The Enterprising Donegal Business Awards 2007 were the highlight of this year's Enterprising Donegal Business Week. The Awards aim to showcase the very best of small businesses in Donegal and to recognise and reward their outstanding achievements. The Business Awards were presented on Friday, 9th March 2007 at Harvey's Point Country Hotel in Lough Eske, Donegal Town.
We are honoured to announce the winners of the Enterprising Donegal Business Awards 2007:
Overall Winner - Multicrete Precast Concrete Limited, The Bower, Killygordon
Contact: Pat Lafferty Tel: 074 9149103 Email: multicrete@eircom.net
Multicrete Precast Concrete Ltd. was established in 1994 by Pat and Joan Lafferty after Pat had served his time in a variety of construction and distribution jobs. The business designs and manufactures a complete range of concrete products such as lintels and sills for the construction industry. New product development is an essential element of the business and focuses on international research and continuous liaison with customers to assess and fulfil their needs. Multicrete Precast Products Ltd. has reversed the trend of importing concrete products from Northern Ireland, to where the company now exports a considerable amount of its production. The company employs 15 people.
Judges' Citation: For a business that has a proven ability in using product and process development, and customer relationship management to improve its competitiveness and profitability...
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Innovation Award - Enviro Grind Limited, Donegal Road, Pettigo
Contact: Martin Eves Tel: 071 9861772 Email: info@envirogrindltd.com
On his return to Ireland from the U.S. in 1997, Martin Eves established Enviro Grind Ltd. having seen an opening in the market for the supply of bark mulch. He later established a mobile shredding business processing, among other materials, waste board for the board mill industry. Enviro Grind Ltd. then established a wood & green waste recycling facility in Pettigo. The business portfolio includes a full range of services from organic waste collection and in-vessel composting to processing of wood & gypsum waste as well as an international consultancy service. Enviro Grind Ltd. employs 12 people.
Judges' Citation: For their commitment to continuous innovation which has enabled them develop new products and processes...
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Export Award - Fluid Controls Ireland Limited, Roshine Road, Killybegs
Contact: Bert Leslie Tel: 074 9731542 Email: sales@seaquest.ie
Having gained experience in various engineering jobs in the UK and at sea, Bert Leslie returned home and started Fluid Controls Ireland Ltd. in 1986. The business started out as a hydraulic repair service to the local fishing fleet but soon began designing, patenting and manufacturing deck equipment for large fishing vessels and factory ships. The company is now selling, under its Seaquest brand, specialised winch drive units, fish pumps, net haulers, hose couplings and marine cranes into the US, South America, Japan, Russia, Australia as well as to the European fish fleets. Fluid Controls Ireland Ltd employs 20 people.
Judges' Citation: For their world class design capability combined with their expertise in marketing that has enabled them win customers on five continents…
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Emerging Business Award - Northwest Timberframe Limited, Donegal Road, Ballybofey
Contact: Darren Foy Tel: 074 9190052 Email: nwtimberframe@eircom.net
Northwest Timberframe Ltd. manufactures and supplies timberframe structures for the private housing market and developers, mainly in the Northwest. Darren Foy, who served his time as a joiner, established the business in January 2005. During 2006 the company relocated into larger premises and is planning to build a new custom built manufacturing plant to accommodate the growing demand for their products. In February 2006 they achieved the National Standards Authority of Ireland approval by gaining membership of the prestigious Timber Frame Manufacturers Registered List. Northwest Timberframe Ltd. employs 12 people.
Judges' Citation: For their unflinching belief in their business idea and their commitment to customer satisfaction at all stages of the process…
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Business Growth Award - Sharp Design Limited, Unit C1 Enterprise Fund Business Centre, Ballyraine, Letterkenny
Contact: Grace Ann or Hugh Downey Tel: 074 9125644 Email: info@sharpdesign.ie
Having studied design in Kilkenny and Letterkenny, Hugh Downey founded his own graphic design agency in 1990. Recent heavy investment on in-house cutting edge technology has enabled the business to expand its product range to include exhibition displays and a complete in-house printing service. It also allows the business have complete control of its processes from concept through design to the delivery of the finished product its customer base that includes many of the large public and private sector bodies throughout Ireland. Sharp Design Ltd. employs 8 people.
Judges' Citation: For their focus on quality of design, their ability to meet their customers’ needs and their stringent management reporting…
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Business Achievement Award - McMonagle Fireplaces, Mountcharles
Contact: Cathal McMonagle Tel: 074 9735085 Email: mcmonaglefireplaces@eircom.net