Kildare Business Awards 2023 by countykildarechamber

CORPORATE PARTNERS 2024

Welcome to the Annual Kildare Business Awards 2024

Powered by

The Kildare Business Awards 2024 are county wide awards which recognise the entrepreneurship, innovation, diversity and talent of the businesses across all sectors of industry in Kildare. The awards honour business leaders through the acknowledgement of innovative processes, product development, enterprise, sustainability and overall business success.

A record number of applications were received this year, with finalists decided by six judges divided into two rounds, following careful deliberation of all applications.

Congratulations to all of the finalists tonight, it is a huge achievement to be shortlisted in what was a record year for nominations. I hope all of our members and their guests have an enjoyable evening, as we celebrate the best in business in Kildare. I would also like to thank our judges for the voluntary time they gave up to judge the awards and also thank you to our title sponsor EirGrid for your continued support of business in Kildare

- Mairéad Hennessy, President of County Kildare Chamber

County Kildare Chamber represents 400 businesses, together employing 52,000 people throughout Kildare and the Mid-East region. Our vision is to be a world-leading Chamber delivering on a progressive economic, social and sustainable agenda at the heart of a vibrant business community. Tonight, we celebrate the best of business in 2024. We will acknowledge and honour the business success of our category winners, our overall business of year and we will salute an individual who will be the recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Business for 2024. Thank you to our title sponsor EirGrid, to all of our category sponsors and also to our Chamber team- Jennifer, Ankit and David for their hard work and dedication right throughout the year

- Sinéad Ronan, CEO County Kildare Chamber

EirGrid is proud to once again be supporting the Kildare Chamber Business Awards in 2024. All throughout our work on the Kildare-Meath Grid Upgrade, we have seen up close the innovation and ambition of local businesses in this region, as well as the support they receive from the Kildare Chamber.

It is great to be able play a part in supporting these efforts, and we hope that by strengthening the local electricity infrastructure, EirGrid can provide a platform for ongoing and sustainable growth across Kildare’s industry and community alike.

Congratulations and best of luck to all upcoming nominees

- Martin Corrigan Interim Chief Executive, EirGrid Group

Employee of the Year

Maire Griffith, a Senior Recruiter at Clark Recruitment, has been an invaluable asset to our team for the past five years. Her dedication, professionalism, and work ethic have made her an integral part of our business. Maire consistently goes above and beyond for both candidates and clients, ensuring that their needs are met with care and precision. Her ability to foster strong relationships with key stakeholders is a testament to her excellent networking skills, particularly through her consistent attendance at Chamber of Commerce meetings, where she represents Clark with enthusiasm and

Maire is known for her diligence and reliability. She not only completes every task assigned to her but does so with a level of excellence that consistently exceeds expectations. Her attention to detail and unwavering commitment to quality make her a trusted and highly respected member of our team. In addition, she has a natural ability to mentor and support others within the organisation, helping to

As Head of Nursing at Barretstown, Siobhán is committed to evidence-based practices that promote and streamline a child centred approach. Her focus is on delivering transformative care that not only addresses the medical needs of the children but also supports their psychosocial well-being. Her work helps children regain strength and confidence, building long-term resilience and changing their lives. Supported by a skilled medical team and volunteers, she provides essential, comprehensive care. Siobhán believes Barretstown should be a key part of every treatment plan for eligible children, given

Siobhán’s comprehensive experience, spanning both hospital and camp settings, allows her to confidently respond and escalate care without hesitation if a camper becomes seriously unwell. Her 360-degree knowledge ensures swift and effective action, prioritising the safety and well-being of

Stephen joined ITM Tech in 2018 as a new graduate, eager to prove himself in the tech industry. His transformation over this time in the past six years was not solely professional; it was deeply personal. By overcoming obstacles, gaining a newfound resilience and determination, becoming more confident in his abilities and developed a stronger sense of purpose. This personal growth has translated into a more positive, productive work ethic and dedicated team member, capable of handling complex tasks and contributing meaningfully to the team’s success.

