New year, new goals

Why not make 2026 a year that really makes a positive difference to your business?

There is something lovely about a new year. Possibilities abound. That feeling of out with the old, in with the new and the motivation to make resolutions for the year ahead.
This issue of Drinks Industry Ireland is filled to the brim with awards content. The Irish Pub Awards, The Irish Whiskey Awards and The NOffLA Off-Licence of the Year Awards. If you were not one of the lucky recipients of an award last year, it could be an idea to set yourself a goal to change your fortunes this year.
Can you pick a part of your business that might have waned a bit over the past few years? Could now be the time to shake things up and motivate your staff to make your business great again? Having goals will give you a focus and although it may not guarantee that you will be standing on a stage smiling broadly at a photographer at the end of the year, but maybe the effort and the uplift in your business will mean more than that. Admittedly, most people are stretched and tired and just trying to make it through the days and this January the constant rain has probably not been conducive to much positivity, but focusing on a goal could inject a new lease of life into your business. It doesn’t have to be anything transformational and it doesn’t have to involve a financial investment. It might be that you decide to simply sharpen customer service levels or try out a new menu or a themed night in your pub. We hear time and again, that younger people respond to occasions. What about a whiskey tasting night or a darts competition? Anything that gives people a reason to cross your threshold, is surely worth it.
On page 10, you’ll find our interview with Patrick J Rigney, the man who brought you Gunpowder Gin and the chairman of Changing Times Distillery. He has worked in the industry for over forty years with some of Ireland’s top brands so understands business better than most. He advises not to focus on short term gains but to play the long game and you’ll reap the rewards.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy year ahead and who knows, maybe 2026 will be a monumental year for your business. Here’s hoping!

Fionnuala Carolan,
Editor