Clara company scoops business award

A Clara-based company was crowned 'Best Business Start-up' at the Leinster provincial final of the Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards last week. Europharma Concepts Ltd on the Kilbeggan Road, is the only oral care contact manufacturer and R&D facility in Ireland. Established in 2006, Europharma Concepts (EPC) is a contract manufacturing and product development company. It manufactures liquids, creams, gels and pastes for the pharmaceutical, medical device, oral hygiene, and cosmetic industries. The products made in the purpose built manufacturing facility include, toothpastes, gels and mouthwashes. Employing over 33 people, Europharma Concepts has a turnover of €4.2 million. The awards, which are now in their 16th year, are in association with the Irish Independent, Enterprise Ireland and InterTradeIreland. Each Leinster winner now qualifies to compete for the national title at an awards ceremony which takes place in Dublin in 2010. A total of 386 businesses from the north and the south entered the 2009 awards which aim to recognise and reward business success, regardless of business offering, service, or location. The winning business, in each of the eight categories, was selected from a shortlist of three companies. The Leinster winners will go on to compete with provincial winners from Munster, Ulster and Connacht for the national title in their category at the all-island finals in 2010. All provincial winners also have an opportunity to win the national title of Ulster Bank Business Achiever 2009.