Cork County Success at National Enterprise Awards

Hyde Irish Whiskey took away the South Regional Award at this year’s National Enterprise Awards final at the Mansion House in Dublin. This is the 23rd year of the awards that are run annually by the Local Enterprise Offices. Hyde Irish Whiskey is supported by Cork County Council’s Local Enterprise Office (LEO) South Cork.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Danny Collins has extended his congratulations to Hyde Irish Whiskey on their success at this year’s National Enterprise Awards. Hyde Irish Whiskey took away the South Regional Award at this year’s final at the Mansion House in Dublin. This is the 23rd year of the awards that are run annually by the Local Enterprise Offices.

Hyde Irish Whiskey has been supported by Cork County Council’s Local Enterprise Office South Cork. Established in 2016, they now ship to over 65 counties cross the world with ambition to continue to expand into new markets with their range of multi-award-winning whiskeys. 

Also honoured on the night were West Cork Distillers who won the Outstanding Achievement Award.  An example of a company who began with their Local Enterprise Office Cork North and West and then accessed support from Enterprise Ireland to grow their business globally.  Established by school friends Ger McCarthy, John O’Connell and Denis McCarthy in 2003 the company now employs over 150 in their hometown of Skibbereen and exports their whiskey to over 70 countries.  

Representing Cork County Council’s Local Enterprise Office Cork North and West, BaseWorx were also nominees this year’s National Enterprise Awards. Founded by Graham Clarke, Keith Killilea, and Kevin McSharry. BaseWorx is a cloud-based management platform for flexible workspaces.Mayor Collins congratulated the three companies representing Cork County at this year’s awards,

I extend my warmest congratulations to each of the exceptional businesses who represented Cork County at the recent National Enterprise Awards. Your hard work, dedication and commitment have placed you here today. By showcasing your innovative spirit and remarkable achievements, you not only encourage others but also contribute to the economic growth and prosperity of our county. May you continue to thrive and serve as inspiration for future entrepreneurs.

The National Enterprise Awards are one of a number of initiatives that the Local Enterprise Offices run to foster entrepreneurship across the country. Others include Local Enterprise Week, the Student Enterprise Programme, National Women’s Enterprise Day and Local Enterprise Showcase. The Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities are funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland. 

Cork County Council’s Local Enterprise Offices South Cork and Cork North and West, work with client companies across the county in a diverse range of sectors offering mentoring, training, expert advice and financial supports to small businesses. For more information see www.LocalEnterprise.ie