Experience

UCD Innovation Academy

• Higher Education
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Guest Lecturer

  • Jun 2020 - Present

  Lecturer on Innovation, diversification with business using our own Kilmullen farm story as a base for knowledge sharing.Also the mindset required to manage entrepreneurial ventures and all it brings. Lecturer on Innovation, diversification with business using our own Kilmullen farm story as a base for knowledge sharing.Also the mindset required to manage entrepreneurial ventures and all it brings.



The Entrepreneurs Academy

• Associate

  • Oct 2017 - Present

  I joined 'The Entrepreneurs Academy as an Associate to work alongside an exciting and innovative team developing food programs and other business programs that are relevant to my skills and experience. To date I have trained on 'Start your own business' course .Designed and delivered courses on sales, marketing , market research, idea generation and thoroughly enjoy being the facilitator on 'The Leader within' backed by Aib.The Entrepreneurs Academy in Dublin is a wonderful space for training and inspiring brand new entrepreneurs in the Irish SME sector. The Entrepreneurs Academy continues to help thousands of businesses to get started and to stay in business successfully. Created by Joanne Hession of ( Founder of LIFT Ireland, QED( The Accreditation Experts) the Entrepreneurs Academy is at the cutting edge of Entrepreneurship Training in Ireland and Europe. I am delighted to be part of this amazing innovative team and to be working with the groups to help bring their entrepreneurship dream to life. www.entrepreneursacademy.ie/



Self employed

• Trainer ,Mentor, Facilitator and Personal Coach.

  • Oct 2015 - Present

  Having gained valuable experience in market research over many years and having helped build the brand Kilmullen Farm, I decided to formalise my training, coaching and mentoring skills. To that end, I have gained qualifications in this area over the past few years and now aim to help others to do the same (i.e. develop their brands, business ideas). Through my exciting work in the 'Food Academy' and more recently my work in designing and implementing the Training for Farmers' Markets for Bord Bia ( See below) I have also developed a great interest in the food sector include further strengthening our own produce of lamb direct apple juice,and added sweetcorn to the menu this year so coaching and training in this area is a good fit. I also mentor those starting a food direct product from their farm or kitchen or thinking of farm diversification. In March 2017 I joined Wicklow Carlow and Kildare Leo's to mentor their clients in this area too. My other passion is coaching someone at a crossroads in life.Having changed direction and challenged myself along the way I ask the questions that may help others unlock their full potential . I look forward to your call.



Kilmullen Farm

• Co Owner /Product /Marketing and Sales Manager

  • Oct 2008 - Present

  As Co-Owner I have transformed the business over the last eleven years. I have reinvigorated our livery and lamb business - which are the two key businesses on the farm - and we are delighted that our lamb is now provided 100% direct to the consumer. We have also introduced a bottled apple juice from apples grown in our family orchard which is stocked in 14 artisan food shops in Leinster. In 2016 we added sweetcorn to the menu and sold it in both farmers markets and directly to artisan shops and customers. I am responsible for the management aspect of the business using the knowledge and skills I have acquired, based on my previous roles including marketing, as outlined below. I control all sales. Direct customer service, going 'beyond the call', adding value and offering a top quality product /service are vitally important to the success of our business. It is an exciting time to build the brand and work in an area I am passionate about. Our mission statement is simply this: "We strive to provide exquisite produce and facilities with exceptional service each time." To read more about our farm, please see our website http://www.kilmullenlambdirect.comI continue to have a huge interest in market research both to benefit our business but also because it is what I am passionate about i.e. all aspects of marketing. I endeavor to further develop skills in this area. I appraise myself on future trends and enjoy the commercial aspect of it all. I have also updated my skillset in training and life coaching to facilitate training courses where required. I continue to work outside the farm to utilize my skills and knowledge gleaned from my previous roles.



An Bord Bia

• Developed and Trained 'The Skills for Farmers'​ Markets Programme for An Bord Bia

