Meath startup Brú Brewery raised three cheers over the weekend as it secured a trio of titles, plus the Grand Prix, in the Blacknight SME Awards.
Brú Brewery, which is based in Trim, was formed three years ago and was recognised by the Blacknight Awards for its innovation, winning ‘Best New Business (Non-Digital)’, as well as ‘Best New Product’ for its gluten-free lager.
The company, which booked a 2014 profit of €93,000, also topped the list in the main ‘Food & Drink’ category.
Blacknight CEO Michele Neylon presented the award to brewer Philip Markey, who explained that the business trophies will have to squeeze into an already crowded cabinet. The company achieved international recognition for the quality of its product, winning gold, silver and bronze last year at the World Beer Awards.
According to Markey, the secret to his businesses success is hard work and dedication, as well as a love of beer.
Over 80 companies were represented in the final shortlists, at the event held in Cork’s Radisson Blu Hotel, and hosted by RTÉ radio presenter Rick O’Shea. Awards were presented in 15 categories, each selected to showcase different aspects of Irish SMEs.
Kerry coffee shop ‘Bean in Dingle’ took the award for ‘Under-30s Business’, and The Irish Biltong Company from Kildare won best ‘Family Run Business’.
Axis arts centre in Ballymun won the ‘Community Minded’ category and the ‘Environmentally Minded’ award went to Cycle Inishowen, from County Donegal.
New Businesses
Three categories were devoted to new businesses. In addition to the ‘non-digital’ award won by Brú, there was a ‘New Business -- Digital’ award, won by Jamjou, a Kilkenny company working to make corporate training more engaging. Animation and post-production studio Ben & Anvil won the ‘New Business – Services’ award.
For the second year running, Sex Siopa took the award for ‘Online Retailer -- Irish market’. The online export award went to Dingle Crystal.
There was also a ‘mostly offline’ retail award, which was won by Ardkeen Quality Food Store from Waterford.
Last year’s Grand Prix winner, LearnUpon, took two awards this time. The online training company came first in the business-to-business category, and also took the award for customer engagement.
The ‘Company Transformation’ award went to Keogh’s Crisps from Dublin.
The headline sponsor for the second year running was domain hosting firm Blacknight. CEO Michele Neylon expressed his satisfaction at seeing the efforts of everyday SMEs recognised.
“These guys don’t get the publicity like major multinationals do, yet, they are the real lifeblood of the economy”, said Neylon.
He added: “[Between] 60% and 70% of all people with jobs work in SMEs. As an Irish SME, serving other SMEs, this is our community and we’re delighted to help them celebrate.”
Michele Neylon (left), Blacknight, with Philip Markey, Brú Brewery