Donegal’s Local Enterprise Office (LEO) has announced the finalists for the Donegal Business Awards.
Now in their 20th year, the Donegal Business Awards are firmly established as one of Donegal’s most prestigious business accolades, recognising and honouring innovation and entrepreneurial flair within the county.
The ten finalists are shortlisted across three categories: ‘Best Start-Up Business’ (18 months or less), ‘Best New Business Idea’, and ‘Best Established Business’ (over 18 months).
Shortlisted for Best New Business Idea are John Bradley and John McNamara, of Get Brain Fit, an empowering online brain training service which gives the brain a daily workout via quality content and stimulation. Also in this category is Vincent Farrelly, Health Union Technologies Ltd, who has been shortlisted for his product, VerDx, a cloud based portable device that monitors a person’s current status and future health risks.
Catriona McGinley of Orwell & Browne is one of five finalists shortlisted for Best Start Up Business. Catriona impressed judges with her Irish heritage brand, which manufactures and supplies luxurious handmade Donegal Tweed products. Also in this category is Peter Blake, a former construction worker, who established Peadar Jim’s Property Maintenance after he obliged a neighbour by doing some outside cleaning and grass cutting. The third finalist is Aisling Cunningham of Powder ‘n’ Pout Cosmetics, who identified a gap in the market for high-end make-up brushes.
Richard and Olivia Finney made the shortlist for their business, The Counter, which began as a wine shop franchise, until they diversified into an independent wine and artisan food shop, with the addition of a coffee shop and food offering last year. Finally, Catherine and Bernard Devlin of Wild Atlantic Way Adventures were selected for their new business, which developed from Tullagh Bay Equestrian Centre. This has recently been developed into a comprehensive adventure centre offering adventure, activity, heritage packages combined with on-site accommodation.
Meanwhile, there are three finalists in the running for Best Established Business. Charlene Patton founded Charlene Patton Auctioneers in 2008 and offers a wide range of auctioneering services. She also has the distinction of being the only female auctioneer in Donegal. Other finalists in this category include Clement and Tania McGroarty of Digitel, a business offering smart home solutions for security, heating and light, home cinema and parental control. Mark Patton of Joe Bonnar Metal Crafts Ltd. is also a finalist. Established in 1993, the business is one of the country’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of bespoke decorative craft metal work in a variety of metals for interior and exterior use.
As part of Donegal Business Week, all finalists will attend a boot camp with serial entrepreneur, Padraig O’Ceidigh, the Connemara man synonymous with Aer Arann.
Following this, the winners will be announced at a business lunch today in The Villa Rose Hotel in Ballybofey. The winners in each category will receive a prize of €1,500, while the overall winner of ‘Donegal Business of the Year’ will receive a prize of €2,500. On the day, one of the finalists will also be named as the chosen business to represent Donegal at the National Enterprise Awards’ Final.