Nominations open for Carlow Business Awards
Lisa McCann and Nicola Doran of Carlow chamber with cllr Michael Doran
LOOKING to support that nail salon that has great customer service or an engineering firm that saved your house from crumbling? The Carlow Business Awards are the perfect way to give your favourite local business the recognition it deserves.
Launched in Carlow Town Hall on Wednesday 6 May, the 2026 awards consist of 27 categories, covering different sectors and sizes, awarding sustainability initiatives, strategy, presentation, culinary abilities and innovation.
The majority of the categories are open to members of the public to submit nominations for their own businesses and others. The winners will be announced at an event in September.
“It always amazes me that each year we discover more businesses that we didn’t know about before. Businesses that are growing, that are innovating and that are excelling and that often don’t even understand how great they are themselves,” Nicola Doran, CEO of Carlow County Chamber, said at the launch.
Cathaoirleach cllr Ken Murnane, speaking on behalf of Carlow Co Council, which is the main sponsor of this year’s awards, left the 60 or so attendees in no doubt as to his focus on ensuring that enterprise thrives in the county.
“Often the work of the council â in planning, infrastructure, zoning and strategic policy â happens behind the scenes. However, our objective remains constant: to provide the enabling environment to acquire for your success,” cllr Murnane said.
“We recognise that economic development is not a solo pursuit. It is a partnership, from investing in our digital infrastructure, our enterprise hubs and ensuring that our planning process supports sustainable development. The council is committed to removing the barriers that hold our local community back,” cllr Murnane continued.
Nicola echoed that statement, saying that the chamber and its events are a way to connect people and instill pride in the economic landscape of the county.
Last year’s overall winner, Burnside Eurocyl, represented by its joint managing director Tom Byrne, acknowledged the sense of pride and validation that winning the award created. It “gave the entire team a real boost,” said Tom.
“This award gives us that opportunity to appreciate how far the company has come and to recognise the effort it took to get here.”
To nominate, simply go to the chamber website www.carlowchamber.com and click on the ‘nominate now’ button.
