The blueprint for building a booming rural business

Working in your own personally constructed production facility with the green open countryside around you is preferable to the hustle and bustle of London. That is what Matt and Patricia Kemp firmly believe - they have no regrets about having moved to rural County Cavan to establish their signage and print business. Their company, IDL Ireland, manufactures and supplies modular and portable display systems for exhibitions, conferences, roadshows and other promotional events, both indoor and outdoor. The more recently established arm of the business - the design and production of a full range of printing requirements - is also gaining a strong foothold in the market, both among those engaged in commerce and by ordinary customers who appreciate the style and quality of IDL Ireland's work output. For Matt and Patricia, it was not a case of moving into the unknown when they decided to come and set up business here on the borders of rural Cavan and Meath. For Patricia, it was a case of returning to her native heath - having been born and raised in nearby Shercock. On the other hand, her husband Matt is London born and raised but he is imbued with the zeal of the convert in terms of his love for the drumlin countryside and the warmth of the people here in this part of Ireland. Patricia and Matt who have two children, Dylan (6) and Kaci (4), are fully convinced of the benefits of raising children here amongst a friendly, caring community rather than in a huge metropolis such as London with its hectic pace of life and personal anonymity. Having made up their minds to move over to Ireland, Matt and Patricia purchased a mature farmhouse a short distance off the Kingscourt/Kells Road, which they tastefully refurbished while managing to retain its traditional ambience. The acquisition of the farmhouse came with a significant ground area, which provided the necessary space for the development of the business enterprise. Indeed there is also a substantial grazing area for the Kemps' favourite hobby - caring for their four horses. With 12 years experience in the signage business, Matt is fully competent in his field. The pop-up signs, which IDL Ireland manufacture, are of high quality and are in popular demand by auctioneers, community groups and a wide selection of businesses. Those stands can be assembled in an instant and with IDL Ireland invariably providing the graphical material for display on the stands it emphasises the 'one-stop-shop' function of the enterprise founded and run by Matt and Patricia. The Roland Large format printer enables the couple to undertake all aspects of printing from business cards right up to large banners, which can stretch across a street. Posters, stickers, stationery, window/vehicle graphics, exhibition displays, menus and invitation cards are all produced here at competitive prices. You can also order your raffle tickets, leaflets or newsletters and have them designed and printed to your satisfaction. Patricia and Matt provide a free delivery service to customers. Stretch canvass prints are very popular at the moment with sons and daughters regularly seeking to have important historical family photographs reproduced on canvas. Here at IDL Ireland the stretch canvass prints are produced on high quality framing, which enhances the overall product. Also if a customer wishes to have some form of enhancement undertaken to a picture or to have text added to it, then Matt and Patricia can do it. The street signage or corriboards produced by the couple are water resistant and guaranteed to last longer. Matt makes the point that many in this line of business do vinyl lettering but in their case they actually print the lettering directly on to the display board, which guarantees that the poster or display board lasts longer. "We also do full colour, which is an important bonus in terms of enhanced product," he adds. Matt and Patricia have no regrets about leaving secure jobs in London to establish their business venture here. "It was tough in the beginning trying to get the business off the ground but we got there," states Patricia. Matt doesn't disguise his happiness with the decision. He likes being able to chat with people in the shop or when he meets them on the street - something which would never happen in London. Patricia is a daughter of Philomena and P.J. Taylor from Shercock - PJ being well known as a breeder of quality horses. Matt's father and sister visit Matt and Patricia regularly, savouring the peace and relaxed pace of life here. Matt's mother passed away after a courageous battle with illness and Matt firmly believes that she would have agreed with their decision to move to the Cavan/Meath area to set up business. A delightfully pleasant and astute business couple, Matt and Patricia are offering a ten per cent discount to customers who mention that this article prompted them to get in touch with IDL Ireland in relation to a possible product. This discount applies to standard prices and not special offers. As stated, IDL Ireland is located about 1.5 kilometres from Kingscourt on the Kells road. A green water pump marks the turn off point to the enterprise located a few yards up from the main road. Matt and Patricia can be contacted at 042-9698778 or 086-8126339. The website is www.idlireland.com or email: Matt@idlireland.com.