  • Oct 2016 - Present

  My role was to design the 'Skills for Farmers Market' programme as requested by An Bord Bia and then deliver them throughout the four provinces.I designed them as though I were starting myself and what I wished I had known when starting out.The workshops are interactive covering a wide spectrum of topics, marketing on a budget, sales, promotions, set up, branding and the all-important knowing your customer .This is done with role play and real examples from the participants on the floor which made it an invaluable and lively experience for all concerned.The feedback forms highlighted the detail and engaging way they were handled. For me personally, they are hugely satisfying and rewarding.I look forward To continuing this work with Bord Bia."Margaret developed and delivered a farmers' markets training programme for Bord Bia. Her knowledge both from her marketing and farming background combined with her energy and enthusiasm ensured a highly successful programme.Feedback from participants far exceeded expectations and we plan to work with Margaret again"Mary Morrissey Senior Manager -Food and Beverage Division Bord Bia."I could relate to her and the way she delivered the talk. Margaret was able to involve the floor and in doing so brought you in out of the cold ( so to speak)We have to remember that farmers by their very nature are not always the best candidates for an audience in these situations.We lead what we could describe as lonely lives and not the best communicators. Margaret was outstanding in this area as she could find you and get you involved. Margaret if given the chance can be of untold benefit to the farming families of Ireland and the Agricultural Industry in general". Ivan Belton Pig Farmer.Wicklow."As a speaker/presenter you are very inspiring, practical and humorous -a perfect combination not often seen".Diane Crean of 'Honest Fuel'March 2017 .



'The Food Academy' (Bord Bia CCEB and Supervalu)

• Facilitator/Trainer

  • Mar 2014 - Oct 2015

  In 2013, The Food Academy start programme was designed by Bord Bia, Enterprise Boards and Musgraves in partnership with Supervalu (who are interested in building in-store Irish food brands). The objective is to provide participants with the knowledge required to establish successful food production businesses. Modules include market & the marketing strategy. My role with Carmel Connaire of Food Safety Clare is to handle all the marketing functions which include presenting available research, discussing trainees' own marketing plans, mentoring & helping them prepare for their presentation to Supervalu. See below for positive feedback.Recommendation from Joan Reynolds who attended the Food Academy in Clare with her lovely bread product.To Margaret HoctorJust to compliment you on your training skills with Bord Bia and the effective training days I did with you at the helm. It was a practical and encouraging time and your past experience in research and marketing shone through. I have no hesitation in recommending you for any future training days and the very best of luck with your future endeavors. Many thanks Margaret - it was powerful and your words have really struck a note with me. The course has enriched and supported us all the way. They have as a team put us as a business back on track.The support and encouragement has been invaluable to us.For beginning small food producers I personally think that the course is A Must to follow. It will give a detailed information about the important regulations to consider with. Orlaith Meere of Meeres Puddings and Sausages,The best part is the knowledge of Margaret, Joe and Carmel about the contents of the programme. The availability of them, the time they take to give you the best ideas to complete your business and will set the participant on the right track to go further and doing some very necessary research about the product. Marc Baeten. Organic producer.



Insights by Kantar

• United Kingdom
• Market Research
• 700 & Above Employee

• Data Collection Director

  • Nov 2010 - Oct 2013

  My core function was to provide strategic direction and support to all data collection unit heads in face-to-face, Cati (computer assisted telephone interviewing), data entry and online data collection within MillwardBrown, including our Northern Ireland office. I provided line management for the unit heads in both offices. I had to ensure the structure was future-proofed to meet the demands of the business in a timely manner. I was the most senior contact person for client-facing personnel on all data collection issues. I also worked closely with HR on all staff related developments. My other responsibilities included understanding operational cost bases (and the subsequent impact on business); recruitment and selection; performance appraisal; training and development of staff and other management work associated with a senior position. I was a member of the Leadership Team.



MillwardBrown Ireland

• Cati Director

  • Dec 2002 - Nov 2010

  I directed our 66-seater Cati Centre in Dublin for eight years and liaised with clients on their projects. Together with our highly-effective research team, I worked with clients to explore the best ways to make their telephone research initiatives work effectively and efficiently. The interaction with clients and their direct accessibility to the live interview process was key to Cati's success - projects came alive and results more tangible I directed our 66-seater Cati Centre in Dublin for eight years and liaised with clients on their projects. Together with our highly-effective research team, I worked with clients to explore the best ways to make their telephone research initiatives work effectively and efficiently. The interaction with clients and their direct accessibility to the live interview process was key to Cati's success - projects came alive and results more tangible



Lansdowne Market Research / IMS

• Cati Manager

  • Nov 1996 - Dec 2001

  I played a key role in setting up the Cati Centre for what was then IMS and Lansdowne Market Research. I had previous experience of working in Roy Morgan Research, Melbourne, where I had gained knowledge of computer assisted interviewing. I joined IMS/ Lansdowne in November 1996, putting in place a full recruitment, selection and training plan for interviewers. This included writing and designing the training manual, all quality control procedures and maximising the newly-installed NIPO system. I worked cross-functionally with our IT and DP departments. The first Cati project went live within two months (January 1997) of commencing my managerial post. With my belief in "Going beyond the call," we grew very quickly from a 12-seater centre to a 30-seater within two years to become the largest Cati unit in Ireland with 66 seats. We then moved to Jervis Street to accommodate this business growth.