Waterford Business Awards will highlight the high standards of businesses in the Déise
Excitement is building ahead of the annual Waterford Business Awards.
There is excitement building in Waterford ahead of this year's Waterford Business Awards showcase, with the shortlist of nominees representing a broad cross-section of the Déise's commercial and industry sector.
The gala awards night will take place in the Tower Hotel on Friday, November 14. Speaking about the awards, Waterford Chamber President Eadaoin Carrick said: “Congratulations to all the businesses who have been shortlisted, what a fantastic representation of the Waterford business community across the city and county."
"This shortlist goes a long way towards showcasing the strength and depth of our amazing business community," said Eadaoin. Meanwhile, Oren Byrne, President of Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber added: “To be recognised by your peers for the hardworking and determination to be best in class deserves to be celebrated and we look forward to doing so on November 14.”
The nominees and the categories they will contest are outlined below.
Dave Barry Plastics supply bespoke custom-built plastic products for the BioPharma, Pharmaceutical and medical device Industries. We operate from a 25,000 sq. ft factory in Dungarvan Co. Waterford. We manufacture bespoke solutions for single use bioprocess bags, tubing, and filter setups. Our design team work closely with clients to provide plastic chemical resistant cleanroom products and storage solutions for their individual requirements. We offer a large range of products which are manufactured from FDA approved and USP class VI material, it also has excellent resistance to sporicidal and alcohol cleaning agents.
In May 2001, siblings Fergal and Roisin Hartley set out to provide staffing and training solutions for the South East. From humble beginnings, Hartley People Group has become the region’s largest provider of staffing, training, and homecare services, and a nationally recognised organisation serving clients in 26 counties. Today, with offices in Waterford and Dublin, we employ 55 full-time staff across five brands: Hartley People Recruitment, Hartley People Training, Clannad Care, Flexiforce, and Burton Sinclair. Guided by a people-first ethos, we connect talent, build capability, and create better outcomes for families, employers and communities all across Ireland.
Patients depend on the life-changing medicines and medical devices our customers create, and at Q1 Scientific, we play a vital role in ensuring those products stay safe and effective throughout their shelf life. For secure, reliable and cost-effective stability storage under any ICH or custom temperature and humidity condition, companies choose Q1 Scientific. From our stability storage facilities in Waterford, Belgium, and the US, we help global pharmaceutical and medical device companies establish product integrity and meet regulatory standards with confidence. Because when it comes to patient safety, every detail matters.
Dovida provides person-centred home care to over 8,000 people across Ireland. While the majority of its clients are over 65, 10% of Dovida’s client base is under 65, and children under 18 currently make up 1% of the people the organisation supports. Dovida employs more than 4,000 dedicated and compassionate caregivers to deliver its range of home care services, which are carefully designed to support, empower, and uplift people and enhance their quality of life. Dovida has 25 locations across Ireland, and its global footprint spans six countries, delivering nine million hours of care each year.
Eirgen Pharma, proudly founded in Waterford, Ireland, has grown into a trusted global CDMO partner. We specialize in developing and manufacturing high-potency oral solid dose and advanced softgel products. Combining local excellence with global reach, we deliver innovative, high-quality solutions that help bring life-changing therapies to patients worldwide.
The Park Hotel, Dungarvan is a family-owned hotel in County Waterford, part of the Flynn Hotel Collection. Since 1990, it has been a trusted destination for leisure, weddings, and corporate stays. With 84 stylish rooms, 15 holiday homes, award-winning dining, and a full health & fitness club, it offers exceptional service rooted in family values. From its humble beginnings to its current status as an award-winning hotel, The Park Hotel remains grounded in the values it was founded on: family, service, quality, and community.
CocoaByJudit, founded in 2024 by Judit and David McNally, crafts premium artisanal chocolates that combine artistic presentation with exceptional flavour. Drawing on Judit’s 20 years in confectionery and baking - including training in Sweden and experience abroad - the business blends local Irish ingredients such as cream, butter, honey and award-winning spirits with ethically sourced cacao from around the world. Rooted in a “locally sourced, globally inspired” philosophy, CocoaByJudit reflects a passion for craftsmanship, sustainability, and the celebration of Ireland’s growing reputation for world-class chocolate.
We opened The Railway Cottage in December 2020. We are a vibrant café situated directly on the Waterford greenway in Clonea, Dungarvan. Our Bakery specialises in patisserie cakes and home-made breads. Our Railway specials are home-made hearty meals and feature produce from our own fully certified organic farm in Dungarvan. In the summer months we have our outside Caboose serving soft serve ice cream, smoothies, milkshakes as well as fresh pressed juices. Our Railway Catering is for any unique events and we also launched The Railway frozen dinners range.
