Tullamore broadcaster appointed Managing Partner at HR firm as SME pressures mount

One of the Midlands’ most recognisable business voices, Ronan Berry, has been appointed Managing Partner at O’Reilly Consulting Group (ORC), as SMEs across Ireland face increasing pressure from complex employment legislation and ongoing hiring challenges.

A native of Killeigh and now based in Tullamore, Berry is best known as the presenter of Taking Care of Business on Midlands 103, where he has spent more than eight years interviewing business leaders, policymakers and entrepreneurs.

His appointment marks a return to ORC, where he previously worked in 2018, bringing a combination of frontline HR experience, strategic communications expertise and deep insight into the realities facing SME owners.

Berry said Irish SMEs are under growing strain as regulatory complexity increases, pointing to ongoing uncertainty around the EU Pay Transparency Directive.

“There’s a real sense of confusion among business owners right now. They’re trying to do the right thing, but the guidance isn’t always clear and the timelines keep shifting. That creates risk and pressure, particularly for smaller organisations without in-house HR teams.”

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He also highlighted a sharp rise in demand for employment permits, with more than 31,000 issued last year, as businesses struggle to source talent locally.

“We’re seeing more SMEs look internationally to fill roles. That brings opportunity, but also complexity. Employers need clear, practical support, not generic advice.”

ORC, part of the AllPro People Group founded by Offaly native David Gleeson, has recently expanded its services to include employment permits, responding directly to this demand.

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Gleeson, originally from Blueball, said Berry’s appointment reflects the company’s focus on delivering high-quality, expert-led support to SMEs.

“Ronan brings a rare combination of operational experience, strategic insight and communication expertise. He understands the pressures SME owners are under because he’s worked alongside them and spoken to them every week for years.”

ORC differentiates itself through a hands-on model, offering direct access to experienced HR professionals rather than call centres or scripted advice.

Berry will continue to present Taking Care of Business on Midlands 103 alongside his new role.

For more information, visit hrconsultants.ie