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Goodbody Clearstream, John Paul Construction, Edwards Lifesciences, Irish Rail, Enfonic, and IDA Ireland to share insights on how sustainability is shaping procurement, competitiveness, and business growth

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking to win new contracts and become suppliers to larger organisations are being encouraged to attend Shannon Chamber’s Mid-West Sustainability Network Conference on Wednesday, 21 October, where they will gain valuable insights into how sustainability is increasingly influencing purchasing decisions and supply chain opportunities.

Entitled ‘Future Ready – Driving Competitiveness in a Changing Climate’, the half-day conference, taking place at The Rine Hotel, Newmarket-on-Fergus, will bring together experts from leading organisations to demonstrate why sustainability is no longer simply an environmental consideration but an increasingly important factor in securing business, maintaining competitiveness and positioning companies for future growth.

Explaining the rationale for a conference of this nature, Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes said: “Companies are increasingly being asked to demonstrate how they manage their environmental impact, measure emissions and contribute to the sustainability objectives of their customers. That’s why we have included a presentation from Irish Rail in this year’s conference alongside the larger companies as we felt it important to show SMEs what procurement to a larger organisation now involves.

“Seán McCaffrey, Supplier Performance and Sustainability Manager with Iarnród Éireann/Irish Rail will examine how sustainable procurement is being embedded within Irish Rail, including supplier engagement, carbon reporting, social value in procurement and emerging legislative requirements. This session should be of particular interest to businesses aspiring to become suppliers to major public and private sector organisations.

“This session will also feature an SME case study from David Courtney of Enfonic, who will share the company’s sustainability journey, including the challenges encountered, tools used and opportunities identified.

The conference will also offer practical lessons from two major companies operating in sectors where sustainability, operational resilience and long-term planning are increasingly important.

David McKenna, Head of Sustainability, ESG and Climate Strategy for the Built Environment at John Paul Construction, will present a case study as part of a session on ‘Winning Business Through Transition Planning’. Led by Mark Bennett, Head of Climate Advisory at Goodbody Clearstream, the session will examine how companies can develop carbon transition plans while balancing sustainability ambitions with commercial realities.

Aidan Kelly, Senior EHS Engineer at Edwards Lifesciences, will address ‘Futureproofing Your Business’, exploring how companies can identify and respond to climate-related risks, from infrastructure disruption and water stress to changing regulation and market expectations.

The conference will conclude with a keynote address by Dr Matt Kennedy, Global Head of Client Transformation at IDA Ireland, who will bring a broader national and international perspective to the discussion.

With extensive experience in international climate policy, innovation and industry transformation, including serving as Lead Negotiator for the European Union at the Paris Agreement negotiations, Dr Kennedy will provide a valuable strategic perspective on the relationship between sustainability, business transformation and competitiveness.

“Having Dr Matt Kennedy deliver our keynote is particularly significant. His international experience, combined with his role in supporting business transformation at IDA Ireland, will help place the practical issues discussed throughout the morning in a wider economic context.

“Our message to companies, particularly SMEs, is simple: if you want to remain competitive, protect existing business or become part of the supply chains of larger organisations, this is a conversation you need to be part of,” Ms Downes concluded.

The Mid-West Sustainability Network Conference takes place on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, at The Rine Hotel, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare. Registration opens at 8.30am, with proceedings commencing at 9.00am and concluding with a networking lunch at 1.30pm.

To book a place, visit www.shannonchamber.ie/events-training/.