Mayo Company Takes Top Prize At Enterprise Awards
Date: 06-06-2023
Advanced Cosmetics Manufacturing Ltd have won the overall title at this year’s National Enterprise Awards. The awards, which took place at the Round Room in the Mansion House in Dublin, were in their 23rd year and are run annually by the Local Enterprise Offices.
Advanced Cosmetics Manufacturing Ltd is based in Ballina and is supported Local Enterprise Office Mayo. The “concept to shelf” manufacturing company was set up by cosmetic chemist Noreen Hackett in 2018, before launching to market in 2022. The business has achieved significant success, securing contracts with some of the biggest brand names in the cosmetics industry.
John Magee, LEO Mayo and Chair of the Network of Local Enterprise Offices, said; “This is an incredible achievement for Noreen. Winning the overall title at the National Enterprise Awards demonstrates Noreen’s innovation, resilience and excellence. The Awards bring together 31 amazing businesses from all over the country and the standard was phenomenal. We are delighted for her, and proud to have supported the development of her business. LEOs are at the coal face in working with small businesses and I think they see the value we bring, not just in financial supports, but the wealth of knowledge and experience. We look forward to continuing to work with Noreen and her team and to her continued success”.
Announcing the award winners at the Mansion House, Minister Coveney said; “The National Enterprise Awards are the highlight of the small business and enterprise calendar. Year on year the diversity of businesses and the standard of companies that are coming through the process is getting stronger. We should not be surprised given the innovation and endurance that businesses have shown in the past couple years. We have some outstanding winners but the finalists on the whole have been excellent, and this is very much the start of their journey. We will ensure they continue to get the support they need to grow their businesses as small businesses in Ireland are at the core of every town, village and community and are vital to our economy.”
Several other companies won across a range of categories at the Awards, which were established by the Local Enterprise Offices to celebrate the impact and quality of small businesses across the country.
Innovation Award
The winner of the Innovation Award was the Wicklow Hops Company supported by Local Enterprise Office Wicklow, who use next generation technology in yeast fermentation and the growing of bacteria.
Best Export Award
The winner of the Best Export Award was Wild Irish Seaweed supported by Local Enterprise Office Clare, who are one of the only handpicked wild seaweed companies in Europe and export their premium product across the globe.
Best Start Up Award
The winner of the Best Start-Up Award was IMVIZAR supported by Local Enterprise Office Dun-Laoghaire-Rathdown, who create walkable storytelling experiences by using augmented reality for tourist attractions, universities and entertainers.
Green / Sustainability Award
The winner of the Green/Sustainability Award was Cream of the Crop supported by Local Enterprise Office Fingal, who are a zero-waste company that create treats from surplus produce to help fight food waste.
One To Watch Award
The winner of the One to Watch Award was Watt Footprint supported by Local Enterprise Office Westmeath, who are an energy management company who achieved significant energy savings for their clients.
This year’s winners share a €50,000 investment fund and eight regional winners were also announced on the night.
Those winners are:
- High Resolution Lighting in the Dublin Region (backed by LEO South Dublin)
- Cotter Agritech in the South-West Region (backed by LEO Limerick)
- Glass Innovations in the Mid-East Region (backed by LEO Offaly)
- Hyde Irish Whiskey in the South Region (backed by LEO South Cork)
- Sully and Juno in the South-East Region (backed by LEO Wexford)
- Silver Strand Rope Works in the North-West Region (backed by LEO Donegal)
- Nualach Automation in the North-East Region (backed by LEO Cavan)
- Lark Bridal in the West Region (backed by LEO Roscommon)