More than 25 State bodies and services will be available to offer free expert advice and information  to SMEs, start-ups and entrepreneurs at a free one-stop-shop on Tuesday, September 25, in the Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa Limerick. It runs from 8.15 am to 1.30pm. Registration is free at www.takingcareofbusiness.ie.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, has announced €15 million in funding for projects in rural towns and villages across Ireland through the 2018 Town and Village Renewal Scheme. Click here for details:

Is your historic town centre Brexit Ready? RGDATA and The Heritage Council are organising a Border Towns Town Centre Health Check Training Workshop on 21 June next. If you are concerned about your border town email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to book a place. Book early as places are limited.

The Sugar Tax has been approved by the EU and comes into play today May 1 2018. Click here for details of how this tax will be applied and collected and here for background information.

Minister for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection Pat Breen TD, says he will assess the Labour Court Review of the Joint Labour Committees (JLCs) and make a decision about any actions over the coming weeks.  Click here to read the press release.

For individuals who wish to enhance their knowledge and skills in seafood retailing, this BIM training programme is open to new entrants working with independent fishmongers or on a supermarket fresh fish counter and existing staff who have not received any formal training in this area. Click here for details

Scotland today becomes the first country to introduce minimum unit alcohol prices. See the story here from Sky News

RGDATA Director General Tara Buckley is a member of NOAC which published its 2017 Annual report yesterday (Monday 23 April). Click here to read the press release. Click here for a link to the annual report.

RGDATA has been asked to submit its views on An Post's New Vision for the Post Office Network. You can read the vision here and email your views to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Retail Consultation Forum held a special session to discuss the implications of Brexit for the Retail & Wholesale sector. See the presentation from the Department of Business Enterprise & Innovation here. If you have particular concerns about the implications of Brexit on your business please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Click here to do a survey to see how Brexit ready your business is.