Learner Stories – Mount Brandon Cottages

Andrea Wenner, Owner and Manager, Mount Brandon Cottages.

Discover how Mount Brandon Cottages, a multi-award-winning hospitality business, benefitted from the learnings of our Sustainability Leaders Programme by making immediate changes to their business model as they look to shift towards a more sustainable future. We spoke to Andrea Wenner, Owner and Manager, at Mount Brandon Cottages to find out more.

In your own words, how would you describe your role?

I am the owner/manager of Mount Brandon Cottages, a multi-award-winning accommodation business in the sunny southeast of Ireland.

What motivated you to undertake a programme at the Skillnet Climate Ready Academy?

I did the training to broaden my knowledge on both sustainability and biodiversity – both are topics very close to my heart, something the business has been focussed on for many years and has received awards for.

How has this programme helped you in your career or daily work?

The course helped me focus on the next stage of our development. It is always a good idea to have fresh eyes on your organisation, as they may pinpoint areas you had not previously been thinking of.

How has your organisation benefitted from the knowledge and skills you gained?

I gained a better insight into areas I had not previously considered important. We have made plans on developing a tree register, cooperating with the local wildlife officer. We contacted Burrenbeo Trust. Our recycling station will be overhauled in the next few months.

Also, plans are afoot for the development of a ground-mounted solar array, to make the business less dependent on fossil fuels.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience?

In short, we have a much clearer vision of how to proceed into the future.

Inspired by their success? Explore our online training programmes and find the right one for your company.