Mayor of Kilkenny congratulates Shane Doherty and Micheál Dunne on the launch of Levels, a homegrown business with ambitions to transform hotel management.
Two Kilkenny entrepreneurs have officially launched an innovative new business designed to help independent hotels improve their performance, competitiveness and profitability.
Levels, founded by local entrepreneurs Shane Doherty and Micheál Dunne, was officially launched this week at an event in the River Court Hotel, attended by representatives from Enterprise Ireland, Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny, local hoteliers and members of the business community.
Speaking at the launch, the Mayor Andrew McGuinness congratulated both founders and praised their ambition in developing a technology business from Kilkenny.
Mayor McGuinness said:
“It’s particularly satisfying to see a business like this develop in Kilkenny. We often talk about supporting local businesses and encouraging entrepreneurship, but it’s equally important that we recognise the people who take the risk, come up with an idea and put the work into making it happen.
“That’s exactly what Shane and Micheál have done. They’ve identified a genuine challenge facing the hotel industry and developed a solution with the potential to make a real difference.”
Levels was developed in response to the challenges facing independent hotels, which must increasingly manage rising costs, staffing pressures, changing booking patterns and competition in a demanding hospitality market.
Recognising that smaller independent hotels should have access to the same quality of technology and business tools available to larger hotel groups, the founders undertook extensive industry consultation, speaking with more than 40 hoteliers before developing the product.
The business has already secured 20 hotels as customers, marking a promising start for the Kilkenny-based venture.
The Mayor also acknowledged the support provided by Enterprise Ireland and Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny, highlighting the importance of mentoring, funding and business development supports in helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into successful businesses.
The project has received a €100,000 investment from Enterprise Ireland, alongside recognition through enterprise awards.
Mayor McGuinness said the launch was particularly significant for Kilkenny, given the importance of the hospitality and tourism sectors to the local economy.
“Tourism is hugely important to Kilkenny. Our hotels, restaurants, cafés, pubs and attractions provide employment, support local suppliers and make a significant contribution to our economy.
“When we see a local company developing technology that can help that sector become more competitive and profitable, that’s something we should welcome.
“We’re rightly proud of our tourism, heritage and traditional businesses, but we also need to look forward. We want to see more entrepreneurs, more technology businesses, more innovation and more companies choosing to establish themselves here.
“We shouldn’t underestimate the talent we have in this county or the potential for businesses developed here to reach markets all over the world.”
Concluding, the Mayor wished Shane Doherty and Micheál Dunne every success as they look to grow the business and build on the progress achieved to date.
He said: “It’s great to see a Kilkenny business with ambition, confidence and the potential to make an impact well beyond our own county. I wish Shane and Micheál every success with Levels.”
