Businesses celebrate
BiaBelle Beauty had plenty to cheer about at the South Dublin Local Enterprise Awards after picking up the Overall Award in The Louis Fitzgerald Hotel.
A Tallaght based family-run business, BiaBelle was founded by sisters Aoibhinn and Bláthnaid along with their mother Susan.
Beginning as a cosmetics company with retail outlets in stores across Ireland, BiaBelle has seen a significant increase in business since the development of their self-tanning products which are sold online and through pharmacies and salons.
Their product is cruelty free and vegan friendly while the promoters place a large emphasis on green/ sustainable nature of their business.
With a recent distributor signed for Australia and their eyes firmly set on the UK market in 2022 the future looks bright for BiaBelle who held of tough opposition from other businesses on the night.
Lily Ramirez-Foran from Picado Mexican, Winner of the ‘Entrepreneurial Spirit’ Award with Tom Rooney (Head of Enterprise at South Dubin Local Enterprise Office), Laura Leonard Economic Enterprise Tourism Development, Cllr Laura Donaghy Deputy Mayor and Mayor Peter Kavanagh
Also on the night, eight category winners were announced. The Start-Up Award went to Keith O’Grady of Sensory House which is Ireland’s first Multi-Sensory manufacturer specialising in affordable full Sensory Room packages to schools, crèches, institutions & private homes throughout Ireland.
The One to Watch Award went to Deirdre Casey founder of Bond Hair Health. Bond Hair Health is committed to delivering solutions for clients having difficulty with their hair and it’s overall health.
They provide options for clients to achieve styling and colouring results; but also specialise in helping clients that have concerns regarding scalp and hair health.
Susan, Aoibhinn and Blathnaid Murphy from Bia Belle Winners of the ‘Overall Award’ with Tom Rooney (Head of Enterprise at South Dubin Local Enterprise Office), Laura Leonard Economic Enterprise Tourism Development and Mayor Peter Kavanagh
The Export Award went to Emma Hedderman of Stride Boot Wear which is an equestrian footwear brand designed in Ireland made in Europe. Stride Boot Wear is focused on exporting to the USA, Europe, Canada, and the UK.
The Innovation Award went to Mark Sweetman of Botfiler. Botfiler is an automation and integration technology platform that helps accountants around the world to manage local and cross border VAT and Sales Tax for their clients.
While The Green Award went to Stuart Montgomery, Michael Clarke, Gerry Whelan of GreyFox Design. GreyFox is a research and design led initiative, whose ambition is to develop, produce and distribute high quality, humanised furniture solutions for the 21st Century.
Stuart Montgommery and Michael Clark from Grey Fox Design, winners of the ‘Green’ Award
The Entrepreneurial Spirit Award went to Lily Ramirez Foran of Picado Mexican. Lily is a stalwart on the food scene in Ireland, always willing to offer advice or assistance to those that reach out while also being a tireless promoter for Mexican cuisine in Ireland.
The Food & Drink Award went to Nicola Kearns – Niks Tea. Niks Tea provide a full tea service directly to the public online, to retail supermarket health stores, speciality food stores and cafes, restaurants and most recently to hospitality with their new range of sustainable teas.
The Resilience in Business Award went to Jim Dunne of Smart Studios. From iAcoustics which provide expert acoustic consultancy to Smart Studios which manufacture acoustic modules (sound studios) for music, gaming, TV industry.
The LEO Team at the Awards in The Louis Fitzgerald Hotel
Jim has demonstrated over his 30 years in business his ability to be able to adapt his business to market needs, his openness and willingness to continually learn and develop, demonstrated by his active participation across many LEO supports.
Tom Rooney, Head of Enterprise added ‘it was fantastic to have had so many businesses in South Dublin applying for these Awards.
He said: “This Annual Awards event is a great opportunity to celebrate the talent, determination and business success which exists in South Dublin.
The Murphy family from BiaBelle Winners of the ‘Overall’ Award with Tom Rooney and Cllr Ronan McMahon Photos by Ben Ryan
The founders of these outstanding businesses are an inspiration to many others to follow their dreams and their passion and turn their business ideas into a successful new business venture.
“As these businesses build and grow they are creating more job opportunities for local residents, for our graduates and school leavers and they make a significant contribution to their local economies.”
All of the Award winning businesses are supported by Local Enterprise Office South Dublin and will share a €13,000 investment fund.
Kevin Finn with Nicola Kearns from Niks Tea, Winner of the ‘Food/Drink’ Award in The Louis Fitzgerald Hotel
The Overall winner BiaBelle will go on to represent South Dublin in the National Enterprise Awards later this year.
The Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities are funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland.
Established in 2014, the Local Enterprise Offices are the essential resource for any entrepreneur looking to start a business or any small business that is looking for support or advice to help them grow.
The LEOs work with over 7,000 client companies across Ireland in a diverse range of sectors offering mentoring, training, expert advice and financial supports to small businesses.
For more information see LEO
