Two Mayo companies have been recognised for their business success at the Connacht provincial final of the Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards. Six other leading businesses from across Connacht were selected as winners at the awards ceremony which took place at the Clayton Hotel in Galway.
Based in Ballyhaunis, Major Equipment Intl Ltd was founded in the mid 1970s. The company manufactures and exports a comprehensive range of grass cutting, slurry handling and site equipment. The company manufactures and distributes products under the brand name of MAJOR. The company was awarded the International Business Award.
The West of Ireland Alzheimer Foundation, based in Ballindine, was awarded the Social Entrepreneurship Award. The company was established in 1992 by current CEO John Grant, who had observed that there were no services available to support families and sufferers of Alzheimer’s disease in the area. The foundation currently employs 166 people in the west of Ireland. It is unique in that it partners with State bodies such as FÁS, the HSE, and the Department of Health and Children, but does not rely on these bodies for support.
Companies were rigorously judged on a variety of merits including sales performance, market share growth, company milestones, innovative new products or services, and successful achievements by key personnel. The Connacht judging panel was made up of Brendan McDermott, regional director, Ulster Bank; Seamus Bree, regional director west region, Enterprise Ireland; Margaret Hearty, director of programmes and business services, InterTradeIreland; and Sean Keenan CEO and founder of Multis Group.
A total of 390 businesses from the north and the south entered this year’s awards, which aim to recognise and reward business success, regardless of business offering, service, or location.
