Tullamore-based firm brings leading founders to Midlands business event

A Tullamore-based recruitment company is bringing two of the Midlands’ most compelling business stories together this April, as Founders Friday returns with a strong line-up of speakers.

Founded by Blueball native David Gleeson, Allpro Recruitment is collaborating with Midlandjobs.ie and Local Enterprise Office Westmeath to host the upcoming event in Mullingar on Friday 17th April, bringing together founders, business leaders and entrepreneurs from across the region.

The event will feature John Mee, co-founder of Sidero and SolanoTech, one of the Midlands’ most recognised technology founders. Based in Athlone, Mee has progressed from multinational telecoms roles to building and scaling software companies in the region, culminating in the acquisition of Sidero by GlobalLogic. His journey from corporate leadership to founder, scaler and exit offers rare, real-world insight for business leaders.

Joining him is Denise Buckley, founder of Sugar Plum Sweetery and Wholesome Kitchen, who has built a nationally recognised consumer brand from her base in Mullingar. Her business has gained significant attention for its distinctive Willy Wonka-inspired retail experience and for capitalising on viral product trends, most notably the Dubai-style chocolate bar, which drove a surge in demand and rapid business growth.

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Speaking ahead of the event, Allpro Recruitment founder David Gleeson said bringing these types of stories to the Midlands is central to the company’s purpose.

“As a business that started in the Midlands, it is important to us to support the local business community. What John and Denise represent are two very real examples of what it looks like to build and grow a business from this region, and that is something people can learn a lot from.”

Founders Friday is designed to give business leaders access to honest, real-world insight from those who have built and scaled businesses, while also creating a space for meaningful connections.

The event is supported by Midlandjobs.ie and Westmeath Local Enterprise Office, with both organisations highlighting the importance of collaboration across the region.

Tom Griffith, founder of Midlandjobs.ie, said the value of the event lies in the level of experience being brought into the room.

“You have founders who have built and scaled companies to a very high level, and others who are growing rapidly through innovation and branding. That combination gives people practical insights they can actually apply to their own business.”

Catriona Duffy of Westmeath Local Enterprise Office added:“There is strong entrepreneurship across the Midlands, and it is important to showcase that. Events like Founders Friday give people the opportunity to learn from real experiences and to build connections that support future growth.”

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The event will be hosted by Ronan Berry of Midlands 103 and will take place on Friday 17th April at Canton Casey’s Bar, Mullingar from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

Attendance is free, with light refreshments provided, but advance registration is required. Book here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1986218186062?aff=oddtdtcreator

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1986218186062?aff=oddtdtcreator