Centra is a family-run business in Sligo, Ireland. Over the years, Centra has won numerous awards for its customer service and commitment to the community. It specializes in selling groceries, home goods, and other household items. The store also offers a wide range of services, including a travel agency, a laundry service, and dry cleaning. The company is currently run by Finbarr Filan in Sligo, who inherited the business from his forefathers. Centra is known for its friendly staff and its commitment to providing excellent customer service.
Finbarr has been an invaluable asset to Centra since he joined the team. His experience in medical device manufacturing and construction has helped the company to streamline its processes and improve its products. In addition, his knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry has allowed Centra to develop new products that meet the highest standards of quality and safety. As a result of Finbarr’s contributions, Centra has become one of the leading convenience grocery stores in Sligo. The company’s products are used by thousands of residents in Ireland, and its products are known for their reliability and efficiency. Finbarr’s expertise has helped Centra to achieve impeccable results, and that has resulted in winning so many awards lately.
His success isn’t limited to making Centra a great convenience store. Back in 2012, he also joined one of the pilot projects of the city that was managed by the Sligo County Council and funded by the SEUPB. It involved researching a range of models of town center regeneration that would improve the partnership between the Council and the business community. In other words, he was looking for ways to make the city center a more attractive and enjoyable place to live and work.
The project culminated in the publication of a report that made several recommendations, one of which was setting up a Business Improvement District (BID) in the city center. A BID is a defined area in which the businesses located within agree to pay an annual levy. The money raised is then used to fund projects and services that will enhance the trading environment and attract more customers. It’s a bit like a mini-enterprise zone, and it’s something that Finbarr is very passionate about. In fact, he was instrumental in setting up the Sligo BID Company, which manages the day-to-day running of the BID.
He was also a director of the Sligo Chamber of Commerce, which represents the interests of businesses in the city. Under Finbarr’s leadership, Centra has become a key player in the regeneration of Sligo city center. It is clear that he cares deeply about the community in which he lives and works, and that he is committed to making it a better place for everyone. Thanks to his dedication, Centra is playing an important role in the transformation of Sligo into a vibrant and thriving city.
One of the reasons why Finbarr is an active voice of Sligo is that he has experience in various industries. He holds a degree in ACCA Dip in Accounting and Finance, Post Grad Diplomas in European Studies and Management, and BTech in Manufacturing Technology. Finbarr has also worked as a medical device manufacturing manager and in construction before joining Centra. As a result, he has a deep understanding of how businesses operate and what they need to succeed.
He is also familiar with the challenges that businesses face when trying to grow and expand. Given his experience, it’s no surprise that Finbarr is such a strong advocate for Sligo city center. He knows firsthand how important it is for businesses to have access to the resources they need to thrive. He wants to see more investment in the city, and he believes that the BID model is the best way to attract it.
After the success of the pilot project, there was a plebiscite amongst the business community, and it showed its acceptance towards allowing Finbarr to continue and also proceed with the BID. The BID will be in operation for a period of five years and will be reviewed after that. The businesses in the city center have already started to see the benefits of the BID, and they are confident that it will make a positive impact on the area.
Finbarr had served as the first Chair of Sligo BID for the first 3 years. He is now a board member. He is also passionate about working with the Chamber of Commerce and other business groups to promote Sligo as a great place to do business. In addition to being a board member, he also has many other posts to handle, such as Chair of Sligo Tidy Towns, Chair of the Purple Flag team, and member of the Government Advisory Group.
As a member of the Government Advisory Group, he provides input and advice on the development of the National Planning Framework. This is the first time that Sligo has been represented at this high level. He was also recently appointed as the Chair of the St Patrick’s Day Festival Committee. In this role, he will be responsible for organizing and running the festival in Sligo. Finbarr’s passion for Sligo doesn’t stop at business. He is also a keen sports fan and is involved in a number of sporting organizations. Additionally, he holds the Chair of the Purple Flag team which is responsible for the management and promotion of the night-time economy in Sligo.
Finbarr Filan’s love for Sligo is evident in everything he does. He is a true champion of the city and is working hard to make it a better place for everyone. It is because of his dedication, zeal, and love for the city that has allowed so many people trust his decisions. With his practical experience in various industries, Finbarr is able to slowly make Sligo a better place not just for the residents but also for the thousands of tourists who visit the city every year. There is no doubt that he will continue to provide his input and make Sligo one of the best business improvement districts in Ireland.