On February 26th, 2025, leaders of the Irish nursing home sector congregated at the scenic Glasson Lakehouse in Athlone for the 6th National Nursing Home Owners/Operators Conference 'Facing the Future: Insights for Growth' hosted by PKF Brenson Lawlor in association with Bank of Ireland and Davy.
The conference was emceed by experienced journalist and presenter Claire Brock. The day began with a keynote address from Tadhg Daly, the CEO of Nursing Homes Ireland, followed by a presentation by Jason Bradshaw, Corporate Finance Partner at PKF Brenson Lawlor who shared his expert outlook of the nursing home and healthcare sector as a whole, focusing on the demographic needs and demands for increased beds. He also shed light on the current valuations and M&A activity happening within the sector.
The first panel discussion of the day included Ian Lawlor, Managing Partner, and Michael O'Leary, Taxation Partner, both from at PKF Brenson Lawlor; Kevin Doherty, Director, Business Owners Division, Davy Private Clients; and Brian Walley, Head of Business Origination - Business Banking, Bank of Ireland. The expert panel shared business updates covering NTPF negotiations, commenting on the banking environment and recent changes impacting tax, as well as observations around business exit/succession and financial planning.
After a short break, Conall MacCoille, Bank of Ireland's Group Chief Economist, highlighted the Irish economic outlook in an increasingly uncertain world.
This was followed by a second panel discussion of the day, with Seamus McCormack, Founding Member of Céile Care; James White, CEO of Curam Care Nursing Home Group; Samantha Rayner, COO of Virtue Integrated Care; Gary Watson, Country Lead at Aedifica Ireland; and Gráinne Henson, Head of Health Sector at Bank of Ireland. The panel shared insights into the topics of future proofing and growth in the context of the nursing home sector. This included a brief discussion of current challenges and opportunities, including the provision of Home Care services. Conversation surrounding costs associated with new developments and extensions of existing developments were also had.
The end of the conference, just before an enjoyable networking lunch, Dr. Mary Collins, a Chartered Psychologist and Professional Executive Coach, led the audience through an interesting presentation leveraging the strengths of a multigenerational workforce aptly titled 'Mind the Gap'.
With over a hundred attendees, a plethora of experienced professionals and stalwarts of the industry sharing their thoughts, and a delightful location, the event was a success in every sense of the word.
View the highlights from the event and an image gallery below.
