Kildare event aimed at 'breaking down barriers' around pensions

ABOVE: Pictured L–R: Freda Hearns, AIB Branch Manager Newbridge; Helen Dillon, President Network Ireland Kildare; Ethel Colgan, AIB Financial Planning Manager; Sinead Byrne, Relationship Manager Business Banking – Capital Markets; and Stephanie Dillon, AIB Financial Planning Advisor.

The Kildare Branch of Network Ireland, a non-profit, voluntary organisation, dedicated to supporting the professional and personal development of women business leaders, partnered with AIB to host “Taking the Scare out of Pensions”, an evening aimed at breaking down the barriers around retirement planning.

Held at The Keadeen Hotel, the event brought together a diverse group of women, from long-time business owners to those just starting out, to explore financial planning in a straightforward and approachable way.

Guest speakers Ethel Colgan and Stephanie Dillon from AIB’s Financial Planning team led a lively panel discussion, encouraging open conversation about financial planning topics including retirement planning, business protection and wealth management.

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The event coincided with new AIB research highlighting that many female business owners in Ireland feel financially vulnerable. Fewer than one in three are confident their business could withstand a financial shock, while more than half (52%) say they don’t feel financially secure. Alarmingly, nearly 30% believe their business would have to shut down if they, as the owner, were unable to work. The study was conducted among members of Network Ireland and AwakenHub, both of which support female entrepreneurs nationwide.

Ethel Colgan from AIB’s Financial Planning Team commented, “Most of the women I speak to know retirement planning matters, but it often feels too complicated, especially when you’re juggling the demands of running a business. Our aim was to show that it’s not only manageable but empowering.”

Attendees also discussed how pension schemes and financial planning can support staff attraction and retention, which was highlighted as a growing concern for many small businesses, with the session providing clear, practical guidance on using benefits to strengthen long-term business sustainability.