20 Years of Brainworx
The business name Brainworx was registered on the 9th of February 2005, although the idea for it had started a few months earlier.
After a conversation with my wife Valerie, a Clinical Neuro Psychologist, I decided that Ireland needed another psychometric test distributor as there was only one other in the country.
With trepidation, I left a position in purchasing and distribution, with a mobile phone retailer and after completing a ‘Start your own Business’ course, nervously started looking for publishers to distribute for, and clients to sell to. This proved harder than I expected.
Kevin Twomey, Owner and Managing Director of Brainworx Ltd
With Valerie’s help, I was guided towards the different test suppliers and products available. She also ran training courses for Brainworx, on ‘Memory Rehabilitation’ and ‘Fundamentals of Neuropsychological Assessment’, which gave the company visibility in the world of psychometrics in Ireland.
We stepped up our game, rebranded in 2007 with the still distinctive Brainworx colours that are being used today, and one by one through persistent knocking on doors we managed to get the distribution rights we were looking for. On one memorable day, at the NASP conference in Boston 2008, we added three publishers to our portfolio. It took years to get the distribution rights we needed, and many times doors were shut, but we persevered and today distribute for over 20 publishers.
Things were looking up until 2009 and then the global credit crunch hit. Like many businesses, we struggled for some time. There were some sleepless nights, but my own stubbornness kept us going. Over the coming years, it wouldn’t be the only challenge we would face.
Kevin Twomey
On the 11th of March 2020, I met with our designer to plan a new website. We had certain criteria for the website that would make it unique, including twice daily updated FX pricing linked to our accounting system so customers had the most up to date quotes available. This bespoke website would be in a class by itself …. three days later the country shut down. Covid had arrived with all its fears and uncertainties. The business world was on pause for an unknown length of time. It would be two more years before the new website was launched.
The publishers answered back to the pandemic, firstly with Telehealth Guidelines, then with online platforms. These platforms had been in the background for years but Covid restrictions, pushed their development with publishers and we, as a distributor, learned to sell differently.
Thankfully we came out the other side of the pandemic. Bruised but not beaten.
Kevin Twomey
Kevin Twomey, Sarah Treacy, Director of Fostering First and Prof Deirdre Murray, Director of Liltoda Ltd
We are constantly growing and evolving with the industry, always with our eyes to the horizon. The recent changes with online testing is a game changer, making testing and scoring faster for clinicians and Brainworx is at the front leading the way.
The world of psychometrics fascinates me. I love the work I do and the people I meet. It is not a normal ‘sales’ job. There is a big human element to the work we do. I especially love meeting customers at annual conferences. For me, it is the best opportunity to meet and speak to the people I deal with throughout the year.
Kevin Twomey, Marian Conalty, Accounts & Sales Executive and Jenny Kavanagh–Dunne, Marketing and Sales Executive
Dr. Valerie Twomey and Marian Conalty
Jenny Kavanagh–Dunne and Kevin Twomey
Behind every successful business is a great team and we certainly have that at Brainworx. I have to thank Marian and Jenny for all their hard work over the years and for putting up with me. Last but not least, my biggest thanks goes to Valerie who has stood by me and encouraged me all the way. Listened to me when I ranted and gave me clarity when I couldn’t see the wood for the trees.
It’s been an amazing twenty years and I cannot wait for the next chapter of the Brainworx story!
K.
- Kevin Twomey
- Jan 16, 2026