The secret to my success: Award winning Longford business women share their stories

Women from across Leitrim, Longford and Westmeath came together for the Tri County Women in Business networking event which took place in The Landmark Hotel in Carrick-on-Shannon on Thursday, May 29.

Hosted by Ruth Larkin of Lark Bridal and Larkin Consultancy Services, three guest business speakers represented the three counties: Leitrim’s Anne Dolan (Annie Design, Annie Ideas), Longford’s Fiona McCormack (The Farmhouse Bees and Trees Ltd) and Westmeath’s Denise Buckley (Sugar Plum Sweetery, Wholesome Kitchen).

All four businesswomen shared their entrepreneurial journeys and took part in a lively and insightful panel discussion.

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This was followed by a networking session where attendees shared their experiences with one another.

Organised jointly by Leitrim, Longford and Westmeath Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), the event builds connections and fosters a spirit of collaboration among women entrepreneurs from across the three counties.

Just under 80 women attended on the day.

The event’s MC, Ruth Larkin, is the Managing Director and founder of Lark Bridal Ltd, which distributes a portfolio of luxury international bridal, bridesmaid and evening collections to international retailers from across 32 countries.

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Ruth is also a professional consultant with Larkin Consultancy Services, as well as an executive coach and mentor focusing on foreign expansion, commercialisation, sales and marketing strategy.

Leitrim’s Anne Dolan has almost 20 years of experience in graphic design and shared her story on launching her two businesses: Annie Design and Annie Ideas.

Anne previously held a senior marketing role for one of Ireland’s largest fashion brands, giving her great insight into branding and marketing, and television and radio advertising.

Anne is now a mentor for LEO Leitrim, offering support in all areas of branding and marketing.

Longford’s Fiona McCormack spoke about her family-run business, The Farmhouse Bees and Trees Ltd., which she started in 2022 along with her partner Pat and their two children.

Keepers of native Irish honeybees, Fiona and her family team produce raw Irish honey and pure beeswax candles from the banks of the River Inny and the Royal Canal Greenway in Abbeyshrule, County Longford.

Westmeath’s guest speaker Denise Buckley is the founder and CEO of Sugar Plum Sweetery and co-founder of restaurant and catering company Wholesome Kitchen, two award-winning businesses based in Mullingar.

Now a national brand, Sugar Plum Sweetery is known for its unique confectionery and viral products, which are now stocked in Avoca and Brown Thomas.

Both brands employ over 70 people and Denise has been recognised at the National Enterprise Awards, Blas na hÉireann, Great Taste Awards, and the Fit Out Awards.