Topline shows why local ownership still matters

Independent businesses across Cavan and Monaghan are being urged to embrace scale, technology and innovation without losing the local ownership and community connections that have helped them survive and prosper for generations.

That is the message from Topline chief executive Hugh O'Donnell as the Irish hardware and building materials buying group.

The message has particular relevance in Cavan, where Topline's network includes Brady's Topline in Virginia, Topline Frazer's in Kingscourt and Topline Tractamotors in Cavan Town. The group also has a presence in Monaghan, with TF Fleming Ltd in Monaghan Town, and Holland's of Emyvale.

According to Topline, independent businesses account for more than 95% of Ireland's business population, with almost two-thirds family-led. The buying group represents almost 100 independently owned merchants operating from more than 175 locations nationwide.

“Scale matters. But scale and ownership are not the same thing,” says O'Donnell. “The purpose of scale should be to strengthen independence, not replace it.”

Topline's model is based on bringing independent businesses together to achieve the purchasing power, infrastructure and services that would otherwise be difficult for an individual merchant to secure.

For local customers, that combination can offer the advantages.

Yet Mr O'Donnell suggests the next phase of the model likely involves technology, and that artificial intelligence could help level the playing field between independent businesses and much larger organisations.

Topline says many of its members are third, fourth, fifth and even sixth-generation businesses.

That local economic connection is particularly important in rural Ireland, where the strength of the town centre and the viability of surrounding communities can be closely linked to the survival of locally owned businesses.

Now Topline is seeking to build its national profile through a new advertising campaign, 'Topline – We're Behind Your Project', running across television, radio, print and social media.

“We believe Ireland benefits when entrepreneurial ownership remains broad, diverse and local. Healthy local businesses support schools, charities, sports clubs and community initiatives, create opportunities for future generations and contribute to the vitality of towns and villages,” says Mr O'Donnell.

“As Ireland continues to evolve, independent businesses must evolve with it. They must embrace new technologies, modernise operations and continue investing in people and innovation. But none of that should require them to abandon their independence.

“The goal should never be growth at the expense of independence. It should be ensuring independent businesses have every opportunity to continue prospering into the future,” Mr O'Donnell concluded.