Latest news with #CountyTipperaryChamber
Irish Independent
01-08-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Trump tariffs of 15pc create ‘serious uncertainty' for Tipperary's pharma sector
'The confirmation of a 15pc tariff on Irish and EU pharmaceutical exports to the US has introduced serious uncertainty for key sectors in County Tipperary,' said Michelle Aylward, chief executive of County Tipperary Chamber. 'While it replaces the threat of even higher tariffs, it marks a major shift from the previously tariff-free status and creates concern across our pharmaceutical and supply chain members. 'Tipperary is uniquely exposed due to the presence of major multinational employers and local suppliers. Any increase in cost or disruption to trade could have direct consequences for jobs, manufacturing output, and long-term investment decisions in the region. 'Right now, the biggest challenge is the lack of clarity. Behind the headline figure lies a complex and still-unsettled deal with many unanswered questions. 'When will the tariffs actually take effect and how will they be applied? Will there be exemptions or carve-outs for specific drug categories? 'The fact that tariffs could increase again if the US deems the EU to have fallen short of broader targets is especially concerning,' said Ms Aylward. 'This is not a balanced or stable trade structure. We urge the Irish Government and European Commission to demonstrate clear leadership in seeking timely, detailed answers. 'Business needs certainty to plan. It is essential that Ireland not only protects existing trade but also supports companies in exploring alternative markets particularly given the likelihood of prolonged volatility in US trade policy. 'This is more than a trade issue. We are now entering a new era of strategic competition one that demands foresight on trade, energy security, digital regulation, and defence policy. 'Ireland and the EU must be proactive in securing our industrial base and protecting jobs in communities like Tipperary. Clarity isn't just desirable - it's essential,' added Ms Aylward.
Irish Independent
28-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Award-winning retailer praises Love Tipperary Gift Card after bumper six months of sales
An award-winning Tipperary retailer has praised the county's local gift card for its ease of use and commission free nature after enjoying a bumper six months of sales through the card. The Love Tipperary Gift Card is backed by County Tipperary Chamber and Tipperary County Council, with 300 businesses accepting the card. Both physical and digital versions of the card are available. Second generation family-run business Moran's Menswear opened its doors in 1970 and celebrates 55 years in business in 2025. The menswear retailer joined the Love Tipperary Gift Card when it launched in November 2024, with over €5,000 worth of gift cards spent in the store in six months. In the past five years, the retailer has tripled the size of the store in Thurles, added a private wedding room and won the Drapers Award for Best Independent Menswear across Ireland and the UK. Diarmuid Moran, owner of Moran's Menswear, said the Love Tipperary Gift Card supports their ethos as a business. 'We're proud supporters of the independent sector and the power of shop local,' said Mr Moran. 'If a person shops with Amazon that money is leaving Ireland but if you buy local it stays local and gets reinvested in the economy through jobs and the support local businesses provide to community projects and clubs.' He added: 'One of the main benefits of the Love Tipperary Gift Card is the fact that it's commission free. 'For example, I had a One4All Gift Card in the store today for €100 and I gave €12 of that to One4All in commission. In comparison, accepting the Love Tipperary Gift Card is 100pc commission free. 'Another major benefit is the ease of use. I can swipe the physical version while the digital version is added to the recipient's digital wallet so they can 'tap to pay'. 'We've accepted over €5,000 of Love Tipperary Gift Cards since the initiative launched in November 2024, and I think that is down to the ease of use for merchants accepting the card and recipients spending it.' Mr Moran said that what he sees in particular is the gift card users are tending to spend more than the value of the gift card in his shop. Diarmuid encourages local organisations to consider using the cards as rewards, and urges businesses who are not currently accepting the card to register. 'I'd like to see the Love Tipperary Gift Card becoming even more embedded within the community, and more organisations using the cards for rewards, ringfencing reward spend into County Tipperary,' he said. 'For local businesses in County Tipperary, it's very simple. If you're not part of the Love Tipperary Gift Card then people are not going to visit your business to spend their cards with you. 'As a business, you have to keep reinventing and moving forwards, and that includes participating in positive community initiatives that benefit the community like the Love Tipperary Gift Card. €5,000 of additional spend in just over 6 months is a positive for any independent business.' Michelle Aylward, chief executive at County Tipperary Chamber, said: 'It's fantastic to see the positive impact our gift card is having on our local businesses across a range of sectors. Some 300 local businesses now accept the card, but there's still time for other businesses to register to accept the card and experience the benefits of zero commission, easy revenue through their tills.' The Tipperary Gift Card is part of the Town and City Gift Card concept active across Ireland that has won several awards. Colin Munro is the managing director of Miconex, who manage these gift cards, and said: 'There is a huge shift in organisations making the move to local rewards for their rewards and incentives. 'In our research, 89pc of organisations in Ireland said supporting local businesses was important to their organisation. With 300 businesses accepting the card, the Love Tipperary Gift Card offers unbeatable local choice for employees, while the option of physical cards to hand over or digital cards to send to their email or phone makes support for local simple.'
