Pictured are Mike Cantwell, Head of Enterprise, Lisa Daly, This Is You Ltd., Conor McCormack and Justin McCormack, Solar Clean Robotics, Eoin English, KDI, Mike O'Byrne, LEO, Bernie Carroll, Student Programmes Ireland, Francis Peters, KDI, Judy Tighe, AIB, Darragh Keane, AIB, Helen Ryan, Senior Enterprise Development Officer and Bernie Moloney, Senior Enterprise Development Officer

Limerick’s KDI hoping for glory at the National Enterprise Awards

KDI Limited has been named as Entrepreneur of the Year 2022 in the Limerick Final of the National Enterprise Awards at a ceremony in the Limerick Strand Hotel.

Kilteely Dromkeen Innovation, a green company who process and export recyclables was one of four companies presented with awards by Mike Cantwell, Head of Enterprise, Limerick City and County Council and Judy Tighe AIB.  Other awards went to -  Solar Clean Robotics for Innovation and Lisa Daly “This is You” - One to Watch Award.  A special award Lifetime Achievement Award  was made to Bernie Carroll, Student Programme Ireland (SPIL) who has provided additional income for over 2.500 host families in Ireland over the last 13 years.

The competition is organised by Ireland's network of Local Enterprise Offices (LEO) to give recognition to the contribution of micro enterprises to the National Economy. The annual results of the Local Enterprise Offices for 2021 have shown that LEO Limerick supported companies which created 179 net new jobs in the 12 months to December 2021. This is the eighth year of year-on-year growth in jobs in Limerick with LEO Limerick supporting a total of 298 small businesses employing 1,825 people.

Speaking at the Awards event in Limerick, Mike Cantwell said: "Through is extensive programme of supports, LEO Limerick puts micro and small business at the heart of local job creation. These awards provide a platform to local entrepreneurs to showcase their entrepreneurial achievements to a wider audience.  The awards presented here today, give recognition to the individuals and businesses who show the innovation and entrepreneurship that creates valuable jobs in Limerick.  These entrepreneurs are vital to the continued economic growth and jobs creation in Limerick. "

Also present at the awards ceremony, AIB Senior Manager Limerick City, Judy Tighe said: “I would like to commend LEO Limerick on their continued great work working in collaboration with other stakeholders to support Start up's, entrepreneurs and new business in the region, it is a real pleasure for AIB to work with LEO throughout the year and in particular with these awards. As a community bank we recognise the importance of SME's to our local economy and our local communities - supporting job creation, creating vibrant communities and attractive places to work, shop and live.  With that mandate we are committed to continuing to support innovation, entrepreneurship, new business and the SME's of the future.

Congratulations to all winners at the recent National Enterprise Awards.”

KDI Limited will now go forward as Limerick's representative in the National Enterprise Awards on 2nd June 2022 at the Mansion House, Dublin.

To find out more about the awards or the supports available for new or expanding businesses in Limerick visit www.localenterprise.ie/Limerick.