Laois Business Awards 2025 are officially launched 

THE Laois Business Awards 2025 were officially launched recently promising an unforgettable evening of celebration, networking, and entertainment.

The event, organised by Laois Chamber Alliance in partnership with Laois County Council, will take place on Friday, 9 May at The Heritage, Killenard. The black-tie event will kick off at 6 pm with a glamorous drinks reception, followed by a sumptuous gala dinner, an exciting awards ceremony, and top-tier entertainment. Renowned broadcaster Ivan Yates will host the night, setting the stage for a spectacular showcase of the very best in Laois business. And when the awards are done, the celebrations will continue late into the night with live music and dancing.

Recognising Excellence Across Laois With thirteen award categories, the Laois Business Awards honour the outstanding achievements, innovation, and dedication of local businesses. Nominations close online on 27 March 2025, giving businesses the opportunity to shine on a prestigious platform. 

The categories include 

1. Outstanding SME of the Year (1-25 employees) Sponsored by Permanent TSB 

2. Large Business of the Year (25+ employees) Sponsored by Mulhall’s Supervalu 

3. Start Up/Emerging New Business of the Year Sponsored by Local Enterprise Office Laois

4. Business Supporting Community Sponsored by Leprino Food 

5. Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality Sponsored by Failte Ireland

6. Excellence in Retail Sponsored by EKCO 

7. Excellence in Innovation Sponsored by Martleys 

8. Best Marketing and Communications Initiative Sponsored by Telford’s 

9. Innovation in Sustainability & Climate Action Sponsored by LOETB 

10. Spirit of Laois Award Sponsored by Finline Furniture 

11. Laois Business of the Year Sponsored by Bank of Ireland 

12. Laois Business Person of the Year Sponsored by Vimar 

13. Laois Rising Star Award Sponsored by O Gorman’s Bar and Restaurant

 Nominations are open to all registered businesses operating in county Laois, with one non-business category, the Spirit of Laois Award. This award category is open to community and voluntary individuals, organisations and groups in county Laois, and recognises and celebrates their success, giving recognition to those whose good deeds may have gone unnoticed.

The awards will be judged by an esteemed independent panel of Colette Twomey, Managing Director and co-founder of Clonakilty Food Co. and she will be joined by Tommy Hogan Athlone Chamber of Commerce, and Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development and Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Carlow, Carole Green IDA Ireland, Midlands Regional Manager and Donagh Davern FIHI Lecturer in Hospitality in MUT 

Speaking at the launch of the event, CEO OF Laois County Council, Michael Rainey said: “Laois County Council is delighted to partner with Laois Chamber Alliance in these awards. It is important that businesses avail of the opportunity to celebrate their own success and that a light is shone on businesses that are leaders within their own sectors. These awards give us the opportunity to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit, innovation and talent that exists across the business sector in Laois.”

Fiona Hyland, President of Laois Chamber, added: “Laois has a great thriving and diverse business community, from large scale manufacturing and professional services to local retail, construction services, tourism and family businesses. It’s fantastic that we have a platform in the Laois Chamber Alliance Laois Business Awards to recognise and celebrate them. If you know any Laois business, small or large, that you know is doing a great job, I encourage you to nominate them. It’s amazing the effect a nomination could have for a hard working Laois business and their team, and when we support one another we rise together. “ 

Looking forward to the event, Jackie Carroll, CEO Laois Chamber Alliance, further said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the Laois business and wider community to come together and celebrate Laois and the magnificent work of all employees. Previous winner of the awards Tony Woods, Midlands Steel has stated that being nominated, short listed and finally winning is a great honour and recognition for all the hard work his employees have put into the business”.

Applications/Nominations are open online on www.laoischamber.ie/awards. Nominations/Applications close on March 27th are free to enter for all businesses in Laois.

A Night to Remember – Secure Your Spot!

Tickets for this must-attend event are priced at €125 or a table of 10 for €1150 this includes a drink’s reception, gala dinner, awards ceremony and live entertainment. Secure your place now by booking via www.laoischamber.ie/awards, contacting the Laois Chamber Alliance office on 085 2566522, or emailing admin@laoischamber.ie.