Two diverse but innovative businesses based in Monksland were honoured at the recently hosted County Roscommon Local Enterprise Awards which took place in Aras an Chontae, Roscommon.
Central Switchgear was announced as the winner of the ‘Ambition and Growth’ award. As the title of the award suggests, the company have shown great initiative and ambition by constantly looking for new and innovative ways to expand their business.
Central Switchgear have been operating in South Roscommon for the past six years, managed by Ballygar native Niall Galvin, supported by Sales Manager Trevor Kennedy, a native of Ahascragh, Senior Engineer Fergal McKenna and Production Manager Wojciech Jurneczko, a native of Poland.
The company supply electrical design, manufacturing and engineering services for switchgear and power distribution solutions. Presently, the company employ 31 people, supplying the domestic and European markets.
As MD of the company, Niall has a background in automation and electrical engineering. From small beginnings at a Hotdesk office, supported by LEO in the headquarters of Roscommon County Council, the company intend to expand to larger production facilities, enabling greater capacity and innovation from their Monksland base.
Acknowledging the support of LEO to the development of his company, Niall said the business has been greatly enhanced.
“LEO made us aware of supports we would otherwise not have known about. The success of our business is very much down to the contribution of all of our team and staff. We’re delighted to win this award which gives our business even greater exposure to grow and develop,” Niall said.
Proving that every day can be a good ‘hair day’ was Paul Farrell and his business ‘Kreative Salon Supplies’ which won the ‘Special Contribution Award.’ A native of Roscommon town, Paul’s business distributes hair salon products countrywide.
The company’s main distribution brand is ‘Alter Ego Italy’ providing a range of top quality hair products such as hair colourings, shampoos and conditioners. The business has been 28 years in existence.
“LEO have been a great support to us, particularly during Covid-19. We’ve done a lot of training with them and they helped us set up our Social Media campaigns. We also got a grant to develop our website. This award is nice recognition for what we do and our contribution to the local economy,” Paul commented.
Nine years ago Paul bought a new base in Monksland allowing him to grow and expand his business. He is the Irish distributor for Alter Ego Italy’s range of products and currently employs five full-time and three part-time staff.
“Our ambition is to expand the business, particularly online. At present 40% of our business is online. I previously worked with another hair care product and saw the potential to start and develop my own business,” Paul remarked.