Stephen’s journey from a struggling graduate to a confident and capable professional is a testament

Excellence in Communications

Glenveagh

Osborne

Glenveagh Properties plc, listed on Euronext Dublin and the London Stock Exchange, is a leading Irish homebuilder headquartered in Maynooth, Co. Kildare. This year, Glenveagh is set to deliver more homes than any other company in Ireland, focusing on suburban housing, urban apartments, and partnerships with local authorities and state agencies. The company prides itself on providing sustainable, high-quality, low-carbon homes using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). Supported by innovation and supply chain integration, Glenveagh is committed to providing sustainable high-quality homes to as many people as possible in flourishing communities across Ireland. We provide homes for our private customers, institutional investors, and the State in three core markets – suburban housing, urban apartments, and partnerships with local authorities and the government.

Osborne is a Leading, International, Irish Owned, multi–Award-Winning Recruitment Consultancy with a reputation for Recruitment Excellence and Professional Services. Our expert team is driven by a culture of High Performance, Commitment and Quality, where we live and breathe our strong values of Excellence, Integrity, Collaboration, Care and Growth. Together, as One Team, we change people’s lives.

Offering temporary, contract, permanent recruitment and talent solutions we partner with clients across a broad range of sectors from start-ups, SME’s, Irish indigenous firms, Government bodies to MNC’s, recruiting across multiple specialisms and business sectors in the region including equine, production and manufacturing and supply chain and logistics.

Punchestown Racecourse & Event Venue

Punchestown Racecourse has become synonymous with Co. Kildare and is widely regarded as Ireland’s premier racecourse, boasting a rich tradition and a colourful history dating back to when it was first established in the 1850’s. Punchestown has developed into one of Ireland’s finest sporting facilities which is renowned both nationally and internationally as the Home of Irish Jump Racing.

Currently staging twenty fixtures annually, the five-day Punchestown Festival takes centre stage at the end of April each year. As one of Ireland’s iconic social and sporting highlights it provides significant cultural, sporting and economic impact to Co. Kildare.

Delivering critical infrastructure for Kildare

As operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid, upgrading the national grid is a vital part of our role. This work ensures society can prosper and businesses can grow.

We’re leading the transition to a cleaner, low carbon future. A future where Ireland’s world class potential in renewable energy is realised – supporting our economy and our energy security.

To enable this, the delivery of projects like the Kildare-Meath Grid Upgrade is vital.

This project will help to support more businesses and communities in the region, support our climate objectives and help the transition to a resilient, low carbon future.

Together, we must deliver this critical electricity infrastructure that Ireland needs to bring about this energy transformation.

For more, visit: EirGrid.ie/KildareMeath

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

Best Emerging Business

International Trade

Crystal Air

Crystal Air Holdings is a leading group specialising in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) solutions across multiple sectors. It owns various subsidiaries, including Crystal Air Ltd, which focuses on HVAC installation, service, and maintenance, and Crystal Air PCM Ltd, which provides renewable heating solutions and thermal storage.

The group also operates internationally through Crystal Air GmbH (Germany), Crystal Air Netherlands BV, Crystal Air SPRL (Belgium), and Crystal Air Sweden AB, focusing on HVAC solutions for data centres. Crystal Air serves a diverse range of clients, from domestic homeowners to large-scale hyperscale data canters, delivering turnkey lifecycle services for cooling and heating.

Irish Dog Foods

Irish Dog Foods (IDF) are a part of the Queally Group, Ireland’s largest privately owned agrifood business. IDF have been located in Kildare for the last 20 years and employ directly 320 personnel.

The business began producing natural pet treats such as Pigs Ears but has developed a large range of dog treats from sausages, to chicken fillets and functional treats such as treats with inclusions to help dogs with mobility, all the way to vegan treats for dogs. IDF produce private label and branded treats for many of the top names in pet food and all the major retail chains both in Europe and North America.

