“Clinks Needs to Start in Cork”: Meet Andrew Scannell, The Entrepreneur Behind Clinks 

“Cork is the centre of the universe.”

For Andrew Scannell, there was never much doubt about where his entrepreneurial journey would begin.

After spending 11 years in Australia, the Cork native returned home with his wife and, rather than simply settling back into his old career, spotted something that was conspicuously absent from the Irish market.

“We felt there was a gap in the market,” he explains. “So we went about developing Clinks.”

The result is Clinks, an on-demand drinks delivery business connecting customers with specifically selected local off-licences and delivering their purchases directly to their door.

But turning the idea into a functioning business was a very different proposition from spotting the gap.

“I had a limited tech background,” Scannell admits. “My career has predominantly been in sales.”

That meant learning an entirely new side of business as he developed the technology, researched the market and worked out exactly what Irish consumers wanted.

The model changed several times along the way.

“I did a lot of testing. Looked to understanding the market and consumer behaviours,” he says.

Clinks focuses on independent off-licences and offers customers a broad selection of beers, craft beers, wines, and spirits delivered to their door.

The emphasis is on convenience, but also on choice.

The business works with carefully selected local retailers, particularly those offering premium products and more unusual ranges that customers might not find in a supermarket.

For Scannell, that local connection matters.

“Supporting local is a huge thing for me,” he says.

His wife’s family have also been involved in family businesses, giving him an appreciation for the challenges faced by independent retailers.

“We are very lucky with some of our partners,” he says. “It’s great to support local. It’s great to see them thrive so well with Clinks.”

That philosophy has become one of the defining features of the business.

Of course, selling alcohol comes with a particular set of challenges.

The alcohol market can be tricky, with significant regulation surrounding the sale and delivery of alcohol.

For a new entrepreneur, getting the legal side right was one of the biggest investments involved in building Clinks.

“We did everything the right way,” he says.

That included seeking legal advice and specialist counsel before developing the model.

“A large upfront investment,” he admits, “but we did it the right way.”

Responsible service is also a major part of the company’s approach. Clinks drivers are trained in the responsible service of alcohol, while the company has procedures in place around potentially intoxicated customers.

“We want to provide a service that’s both responsible and ethical”

Safety for both the drivers and the customers has been paramount in the development of Clinks.

Moving from employee to business owner has also meant a complete change in Scannell’s working life.

The structured nine-to-five routine has disappeared.

“It changed very quickly from being a nine-to-five to a 24/7.”

Switching off can be one of the hardest parts.

“I never switch off,” he admits. “Learning to, I suppose, temporarily switch off is something that I’ve been kind of getting used to over the years.”

But there is no sense of regret.

“I love it. I absolutely love it.”

For Scannell, the uncertainty and constant learning are part of the attraction.

“Every day is a learning day.”

And despite the pressures of running a growing company, Andrew has flourished in his leadership.

“I think that’s kind of the easiest part of my role, managing people. I love it.”

His first job was in sales with Eir, and he went on to lead teams throughout his career in Australia.

“I’m now lucky enough to have a really good team around me,” he says.

There was one decision that didn’t require any market research.

When people suggested launching Clinks in Dublin, Scannell wasn’t interested.

“Clinks needs to start in Cork.”

For someone who had spent more than a decade on the other side of the world, Andrew’s connection to the city remains steadfast.

“Cork is beautiful,” he says.

“We miss Australia, but we love Cork.”

Business isn’t the only thing that has kept Scannell connected to Cork.

Rugby has been a major part of his life since his school days. He played as a schoolboy, became one of the founders of Sydney Irish Rugby Club during his time in Australia, and returned to become heavily involved with Cork Constitution.

As Clinks has grown, he has had to step back somewhat from his involvement, but the connection remains strong.

Clinks is also a principal sponsor of the Cork Con Rugby Football Club.

“It’s a great club to be involved in,” he says.

For Scannell, rugby and business appear to share some familiar themes: teamwork, leadership and surrounding yourself with good people.

So, what does the man behind the business drink?

For someone whose working life revolves around beers, wines and spirits, his choice is straightforward, but also refined. 

“At home, it would be a drop of Redbreast 12.” 

He also enjoys the occasional tequila, particularly with grapefruit juice, a combination everyone should try.

For Andrew, Clinks is only getting started.

The company continues to develop its app and explore new technology, including AI tools that he says will make the user experience more sophisticated and engaging.

And the ambition is clear.

“The goal here is to be the number one alcohol on-demand service to your door.”

The business has already expanded from Cork to Limerick, with further expansion planned and another big announcement on the horizon.

But while the sights may be set on a national operation, Scannell’s entrepreneurial journey remains firmly rooted in the city he came home to.

He left Cork for Australia, built a career, returned home and saw an opportunity.

Now, he is aiming to turn that opportunity into an Irish success story.

And if the past few years are anything to go by, he won’t be stopping anytime soon.

“It’s onwards and upwards for us.”

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