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In Pictures: Excellent selection of images from Laois Chamber awards as Midland Steel claim top accolade

6th November 2022

Nearly 300 people were in attendance at the Laois Business Awards 2022 on Friday night, which were hosted by Laois Chamber Alliance.

Midland Steel were named the overall winners, Laois business of the year, while there were 11 category winners in total.

The black tie event took place in The Heritage Killenard, event partners for the event, with a drink’s reception and magician welcoming attendees.

Midland Steel has been a local employer in Laois since 1998, now employing 85 staff.

Establishing their business in Mountmellick, they have strived to generate local employment, be sustainable and support the local economy. They have carried out extensive high profile projects in both the UK and Ireland.

Midland Steel have shown consistent innovation, sustainability, and growth in their field.

Their recent achievements include the delivery of 26,000 tonnes of steel to Ireland’s largest private investment project, Intel.

They have also received two Rosette levels in their industry standard certifications on sustainability, as well as installing the Western World’s first Robotic Cell in their Mountmellick depot. This was a substantial achievement to move their business forward.

Laois Business of the Year Award sponsored by Laois Chamber is presented to Tony Woods with management and staff from Midland Steel Reinforcement Supplies by Caroline Hofman at the Laois Business Awards 2022 at The Heritage Killenard. Picture: Alf Harvey.

Developing their new innovative Faster Fix Principle has brought them onto the international stage, delivering future jobs for Laois and allowing Midland Steel to grow internationally

They have also expanded internationally to Scandinavia and the USA, among other markets.

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.

Excellence in Innovation award sponsored by Mulhall’s SuperValu is presented to Tony Woods with management and staff from Midland Steel Reinforcement Supplies by Ger Mulhall at the Laois Business Awards 2022 at The Heritage Killenard. Picture: Alf Harvey.

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.

Nearly 800 nominations were received across the 11 categories.

Laois Business of the Year Award sponsored by Laois Chamber winner, Tony Woods from Midland Steel Reinforcement Supplies pictured with Minister Sean Fleming, Cllr Thomasina Connell, cathaoirleach of Laois County Council; Yvonne McKeon, president of Laois Chamber and Caroline Hofman, CEO Laois Chamber at the Laois Business Awards 2022 at The Heritage Killenard. Picture: Alf Harvey.

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.

Speaking following the event, Caroline Hofman, CEO Laois Chamber Alliance said:

“On behalf of Laois Chamber Alliance, we would like to congratulate all of the finalists and award winners.

Excellence in Retail award sponsored by Gerry Browne Jewellers is celebrated by Darren Strong, Mark Jackson and Shauna Blake from DS Sports at the Laois Business Awards 2022 at The Heritage Killenard. Picture: Alf Harvey.

“We would also like to thank everyone who took the time to submit their nominations, and with nearly 800 nominations received, our judging panel had a tough task to whittle this down to the final shortlist.

“The standard of nominations received was so high, and I would like to thank our judging panel, our main sponsors, all of our category sponsors, and everyone who attended on the night and supported the event.

“We have so many amazing businesses across all four corners of Laois, and the Laois Business Awards 2022 were an opportunity to celebrate these fantastic businesses and the wonderful entrepreneurial spirit, innovation and talent across the county.”