Digital innovaters named Cork Person(s) of the

A PAIR of businessmen who have established an innovative blueprint for the digital development of rural regions across the county have been jointly honoured with the prestigious Cork Person(s) of the month award for July.

Sean O’Driscoll and John Field are co-founders of the Skibbereen-based Ludgate digital hub, an innovative business model that awards organiser, Mallow-native Manus O’Callaghan, said has transformed the west Cork town into “Ireland’s digital workspace capital”.

Mr Field, winner of the ‘Outstanding West Cork Business Ambassador’ award at last years West Cork Business and Tourism Awards, this year celebrates JJ Fields 85th year on business.

Back in 2015 he donated a former bakery building in the town for the development of the digital hub, which opened its doors for business the following year.

A key driving force behind the initiative, Sean O’Driscoll is a highly successful business leader having held a number of key positions including the chair and chief executive of the Glen Dimplex Group. He is also a former director at AIB, a former partner at KPMG and a former member of the National Competitiveness Council and several Government appointed business advisory bodies. Last May he was elected chair of the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) council.

Utilising 1-gigabit broadband connectivity as its basis for innovation and job creation, the Ludgate Hub allows regional Ireland to communicate and compete with established urban hubs, making it the first of its kind anywhere in Ireland.

Photo: Tony O’Connell Photography

Since it was established the hub has become a focal point for local start-ups, entrepreneurs and growing businesses across a variety of sectors including tech, bio-economy, e-commerce and media production.

It currently has 55 full-time members, has

created almost 150 direct and indirect jobs, facilitated 2,500 ‘ hotdesk’ spaces and contributed more than €4million to the local economy.

Key to its success has been Sean O’Driscoll using his extensive network of business contacts to create a powerful and influential board, all of

The July Cork Person(s) of the Month award winners businessmen Sean O’Driscoll and John Field who were honoured for their contribution to job creation and innovation following the establishment of the Ludgate digital workspace in Skibbereen. Also pictured are awards organiser Manus O’Callaghan (far left) and (right) Pat Lemasney, Southern.