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Latest Laois Business: Laois Business Award Winners 2022
Business|News

Latest Laois Business: Laois Business Award Winners 2022

Nearly 300 people were in attendance at the Laois Business Awards 2022 last night. The black tie event took place in The Heritage Killenard, event partners for the event, with a drink’s reception and magician welcoming attendees. Guests were also treated to a spectacular performance by talented musicians from Laois School of Music and Music Generation Laois Chamber Group, directed by Carl Rochford, who performed the Game of Thrones theme, Kashmir, and Palladio on the main stage.

The main sponsors for the event were Gas Networks Ireland, Laois County Council, and Local Enterprise Office Laois, with the night celebrating Laois business, recognising the innovation, talent, quality, and entrepreneurial spirit of businesses and people in Laois. Ronan Berry was master of ceremonies of the event, with the 11 award winners announced.

Pictured at Solas Eco Garden Centre, Portarlington, Co.Laois David Maher on the left and John Carey on the right.
Start Up/Emerging New Business of the Year Award – Sponsored by Local Enterprise Office Laois
Winner: SOLAS Eco Garden Centre Pictured at Solas Eco Garden Centre, Portarlington, Co.Laois David Maher on the left and John Carey on the right.

Nearly 800 nominations were received across the 11 categories. The independent judging panel was lead by Vincent Cleary, Managing Director of Glenisk, who was joined by Mary Rose Burke, Chief Executive of Dublin Chamber, Paddy Dunican, Managing Director of Kilbeggan Racecourse, and Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development and Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Carlow.

  1. Outstanding SME of the Year Award (1-50 employees) – Sponsored by The Heritage
    Winner: TekEir
  2. Outstanding Large Business of the Year (Over 50 employees) – Sponsored by South East Technological University
    Winner: Enva
  3. Start Up/Emerging New Business of the Year Award – Sponsored by Local Enterprise Office Laois
    Winner: SOLAS Eco Garden Centre
  4. Business Supporting Community Award – Sponsored by Permanent TSB
    Winner: Bloom HQ
  5. Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality – Sponsored by Fáilte Ireland
    Winner: Glamping Under the Stars
  6. Excellence in Retail – Sponsored by Gerry Browne Jewellers
    Winner: DS Sports
    • Excellence in Innovation – Sponsored by Mulhall’s SuperValu, Portlaoise
      Winner: Midland Steel Reinforcement Supplies
    • Best Online Presence and Social Media Award – Sponsored by McKeon Stone
      Winner: Kelly Lou Cakes
    • Excellence in Sustainability & Climate Action – Sponsored by Gas Networks Ireland
      Winner: Ballykilcavan Farm & Brewery
    • Spirit of Laois Award – In Memory of Albert FitzGerald
      This award was presented by Albert’s son, Stephen FitzGerald.
      Winner: Karen McHugh
    • Laois Business of the Year Award – Sponsored by Laois Chamber Alliance
      Winner: Midland Steel Reinforcement Supplies

    PHOTOS: Alf Harvey

    Text Credit: Laois Chamber of Commerce

    Portarlington sees opening of Ireland's first Eco Garden Centre
    Solas Eco Garden Centre, Portarlington, Co.Laois is the Start Up/Emerging New Business of the Year Award winner