The Factory, which is based in Fivealley, Birr, celebrating after winning the Small and Medium Business Award at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) awards in October. The local company is now a finalist for another national honour. (Photo credit: The Factory on Facebook)

Offaly company in the running for another prestigious national award

Adrian Cusack

Published: Mon 5 Dec 2022, 1:53 PM

Last updated: Mon 5 Dec 2022, 1:58 PM

An eco-friendly print and graphic design company in Offaly is in contention for a third national award in less than a year.

The Factory, which is based in Fivealley, between Birr and Kilcormac, won the Green Small Organisation of Year honour at the National Green Awards in late April, and then took home the Small and Medium Business Award at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland awards in October.

The local company has now been named as one of the finalists in the Small Firms Association (SFA) National Small Business Awards 2023, which take place in Dublin's RDS next March.

The Factory, which is led by managing director Brendan Dooley and creative director Lisa Dooley, is one of the finalists in the 'Sustainability' category at the SFA awards.

The other finalists in this category are: Ballykilcavan Brewing Company (Stradbally, Laois), Zeus Scooters (Carlow), Stryve (Dublin) and The Handmade Soap Company (Meath).

All of the finalists are being invited to take part in a strategic management masterclass weekend in January, as well as an SFA Business Connect event at the Aviva Stadium next February.

Finalists also receive five complimentary tickets to the Gala Prize Winning Ceremony to take place in the RDS in March, when category prize winners and the overall winner will be announced.

The category winners will be presented with a trophy and free membership of the Small Firms Association for one year.Sue O'Neill, chair of the SFA awards judging panel, said: "The response to the awards programme is a reminder that Irish small companies are resilient, putting their best foot forward and seeking recognition for their efforts.

"Given the quality of the businesses represented this year, entrepreneurship is alive and well in Ireland," she added.

"The SFA National Small Business Awards are now entering their 19th consecutive year and are a celebration of small business owners.

"The 270,000 small firms in Ireland employ nearly half the private sector workforce and these awards aim to portray excellence, achievement and innovation amongst these companies in all sectors and parts of the country."