Vantec

Ventac are the turn-key acoustic consultancy and solution experts, dedicated to providing the best in innovative noise control. The company, with 52 employees globally, has been in business since 1972 and offer the best in design and manufacturing to the international commercial vehicle and industrial sectors.

Ventac support customers in addressing the key industry issues including compliance, workplace, and environmental demands and the company’s solutions are validated by their experienced acoustic team and technical capabilities. Ventac provides a unique service based on collaboration with their customers from a project’s inception to installation. Ventac is home to Ireland’s only, and one of Europe’s leading Acoustics Laboratory, upholding Ventac’s position as an industry leader in acoustic and thermal solutions.

Killashee Hotel would like to welcome

Kildare Business Awards

Friday 15th November 2024

*Vegetarian option available upon request

Killashee Tasting Plate Starter

Smoked Salmon & Crabmeat Roulade, Sesame Crust, Avocado Puree, Apple & Dill Dressing

Mini Chicken & Wild Mushroom Tart, Pesto Dressing

Whipped Goats Cheese, Hazelnuts, Beetroot Coulis, Micro Cress

(1)(3W)(4)(6)(7)(8)(10)(11)(14)

Slow Roasted Irish Beef Fillet Medallions, Roast Shallot & Celeriac Puree, Scallion Mash & Red Wine Jus (5)(10)

Seared Fillet of Sea Bass, Mash Potato, Carrot & Ginger Puree, Micro Herbs, Salsa Verdi (4)(10)(14)

Served with a Selection of Vegetables & Potatoes (10)

Killashee Assiette of Miniature of Dessert

Please see your server for allergens

Freshly Brewed Tea & Coffee & Petit Fours (1)(10)

1) Eggs 2) Molluscs 3) Gluten 4) Sulphur Dioxide 5) Celery 6) Sesame Seeds 7) Mustard 8) Crustaceans 9) Lupin 10) Milk 11) Nuts 12) Soybeans 13) Peanut 14) Fish V) Vegetarian Option C) Coeliac Option W) Wheat

Barretstown

Clark Recruitment Ltd

Best Performing Small – Medium Business of the Year

Barretstown is Ireland’s largest provider of medically endorsed therapeutic camps and programmes for children affected by cancer and other serious illnesses. Founded in 1994 by the late actor and philanthropist Paul Newman, Barretstown has to date, served over 125,000 children and their families affected by cancer and other serious illnesses through its onsite Residential Programmes and Outreach Programmes in hospitals and schools throughout Ireland. By the end of the decade, it is expected this figure will be over 250,000. Earlier this year Barretstown marked its 30th anniversary with the launch of an independent report estimating the social value of its services at over €1.9 billion. All services provided to children and families are entirely free of charge, with 2% of the overall budget provided by HSE funding and the remainder raised through fundraising, corporate partnerships and philanthropy. The charity operates an annual budget of over €9 million per annum.

Clark is a professional powerhouse servicing recruitment, coaching, and outsourced solutions, being the go to trusted partner to a diverse range of Kildare-based organisations for over 25 years. As a multi-award-winning team of industry leaders, we bring a wealth of experience and a global mindset to every project. Our Recruitment and Selection service is a major player across various sectors, connecting job seekers with outstanding opportunities and employers with top-tier talent. Thanks to our extensive network and cutting-edge technology, we don’t just fill positions; we build careers and bolster teams with skilled, experienced, and qualified candidates who drive success.

Beyond recruitment, our tailored coaching services are transforming leadership and team performance at every level. We deliver personalised coaching and dynamic workshops that empower professionals to elevate their skills, lead with confidence, and drive results. We’re not just coaching individuals; we’re shaping the future of business leadership. At Clark, we’re not just another service provider—we’re a strategic trusted partner with the reach, expertise, and innovative spirit to make a significant impact.

