A total of 23 local businesses have been shortlisted for the 2022 Laois Business Awards, which will be held in The Heritage Hotel in November.
An independent judging panel of Vincent Cleary, Managing Director of Glenisk, Mary Rose Burke, CEO of Dublin Chamber, Paddy Dunican, Managing Director of Kilbeggan Races, and Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development and Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Carlow, have shortlisted businesses across 11 different categories.
“This event will celebrate Laois business across all four corners of the county, of every size representing all sectors,” said a statement from organisers Laois Chamber this morning.
The awards are sponsored by Gas Networks Ireland, Laois County Council, and Local Enterprise Office Laois.
Solas Eco Garden Centre in Portarlington lead the way with five nominations, while Ballykilcavan Brewery, Enva and Midland Steel are all nominated in four different categories.
All four are among the nominations alongside DS Sports and TekEir.
LaoisToday is shortlisted for the best online presence and social media alongside Kelly Lou Cakes, Leaving Cert Guidance, Hummingbird Interiors and Gló Design.
Outstanding SME of the Year Award (1-50 employees) – Sponsored by The Heritage
- Ballykilcavan Farm and Brewery
- Cummins Motor Group
- Hummingbird Interiors
- SOLAS Eco Garden Shop
- McElwee TotalHealth Pharmacies
- TekEir
Outstanding Large Business of the Year (Over 50 employees) – Sponsored by South East Technological University
- Enva
- Midland Steel Reinforcement Supplies
- Midlands Park Hotel
- The Portlaoise Plaza
- Maldron Hotel Portlaoise
Start Up/Emerging New Business of the Year Award – Sponsored by Local Enterprise Office Laois
- Pippa’s Parlour
- Sásta Skin Health
- Salutem Insights
- SOLAS Eco Garden Shop
- Temptation Pâtisserie
Business Supporting Community Award – Sponsored by Permanent TSB
- Bloom HQ
- Coco’s Quik Pick
- McElwee TotalHealth Pharmacies
- People First Credit Union
- Solas Eco Garden Shop
Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality – Sponsored by Fáilte Ireland
- Ballykilcavan Farm and Brewery
- Glamping Under the Stars
- Maldron Hotel Portlaoise
- Midland Escape
- Midlands Park Hotel
- Square Coffee
Excellence in Retail – Sponsored by Gerry Browne Jewellers
- Adora & Co. Portlaoise
- Coco’s Quik Pick
- DS Sports
- Fruit N’ Nut Health Store
- Mueller & O’Connell Bakery
Excellence in Innovation – Sponsored by Mulhall’s SuperValu, Portlaoise
- Enva
- Laois Sports Partnership
- Midland Steel Reinforcement Supplies
- Sásta Skin Health
- Solas Eco Garden Shop
Best Online Presence and Social Media Award – Sponsored by McKeon Stone
- Gló Design
- Hummingbird Interiors
- Kelly Lou Cakes
- LaoisToday
- Leaving Cert Guidance
Excellence in Sustainability & Climate Action – Sponsored by Gas Networks Ireland
- Ballykilcavan Farm and Brewery
- Enva
- Glamping Under the Stars
- Midland Steel Reinforcement Supplies
- Solas Eco Garden Shop
Spirit of Laois Award – In Memory of Albert FitzGerald
- Gerry Browne
- Karen McHugh
- Mountmellick Neighbourhood Watch
- Portlaoise Family Resource Centre
Laois Business of the Year Award – Sponsored by Laois Chamber
- Ballykilcavan Farm and Brewery
- DS Sports
- Enva
- Midland Steel Reinforcement Supplies
- Solas Eco Garden Shop
- TekEir
The winners for each category will be announced at a black-tie event taking place on Friday, November 4, in The Heritage, Killenard.
The master of ceremonies for the awards will be Ronan Berry, presenter of the popular Taking Care of Business Show on Midlands 103.
Tickets are available from Laois Chamber and are priced at €95 each, including drinks reception, gala dinner, and entertainment late into the night, or €800 for a table of 10.
Please visit www.laoischamber.ie or e-mail caroline@laoischamber.ie to book your tickets.
SEE ALSO – In Pictures: Golf classic in aid of Laois cancer support charity raises more than €14,000
