Ludgate

B2B Consultative Selling Process Step by Step - led by Dr Maria Coakley
2024-10-23 10:00 - 14:30 UTC | Culture Co Working – Cork City, 2 Connell Street, Cork, T12 WF82, Ireland
About this event @ Culture Co Working, Cork city.

A customer oriented B2B (business to business) sales process is a structured series of steps that sales professionals follow to acquire new business clients and generate revenue.
The value of a sales process for SMEs lies in its ability to implement best practice, drive efficiency, consistency, and effectiveness in sales efforts, to lead to increased revenue, improved customer relationships, and sustainable and scalable growth.
In this workshop hosted by our friends at Culture Co Working in Cork City, participants will explore these steps and how they may apply them to their own businesses.
This session led by Dr Maria Coakley will:
• be interactive and designed to provide an energised and focused peer-to-peer problem-solving learning environment to allow participants to actively engage with B2B Consultative Selling concepts.
• be learner-centred and focus on participants learning by doing and developing practical skills and ideas to help refine their understanding of B2B consultative Selling.
• involve peer-to-peer class discussions and active participant engagement to maximise the experience of existing business, industry and entrepreneurial expertise in the room.
• include activity learning and role-plays to practice using the ideas, skills, and techniques.
Content Focus:
• The value of a repeatable sales process for your business
• Develop a B2B sales process step by step.
• Sales enablement tools for each stage of the journey
• What is consultative selling?
• Let’s practice consultative selling skills?
• Using technology to support the process

The Practical AI roadmap: Impactful Business Transformation
2024-11-05 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
As a business leader, you have many responsibilities. AI is a hot topic, but it’s not always clear what’s real and what’s just hype. How can you tell what’s actually impactful for your business and how do you adopt it?
Robert O’Shaughnessy is a seasoned technology executive and AI consultant who has guided numerous companies through successful AI adoption. Creating solutions for Fortune 500 clients like Cisco, Porsche, Schneider Electric, and CrossFit and through
the founding and acquisition of his own venture-backed startup — he has witnessed first hand the potential and pitfalls of AI projects across various business functions.
This concise session focuses on actionable steps to adopting and leveraging AI in yourbusiness. Rob provides a framework for identifying high-impact AI use cases, avoiding common implementation pitfalls, and maximizing ROI.
Key topics include:
• The surprising AI metric most leaders are ignoring
• Cultivating an AI-empowered organizational mindset
• Establishing ROI and finding quick wins
• Steps to adoption
Whether you’re just starting your AI journey or looking to refine your existing strategy,
this webinar offers practical insights to help you leverage AI as a true business
accelerator.
Register here

Skillnet Innovation Exchange: Scale-Up Roadshow, Navigating Business Growth
2024-11-12 14:00 - 16:00 | Ludgate Hub, Townshend Street, Skibbereen, Cork, PE81T324, Ireland
What to Expect:
Gain valuable insights from industry experts on the key areas critical to business growth. Topics will cover:

Key Business Supports: Discover the resources available to help your business thrive.
Strategies for Success: Learn proven strategies to drive sustainable growth.
Driving Innovation: Explore how to foster a culture of innovation within your organization.

Network Partners:

Azets: Specialists in accounting and business advisory services.
OBH Partners: Experts in legal advisory, offering comprehensive legal solutions.
Briffa: Briffa is a specialists intellectual property rights law firm with offices in Ireland and the UK

Why Attend?
Whether you’re at the early stages of scaling your business or looking to accelerate growth, this roadshow provides a unique opportunity to connect with experts, gain practical advice, and network with like-minded professionals.
Registration:
Reserve your spot now for this insightful event at the Ludgate Hub. Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out!

You and Your Money – Free Guide to Better Finances (Every Thursday)
2024-11-14 10:00 - 2024-12-05 14:00 | Ludgate
In partnership with Cork ETB, we’re excited to offer You and Your Money, a free 4-week, in-person programme designed to help you feel confident managing your money. Whether you want to learn how to budget better, understand your payslips, or plan for life’s financial challenges, this programme is for you. No complicated jargon—just easy-to-understand advice and practical tips you can use every day!
Programme Details:

Session 1: November 14 – Get Started with Your Personal Finances
Session 2: November 21 – Smart Budgeting & Money Matters
Session 3: November 28 – Demystifying Payslips, Tax, & PRSI
Session 4: December 5 – Crisis Planning & Future-Proofing

Dates: Every Thursday, starting November 14th Time: 10 am – 12 pm (Lunch included!) Location: Ludgate Hub, Townshend Street, Skibbereen.
This is a welcoming, supportive environment open to everyone in the community. Spaces are limited, so sign up today!
Register
With special thanks to all collaborators on this programme for their valuable contributions and time, including AIB, Business IQ, Citizens Information Services, MABS, Access Credit Union and the Skibbereen Family Resource Centre.

