SFA B2B & Networking Event

Speakers

Bobby Kerr is a prominent Irish entrepreneur, media presenter, and small business advocate. As the former co-owner and Chairman/CEO of Insomnia Coffee Company until 2018, he helped scale Ireland's largest independent coffee chain to over 140 locations. Widely known as an original investor on Ireland's Dragons' Den, Bobby maintains active investments across food, technology, hospitality, and hardware, including growing ventures like DropChef and Bread 41. In broadcasting, he hosts Newstalk's flagship business show "Down to Business," reaching 130,000 listeners, and previously fronted the maritime documentary series "Along Home Shores." A dedicated champion of small enterprises, Bobby served on the board of Microfinance Ireland, authored "The Kerr Report" mapping the future of An Post, and holds maritime leadership roles with The Great Lighthouses of Ireland and the Cliffs of Moher Limited. An active sailor and runner, he lives in Sandycove, County Dublin, with his wife Mary and four daughters.

Ciara Troy is an Entrepreneur & Experienced businesswoman with a demonstrated history of working in food manufacturing & the retail sector. Skilled in Recipe Development, Sales Negotiation, Business Planning, Operations Management, and Sales. Strong business development professional with solid knowledge & experience of the retail (FMCG) & foodservice sectors.

Founded by Ciara Troy in 2006 Oishii Foods Ltd is Ireland’s leading supplier of Japanese inspired grab-and-go: sushi & poke bowls under the brand name ‘Oishii Sushi’. Over the last four years, the company has undergone rapid commercial expansion:

• Major Facility Investment: In 2023, the brand executed a €1 million investment to open a state-of-the-art factory in Dublin 12; enabling the company to double output and grow its workforce to over 75 employees.
• Wider Distribution: The company secured retail distribution across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland via partnerships with Lidl, Tesco, Aldi, Dunnes and most recently, BWG & Musgrave Group.
• Industry Recognition: The company won the prestigious Food & Drink Category at the 2024 SFA Small Business Awards and multiple product awards at both the Ireland Quality Food and Drink Awards & Blas na hEireann Awards.

Oishii – it means Delicious

Donna’s expertise lies in supporting business owners and leaders to navigate the complexities of people management, particularly where there is limited time or in-house capability. At DRPW, Donna leads a dynamic team of experts delivering a full spectrum of people solutions. From practical HR consultancy that ensures compliance, strengthens performance, and shapes positive workplace cultures, to leadership coaching and development programmes that unlock internal talent and build confident, high-performing leaders, her work is grounded in real business impact. Complementing this, DRPW’s wellbeing programmes place employee health, engagement, and motivation at the centre of organisational success.

Under her leadership, DRPW has grown into a trusted “one-stop shop” for all people needs, known for its fresh, practical approach and genuine care for clients. The company’s success has been recognised nationally, most recently with the SFA Outstanding Small Business Award 2026. Donna and her team bring energy, expertise, and heart to every client partnership. At the heart of their work is a simple belief — when people thrive, businesses flourish.

James Lawrence is Managing Director of Lawrence Engineering, a family run precision engineering and contract manufacturing company established by his father, Michael Lawrence, in 1984.

A qualified toolmaker by trade, James has worked across multiple roles within the business before becoming Managing Director in 2019. Under his leadership, Lawrence Engineering has grown into a strategic manufacturing partner for the medical device industry, adding a dedicated contract manufacturing site in 2021. The company holds ISO 13485 certification and works with global medtech clients on projects spanning mould and tool design through to validation, manufacturing, and sub-assembly.

Lawrence Engineering was named Overall Winner at the SFA National Small Business Awards 2026.