Past Projects

Business Plan Competition 1st Year Commerce

Coastal view with blue sky, white clouds, and stone wall along the shore.

In my first year of my Commerce degree, As part of a university Business Plan Competition, I collaborated with a team to develop strategic solutions for helping an Irish business navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. We chose Primark (Penneys) as our focus, recognising the difficulties it faced due to having no online retail platform during nationwide lockdowns. Our proposal centred on the development of a dedicated online store and mobile app, allowing customers to browse and purchase their favourite products with ease. We recommended a phased launch, beginning with best-selling items to avoid logistical overload, and proposed unique features such as student discounts via UniDays and a referral rewards system to boost engagement and sales. In addition, we examined Primark’s sustainability efforts, highlighting its shift towards more ethical practices such as paper packaging, clothing donations, and partnerships with charities. Our plan aimed to ensure Primark’s resilience in a changing retail landscape, combining digital innovation, customer incentives, and responsible business practices. The project was a valuable experience in strategic thinking, teamwork, and real-world problem solving.

A group of five people standing in front of a building with bright pink doors, holding a large check. The word "CHAMBERS" is displayed above the door. The check is made out to Cork Penny Dinners for 2,400 Euros, dated March 28, 2022. The individuals appear to be smiling and posing for the photo.

Charity Competiton 2nd Year Commerce

As part of the Placement Skills and Professional Practice module at UCC, I worked with my group to plan and deliver a highly successful charity event that raised €2,400—the highest amount ever raised in the module’s history. Partnering with Reardens Group, we created a student event called ‘Signal’, hosted at Chambers nightclub and themed around a traffic light party. Guests received colour-coded stickers—green for ‘Try Me’, orange for ‘Say Nothin’’, and red for ‘Taken’—to reflect their relationship status, adding a fun and interactive element to the night. We drove engagement through a creative marketing campaign using Instagram reels and influencer support, generating over 10,000 views. With over 460 tickets sold, every cent raised was donated to Cork Penny Dinners, and we had the privilege of handing over the funds in person to CEO Catriona Twomey. This project was a fantastic experience in creative planning, social impact, and teamwork, and one that I’m especially proud of.

A view of the Arc de Triomphe from the Champs-Élysées, with cars and trees lining the street under a clear blue sky.

Capstone Module 4th Year Commerce

As part of my final-year consultancy project at UCC, I worked in a cross-functional team to develop a comprehensive five-year strategic plan for L’Oréal, focusing on innovation, market expansion, and brand revitalisation. Our work explored key industry trends such as AI-driven personalisation, biotech sustainability, the rise of male grooming, and the growing demand for inclusive beauty solutions. Our strategy was structured around three pillars—Tailoring for Tomorrow, Revitalising and Innovating, and Expanding Horizons—and included acquisition proposals, new brand creation, and CSR initiatives such as adding braille to product packaging. We backed our recommendations with detailed financial modelling, a Gantt timeline, market analysis, and risk assessments. Our proposal projected a 10.25% increase in annual revenue by 2029, demonstrating a clear path to sustained industry leadership for L’Oréal. This project was an excellent opportunity to apply theory to practice and sharpen my skills in strategic thinking, consultancy, and collaborative problem-solving.

Watch our presentation video below!