B2B Lead Generation - with Dr Maria Coakley
2025-02-19 10:00 - 14:00 | Ludgate Hub, Townshend Street, Skibbereen, Cork, PE81T324, Ireland
B2B Lead Generation – with Dr Maria Coakley
A Skillnet Innovation Exchange event. Designed for business professionals, sales teams, and entrepreneurs, this session will equip you with actionable strategies to identify and convert high-value leads into loyal customers.
What You’ll Learn:

Proven methods to attract and qualify B2B leads.
Tools and techniques for building a consistent sales pipeline.
Crafting messages that resonate with your target audience.

Dr. Maria Coakley, a renowned expert in sales and business development, brings years of experience in helping businesses grow and succeed. Whether you’re a startup or an established company, this workshop will provide insights to supercharge your lead generation efforts.
Who Should Attend?

Business owners
Sales and marketing professionals
Entrepreneurs

Cost: Free

SAVE THE DATE IWD 2025
2025-03-07 18:30 - 21:00 | Ludgate Hub, Townshend Street, Skibbereen, Cork, PE81T324, Ireland
Join us for International Women’s Day 2025 as we #ACCELERATE ACTION in health, nutrition, and skincare!

More information to follow…

HR and Health & Safety Workshop for Business Owners
2025-06-24 08:45 - 12:30 | Ludgate Hub, Townshend Street, Skibbereen, Cork, PE81T324, Ireland
This informative session will include key topics for employers, including a discussion on Pension Auto-Enrolment.
Join Ludgate and Peninsula for an expert-led workshop designed to help business owners stay compliant and confident in HR and Health & Safety practices.
Why attend?
✔️ Key legislative updates (Sick Pay, Pensions, Gender Pay Gap)
✔️ WRC & HSA inspection prep
✔️ 1:1 contract or risk assessment review
✔️ Interactive quiz & risk checklist

Connect & Co-Work by the Coast
2025-06-25 13:00 - 14:00 | Lough hyne, 5KM from Skibbereen, Skibbereen, Ireland
Welcome to Connect & Co-Work by the Coast for Remote & Hybrid Employees!

Need a change of scenery? Fancy working alongside like-minded remote and hybrid folks—with a sea breeze and a splash of adventure?
Join us for Connect & Co-Work by the Coast, a relaxed co-working day that blends productivity with connection, a shared lunch, and an optional refreshing sea swim.
Whether you’re looking to get through your inbox or spark new ideas in good company, this day is designed to energise your workday and widen your network.
What’s included:
💻 A welcoming co-working space with Wi-Fi and good vibes
🥗 A delicious, locally sourced group lunch
🌊 A (brave!) sea swim to awaken your senses
🤝 Casual networking with fellow remote and hybrid workers
☕ Coffee, chats, and good craic
Who it’s for:
Anyone working remotely or in a hybrid setup who wants to:

Shake up their routine
Meet others in the same boat
Feel part of a local community of remote workers

What to bring:

Your laptop and charger
Swim gear and a towel (if you’re dipping!)
A curious mind and an open attitude

Disclaimers: This event is for remote and hybrid employees
photos and videos may be taken for social media purposes

Contact Gavin for more information Gavin@ludgate.ie

Closing the Sale — B2B Workshop with Dr Maria Coakley
2025-09-24 10:00 - 14:30 | Ludgate Hub, Townshend Street, Skibbereen, Cork, PE81T324, Ireland
About this event

Why this workshop
Many sales professionals struggle with the final stages of the sales process, watching promising opportunities slip away. This workshop, delivered by Dr Maria Coakley will discuss techniques and strategies to help turn prospects into customers for sustainable growth.
What we’ll cover

