MBTA 2024: Meet the finalists in the Best Training & Development category

Specialist consultancy services built on trust and expertise

Rowan Engineering Consultants

Tell us about your business and team

At Rowan Engineering Consultants, which now has a base in Trim, Galway and Dublin - two specialist services are provided -Environmental Consultancy and Forensic Engineering.

The Environmental team offers a range of environmental consultancy services to enable clients to meet their environmental obligations and sustainability goals. These services include EPA Licensing, Environmental Planning, Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIAR), Environmental Due Diligence Assessments (Phase 1 and 2) and Sustainability Plans (Scope 1, 2 and 3).

The Forensic team investigates accidents involving personal injury or property damage, creates a technical report and then provides expert evidence in court.

Clients include renewable energy companies, local authorities, leading insurance companies and leading food and drink companies.

Tom Rowan of Rowan Engineering Consultants LtdPhoto: Gerry Shanahan-www.cyberimages.net23-10-2024 Photo by Gerry Shanahan

Describe the best thing about your service

Rowan’s vision is to provide “Excellence with a sense of humour.” In order to achieve this, Rowan have hired technically excellent but personable people that assist clients to achieve their objectives.

The business has developed a trusting relationship with clients and has grown alongside many of original clientele. Its main source of growth is through word of mouth and referrals from existing clients.

What's the best business advice you've ever been given?

Founder Tom Rowan says: “I have been very lucky to have had excellent mentors over the years that have given me great advice. But I think the advice that resonates most with me is Henry Ford’s quote: “Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you’re right.”

What does the future hold for your business?

The increasing profile of the environment and sustainability provides Rowan with a great opportunity to grow organically and through acquisition.

The team is involved in some fantastic national and international renewable energy projects including wind farms, solar farms, sustainable cities and tourist resorts.

Striving to be the leading hospitality providers within the Boyne Valley region

Cusack Hotel Group

Tell us about your business and team

The Cusack Hotel Group is a well-regarded hospitality group based in County Meath offering a unique blend of comfort, modern amenities and award-winning wedding and events venues.

At properties such as the Newgrange and Ardboyne Hotels located in Navan, along with the Castle Arch Hotel in Trim, a team of over 230 employees over 12 different departments in each hotel, provide leading customer service throughout.

Danny Connell of Cusack Hotels. Photo by Gerry Shanahan

Describe the best thing about your service

The Cusack Hotel Group prides itself on being the leading provider of customer service, strengthening this with its company mission statement "Be The First To Greet."

It offers the best in the business when it comes to customer service and it couldn't do this without the skills of the whole team

What's the best business advice you've ever been given?

One of the best pieces of business advice it has ever been given is to grow in the team and not by transactions. Business growth will come naturally with a team of ambitious, collaborative and diverse individuals who strive for excellence

What does the future hold for your business?

We as the Cusack Hotel Group hope to continue advancing in our people, product and service and be one of the leading hospitality providers within the Boyne Valley Tourism region.

Closing the cyber skills gap and fostering diversity within the industry

Fortify Institute

Tell us about your business and team?

Fortify Institute was founded in 2022 by Jan Carroll who had changed careers from adult education to cybersecurity. After a few years working in cyber, Covid hit and like many, Jan took stock and felt there was a gap in the market for an accessible cybersecurity training provider.

Jan had two goals when starting Fortify Institute, to tackle the cyber skills gap and improve diversity in the industry by bringing more women in. Now Fortify Institute works with many training providers and partners to offer a range of live and on-demand training for SMEs and cyber professionals.

Jan Carroll of Fortify Institute Photo by Gerry Shanahan

Describe the best thing about your service

The core of the mission at Fortify Institute is closing the cyber skills gap and fostering diversity within the industry. Its EC-Council Certified Cybersecurity Technician Scholarship exemplifies this, offering opportunities to individuals from all backgrounds to enter the field. By providing accessible and high-quality training, it aims to cultivate a diverse talent pool that enriches the cybersecurity sector. Jan at Fortify Institute believes that diversity drives innovation and problem-solving, making the industry stronger.

Programs empower students with practical, industry-recognised skills, preparing them for real-world challenges and enabling them to thrive in a rapidly changing digital environment.

What's the best business advice you've ever been given?

"Surround yourself with people who are better than you." This advice has shaped my approach to leadership, reminding me that a great team is the foundation of success. It encourages continuous learning, embraces diverse perspectives, and ensures that every challenge is met with expertise and innovation.

What does the future hold for your business?

Fortify Institute plans to expand its reach through more scholarships and advanced training programs, bridging the cyber skills gap.

We're also developing a community for micro-SMEs, providing access to training, resources, and support to strengthen their cyber resilience and navigate the challenges of the digital landscape with confidence.