The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Ms. Mary Mitchell O’ Connor T.D. has presented a Regional Award to Big Red Barn Ltd from Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo at this year’s National Enterprise Awards.
Set-up by Dónal Byrne and supported by Local Enterprise Office Mayo, the company is a manufacturer and provider of the newest portable modular structures on the market. The company currently employs eight staff.
With a total prize fund of €40,000 on offer through the Local Enterprise Offices, thirteen awards were presented in total at the black-tie event at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin (on Thursday, June 9 ) and the category winners were: Applied Concepts from Offaly (Overall Winners ), CarveOn from Kildare (Best Exporter ), Global Sauces from Limerick (Best Start-Up ) and Invizbox Ltd from Fingal in Dublin (Innovation Award ).
Speaking at the awards, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Ms. Mary Mitchell O'Connor T.D. said: "I am delighted to be here to witness first-hand the innovative entrepreneurs that Ireland has. Through the National Enterprise Awards, the success stories of Ireland's small businesses are showcased nationally and internationally by the Local Enterprise Offices. Small businesses, like finalists here at the National Enterprise Awards, are the backbone of the Irish economy and I want to ensure that I can put in place the right conditions for more small businesses to grow. Two thirds of all new jobs are created by start-ups and I want to encourage more people to start new businesses, with the help of their Local Enterprise Office. I want to congratulate all of this year's winners and I wish them the very best for the future, as they 'fly the flag' for Ireland's small businesses.”
John Magee, Head of Mayo Enterprise, from the Local Enterprise Office congratulated the local winners, saying: “Big Red Barn Ltd won this Regional Award in recognition of what they have achieved since setting up the business. With a growing client base, the company is well-placed to enjoy even more success in the years to come.”
Peter Hynes, Chief Executive of Mayo County Council outlined . “We as a Local Authority are committed to the creation of a pro-enterprise environment in the County, an environment that facilitates local job creation and affords start-ups and existing businesses the opportunity to grow and develop. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Donal and all the team at Big Red Barn Ltd for all their achievements to date”
Kieran Comerford, Chair of the Network of Local Enterprise Offices said: “For thousands of small companies like all the winners and finalists at the National Enterprise Awards, the Local Enterprise Offices through the Local Authorities Network have become a first stop shop for business. The National Enterprise Awards help to celebrate these companies’ achievements. As a business moves through the start-up phase and into the growth phase, their Local Enterprise Office is standing by, ready to provide whatever supports are needed to help that business grow and expand. ”
Further information on the supports available through the Local Enterprise Offices is available through www.localenterprise.ie
