Local enterprise honoured at Laois Business Awards

THE Laois Business Awards 2025 hosted by Laois Chamber Alliance in partnership with Laois County Council returned in spectacular style on Friday evening.

The event was held at the Heritage Hotel, Killenard, bringing together 300-plus guests for an evening filled with pride, inspiration and celebration.

With Ivan Yates as master of ceremonies, the night honoured the extraordinary achievements of Laois businesses from local start-ups to global innovators while shining a light on the people and partnerships that make this county such a special place to live, work and do business.

Described as the “highlight of the Laois business calendar”, the event recognised 14 outstanding businesses and individuals across a wide range of categories.

The 2025 awards received over 260 nominations, reflecting the depth and vibrancy of Laois’s growing business community.

Commenting on the awards night, Laois Chamber Alliance CEO Jackie Carroll said: “This year’s finalists and winners reflect the energy, heart and innovation of Laois. These businesses don’t just generate employment; they build communities, create change and give back. That spirit was felt in every conversation tonight. Laois is stronger when we are together.” Laois Chamber president Fiona Hyland extended a heartfelt thanks to everyone who was a part of a very special night. She said that the Chamber’s vision is to create a stronger Laois through working together.

Award winners:

SME of the Year (sponsored by PTSB): O'Mahony Safety Solutions 

Large Business (sponsored by Mulhall’s SuperValu): Midland Steel

 Start-Up/Emerging Business (sponsored by Local Enterprise Office Laois): Angelina George Skincare

 Business Supporting Community (sponsored by Leprino Foods): People First Credit Union

 Excellence in Tourism & Hospitality (sponsored by Fáilte Ireland): Ballyfin Demesne 

Excellence in Innovation (sponsored by Martleys): CJ Sheeran 

Excellence in Retail (sponsored by Ballyfin Demesne): Nook and Cranny Lifestyle Store

 Best Marketing & Communications (sponsored by Telfords): Glamping Under the Stars

 Excellence in Sustainability & Climate Action (sponsored by LOETB): Finline Furniture

 Excellence in Food & Drink (sponsored by EKCO): Temptation Chocolates 

Laois Rising Star (sponsored by O’Gorman’s): Alison O’Kelly, AOK Mentoring

 Spirit of Laois Award (sponsored by Finline Furniture): Peter Naughton 

Businessperson of the Year (sponsored by VIMAR): Cian Prendergast, 

EKCO Laois Business of the Year (sponsored by Bank of Ireland): Polar Ice Ltd

See more photographs from this event in the week's edition of the Laois Nationalist newspaper, currently on sale in all local stores or online