Why deals don’t close (and how to unblock them)
The value of MEDDPICC for corporate sales (qualification that sticks)
Objection handling that reduces ghosting
Negotiation essentials for win-win outcomes
Closing techniques (and when to use which)
Onboarding for a smooth handover
Retain & grow the account (land & expand)
KPIs to track sales effectiveness

Who should attend
Entrepreneurs, sales professionals and account managers who want to improve close rates and grow accounts.
Delivered by
Workshop delivered by Dr Maria Coakley. Prior SIE/Ludgate sessions with Dr Coakley drew strong engagement and form part of our regional training roadmap. This workshop is action oriented, such that you shall get the opportunity to discuss practical ideas for your business. The workshop shall maximise peer to peer learning, best practice & discussion amongst participants.
Hosted by Ludgate with Skillnet Innovation Exchange — a national initiative connecting SMEs with supports, training and collaboration opportunities.

Sign up here

Pathway to Innovate - Clinic
2025-10-16 09:30 - 15:30 | Ludgate Hub, Townshend Street, Skibbereen, Cork, PE81T324, Ireland
Join us for the Innovation Clinic, designed to help SMEs connect, progress, up-skill and grow. The interactive sessions hosted by IRDG will help you to better understand your business’ challenges, assess internal skills capacity, and identify relevant opportunities. You will gain insights from industry leaders and be introduced to existing agency supports such as Enterprise Ireland, LEOs and Regional Skills Fora directly related to your needs. You’ll leave equipped with a 90-day innovation plan to drive innovation and entrepreneurial practices within your business.
Join us, where ambition meets action. Sign up here.

Sales Meets Innovation: The Masterclass for Commercial Growth
2025-11-05 10:00 - 12:00 | Ludgate Hub, Townshend Street, Skibbereen, Cork, PE81T324, Ireland
About This Event
In today’s fast-paced market, innovation alone isn’t enough, it must be tied directly to sales and customer value. Likewise, sales isn’t just about closing deals, it’s a strategic lever for identifying market needs, shaping innovation, and driving commercial growth.
This 2-hour masterclass led by Alan Maguire (Founder & CEO of ESI) explores the strategic connection between sales and innovation, and why one cannot succeed without the other.
This session will equip you with the tools and mindset to:

Use sales conversations to spark innovation
Position innovation as a driver of growth, not just creativity
Align sales and innovation strategies for maximum commercial impact

A Smart Way to Innovate – Design Thinking Essentials for SMEs
2025-11-11 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Event Description
Join us for A Smart Way to Innovate – Design Thinking Essentials for SMEs, a one-hour online session designed to help business owners and leaders use design thinking to drive innovation and growth.
Delivered by Maria Cosgrove of Anu Innovation, this interactive webinar will introduce practical tools and methods to help you:

Understand your customers’ real needs
Generate new ideas with confidence
Test and refine solutions quickly
Build innovation capacity within your team

Participants will also have the opportunity to book a 30-minute one-to-one innovation advice session with Maria after the webinar.
📅 Date: Tuesday, 11th November 2025🕙 Time: 10:00am – 11:00am📍 Location: Online (register here)

Resilience, Motivation & Mindset with Stephen Redmond
2025-12-03 04:45 - 18:00 | Ludgate Hub, Townshend Street, Skibbereen, Cork, PE81T324, Ireland
As we close another year of collaboration between Ludgate Hub and the Skillnet Innovation Exchange, we invite you to a special session celebrating resilience, mindset, and motivation — qualities that power success not just in business, but in every part of life.
Our guest speaker, Stephen Redmond, is a world-record endurance athlete, author of Fastnet: The Final Challenge, and the first person in history to complete the Oceans Seven, the open-water swimming equivalent of the Seven Summits.
A proud West Cork native, Stephen will share the lessons he’s learned from years of pushing physical and mental limits — and how they apply to everyday challenges, whether you’re building a business, leading a team, or simply managing life’s currents.
You’ll learn how to:

Build resilience when facing change or uncertainty
Develop a mindset that sustains motivation and focus
Recover and refocus after setbacks
Apply endurance lessons to your work, wellbeing, and goals

Who should attend:
Entrepreneurs, employees, community members, students, innovators, and anyone looking to strengthen their mindset and motivation for the year ahead.
Sign up here
