The first Laois Chamber Alliance awards took place in the Heritage hotel in Killenard in November.
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 drinks 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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.”
Outstanding SME of the Year Award (1-50 employees) – Sponsored by The Heritage
Finalists:
Ballykilcavan Farm and Brewery
Cummins Motor Group
Hummingbird Interiors
SOLAS Eco Garden Shop
McElwee TotalHealth Pharmacies
TekEir
Winner: TekEir
Outstanding Large Business of the Year (Over 50 employees) – Sponsored by South East Technological University
Finalists:
Enva
Midland Steel Reinforcement Supplies
Midlands Park Hotel
The Portlaoise Plaza
Maldron Hotel Portlaoise
Winner: Enva
Start Up/Emerging New Business of the Year Award – Sponsored by Local Enterprise Office Laois
Finalists:
Pippa’s Parlour
Sásta Skin Health
Salutem Insights
SOLAS Eco Garden Shop
Temptation Pâtisserie
Winner: SOLAS Eco Garden Centre
Business Supporting Community Award – Sponsored by Permanent TSB
Finalists:
Bloom HQ
Coco’s Quik Pick
McElwee TotalHealth Pharmacies
People First Credit Union
Solas Eco Garden Shop
Winner: Bloom HQ
Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality – Sponsored by Fáilte Ireland
Finalists:
Ballykilcavan Farm and Brewery
Glamping Under the Stars
Maldron Hotel Portlaoise
Midland Escape
Midlands Park Hotel
Square Coffee
Winner: Glamping Under the Stars
Excellence in Retail – Sponsored by Gerry Browne Jewellers
Finalists:
Adora & Co. Portlaoise
Coco’s Quik Pick
DS Sports
Fruit N’ Nut Health Store
Mueller & O’Connell Bakery
Winner: DS Sports
Excellence in Innovation – Sponsored by Mulhall’s SuperValu, Portlaoise
Finalists:
Enva
Laois Sports Partnership
Midland Steel Reinforcement Supplies
Sásta Skin Health
Solas Eco Garden Shop
Winner: Midland Steel Reinforcement Supplies
Best Online Presence and Social Media Award – Sponsored by McKeon Stone
Finalists:
Gló Design
Hummingbird Interiors
Kelly Lou Cakes
LaoisToday
Leaving Cert Guidance
Winner: Kelly Lou Cakes
Excellence in Sustainability & Climate Action – Sponsored by Gas Networks Ireland
Finalists:
Ballykilcavan Farm and Brewery
Enva
Glamping Under the Stars
Midland Steel Reinforcement Supplies
Solas Eco Garden Shop
Winner: Ballykilcavan Farm & Brewery
Spirit of Laois Award – In Memory of Albert FitzGerald
Finalists:
Gerry Browne
Karen McHugh
Mountmellick Neighbourhood Watch
Portlaoise Family Resource Centre
Laois Business of the Year Award – Sponsored by Laois Chamber Alliance