RDI Hub- Second-site response to COVID-19

The RDI Hub is a joint venture between Fexco, Kerry County Council, and IT Tralee.

It is supported through the Enterprise Ireland Regional Enterprise Development Fund.

It is anticipating an increase in companies looking to have a second-site presence in response to new working practices as a result of COVID-19.

The Hub, based in Killorglin, Co Kerry, is reopening this week following its closure at the onset of COVID-19 restrictions earlier this year.

RDI Hub

RDI Hub is a not for profit public-private partnership that helps both indigenous and international start-ups and corporates.

Its purpose is to scale their business through design-led innovation, fostering a growth mindset, nurturing entrepreneurs, and facilitating research and training in the technology sector.

RDI Hub officially opened in early 2020 and already counts global digital VAT/GST compliance company, Taxamo, and equipment manufacturer Liebherr amongst its members.

RDI Hub community is due to double in size by the end of the year with companies, startups, and individuals making the hub their home.

COVID-19 has seen a fundamental change in work practices, and with 12,000 square feet of space, RDI Hub is attracting companies in the market for more flexible work practices.

The Hub is currently in discussions with a number of corporates who see the value in offering more flexibility to their employees.

They have taken into consideration the number of corporations who have seen the impact of such practices in terms of retention, creativity, and morale.

A recent Whitaker Institute study showed that some 36% of people would like a mix of home or hub/work-sharing space and onsite after the crisis.

The key  reasons include reduced costs of commuting, improved creativity, and better management of the working day as major advantages.

A host of new measures have been put in place at the Hub in collaboration with public-health authorities and advisors to create a positive, safe, and stress-free environment for members.

In conjunction with this, RDI Hub is running a wellness programme including mental health and learning supports.

This is to create a work environment where members can do impactful work, feel secure and connect with others

Liam Cronin, RDI Hub CEO, said:

“We’re looking forward to opening our doors again after what has been a challenging few months for our members and staff. We anticipate that having a second-site presence will become the norm over the coming years, and the benefits for companies are extensive. Sharing of knowledge, fostering innovation and growth mindset, while offering employees the flexibility they now desire, will positively impact business performance”.

Mr. Cronin spoke about how employees working from home has provided many benefits, creativity and the ability to combine ideas has taken a sizeable hit:

“We are already hearing anecdotal evidence from across the business community that while working from home is having a positive impact on productivity, both creativity and innovation have taken a hit. You really need people together to brainstorm. Spaces such as the RDI Hub offer employees the flexibility they want from remote working, in a creative, collaborative, and innovative space.”

John McCarthy, CEO of Taxamo, said:

“RDI Hub gives us the state-of-the-art physical space, cutting edge technology and access to a network of expertise to help and support the expansion of our business. We are also acutely aware of what having a space like this can mean in terms of retaining and attracting talent and the Hub provides a destination for that talent outside of the main urban centers.”

Brid McElligott, Vice President for Research and Development at IT Tralee, added:

“RDI Hub already has a track record in connecting businesses with emerging technology and cutting-edge research. With Munster Technological University now officially a reality, we anticipate that the opportunities for innovation between ourselves and those based at the RDI Hub will only increase. The ultra modern facilities at the RDI Hub work hand in hand for companies looking to understand and benefit from emerging technologies.”

RDI Hub: Renowned collaborators

The mentor and accelerator programmes ran by the RDI Hub include some of the most experienced names in the Irish technology and business community.

These include Head of Strategy, Accenture’s Karen O’Regan, Liz McCarthy of Scale Ireland, Louise Phelan, CEO of Phelan Energy, Fexco’s Director of strategic business development Karl Aherne and Ken Finnegan, CEO of Tangent.

Over the last number of months, RDI Hub has been holding its ‘Pivot Series’ webinar which has seen over 1,100 people gain valuable insight.

This includes contributions from international names like Stefan Lindegaard, Kingsley Aikins, and Darrell Mann.

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