‘We’d never got a grant in our lives before’ - Duffy’s
Duffy's Costcutter has its roots in Shercock for almost 100 years, and Raymond Duffy is now a third generation shopkeeper, taking on the mantle from his father 'Pabo' as he was best known, and his grandfather James before that.
Raymond is proud to carry on the tradition and legacy that comes with running such an established landmark business.
Raymond's first engagement with Cavan LEO was with their SME sustainability expert, Stephen Tripp, who visited the Main Street operation to assess what efficiencies could be attained.
It came at an opportune time too. Raymond and his wife were mulling over a potential investment, sizing up quotes for a new dairy wall, when they heard there may be a grant available to them.
“We'd never got a grant in our lives before, so we weren't sure. But we asked, and sure enough there was one. The forms were a bit daunting but Stephen was extremely helpful. He made it all very easy.”
Without the grant, the cost of the new fridge would have cost the Duffy's close to €15,000 plus VAT.
Instead, with a Green for Business audit complete, the Energy Efficiency Grant that followed covered 75% of that expense.
Their old fridge was 26 years old, and the change over has made a "massive difference" to the business.
“We needed it, and it make a huge difference to our electricity bill too. It's been brilliant for us. I wish other organisations could take a leaf out of [the LEO's] book, and them giving money rather than looking for it.”
* To read about Local Enterprise Week's programme of events and how Cavan LEO can help your business, click here.