It’s been a busy year for the team at WhiteLight Consulting so by the time we took a break for summer holidays we were all in need of a rest.

Amongst other things we had been busy planning and managing events and communications campaigns for a wide variety of clients. Particular highlights included the 3rd annual IrSPEN conference on malnutrition in Ireland, the high-powered ITLG Global Technology Summit and the very dynamic Vital Project Conference.

We had lots of fun with the wonderful Dennis Donohue of Royal Rose promoting the St. Patrick’s Day Salad created by Chef Catherine Fulvio.

In June we all climbed aboard a pirate ship as The Irish Maritime Festival docked in Drogheda Port. Working with Louth County Council, Karen Healy and Cuckoo Events we staged a superb 3 day festival with a fabulous response from the public and record visitor numbers.

So it was no surprise that we were all in need of a holiday. But what has surprised and delighted us most about this year is the change in outlook. Business owners are finally starting to feel the impact of the recovery.

Whilst we know it is a fragile thing and no one wants to jinx it, it does actually feel like the recovery is taking hold.

Just today Peter Kierans of Anglo Printers took us on a tour of the factory floor to see the new equipment they had invested in.

We attended the launch of the Boann Distillery where Pat Cooney and his family will invest €20m in creating a state of the art new Brewery, Distillery and Visitor Centre.

We met Michael and Alison from the East Coast Bakehouse who are busy preparing for the launch of their delicious new range of “Better Baked Biscuits”.

We talked to Breanndán Casey, manager of The Mill Enterprise Hub who told us about the commencement of Phase II because the centre is now fully occupied.

One of the Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneurs mentors told us that the calibre and volume of applications this year is exceptionally high.

And this evening we see that Kieran’s Delicatessen in West Street sporting a beautiful new paint job …

Recovery is not one big sweeping movement. It’s a thousand little steps. It’s a sense of confidence. It’s enthusiasm. It’s the desire to work together, to grow and flourish. And while we are loathe to talk out loud about recovery (lest we jinx it), it is refreshing to see that all the signs are there.

So it’s as well we had a relaxing holiday last month cause we’ve a busy year ahead. Hope it’s a good one for you too!

Photo of the Boann Distillery launch courtesy of Andy Spearman, DroghedaLife.com