About Bernie

I’ve spent my career working with businesses, bringing people together and helping ideas become reality. Along the way, I’ve run my own business, worked across different industries, established business networks and delivered enterprise development projects.

I studied Food Business at University College Cork (UCC) and began my career in the meat industry before moving into Quality Assurance roles in the pharmaceutical sector. These experiences gave me a strong grounding in business operations, quality standards and the importance of getting the details right.

I later established my own food gifting business, developing products sold online and through retailers nationwide, including Kilkenny Shops, Meadows & Byrne and Arnotts, as well as independent artisan food, gift and tourist shops. Running my own business taught me first-hand about product development, sales, building relationships and the everyday challenges of entrepreneurship.

My career then took me into the not for profit business representative sector, where I worked with businesses across a wide range of industries, including setting up a new Chamber of Commerce.

As CEO of SPADE Enterprise Food Hub, I supported start-ups and growing businesses and played a key role in delivering Ireland’s first shared kitchen at SPADE Enterprise Food Hub, helping food entrepreneurs access the facilities they needed to develop and grow.

I went on to establish Midlands Flavours, a food and drink network spanning four counties Laois, Offaly, Westmeath and Longford, as part of an 18 month EU-funded Just Transition project. I continue to manage the network on a consultancy basis on behalf of the four Local Enterprise Offices in Laois, Offaly, Westmeath and Longford.

A key focus of my role was raising the profile of the region’s food and drink producers nationally, creating opportunities for them to showcase their products at major events including the National Ploughing Championships, CATEX and the Blas na hÉireann Awards. It was particularly rewarding to see smaller regional producers gain recognition and exposure on a national stage.

Event and project management have been a big part of my career, from small business networking events and workshops to major regional and national events. I enjoy bringing people together, managing the details and seeing projects through from initial idea to delivery.

These experiences have shaped how I work today. I understand business from different perspectives, value strong relationships and believe in practical advice and getting things done.

I set up Everard Consulting to bring that experience together and help businesses and organisations with their ideas, plans, projects and challenges.

For me, it’s about good ideas, good people and making things happen.