Under the Clock Coffee House – a cozy sanctuary nestled in the heart of Waterford City. We pride ourselves on serving artisanal coffee sourced from local roasters, ensuring freshness and quality in every sip. Our warm, inviting ambiance is designed for everyone – from busy professionals seeking a productive workspace to friends catching up over hand-crafted treats and lunch options. At Under the Clock Coffee House, we pride ourselves on our exceptional customer service, where every visitor is valued. Our dedicated team is always ready with a smile, eager to make your visit memorable and personalized. We believe that great coffee is best enjoyed in a warm, welcoming environment.
Irina Duane Photography Ltd, founded in 2016 in Dungarvan, County Waterford, is an award-winning photography company providing high-quality visual content for businesses. The company offers services to entrepreneurs and established brands, creating fine art photography, tailored marketing imagery, and social media content. With over a decade of experience, Irina Duane Photography combines exceptional creative expertise with excellent customer service, enhancing brand visibility, strengthening audience engagement, and supporting business growth. The company also captures weddings, delivering timeless, emotive imagery that preserves life’s most memorable moments.
Klearcom is a global telecom software company headquartered in Waterford, Ireland, with offices in the US and India. Its AI-powered platform ensures flawless customer experiences by testing and monitoring phone numbers, IVR systems, and call flows in real time, across more than 100+ countries. With zero integration required, Klearcom helps enterprises identify and resolve call quality or routing issues before customers are affected. Trusted by global brands like Google, Pfizer, Mastercard, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Klearcom empowers businesses to deliver reliable, world-class communication.
Welcome to Parker Law Solicitors, the award winning legal firm based in the heart of Waterford city at their offices in BarronStrand Street. Parker Law represents commercial and private clients from Waterford and Nationwide. With a reputation built on excellence, our dedicated team is committed to delivering exceptional customer service tailored to your unique need with clear communication and personalised support. Contact Parker Law Solicitors today and experience the difference.
Founded in 2001 by the late Brian Griffin and now led by his son Michael, Griffin Auctioneers is a family-run agency serving Tramore & Waterford City and County. If you follow Griffin on socials, you’ll know they don’t just list homes, they launch them! Their ethos is simple: a move isn’t just a transaction; it’s a life chapter. Every sale is handled with empathy, honest guidance, meticulous preparation, a focused launch that finds the right buyers fast, and hands-on negotiation all the way to keys. Griffin Auctioneers - moving Waterford seamlessly to sold.
The TEFL Institute of Ireland is a leading global provider of accredited TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) training, empowering people to teach, travel, and work abroad. Founded in Dungarvan, County Waterford, our mission is to make quality education accessible worldwide through innovative online learning and international teaching opportunities. As the only Irish-based TEFL provider, we’re proud to connect education with adventure, helping people start new careers, embrace cultural exchange, and make a lasting global impact.
Visit Waterford is the destination marketing organisation for Waterford City and County. A not-for-profit, membership-based organisation, it promotes the offerings of its members to both national and international audiences. Promoting Waterford’s rich tourism offering and unique visitor experiences, Visit Waterford positions the region as a must-visit destination in Ireland. Through a series of dynamic annual campaigns with strong global reach, the organisation continues to elevate Waterford’s profile on the world stage—cementing its identity as an authentic, inspiring, and unforgettable place to visit, explore, and experience.
Haleon Dungarvan, home to two of Haleon's nine power brands Panadol and Polident. Dungarvan has two manufacturing sites, Oral Care and Over the Counter and employs over 750 team members who keep the sites running ever day. We are proud to be one of the largest employers in the south east of Ireland. Dungarvan is one of Haleons global manufacturing sites supplying over 600 products to more than 80 countries with a purpose to deliver better everyday health with humanity.
The Fitzwilton Hotel opened in 2007 with a clear vision: to bring a boutique style four-star hotel experience to the heart of Waterford City. Since then, we have become a trusted favourite for both leisure and business guests, recognised for our great facilities, ideal location and warm, personal service. We offer 90 guest bedrooms, and the popular Met Bar and Bistro, all catering to everything from family breaks and romantic getaways to business trips, family celebrations, and special occasions. What sets us apart above everything else is our team, our people – a dedicated team who consistently deliver genuine hospitality and create memorable guest experiences that inspire loyalty and return visits.
