News
National Enterprise Awards presented by Smith
The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Cavan/Monaghan T.D., Mr. Brendan Smith has presented prizes to the Cavan finalists in the National Enterprise Awards, which took place at the Cavan Crystal Hotel.
Now in its 12th year, the National Enterprise Awards are run by the County and City Enterprise Boards and are the largest enterprise competition of its kind in the country.
Highlighting the importance of the awards in the development of business opportunity and enterprise in County Cavan, Minister Smith pointed to the rapid progression and growth of past winners, many of whom have gone on to achieve great success in the National Finals of the competition.
The achievements of enterprises such as Shalvey Poultry Ltd of Cootehill; Airpacks Ltd of Kilnaleck; Sheelin Meats; the Obelisk Group; Crannagh and Company Trade and Business Services of Belturbet and Ballytherm Ltd, are according to the Minister “a clear illustration that Cavan is well endowed with the highest calibre entrepreneurs and Irish owned companies that are successful and innovative players in the highly competitive global marketplace”.
Minister Smith also pointed out when it comes to a willingness to take a risk and to invest in business; County Cavan has outperformed most other areas of the country. “We have some shining examples of people whose enterprises are top players on the international stage - for instance, Sean Quinn and the Quinn Group and the Murtagh family with Kingspan. Cavan is long renowned for its achievements in the building and building materials sectors, and also in the engineering and added-value food production sectors”.
Congratulating Cavan County Enterprise Board CEO, Mr. Vincent Reynolds and his staff, the Minister outlined the organisation’s pivotal role in promoting the overall economic development of the county. “Since its establishment, the Cavan Board has invested nearly €6 million in over 500 enterprises, contributing to employment of over 1,000 people in County Cavan today.
In the current year 2009, the Board has approved aid for 29 different enterprise projects, facilitated 32 business training courses and seminars, for a total of for over 400 participants across Cavan, and has been extensively involved with its counterparts across the Border”.
As we face unprecedented economic challenges, with particular implications for business and jobs, the role of Cavan County Enterprise Board is especially important”, the Minister said.
Minister Smith concluded by congratulating the finalists, Galeltech Energy Developments Ltd, Cootehill; Gilmore Clarke Electrical Ltd, Cootehill and Colwell Brothers, Virginia and said that he looked forward to them expanding their businesses and carrying on the great tradition of enterprise and innovation which is so evident in County Cavan.
