Liam Nagle, CEO, SISK Group addresses Institute of Directors' Spring Lunch
Date: 05 March 2011Good countries, like good companies, need to invest in difficult times,
says Liam Nagle, CEO, SISK Group
Speaking today at the Institute of Directors in Ireland Spring Lunch, Liam Nagle, CEO, SISK Group, highlighted the importance to Ireland Inc of investing in our future during difficult times. “Good countries, like good companies, need to invest in difficult times. We must recognise the value of investment when costs are low and we will see the benefits of investment when market conditions improve. The time to plan for tomorrow is not tomorrow - it is now,” he said.
With operations in Ireland, U.K, Holland, Belgium, Poland and the Middle East, the SISK Group is a 152 year old family business which despite severe economic conditions and the resulting necessity to realign its operations, the company maintains a strong balance sheet and the on-going commitment of its shareholders. With that shareholder support, the Group successfully acquired over a three year period, six healthcare companies in Ireland and the U.K as part of its diversification strategy.
It has invested heavily in international markets and used the world class skills, capabilities and people built up in its Irish construction businesses to expand and diversify into different markets.
In doing so, the SISK Group has had to spent a lot of time defending Ireland Inc. Nagle believes it is critical that our new Government develops a clear vision, which is easily communicable, engages our people at home and abroad and begins to generate a sense of pride in our country.
He points out that the “recent economic difficulties created an understandable sense of national gloom. However, if we stand back and look at how Ireland has developed through the decades and now into the 21st century, it is a story of consistent progress. Yes there have been difficulties and setbacks, but we have to view these as temporary.
“In Ireland, the election of a new Government provides the opportunity for us to move past the discussion of what went wrong and to start taking the long term perspective and look to the future.” He argues that “the objective for a family business with a long term view is the same as the objective for a country – it is not to simply seek good results for the next quarter. It is to maintain and strengthen a solid platform that will allow us to thrive and prosper in this and future generations.”
Nagle believes that projects such as Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport, Aviva Stadium and the Convention Centre are “iconic buildings that will represent our investment in the country during its prosperous times.” He argues that we must continue with that investment to upgrade road, rail and marine infrastructure, having clearly seen the benefits of PPP projects such as the Luas and the Shannon Tunnel in recent years.
Ann Riordan, President of the Institute of Directors in Ireland added; “The new Government must take the opportunity it has been given to get things right once and for all and to move the country forward. Business leaders must also offer their support to the Government in that challenging task. There is a wealth of talent and ability within the business community in Ireland, the SISK Group being a fine example. It is time for us to leverage that talent and pull together to meet the needs of the country.”
Nagle concluded; “Let’s hope our new political leaders can address our issues head on, create a vision for us all to get aligned to, take personal ownership and accountability, build a clear message for us all to get behind and create a Team Ireland at home and abroad.”
The Institute of Directors in Ireland Spring Lunch was held in the Four Seasons Hotel, Dublin.
Media Coverage
Irish Independent Metro Edition
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