At Unitec IT Solutions, excellence starts with our people. Since 2009, we’ve grown to a team of over 50 talented professionals, becoming the largest Irish-owned IT management company outside Dublin. In June 2025, we proudly announced 30 new jobs to be filled before 2028, reinforcing our commitment to growth and opportunity. We deliver trusted managed services, cybersecurity, and IT strategy — backed by ISO-certified quality standards and an average 95% customer satisfaction rating. Our team leads in cyber crime education, marketing excellence, sustainability, and workplace inclusion, connecting globally through our South Africa support office. At Unitec, our people power workplace excellence.
CC Renewables is a local, family-run business based in Dungarvan, founded by Clive Crotty. We help homes and businesses across Munster make the switch to clean energy through solar panels, heat-pump wiring, and EV chargers. With a strong focus on sustainability, local employment, and community engagement, our goal is simple — to lower energy costs, reduce carbon emissions, and create sustainable jobs right here in our community. What started as a small electrical company has grown into a passionate team leading the way in renewable energy, helping power a cleaner, greener future for everyone.
Celebrating 45 years under the ownership of the Cusack family, the Granville Hotel stands proudly in the heart of Waterford City as one of Ireland’s most historic and iconic hotels. Renowned for its warmth, charm, and genuine Irish hospitality, the Granville blends rich heritage with modern comfort. A Great Place to Work–accredited business, the hotel invests deeply in its people, community, and sustainability. From championing local producers to supporting cultural and sporting initiatives, the Granville continues to be a cornerstone of excellence in Waterford hospitality.
Waterford TFI Local Link Waterford provides safe, reliable, and accessible public bus services across County Waterford. We connect communities with essential services, employment, education, and social activities through a mix of regular scheduled and door-to-door services. We are committed to promoting social inclusion, sustainability, and improved quality of life by ensuring that everyone, regardless of location or mobility, has access to affordable and dependable transport.
Ashleigh Farms is a third-generation family pig farm established in West Waterford in the 1960s. We run our own dedicated breeding unit, home milling operation, environmental technology and agricultural research & development unit. Ashleigh Farms is at the forefront of the highest standards of welfare and sustainable agriculture by combining practical on-farm expertise with cutting-edge research partnerships. Our internationally recognised innovations focus on turning everyday farming challenges—such as improved production, animal welfare and carbon reduction actions —into real world productivity, efficiency, and climate advances.
Li4, established in 2023 by South East Technological University (SETU), is Ireland’s National Centre of Excellence in Lean Industry 4.0. Our mission is to make Ireland a world leader in productivity, sustainability, and digital transformation. Working across pharma, food, manufacturing, healthcare, and services, we help organisations connect people, process, and technology to turn complex challenges into measurable improvement. At Li4, innovation is action - delivering higher productivity, lower waste, and smarter systems. From Waterford, we’re building a national ecosystem where industry, government, and academia design Ireland’s sustainable, intelligent future.
NEG8 Carbon is at the forefront of combating climate change and helping industries reduce their CO₂ emissions. It is designing and developing Direct Air Capture systems, which draw in large quantities of air, to then pass it over sorbents to capture CO₂. This CO₂ can then be used in the production of sustainable aviation fuel, in building products and can also be stored underground helping industries reach their net zero targets. NEG8 Carbon employs a highly skilled team of Irish and international scientists and engineers, 50% of whom have PhDs. It is involved in multiple carbon capture projects in Ireland and around the world.
Aspire Physiotherapy is a Chartered Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Clinic located in Dungarvan, Co.Waterford. We specialise in Physiotherapy, Sports Injuries and Women's Health Physiotherapy; this includes Pelvic floor, Postnatal and Pregnancy Physiotherapy. We are the first and only Specialist Women’s Health Physiotherapy clinic in West Waterford and have excellent on site facilities including a fully equipped gym to ensure the highest quality service to our clients. The clinic was established in 2022 and we use a holistic, evidence-based approach combining Physiotherapy, Sports Science and Strength and Conditioning to achieve the best results.
Liberty Blue Estate Agents is the highest-rated five-star estate agents in Ireland who takes pride in promoting Waterford as the best place to live. Supporting our community since 1997, we are never afraid to stand out. We are always raising standards, through innovation in technology, lean processes and continuous improvement. Our aim is to keep our service to sellers buyers and property providers world-class and to always be smarter, faster, and better.
Merry’s Gastro Pub, Dungarvan is a long-established and much-loved part of the Waterford hospitality scene, known for quality food, a welcoming atmosphere, live music and memorable events. Blending the charm of a traditional Irish pub with modern dining, Merry’s continues to grow while staying true to its heritage. The focus remains on consistency, local ingredients and creating a relaxed space where people come to connect, celebrate and enjoy great nights out. With a loyal customer base and a commitment to ongoing improvement, and giving back to the community, Merry’s remains a trusted destination in the South East.
Euryka AI solves a problem every marketing team faces: too many AI tools that don't talk to each other. Teams waste hours jumping between ChatGPT, Midjourney, Gemini, and many other apps, re-explaining their brand every single time. Euryka brings everything together in one workspace. Set your brand guidelines once, and every AI tool follows them automatically. Teams work together in real-time, and nothing gets lost. From first idea to final results, everything stays connected and on-brand. Built in Waterford and backed by Enterprise Ireland, Euryka makes AI work for your business.
GoChallenge is a social health platform that helps organisations tackle disconnection, burnout, and sedentary work by turning everyday movement into a shared, team-based experience. Our inclusive challenges reconnect colleagues, spark energy, and strengthen culture across hybrid and remote workplaces. GoChallenge provides a proven, scalable way to improve team cohesion and wellbeing. The result is healthier, more motivated employees and workplaces that perform better because their people feel connected, supported, and part of something bigger.
Natures Alchemy is a sustainable Irish skincare brand inspired by the magic of nature. Founded in West Waterford by community herbalist Lynn Shead, the range is handmade in small batches using the highest quality natural ingredients infused with native Irish herbs. Each product is designed to nurture sensitive skin while minimising environmental impact through compostable and refillable packaging. With its blend of science, sustainability, and tradition, Natures Alchemy empowers people to live comfortably in their own skin.
Coláiste na Rinne prides itself on bringing the heart of Ireland’s culture and language to life. For over a century, it has welcomed visitors to immerse themselves in the Irish language, traditions, and vibrant Gaeltacht community, creating experiences that inspire and endure. Each visit fosters a deep connection to Waterford’s heritage, supports the local community, and celebrates the living spirit of Irish culture in An Rinn and beyond. Coláiste na Rinne is more than a destination — it is a place where culture, language, and community truly come alive.
Located in the heart of Dunmore East, Dunmore Adventure is one of Ireland’s leading outdoor activity providers, offering world-class adventure on both land and sea. In business for over 32 years, the team continues to make waves in Waterford tourism through innovation, investment, and community collaboration. Recent developments include the launch of the exciting new Tomb Laser Challenge and the upcoming Ninja Warrior Course, enhancing the centre’s year-round appeal. From kayaking, sailing, and Ireland’s only Wibit inflatable water park to indoor climbing, Caving, High Ropes Course and archery, Dunmore Adventure delivers unforgettable experiences that showcase Waterford’s spirit of adventure.
The Churchyard Sessions is a vibrant series of free outdoor summer concerts held every Saturday night (and selected Fridays) in the heart of Waterford’s Viking Triangle. Set against the stunning backdrop of the 13th-century Greyfriars Church, the event features an exciting mix of local and national artists, creating an electric atmosphere that captures the spirit of Waterford. The Churchyard Sessions offers the perfect setting for locals and visitors alike to enjoy free live music in one of the city’s most iconic locations.
Our story has always been part of Waterford life. Heroes introduces style with clothing that fits real life and real personalities. Evolution builds on this with current, casual looks. Fitz U sits in the middle, offering smart casual style suited to modern routines. Fitzgerald’s Menswear is the destination for milestones and key occasions. Customers grow with us, return to us, and stay connected to familiar faces. Each step is part of one journey, built on service, trust, and community ties that have lasted for generations.
George Corbett Motors is Waterford’s trusted dealer for SKODA, CUPRA, SEAT, and Mazda. Celebrating 30 years in business in 2025, we’re proud to be recognised for quality, value, and genuine customer care. Our full-service dealership offers new and used car sales, flexible finance, and award-winning aftersales support. With a passionate, customer-focused team and deep community roots, we continue to combine tradition, innovation, and trust—delivering exceptional motoring experiences to generations of drivers across Waterford and the Southeast.
Harlow Fine Jewellery is unlike any other jewellery store in the region. Located in Waterford’s historic Viking Triangle, Harlow Fine Jewellery is an independent boutique offering a curated collection of solid gold, diamond, and gemstone pieces from Irish and European designers. Each item is selected by owner and designer Lisa Statham, reflecting Harlow’s distinctive blend of individuality and elegance. Specialising in Irish made engagement rings, Harlow’s bespoke design service invites clients to collaborate with Lisa to create one of a kind pieces crafted by master goldsmiths. The boutique blends craftsmanship with experience — a warm, welcoming space where thoughtful service and quiet luxury define every visit.
