A Mallow company that repurposes decommissioned wind turbine blades into greenway bridges and outdoor furniture has been recognised as one of the best businesses in North Cork. BladeBridge was named Best Start-up at the Best in Cork for Cork County Council’s first of three divisional awards at a special event at Springfort Hall Hotel, Mallow.
Viska Systems was named Best Small Business in the region. The Buttevant-based company designs and manufactures robotics and automation systems for a range of industries.
Charleville-based CPH, which is Ireland’s largest independent construction services company, received the Best Medium Business award. It was established in 1989, employs 32 people and has the largest green electric fleet of any of the top 30 powered access companies in Ireland and the UK
The three winners and three runners-up will now go on to represent North Cork at the overall Best in Cork awards, set to take place at Cork County Hall in January.
Renewable energy development company NMK Renewables was runner-up in the Best Start-Up category; The Sibly Food Co., which makes healthy energy balls and baked goods, was the Best Small Business runner-up; with speciality food distributors Horgan’s Delicatessen Supplies the runner-up in Best Medium Business.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank O’Flynn said, “The independent panel of judges had a difficult job to do, such was the high quality of the entries we received from businesses right across North Cork. We had entries from talented craftspeople, innovative service providers, popular food businesses and leading retailers. There were brand new businesses alongside companies that have been in the same family for generations and each entry contained fascinating and inspiring stories. Every single company that entered can be proud of what they have achieved and of their ambitions for the future. In particular, I would like to congratulate the six companies who will represent North Cork in the overall awards in January and wish them the very best of luck.”
Chief Executive of Cork County Council Valerie O’Sullivan added, “It is important for us to shine a spotlight on the businesses that make North Cork such a vibrant place to live, work and visit. The Best in Cork awards aim to recognise sustainability, growth and innovation. It is clear from the entries that businesses in North Cork are making huge strides to ensure their company is as sustainable as possible and I would like to commend them for their efforts to date. One of the most sustainable things we can all do is to support local businesses and I would encourage people to buy local this Christmas as well as throughout the year whenever possible. When you buy goods or services from a local company you are reinvesting in your local community and supporting vital jobs.”