Aqualicense lands top National Enterprise Award

/ 2nd June 2022 /

Wicklow company Aqualicense, have won the top prize at the National Enterprise Awards, where winners across five categories shared in a €50,000 investment fund.

Aqualicense were founded with the help of Local Enterprise Office Wicklow, and engages in consultation, planning, legal compliance and project delivery on behalf of companies in the aquaculture and offshore renewable energy industries.

CEO Kate Dempsey was previously a national finalist in Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur in 2019 with her business the Irish Mussel Seed Company, which she continues to run from her Wicklow base.

Aqualicense expanded its operations into the offshore renewable energy sector in 2021 which has helped the company grow considerably and they are now looking to expand its expertise into new markets internationally.

Aqualicense Ltd, established in November 2018, booked a net profit of €27,000 in 2020, according to filed accounts. Period-end net liabilities amounted to €73,000.

Announcing the award winners at the Mansion House, minister Damien English 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 of 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."

Aqualicense — CEO **Kate Dempsey** was previously a national finalist in Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur in 2019 with her business the Irish Mussel Seed Company, which she continues to run from her Wicklow base. (Pic: Martina Regan)

Padraic McElwee, chair of the network of Local Enterprise Offices, said; “This has been an extremely challenging year for small businesses and tonight we get to see all that is good about entrepreneurship in Ireland. We have some excellent winners and the calibre of finalists this year is as high as ever.

"These companies have been through rigorous vetting by judges and hopefully, it will have helped them make adjustments and enhance their businesses. Congratulations to all the winning companies. The future is bright for all our finalists who are the perfect reflection of the quality and variety of Irish business we are creating.”

In all there were five category winners:

Green/Sustainability Award: Cirtex, supported by Local Enterprise Office Longford, has created a closed-loop manufacturing business that upcycles the materials from duvets and mattresses, most of which are imported, to be reused in new products.

Best Export: Professional Hair Labs, supported by Local Enterprise Office Wexford, a manufacturer and distributor of cosmetic products including GHOSTBOND, the world’s leading product for hair adhesive solutions and a family run business.

Innovation Award: Cubbie, supported by Local Enterprise Office Mayo, created an installation, which is in over 200 schools across Ireland, that enables students with neurodiversity or sensory challenges to regulate their senses with a bespoke programme to ensure their learning and academic experience is not adversely affected.

Best Startup Award: Acoustic Interiors, supported by Local Enterprise Office Offaly, improves the health, wellbeing and productivity of people through intelligent acoustic design and fit-out of homes, offices and buildings.

One to Watch Award: Streat School, supported by Local Enterprise Office Monaghan, provides an end-to-end solution for those looking to enter the street food business, providing equipment, workshops and branding materials.

ABC Nutritionals from Clare took the Outstanding Achievement Award.

There were also eight regional awards given out on the night: