and Dacia franchise following the closure of Galway Renault and have since seen market share rise.
Following this success, they are in need of more space for the Renault and Dacia brands and have acquired the former Renault showrooms on the Tuam Road.
Speaking to the Connacht Tribune, Robert Bradley, Dealer Principal said: “We simply need the extra space and customers are familiar with the Tuam Road site. We will operate from there as a sales venue only; the service department will remain at our anchor premises on the Dublin Road.”
The new President of Local Ireland, the association representing local news publishers around the country, is Head of Irish Times Regionals Dan Linehan.
Mr Linehan takes over the presidency from Declan McGuire of the Connacht Tribune. His appointment was confirmed at the recent Annual General Meeting of Local Ireland at Bloomfield House Hotel near Mullingar, Westmeath.
Mr Linehan, who has served as Vice President of the organisation for the last two years, said: “The coming years are a very important time for local publishers with many important issues to be addressed, including the implementation of the Future of Media Commission recommendations, defamation reform, the role and support for local publishers in public service reporting and helping publishers develop commercial digital offerings.”
Speaking at the AGM, Mr McGuire acknowledged the work done by the Executive in the past two years under the direction of Executive Director, Bob Hughes, on several projects related to the publishing industry but most especially the successful conclusion of the long-running campaign for the abolition of VAT on newspapers.
He also wished Mr Linehan the very best in his new role as President of the association for the next two years.
Mr Hughes thanked Mr McGuire for his leadership and support during his term of office and said he looked forward to working with Mr Linehan on the key policy priorities for the association, including Government supports, Government advertising, fair remuneration for content from the tech platforms and the reform of the legislation for defamation.
Local Ireland members also elected Seán Mahon, Managing Director of the Southern Star, as Vice President for the next two years.
The shortage of affordable housing is the single biggest impediment in attracting and retaining workers in the West, according to business group Ibec.
At a ‘Regional Insights Series’ meeting in the Galmont Hotel in Galway last week, employers were told that capacity constraints and labour supply are the key challenges facing business growth in the region.
Ibec Head of Regional Policy Helen Leahy said: “There must be greater focus by government on enhancing quality of life issues such as housing and infrastructure which are driving labour shortages in the region.
“Ibec’s vision for the West is to realise its potential to become a globally competitive location. An inadequate supply of affordable housing is now the single largest impediment to attracting and retaining talented workers, without whom business investment and expansions are not possible.
“Labour shortages are a real concern for businesses in the region. People decide where to live and work based on quality of life and access to high quality services and amenities. Industry tends to follow talent, and in this regard, the region needs to have all the building blocks in place as the attraction and retention of world-class talent becomes increasingly competitive on a global level,” said Ms Leahy.
Amongst Ibec’s priorities for the West are:
- Addressing housing and infrastructure challenges
- Transitioning towards a new growth model with Net Zero energy powered by Atlantic offshore wind resources
- Adapting businesses to the new economic realities
- Enhancing capacity and skillsets to achieve sustainable development objectives
- Investment in people and skills
- Creating competitive advantage through digitalisation
- Innovation as a key driver of productivity growth
One in five Galway businesses want to go fully cashless, as the move towards card payments and tapping continues unabated post-Covid.
In all, 22% of Galway businesses would like to be fully cashless, according to a survey carried out by BOI Payment Acceptance (BOIPA), a provider of payment technology solutions, which asked Irish businesses about the current payment landscape as well as business confidence and concerns.
Over one-third (36%) of Galway businesses were unaware there is no contactless limit on mobile wallets – just below the national average – while 54% believe the increase in card over cash transactions has helped them run their business.
Six out of ten Galway businesses expect to grow this year despite the cost-of-living crisis and running costs dominating as key concerns; 62% believe their business will grow over the next twelve months despite global economic uncertainty.
Unsurprisingly cost-of-living increases and running costs were the main concerns the majority of businesses had.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
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