Home Comfort Retrofits Limited

Home Comfort Retrofits is an SEAI registered one stop shop which provide full retrofit solutions as well as individual home energy upgrade measures. At Home Comfort Retrofits, we are dedicated to enhancing the comfort, energy efficiency, and sustainability of residential properties. Our company specialises in retrofitting homes with advanced heating, insulation, and renewable energy solutions that not only improve comfort but also reduce energy consumption and carbon footprints.

With a focus on customer satisfaction, we work closely with homeowners to assess their needs and provide tailored solutions that align with modern environmental standards. By integrating cuttingedge technology and eco-friendly practices, we aim to create homes that are both comfortable and future ready. Our team of experienced professionals is committed to delivering high-quality service and long-lasting results.

Best Performing Large Business of the Year

Glenveagh

Glenveagh Properties plc, listed on Euronext Dublin and the London Stock Exchange, is a leading Irish homebuilder headquartered in Maynooth, Co. Kildare. Supported by innovation and supply chain integration, Glenveagh is committed to providing sustainable high-quality homes to as many people as possible in flourishing communities across Ireland.

We provide homes for our private customers, institutional investors, and the State in three core markets – suburban housing, urban apartments, and partnerships with local authorities and the government. Each market benefits from our scaled manufacturing capability, our established sales and delivery platform and our industry-leading central resources.

Lifeline Ambulance Service

At Lifeline Ambulance Service we provide transport for hospital inpatients travelling from hospital to hospital for routine, scheduled and emergency tests and procedures. We have been treating and transporting an ever-increasing number of patients every year since 1998. Now twenty-five years later we are Irelands largest private ambulance service and second largest ambulance service in the State and number one provider to the HSE.

We transported just over 20,000 patients in the past twelve months and travelled over 3.5 million Kilometres (KM). We operate from seven locations throughout the country and manage an average of 38 ambulances five days a week and 13 each day at weekends. In addition, we are the exclusive provider of and coordinator of transport of the organ transplant program.

MGS Mfg Group Ltd

MGS - providing excellence through integration of tooling, molding and automation technology. This is us in a nutshell but under the bonnet of that is so much more. An organisation built of 1 that grew to many, that started as a small tool shop and grew to compete with some of the world’s largest medtech and medical device manufacturers.

We’ve built on our success to service multiple markets & locations - healthcare (our primary driver), automotive, consumer and electronics with sites in Northern and Southern US, Ireland, Brussels, Germany, Sweden and Denmark. MGS supplies vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities to our client market by designing, building and integrating sophisticated tools and automation technologies into manufacturing environments that deliver complex, high quality, high precision parts to our customers.

Innovation in Business

Follow Fox Events

Lifeline Ambulance Service

Established in 2014, Follow Fox Events are renowned for designing, producing and delivering some of Ireland’s most imaginative and immersive festivals, with a trusted reputation for storytelling and memory making. Our goal is to impress and entertain. We are committed to showcasing world-class excellence in our events. Our engaged audience base & communities see our aspirational experiences as part of their annual family traditions.

With just two full-time employees in 2014, we now employ 11 full time staff, who oversee up to 700 local seasonal workers and contractors each and every Summer and Winter festival period. We prioritise recruiting our event teams from the local communities that host our great events. We take great pride that many of these have developed careers with us or used the experience gained as a stepping stone to future employment opportunities.

We transported just over 20,000 patients in the past twelve months and travelled over 3.5 million Kilometers (KM). We operate from seven locations throughout the country and manage an average of 38 ambulances five days a week and 13 each day at weekends. In addition, we are the exclusive provider of and coordinator of transport of the organ transplant program.

MSM Renewables Limited

MSM Renewables is a dynamic and forward-thinking company specialising in essential home maintenance and energy-efficient heating solutions. Founded with the goal of providing families with reliable, high-quality services, we offer expert repairs and installations for a wide range of issues, including leaking radiators, faulty showers, malfunctioning kitchens and taps, toilets that won’t flush, and problems with heating systems like heat pumps.

