A high precision engineering business based in Mullinavat will represent County Kilkenny at the National Enterprise Awards, the Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny has announced. Mark Boyne and Richie Kenneally from Greensbridge Engineering Ltd won the top prize at the County Enterprise Awards competition.

The local company, which employs seven full-time employees and was set-up in 2011, will now be going head-to-head with thirty other high achieving businesses, to win a share of the €40,000 national prize fund. The National Enterprise Awards were established by the national network of 31 Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) and is celebrating its 20^th year in existence. The awards are designed to celebrate the success of Ireland’s micro-enterprise sector and recognize the achievements of companies supported by the LEOs.

Greensbridge Engineering Ltd based in the Old Creamery, Mullinavat, Co Kilkenny produces high precision stainless steel, super alloy and aluminium components for supply into the oil and gas, medical device and semi conductor technology industries. The company was established in 2011 and is managed by its founding partners and owners Mark Boyne and Richie Kenneally.

Left to Right: Aileen McGrath, LEO Kilkenny; Cllr Pat Millea, Cathloaireach of SPC Committee on Economic Development, Enterprise Support and Tourism; Catherine Hennessy LEO Kilkenny; Leas Cathlaoireach Clltr Pat Fitpatrick, Mark Boyne & Richie Kenneally, Greensbridge Engineering Ltd; Fiona Deegan Head of Enterprise(Acting), LEO Kilkenny and Mary Mulholland Director of Services, Kilkenny County Council  

Both have combined experience of over 50 years in the precision engineering sector. Mark hails from Enniscorthy Co Wexford and is a qualified toolmaker with over 30 years experience in the precision engineering sector. Richie is from Mullinavat and studied mechanical engineering in IT Carlow; has over 20 years experience in the sector.

At the presentation of the Awards Cllr. Pat Fitzpatrick, Leas Cathaoirleach, Kilkenny Local Authorities said: “Getting to the final of the National Enterprise Awards is a great achievement and provides an opportunity for local businesses to receive the recognition they deserved. The Local Enterprise Offices, through the Local Authorities Network, support thousands of small businesses in the community every year. These awards showcase the innovation, creativity and the development potential across the micro-business sector.  By highlighting success stories, the National Enterprise Awards are a way of recognising the achievements of Ireland’s small business champions.  I wish Greensbridge Engineering Ltd all the very best of luck in the final.”

The local winner will meet the national judging panel in April, for a chance to win one of twelve awards and the top prize of €10,000 for their business at the National Enterprise Awards ceremony on May 25^th in the Mansion House, Dublin.   Entrepreneurs are judged on areas such as company competitiveness, use of technology, responsiveness to market trends alongside their own leadership qualities.

Further details about the supports available to local start-ups and small businesses are available through www.localenterprise.ie/kilkenny