Wexford CEB client takes Runner Up in National Enterprise Awards

13 Nov 09

NATIONAL ENTERPRISE AWARD WINNER WELCOMED BY MINISTER KELLEHER
Shannon Exporter Wins County & City Enterprise Boards’ National Enterprise Award

The Minister for Trade and Commerce, Mr. Billy Kelleher T.D., welcomed the finalists at the annual National Enterprise Awards ceremony hosted by the County and City Enterprise Boards this evening (Tuesday, November 10th 2009). Congratulating the finalists, Minister Kelleher said: “This is a fantastic celebration of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship at a time when businesses in Ireland are under extreme pressure and, indeed, at a time when many people are anxious and uncertain about the current economic climate. This event allows us to acknowledge the energy of small enterprise in the Irish Economy and the energy and capabilities of Irish entrepreneurs. It gives us the opportunity to be optimistic and positive about our future. By working together hopefully we can bring about a change in fortunes”.

Organised by the County and City Enterprise Boards, the National Enterprise Awards reward and recognise outstanding micro-enterprises. Michael Tunney, Chair of the Network of County and City Enterprise Boards presented the overall award to Callan Technology Ltd from Co. Clare, who design, manufacture and export industrial motors for international manufacturing companies.

Set-up by Joe O’ Donovan and Paul O’ Beirne in 2001 and nominated by the Clare County Enterprise Board, Callan Technology manufacture a range of servo-motors, used in machinery in twenty six countries, across the US, Asia and Europe.

Dermot O’ Shea from Taoglas Ltd in Wexford, who provide radio frequency solutions for the wireless communications industry, took the runner-up award.

Dermot O'Shea from Taoglas with his winning trophies at the National Enterprise Awards

In the picture from left to right: Michael Tunney (Chairman of the CEB Network), Eddie Breen (Chairman of the Wexford CEB), Ciara O'Shea, Dermot O'Shea (Managing Director of Taoglas), Tom Banville, Acting CEO Wexford CEB)

The other finalists who were short-listed this year were Tony Broderick from Danelle Recycling in Carlow, Paul Clarke from Gilmore Clarke Electrical in Cavan, Denis Sheridan from D.S. Environmental Services Ltd in Donegal, Joy Moore from Oldtown Hill Bakehouse in Kilkenny, Barry Usher from Usher Aviation in Sligo and Ken McNevin and Stephen Nolan from Robotic and Drives Services in Westmeath.

Michael Tunney, Chair of the Network of County and City Enterprise Boards said that the finalists were judged on ‘Business Plan’, ‘Marketing Strength’, ‘Financial Strength’, ‘Use of Technology & Innovation’ as well as the ‘Entrepreneurial Skills of the Promoter’.  “The role of the small business sector is crucial in helping Ireland to follow the road for recovery.  The small businesses show-cased at this year’s National Enterprise Awards are clearly leading the way,” he added.

Event: National Enterprise Awards at Dublin Castle
Organised by the 35 County & City Enterprise Boards (www.enterpriseboards.ie)

WINNER Clare   Callan Technology Ltd specialise in the manufacture of brush DC servomotors.  This Shannon based company currently employs six staff.  Their products are used in a wide variety of industries including aerospace, tobacco packaging, machine tools, textile machinery, satellite, antennae control and radar control.  All of its products are exported with its main export markets being the USA, Germany, UK, France, Italy, China, Israel and Sweden. Promoters: Joe O’ Donovan &  Paul O’ Beirne  W:callantechnology.com

RUNNER-UP Wexford Taoglas Ltd is an antenna and RF solutions provider for wireless communications.  The company was founded in Taiwan in 2004 by two Irishmen, Dermot O Shea (now based in Enniscorthy) and Ronan Quinlan (based in Taiwan).  Their vision was to create a global Irish Electronics brand name with operations in Asia, a head office in Ireland and with global sales capabilities. Promoter: Dermot O’ Shea  W: taoglas.com

FINALISTS
Carlow  Danelle Recycling Ltd employs nine people in their plant in Quinagh and specialises in the recovery and processing of waste recyclable materials from commercial customers. They also recover other materials such as polystyrene from landfill, which they export for re-use.  The company aims to double its business each year for the next five years. Promoter: Tony Broderick W:  danellerecycling.ie  

Cavan  Gilmore Clarke Electrical Ltd, founded in 1998 and based in Cootehill, is a process control and automation engineering company.  Currently employing nine staff, it provides a range of services from control panel design and development to manufacture and maintenance in a number of key market sectors including utilities, renewable energies, construction and engineering.   Promoter: Paul Clarke W:  gilmoreclarke.com

Donegal  D.S. Environmental Services Ltd in Kilmacrenan was established in 1998 and currently employs ten people. They supply traditional environmental services such as septic tank emptying, gully emptying and general power washing together with specialist services. Last year, the company invested close to €1m in new plant and equipment. Promoter: Denis Sheridan  W: dsenvironmental.net
Kilkenny  Oldtown Hill Bakehouse Ltd began production of their award-winning home baked breads, scones and tarts in 1999, using locally grown wheat and milk produced on their own dairy farm. Following extensive research, they opened a new state of the art bakery plant in 2005 and now employ ten staff.  They currently supply supermarkets along the east coast of Ireland, from Waterford to North County Dublin and plan to invest in doughnut production for some major retailers. Promoter: Joy Moore   

Sligo Usher Aviation Ireland Ltd is a light aircraft maintenance and aviation consultancy business, which was set up in 2007. The company currently employs eight staff and its aim is to expand and develop to provide a full range of maintenance and consultancy services to the General Aviation community, keeping airworthiness, safety and customer satisfaction as top priorities. Promoter:  Barry Usher     W: uai.ie

Westmeath Robotic and Drives Services Ltd, which was established in 2005, provides original robotic equipment, re-engineered equipment, robotic engineering services and other ancillary services to a range of indigenous and multinational clients.  The company has recently moved into a modern 5,500 sq ft premises in Mullingar. Promoter: Ken McNevin & Stephen Nolan W: rdservices.ie

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