Laois Business Awards finalists are revealed 

FINALISTS for the 2025 Laois Business Awards have been announced by Laois Chamber Alliance, in partnership with Laois County Council.

The gala awards ceremony, celebrating ‘excellence, innovation and resilience’, will be held on Friday 9 May at The Heritage, Killenard, hosted by broadcaster Ivan Yates.

The black-tie evening starting at 6pm will include a drinks reception, a three-course gourmet dinner and live band The Vows.

Promising a memorable evening that will bring together business leaders, entrepreneurs and key stakeholders from across the county, Laois Chamber Alliance thanked everyone who submitted nominations.

They said: ‘The number and quality of entries received are a testament to the exceptional calibre of businesses and professionals operating across Laois.

‘We would also like to thank our esteemed judging panel, who undertook the challenging task of reviewing and evaluating each nomination. Their time, diligence and commitment to fairness ensured a thorough and thoughtful shortlisting process.’ The finalists are:

Outstanding SME of the Year - O’Mahoney Safety Solutions; Byrne Joinery; Glamping Under the Stars; Ballykilcavan Farm and Brewery 

Large Business of the Year - Finline Furniture; The Heritage Hotel; CJ Sheeran; Midland Steel 

Start-Up/Emerging New Business of the Year - Angelina George; Gingerbread Pasticceria; MyComfort; Sasta 

Business Supporting Community - People First Credit Union; Midlands Park Hotel; Finline Furniture; AIB 

Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality - Roundwood House; Glamping Under the Stars; Ballykilcavan Farm and Brewery; Ballyfin Demesne 

Excellence in Retail - Nook and Cranny; Hummingbird Café; Fifty Seven Boutique and Gift Emporium; Dowling’s Gala, Killenard 

Excellence in Innovation - CJ Sheeran; Midland Steel; VIMAR Digital Marketing; Laois Today 

Best Marketing and Communications Initiative - Glamping Under the Stars; Ballykilcavan Farm and Brewery; True Financial; Temptation Chocolates 

Innovation in Sustainability and Climate Action - Finline Furniture; Steam Preservation Society; Enva; Bluestone Facilities 

Spirit of Laois Award - Ailish Dunne; Peter Naughton; Martin Meade; Teddy Fennelly 

Business of the Year - Midland Steel; Polar Ice; Telfords; Enva 

Business Person of the Year - Shane Tobin; Mark Martley; Cian Prendergast; Sandra Redden 

Rising Star Award - Alison O’Kelly; Romina Roe; Caroline Hofman; Darragh Phelan 

Excellence in Food and Drink Service and Production - The Merry Mill; Temptation Chocolates; Midlands Park Hotel; Roundwood House 

Tickets are €125 each or €1,150 for a table of 10 and are available from www.laoischamber.ie/awards or by contacting the Chamber office at admin@laoischamber.ie or 085 2566522.