Smoking ban a breath of fresh air to company
Declan Murphy, who was told to pack his bags when Youghal Carpet Yarns closed in Carrigtwohill, Co Cork, last March, bought a small manufacturing company, Moderector, which is hoping to make the big time by selling canopies to pubs, hospitals and companies in advance of the proposed smoking ban planned from January 1.
Already the orders are piling in, but he admits that publicans are a bit on the slow side.
“At this moment, there’s a marked reluctance by publicans to commit themselves because they still live in hope that the Government will backtrack. However, we’re still getting the orders. The biggest single hit for us is hospitals at the moment. We’ve had a lot of inquiries which are close to conclusion from schools and colleges, especially in the Dublin area,” said Mr Murphy. Nearer to home, he’s installed a smoking canopy outside Midleton District Hospital; one at the baby food producer Numico in Macroom; two at the National Training Development Centre at Hollyhill.
“A number of pubs and companies in Galway and Dublin have ordered them for their customers and staff. We’ve had a lot of inquiries from other pubs, but as yet they are waiting to see if the legislation will be introduced,” said the Cobh-based businessman.
If, as expected, the Government sticks to its proposals, Mr Murphy is expecting a major rush of orders which will mean he’ll have to increase his staff significantly from the eight he already employs.
For small publicans he suggests they put a canopy to the rear of their premises covering the area they use keg storage, thus preventing the rain from pouring in and offering customers a place to light up.
“Potentially it’s the icing on the cake for us. It’s a major bonus. I’m already looking to recruit more staff. If it does happen I expect to be overrun with orders and may have to stop our other normal business to compensate.”
That business includes the manufacture of car ports, covered walkways, canopies over doors, patio areas and yards.
When he was made redundant, the father-of-three had three children who were all attending college and the payments were hefty.
“I was 49 when I lost my job. Every application I made was thanks, but no thanks. I had diplomas in economics and marketing and huge management experience and I was determined to succeed. I wasn’t going to lie down.”
I was going to get up and do something,” said Mr Murphy.
Moderector can make any shape or colour of canopy or dome and the most complex will be fitted in less than two days.
