The Mayor of Limerick City and County, Cllr Liam Galvin has said that the success of Global Sauces in winning the ‘Best Start-Up Award’ at the National Enterprise Awards is another positive reflection of the strong entrepreneurial ecosystem in place in Limerick.
The Raheen company was nominated for the award by the Local Enterprise Office Limerick, which operates under the auspices of Limerick City and County Council and which supported the company through priming and expansion grants.
“Limerick has a great history of entrepreneurship and without getting into names, it’s fair to say that it has spawned hugely successful companies at a local, national and, indeed, international level. Global Sauces’ Best Start-Up Award win is among those companies and this national success is much deserved recognition,” said Mayor Galvin.
“Liam Hayes and Vincent Sheehan have developed a successful business already employing eight people and if this award is anything to go by, that number is likely to grow in the years ahead. The more indigenous companies that grow here, the more employment we will have so this is good news not just for Global Sauces but also Limerick.”
The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Ms. Mary Mitchell O’ Connor T.D. had presented the Best Start-Up Award to the Limerick-based manufacturer of sauces at this year’s National Enterprise Awards held at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.
Set-up in 2013, the company manufacturers over thirty different varieties of sauce for the food service, processing and retail sectors and is expanding into the UK market later this year.
Speaking at the awards, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Ms. Mary Mitchell O'Connor T.D. said: "I am delighted to be here to witness first-hand the innovative entrepreneurs that Ireland has. Through the National Enterprise Awards, the success stories of Ireland's small businesses are showcased nationally and internationally by the Local Enterprise Offices. Small businesses, like finalists here at the National Enterprise Awards, are the backbone of the Irish economy and I want to ensure that I can put in place the right conditions for more small businesses to grow. Two thirds of all new jobs are created by start-ups and I want to encourage more people to start new businesses, with the help of their Local Enterprise Office. I want to congratulate all of this year's winners and I wish them the very best for the future, as they 'fly the flag' for Ireland's small businesses.”
Speaking at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Head of Enterprise with Local Enterprise Office Limerick, Eamon Ryan, was among the first to congratulate the Limerick winners, saying: “The team at Global Sauces are achieving real growth and are truly a start-up success story. With an increasing portfolio of specialist products and fast-growing sales, the company is very well-placed for expanding into the UK market from their Limerick base. For thousands of small companies like Global Sauces, the Local Enterprise Offices through the Local Authorities Network have become a first stop shop for business. The National Enterprise Awards help to celebrate these companies’ achievements. As a business moves through the start-up phase and into the growth phase, their Local Enterprise Office is standing by, ready to provide whatever supports are needed to help that business grow and expand.”