From Humble Beginnings to Immense Expansion: FDC Group Pioneers Agri Consultancy in the West of Ireland
Boasting exponential growth since its inception in Dunmanway, West Cork in 1973, FDC had humble beginnings utilising only a public phone in the village with no office or income. Despite these challenges, the business received full and total commitment from the farming community of West Cork. To this day, without their unwavering support, FDC Group would not be here.
With strong roots planted across Cork, FDC Group has been expanding exponentially over the years up and across the country. Celebrating 50 years in business in 2023, FDC Group serves as a trusted advisor for local communities across Ireland, closely connected to the concerns, demands and future of its clients. One such community and the primary focus for the expansion is the West of Ireland.
Regional Manager, Karina McAuliffe has been integral to this expansion. Karina joined FDC Group in 2001 as a Trainee Accountant, based in the Cork City headquarters, working with Barry Murphy (Deputy Group Manager) in the Southern Region. In 2004, Karina achieved her ACCA professional qualification that was quickly followed by her professional tax qualification from the Irish Tax Institute.
Karina’s pathway in FDC Group dovetailed with Founder and General Manager Jack Murphy’s National Outreach Programme which began in 2017. This programme sought to establish FDC Group with a 32-county presence.
The development programme was based on a series of organic growth as well as strategic mergers and acquisitions. As a green field office, FDC Group opened its first Western office in 2018 in Athenry, Co. Galway.
“At FDC, one particular ethos is unique being that people are greatly valued for their experience and provide a dedicated client-centric approach to their requirements. Various professions work in an FDC office which gives the client the best access to a range of services. I look forward to working for the regions farming community and being part of an excellent professional team providing the best service to our clients.”
Regarding client outreach Karina mentions, “the opportunities in the West are huge for FDC Group, we continue to do what we do well and, in doing this, it is all about understanding the client. One of the things we take seriously is getting to know our clients and understand their business through client meetings or visits. By doing this, we can act in a more beneficial way as a client advisory team.”
As the Head of the Western Region and part of the FDC Group Senior Management team, Karina oversees an impressive FDC presence being built in the West of Ireland. Following the opening of the Athenry office in 2018, an office was opened in Claremorris in 2020 and in Kiltormer in 2022. To date, FDC Group has offered a full suite of its services in the West including accounting, financial advisory, tax planning and audit.
FDC Group is introducing agri consultancy services in the West of Ireland, leveraging our local offices to better support the region’s farming community. Our dedicated FDC Agri Consultants are committed to helping Irish farmers navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving agricultural sector.
FDC’s Agri Consultants are available to provide invaluable support to farmers in the West of Ireland, ensuring they can effectively navigate the challenges of the agricultural sector. With a deep understanding of the local landscape and the specific needs of farmers, our experienced team is equipped to deliver tailored solutions that drive success.
One of the integral employees to the expansion in the West is John Lee who commented on FDC’s ethos saying, “At FDC, one particular ethos is unique being that people are greatly valued for their experience and provide a dedicated client-centric approach to their requirements. Various professions work in an FDC office which gives the client the best access to a range of services. I look forward to working for the regions farming community and being part of an excellent professional team providing the best service to our clients.”
Whether it’s assisting with the Basic Payment Scheme, TAMS, or ACRES, or offering expertise on Nitrates Derogation and farm incorporations, our consultants are here to help. We also promote collaborative farming arrangements and provide financial projections to help farmers plan for the future. As we expand our services in the West via Claremorris, we are committed to being a reliable partner for farmers, empowering them to thrive in an ever-evolving industry.
As the business continues to develop and expand its services, Karina reflects on FDC Group’s growth and development: “Over the years, I have learnt that we should trust in our own capabilities and while we strive for perfection, we also strive to bring maturity and value in dealing with the various client situations. The new addition of Agri Consultancy to our offices in the West of Ireland will provide invaluable knowledge and opportunity for our farming clients now and in the future.”