MSM Renewables specialise in servicing all renewable installations in homes as well as ventilation. Our commitment to excellence and sustainability ensures that our customers can enjoy uninterrupted comfort and efficiency in their homes. As a growing company, we are dedicated to innovation and providing top-tier service to the community.

Excellence in the Community

Barberstown Castle Hotel

Barberstown Castle Hotel, often referred to as the “hidden gem” of Ireland’s Ancient East, is a historic 13th-century castle and four-star country house hotel and castle nestled in the picturesque village of Straffan, Co. Kildare. Originally opened as a guesthouse in 1971, it was one of the first grand Irish country houses to welcome the public, showcasing its rich heritage. The castle has preserved its charm across eight centuries, blending Victorian and Elizabethan extensions with the original Medieval Castle Keep, dating back to 1288.

Proudly part of Ireland’s Blue Book and the Historic Hotels of Europe, Barberstown Castle Hotel continues to offer a warm Irish welcome to all guests. Barberstown Castle has been a focal point on the Kildare landscape for almost 700 years now.

Maynooth University

Maynooth University is an internationally recognised institution of more than 16,000 students and more than 1,200 staff, proudly located in County Kildare, Ireland. One of four constituent universities of the National University of Ireland, Maynooth University is in the top 90 global Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2024.

Its recently launched Strategic Plan 2023-28 includes a firm focus on Engagement in our community and region, and is creating a new Climate Futures Institute to support research and engagement in this challenge that must be addressed at both global and local level.

T&I Fitouts Ltd

Established in 2010 to be a force for change within the Fit Out Industry, T&I is now one of the leading contractors in Ireland in this specialist field. Working with clients such as, Facebook, Google, Pinterest, OPW, HSE, UCD, Takeda, The Westbury Hotel and K2 Data Centres, it is at the forefront of all sectors of fit out, commercial office, retail, hospitality, public sector, healthcare, pharma and data centres.

T&I prides itself on its quality and reputation while delivering in a sustainable and diverse culture, winning 38 Awards for its work in the last 12 years, not only for quality but also sustainability, CSR, health & safety, digital technology and innovation. This personifies our company as a sum of its parts striving for excellence across every element of its delivery and culture.

Excellence in Customer Service

Curragh Ltd

The Curragh racecourse is Ireland’s most iconic racecourse, globally recognised as a centre of excellence, and home to the country’s five most important flat races, known as the Classics. Racing takes place on 24 days each year from the mid-March until early November with over 150,000 visitors enjoying racing, music, family fun entertainment and premium hospitality throughout the season.

Regardless of whether a racegoer is here to enjoy a day of unparalleled luxury with one of our premium hospitality packages or a family intent on making memories at one of our great family days out, as a team, our aim is to provide an enjoyable and unforgettable experience to all racegoers, leaving visitors with a very positive impression of the Curragh and intent on returning.

FACE Credit Consultacy

FACE Credit deserves the Excellence in Customer Service award for our people-first approach, ethical practices, and commitment to transparency. We provide tailored client solutions by integrating into their systems, ensuring real-time information and trust. Our proactive communication and weekly pipeline reports help clients anticipate their financial position. Our team culture, rooted in precision and accountability, strengthens client relationships.

With our FACE Training Academy, we educate clients and expand globally, offering industry insights. FACE Credit prioritises long-term partnerships and ethical service, making us a trusted partner invested in client success.

Killashee Hotel

The four star Killashee Hotel is located just outside Naas town, in County Kildare. The hotel provides a sanctuary for the business, couple and family travellers alike, boasting 141 luxurious bedrooms, 2 restaurants, 15 meeting rooms, 3 conference and event rooms, a ballroom, 2 weddings venues, an extensive Leisure Club with a 25-metre swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi and a spa with 15 treatment rooms and our newest addition the Wild Cherry Café. Killashee is part of FBD Hotels & Resorts, and the group has invested over €4 million into refurbishing the hotel since April 2022.

