Euroflex has won the Overall SFA National Small Business Award 2012. The Donegal-based company employs 40 people and manufactures innovative packaging solutions for leading brands such as Kilmeadan, Shaws and Denny’s. The company was established 15 years ago by MD Derek Richardson. They win a cash prize of €5,000 and lifetime free membership of the SFA.
The six category winners were:
- Manufacturing: Biotector Analytical Systems (Cork). They also won the inaugural Chairman’s Award of a €5,000 cash prize
- Food & Drink: The Bluehaven Food Company (Cork)
- Services: Kerry Coaches (Kerry)
- Outstanding Small Business (up to 5 employees): Big Mountain Productions (Louth)
- Innovator of the Year: Euroflex (Donegal)
- Environmental Sustainability: Ryan’s Cleaning Event Specialists (Tipperary)
The presentation of the award was made by Minister for Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation, Richard Bruton TD at the Awards Ceremony in Trinity College Dublin, yesterday evening. This is the eighth year of the SFA National Small Business Awards, which are organised by the Small Firms Association.
Guest of Honour, Minister Bruton commented: “This Government is committed to making Ireland the best small country in which to do business by 2016. These Awards are synonymous with the very highest levels of performance and achievement in Irish enterprise. The SFA National Small Business Awards 2012 enable us to reward and showcase Ireland’s entrepreneurial talent. I sincerely congratulate all of the 2012 finalists, and wish you every continued success for the future.”
Announcing the winner, Ian Martin, SFA Chairman and Chair of the Judging Panel said “In deciding on the winning vote, the judges were impressed by the innovation evident in this company, not only in the R&D carried out, but the innovation within their internal business systems – a truly cohesive package resulting in great success.”
The awards are sponsored by Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, Chartered Accountants Ireland, AIB, eircom and the Emerging New Business category is sponsored by the County and City Enterprise Boards.
Speaking at the event, Martin stated: “Collectively the companies here this evening employ over 700 people; more importantly they project that by the end of this year this figure will be almost 850 – this is just 39 companies creating almost 150 brand new jobs. I would urge the Minister to remember the critical importance of small business in employment creation and to do everything possible to ensure that the Government provides the right environment in which they can thrive”.