Connacht businesses are in the running for this year’s Irish Business Design Challenge challenge which focuses on sustainable design solutions and innovation in business.
The four Connacht businesses are: International Pelvic Physiotherapy Management LTD by Aoife Ni Eochaidh, Replenish by Stehanie Mahon, and Daniel Gill Furnituremaker all from Galway, and Westcountry Pillows by Alan Burrows from Roscommon.
Now in its third year, the Irish Business Design Challenge supports companies that apply design thinking to future proof their businesses and support customer needs. More than 100 businesses across Ireland entered this year’s challenge, which is open to micro, small and medium Irish businesses with a prize fund of more than €50,000.
Design & Crafts Council Ireland's chief executive Rosemary Steen , says the Irish Business Design Challenge has always highlighted the resilience, ingenuity, and creativity of Ireland’s MSMEs.
"This year’s entries clearly show how a greener outlook and design thinking can come together to ensure a more sustainable outcome for the business and its customers.”
The council's head of design, Tom Watts, says micro, small and medium enterprises are fundamental to Ireland’s economy, and the number of high-quality entries this year is testament to how important sustainability has become for Irish businesses.
The judging panel, comprises Elaine Butler, Circular Design Institute; Gwen Cunningham, Circular Lead, National College of Art and Design; Jamie Maguire, owner and founder of Notions Creative, along with Edwin Jebb, Creative Director at Notions Creative; and Sophie Reynolds, Circular Economy Policy and Innovation Lead, Irish Manufacturing Research will evaluate the entries.
Previous winners of the challenge include GRÁ Chocolates, Bó Steel, Aqueduct, Notions Creative and Benson Clothing. Companies are judged by category, with a winner chosen in each category; micro, small and medium. Winners will receive €15,000 each and runners up will receive an award of €2,000 each.
Public voting for the Irish Business Design Challenge is open from Monday, February 20 to Tuesday March 7, 2023. For further information visit www.dcci.ie/ibdc-2023
There are some 248,344 SMEs active in Ireland which account for more than 70 per cent of employment in the Irish economy.
