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The event featured an impressive lineup of impressive and experienced speakers, including Sally Murphy (CEO of Welltold), James Doherty (Founder of Sliabh Liag Distillers), Vanessa Lawrenson (CEO of BigO Agency), Paula Kennedy Garcia (CEO of Forward Emphasis), Ivor Goudie (TCS Delivery Partner), and Donegal County Council’s own Place-branding initiative.

Each speaker shared their experiences and insights into how strong branding and authentic storytelling contribute to business and regional success, from creating emotional connections with customers and audiences, to standing out in competitive markets.

The workshop aimed to equip Donegal's entrepreneurs with the tools and strategies needed to develop a powerful brand, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in branding. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from branding specialists, marketing strategists, and local business leaders who have built strong brand identities and market presence through the power of storytelling. The event also provided invaluable insights on refining brand messages, visual identities, and storytelling techniques to connect with audiences, along with networking opportunities to expand business connections. ​

The Power of Branding and Storytelling for Donegal Businesses

In today’s fast-moving and digitally connected world, a well-defined brand is more than just a logo or tagline—it is a company’s identity, reputation, and promise to its customers. Effective storytelling allows businesses to communicate their values, vision, and uniqueness in a way that resonates with their audience.

This event highlighted key elements of branding and how Donegal-based businesses can leverage storytelling to:

1. Build Emotional Connections – Customers are drawn to businesses with compelling narratives that reflect their values, aspirations, and local heritage.
2. Enhance Market Visibility – A strong brand identity increases recognition and helps businesses differentiate themselves in national and international markets.
3. Drive Customer Engagement and Loyalty – Storytelling fosters trust, leading to deeper customer relationships and long-term brand advocacy.
4. Strengthen Economic Growth in Donegal – Well-branded businesses contribute to Donegal’s reputation as a hub for innovation, tourism, and enterprise, attracting investment and talent.

Beyond the expert insights, attendees had the opportunity to network with fellow entrepreneurs, marketing professionals, and industry leaders, exchanging ideas and fostering collaborations. The event formed part of Donegal Local Enterprise Week’s broader mission to support local businesses through practical workshops, training sessions, and mentorship opportunities.

For businesses in Donegal looking to refine their branding and storytelling strategies, resources and support are available through the Local Enterprise Office Donegal (https://www.localenterprise.ie/donegal)  and the Donegal County Council Economic Development team (https://donegal.ie/).