The hotel is proud to announce we were awarded the Certificate for Excellence in Service and Great Irish Breakfast 2024 by Irish Hotel Awards 2024. Our empowered and passionate team are the core of our exceptional customer service. We believe our dedication to innovation, adaptability, and genuine care for our customers ensure our future as a leading hotel within Kildare and Ireland.

Net Zero Achievement

Gannon Office Solutions

Founded in 1981 by Barry and Patricia Gannon as a small stationery shop on Main Street Lucan, Gannon Office Solutions has grown into a thriving second-generation family business. Over the past four decades, we have built a reputation for delivering high-quality, customer-focused solutions across a wide range of office needs.

Today, Gannon Office Solutions offers a comprehensive suite of services, designed to meet the unique requirements of our diverse client base. Whether it’s creating and installing a new workspace or supplying everyday essentials, our team is dedicated to ensuring every customer receives tailored solutions.

Irish Dog Foods

Irish Dog Foods (IDF) are a part of the Queally Group, Ireland’s largest privately owned agri-food business. IDF have been located in Kildare for the last 20 years and employ directly 320 personnel.

Maynooth University

The RENEW Project at Maynooth University is dedicated to advancing the transition to a sustainable, climate-neutral energy system. Our mission is to empower individuals, SMEs, and communities to actively participate in the green transition through innovative technology and comprehensive stakeholder engagement.

Our flagship product, PowerPAL, is an AI-powered Internet of Things (IoT) Home Energy Management System (HEMS) that promotes energy efficiency and sustainability without the need for physical installations. Leveraging low-cost IoT devices and advanced machine learning algorithms, PowerPAL provides real-time energy optimisation and actionable insights to reduce costs and emissions.

Sustainable Development

Barretstown

Intel Ireland

By the end of the decade, it is expected this figure will be over 250,000 campers served. The services provided by Barretstown align to the objectives of the National Cancer Strategy to provide for the unmet psychosocial needs of children impacted by cancer and other serious illnesses. Barretstown’s camps and programmes help children and teens rebuild confidence, independence and self-esteem and enhance emotional wellbeing, while also supporting the wider family (parents, guardians and siblings).

The Intel Leixlip campus has seen the largest private investment in the history of the Irish state, €30 billion, which has enabled it to become one of only a handful of locations on the planet to manufacture leading-edge products for Intel. The Irish operations have consistently played a central role within Intel’s global manufacturing network. Intel Ireland has led numerous process technology startups since the early 1990’s and was the location of the first 300mm wafer fab outside the US. Today, the Leixlip campus continues to be home to large-scale wafer manufacturing facilities, namely Fab 24 and the recently opened Fab 34.

Fab 24 is a key location for production of Intel’s 14nm silicon microprocessors, whilst also preparing to support Intel’s foundry customers. Fab 34, which represents an investment of over €17 billion, is comprised of new 2 fab modules, the first of which was officially opened in 2023. Fab 34 enables the production of Intel 4 and Intel 3, the company’s most advanced process technologies and the first process nodes to incorporate EUV lithography.

Killashee Hotel

Health and Wellbeing

Barretstown

Glenveagh

Malone & Co. Accountants

Malone & Co. Accountants is a leading financial services firm based in West Dublin. With a commitment to excellence and a proven track record of delivering comprehensive financial solutions, we serve as trusted partners to entrepreneurs, business owners, and international companies seeking to establish a strong financial presence in Ireland.

Business of the Year 2024

Outstanding Contribution to Business Award 2024

The Business of the Year will be a category award winner and has been selected by our independent judges. The judges select a company that have excelled in business in 2023. They look at areas that include but are not limited to growth, innovation, sustainable programmes initiated and community activity. This coveted award is one of the highlights of the evening.

CORPORATE PARTNERS 2024

County Kildare Chamber

Sallins Road, Naas Town Centre, Naas, Co. Kildare, W91 KV4H

Tel: (+ 353) 045 894074

Email: info@countykildarechamber.ie