Laois Chamber CEO, Caroline Hofman, caught up with Laois Chamber member Willie Hyland, Founder of Midland Escape based in Ballacolla.
Tell us a bit about Midland Escape and what is different and compelling about what you offer?
We are a wellness company based in here in County Laois. We believe your greatest wealth is your health.
The modern world can be fast paced and stressful, so we encourage people to take a step back, take time for themselves and breath. Through physical exercise, relaxation and activities we empower people and give them the tools to take better care of their health and well-being.
We are delighted to cater to different clients, and we offer Corporate, Group and School wellness packages. We also added a rental section to the business in time for the summer of 2022 where we hire out our kayaks, Paddle Boards and Mountain Bikes.
We are really excited about our huge plans for 2023, with the launch of our winter packages and something else that we are working on which is under wraps at the moment but will be revealed soon!
When was Midland Escape established, and how have you grown since then?
I established Midland Escape in January 2020, just before the Covid-19 pandemic came along which was great timing!
For 18 months, I wondered was it a huge mistake but thankfully the last year has surpassed our expectations. Miriam Dillon joined Midland Escape in 2022 and looks after the holistic side of the business among many other things.
Her background is in yoga, Pilates, mindfulness, meditation and forest bathing. I focus on the day to day running of the business and also focus on the activities end of what we do, such as biking, paddle boarding, hiking, kayaking etc.
I know Miriam well as we went to primary school together, she has a young family like myself so she knows how important time management is and what’s involved with a young family.
She also runs a sports injury clinic so knows how a business works. She has been a brilliant addition to the team, and I think it’s important to work with people you can trust. We offer over 16 different activities to corporates and plan to expand what we offer going forward.
Can you highlight some recent key achievements/news at Midland Escape?
2022 has seen us work with a huge multinational in Johnson & Johnson, and other top Irish companies such as Grant Thornton, Laya Healthcare and Bank of Ireland amongst others.
I never thought we would be working with companies of this stature so quickly. We offer bespoke packages that really focus on the needs on the specific needs of each company and that is our unique selling point.
We were also delighted to be shortlisted for the Midlands 103 Customer Service Awards earlier this year.
What has been your business highlight?
If I’m being honest, margins with schools are understandably very tight, but the highlight for me has been parents of school-going children getting in touch thanking us for bringing them out on our school wellness days.
I’ve gotten so many phone calls from happy parents about this which is so positive. A sample day would be bringing them hiking, get them involved in team building and finish with a mix of yoga and meditation. The way we look at it is it gives them skills for life.
They may not use them today or tomorrow, but they will always have it in their locker and can use the day with us as a reference point. Get out in the fresh air, get involved with a team let it be a chess team, hockey or GAA team and the support networks they offer.
Yoga and meditation then is so important in the modern world where technology use is so high.
For any business considering locating in Laois, what would you say are the best things about being located here?
I always say we have everything we need in Laois except the sea, but we do have fantastic hikes and waterways that some didn’t realise were there until Covid-19.
We have amazing hotels who have been excellent to collaborate with. They send so much business our way and we are so appreciative.
We see a lot of companies meeting in Laois as it is a centre point for a lot of their offices; we have an unbelievable road network which also helps. I’m still shocked at the amount of support we have received so far from Laois people wanting to help you out and do you a turn, or they know someone who knows someone else who might help!
We also have the added help and advice we have received from Laois Partnership, Laois Chamber, Laois Tourism and the Local Enterprise Office. It would make you proud to be from Laois.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you have been given?
David Walsh, former CEO of Netwatch based in Carlow, took me in straight from college and looked after me for many years. An absolute gentleman and a serious businessman.
He used to always say to me if you don’t stand for something you will fall for anything. I’d like to think Midland Escape stands for something and no matter what direction it takes going forward, it always will.
Visit www.midlandescape.ie for more information.
Business News
- 12 Laois establishments selected as Leinster Regional winners confirmed for Irish Restaurant Awards – 12 Laois establishments selected as Leinster Regional winners confirmed for Irish Restaurant Awards – Laois Today
- The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment’s Annual Report for 2021 is available online. Read the report here: Department Annual Report – DETE (enterprise.gov.ie)
- Laois Tourism have highlighted the three best places in Laois to catch sunrise and sunset! Three Perfect Places to Catch Sunrise and Sunset in Laois – Things To Do In County Laois – Laois Tourism
- Did you know, St. Canice’s Credit Union are looking to introduce a new business service and lending product to the local business community? They are looking for valuable input from local Laois businesses to inform the development of this product and service.
Complete the short survey here: https://surveymonkey.com/r/6QBS22H
- Community projects in Trumera, Ballaghmore, Ballypiclas, Raheen, Mayo NS (near Crettyard), Errill, Kilbricken (near Mountrath) and Camross have been awarded amounts ranging from €14,780 to €50,000 as part of Clár funding. Almost €320,000 in Clár funding announced for eight community projects in Laois – Laois Today
- Female entrepreneurs double revenues with ACORNS business development schem. The group of early-stage female entrepreneurs, who took part in the latest ACORNS programme, doubled their combined turnover to €3.1m in just six months. The announcement was made as the call was launched recently for applications for ACORNS 8, the innovative business development programme for female entrepreneurs in rural areas, now in its eighth year. find out more here: gov.ie – Female entrepreneurs double revenues with ACORNS business development scheme (www.gov.ie)
- CJ Sheeran and Comfy Bed Equine Bedding were exhibiting at the RDS Dublin Horse Show over the past number of days.
Business Supports
- The Bank and Payments Federation Ireland have launched their FraudSMART campaign. With so much movement of accounts currently underway between banks, businesses need to be vigilant about protecting themselves from invoice redirection fraud. To find out how to mitigate risk of this fraud, click here: Protect your business from Invoice Fraud – Final.pdf (chambers.ie)
- Laois County Council are calling all Laois craft makers and artisan food/drink producers to register for the opportunity to represent their business at the World and National Ploughing Championships in September. Register your interest at https://submit.link/Xu
What’s Coming Up?
- Laois Connects is an annual Mental health initiative, which takes place this year from 1st to 31st of October. This year’s theme is “Making Mental Health & Well-Being for All a Global Priority”.
- There is a multitude of free and subsidised Business Training options for SMEs across Laois this September. Kickstart your autumn by choosing from Local Enterprise Office Laois’ topical and practical workshops. All are available online for Laois businesses. Book at https://bit.ly/LaoisBkTraining
- A small number of slots are available for the 2022 Laois Chamber Annual Golf Classic, taking place in The Heritage Golf Resort, Killenard on Wednesday, 14th September with a 2pm shotgun start. Team entry includes goodie bag, evening meal at The Heritage, followed by prize giving with some super prizes up for grabs! E-mail info@laoischamber.ie to enter your team!
- Thinking of applying for Local Enterprise Office Laois’ Trading Online Voucher Scheme? Attending this FREE online Workshop is part of the application process. Their next workshop takes place on Tuesday, 6th September. Learn about E-commerce, website development and how to complete the Trading Online Voucher Grant application. Book your spot now at: https://bit.ly/LaoisTOVSep
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