Naas ladies' small business lands national award after 5 years of hard work
A small Naas-based business were awarded the title of Ireland's most Outstanding Small Business at an awards ceremony early last month. Sweetspot Sourcing, who deal with clients in Asia and Europe, landed the gong at the SFA National Small Business Awards 2017.
Set up by Fiona Craul and Susan Dempsey in the midst of the recession back in 2012, the two young businesswomen have continued to grow their small company and have provided resources to clients such as Virgin Media, Vodafone, Lidl, Jack Daniel's, Eir and Fyffes to name just a few.
Winners were selected from over 500 applications received for the 2017 programme. Minister for Employment and Small Business, Pat Breen, TD presented the Awards at a Gala Ceremony in the RDS on 1 February.
Sweetspot Sourcing specialise in the sourcing and manufacturing of bespoke products used either for promotional or retail purposes. They use a worldwide network of suppliers and factories, and offer clients direct access to the capabilities of these suppliers and factories. Their USP is creating unique products with a high perceived value. They are specialists in products used for instore promotions, on pack offers, gift with purchase and promotional items. Sweetspot make it easy for clients to produce products directly with factories and do this by offering a full service solution from design, sampling, manufacturing, quality control, importation and delivery. The factories they work with are worldwide; in Asia (the company opened an office in Xiamen, China in 2013), Europe and Turkey. For clients that just need help navigating China, Sweetspot offer a consultancy based service to share their knowledge.
Ventac, based in Co Wicklow won the Overall Award and the seven category winners are:
Manufacturing: VENTAC - Wicklow o Highly commended: Briody Bedding - Meath · Food & Drink: Simpli Baked - Offaly o Highly commended: The Foods of Athenry – Galway o Highly commended: Kelly’s of Newport Artisan Butchers - Mayo · Services: Dualtron - Dublin o Highly commended: Vibes and Scribes - Cork · Outstanding Small Business (up to 5 employees): Sweetspot Sourcing- Kildare · Innovator of the Year: Aalto Bio Reagents - Dublin · Sustainable Energy: Killary Adventure Centre- Galway o Highly commended: JPK Fencing - Galway · Small Business Exporter of the Year: Aalto Bio Reagents - Dublin o Highly commended: Ventac - Wicklow
This is the thirteenth year of the SFA National Small Business Awards, which are organised by the Small Firms Association.
Speaking at the event, SFA Chair, Sue O’Neill said “With the right environment, companies like those in the room tonight will revitalise every corner of our island, put the Irish small business community on the map and build on the 636 jobs they have already created, delivering prosperity and quality of life to more and more people. Tonight it is a privilege to have 34 of the best small businesses from 13 counties in Ireland in this room. You are the future of Irish business. You have proven your commitment, drive and ambition and we are delighted to celebrate your achievements.”
Minister for Employment and Small Business, Pat Breen, TD who presented the Awards stated: "It has been a pleasure to meet and listen to so many vibrant and innovative small businesses. All the nominees and category winners have shown great drive and pride in their business. Looking at the fantastic success of past winners and nominees, the future is very bright for tonight’s contestants and the Irish business environment."