Event 1 - Smarter Business: Lessons from Experience
The panel includes Bobby Mc Donnell, Bank of Ireland, Dave Feenan Director, Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet Network, Catriona Maye, Bank of Ireland, Paul Gibbons, Viso Cyber Security and Tony Dignam Agile Executives
Dargan Forum Event Recap – July 2025
Learning from Experience in Business
At a time when small businesses are facing increasing pressure to stay competitive and secure, the Dargan Forum brought together an expert panel to share practical, experience-driven advice. The session, held at Bank of Ireland Dún Laoghaire, focused on cybersecurity, funding, strategy, and resilience—essential topics for today's SME landscape.
Moderated by Eoin Costello, the panelists didn’t just talk theory—they told stories. Stories of challenges overcome, systems hacked, frauds prevented, and strategies that helped businesses survive (and thrive).
Key Takeaways
🔹 Cybersecurity Is Not Optional
Paul Gibbons (Viso Cyber Security) warned that cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated and widespread. He emphasized:
SMEs are often targeted precisely because they assume they’re “too small” to be attacked.
Basic measures like multi-factor authentication, strong password policies, and employee training can prevent most breaches.
🔹 Fraud Prevention Starts with Awareness
The Bank of Ireland Anti-Fraud Representative highlighted real-life examples of how scammers target businesses:
Invoice redirection scams
CEO impersonation fraud
“Too good to be true” investment traps
Their message: fraud isn’t a technical problem, it’s a people problem. Staff education is your first line of defence.
🔹 Funding & Strategy Must Go Hand in Hand
Tony Dignam (Agile Executives) stressed that access to funding is only useful when paired with a clear, agile strategy. He encouraged SMEs to:
Build flexible business plans
Seek fractional executive support when full-time expertise isn’t affordable
Think in milestones, not five-year plans
🔹 Digital Skills Are the New Backbone
Dave Feenan (Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet) painted a hopeful picture:
A wide range of affordable, practical training exists for Irish SMEs
Digital upskilling is more accessible than ever
“It’s about the confidence to start,” he said—not perfection
🔹 The Bank as a Strategic Partner
Catriona Maye and Bobby McDonnell (Bank of Ireland) explained how the bank’s role is evolving:
More than lending: banks now help clients build resilience through education, fraud alerts, and business planning support
Relationship managers act as connectors, guiding SMEs to expert resources
Three Lessons to Take Forward
Security is a mindset, not a software license.
Don’t rely on IT tools alone—educate your people.Smart strategy beats scale.
A clear plan with the right advisors often outperforms a large team with no direction.There’s no shame in not knowing—just in not asking.
Use the supports available—from ICT Skillnet to BOI’s fraud awareness tools.
In Summary
This Dargan Forum event wasn’t about big business—it was about smart business. Grounded in hard-won experience, the panelists showed that Ireland’s SMEs can build a secure, strategic, and successful future—if they reach out, skill up, and stay alert.
