Jim Hughes
CEO and co-founder of Innovate – The IT Solutions People
How have you come to live in Irelands South East?
I am originally from the South East, specifically Wexford, where I was born. I left to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce (BComm) degree in University College Dublin and following that to advance the early part of my career. I returned to set up INNOVATE’s HQ with Enda Cahill.
Tell us about your career?
I observed the rapid growth of the IT sector and recognised it as a promising opportunity to launch a business. Therefore, I decided to pursue a career in the IT sector with the view of gaining an understanding of the industry. After graduating, I began my professional journey as an IT support engineer in a large ICT services company. Later, I transitioned to working as a lead e-commerce consultant and senior technical consultant, and subsequently as an IT Director in one of Ireland’s largest environmental services companies. However, my primary interest always remained in the commercial aspects of business. In 2006, Enda Cahill (Chief Technical Officer, INNOVATE) and I co-founded INNOVATE. I was 26 years old at the time. Our vision when establishing the business was to offer unique value and provide the highest levels of customer service, while prioritising the attraction and retention of top talent in the industry. Since the beginning, we have constantly improved on our offering and introduced new solutions along the way. For example, in 2012 we set up our communications business unit, VoiceGrid to provide integrated communication systems. Currently, we are planning a significant expansion. Over the past number of years, we have grown to 50 people, and I believe we can double our business to the benefit of our customers.
“The South East is a fantastic place to build a business. While you will almost certainly need to look for markets beyond, the most valuable natural resource the South East has to offer is its people and their talent.”
Do you think the South East is a good place to start up a business and what advice would you have for young entrepreneurs?
The South East is a fantastic place to build a business. While you will almost certainly need to look for markets beyond, the most valuable natural resource the South East has to offer is its people and their talent.
To succeed in business and other areas of life, I would advise young people, not just entrepreneurs to consider the following:
- Understand your ‘why’: Clarify your purpose and motivation. Knowing the underlying reasons for your actions will guide your decisions and keep you focused.
- Surround yourself with good people: Build a strong network of talented, motivated individuals who share your commitment, vision and values. Communicate and collaborate with them to achieve collective success and try to leave a lasting legacy.
- Have a plan. First assess where you are, then where you want to go and finally be real about how you are going to get there. Flex the plan to the ever changing environment.
- Remain positive – always: Maintain an optimistic mindset, even in the face of challenges. Realistic positivity fuels resilience and fosters a can-do attitude within a team that propels you forward towards your collective goal.
What do you like best about Ireland’s South East?
I don’t necessarily believe in maintaining a strict work-life balance or adhering to traditional notions of time off and time on. Instead, I prefer to integrate work and life seamlessly. The South East has so much to offer allowing us to integrate family, work, the outdoors, sport, the arts, whatever you wish. The quality of life is brilliant but you have to seek it out. People emigrate to places all over the world which is great, and many of those who do travel find their way back to the ‘Sunny’ South East after gaining great insight and experience. This, coupled with the constant flow of new people moving into the area adds to a very diverse and dynamic culture.
What are the benefits of living in Ireland’s South East?
The quality of life in the South East is without a doubt the biggest benefit, you can integrate family, work, the outdoors, sports, and any number of other things that may interest a person. Additionally, the ease of access to larger markets is crucial, with Dublin and Cork airports conveniently located within commuting distance.
Can you tell us a secret about ISE or a favourite place that people might not know?
My favourite walk is from Old Bawn beach to Cahore pier and back, it’s a little under 5k. It’s a very special place and one I’m drawn to regularly, irrespective of the time of the year or the weather.
Our People
“We have made this a nice home for ourselves and are surrounded by friends.”
Dean Caron, Unum
“You just can’t beat the work life balance.”
Aoife O’Brien, Taxback Group
“Ireland South East is a very friendly and artistic area, with a cosy, intimate community.”
Tomm Moore, Cartoon Saloon