Harp Media scoop top gong at County Longford Enterprise Awards

The health and diversity of Longford's commercial sector was apparent when the county's Local Enterprise Office hosted their annual awards last week.

Multi-discipline film production company Harp Media took the top prize and will represent Longford at the 24th National Enterprise Awards Final in the Mansion House, Dublin, on Thursday, May 23, 2024.

Six other winners received accolades at the annual ceremony.

The LEO awards honour outstanding small businesses in the county.

Speaking at the ceremony Longford County Council Director of Services with responsibility for Enterprise, Michael Nevin, commended the finalists: “We have good representation across a range of sectors. Longford businesses are very modest people. It can be difficult to get them to put their hands up for awards and say 'I'm doing well'. Today we recognise some of the businesses in the county who are making an impact, both locally and nationally.”

Also read: Longford’s Local Enterprise Week opens with insightful AI event

Leas Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Garry Murtagh, addressed the importance of the gathering: “The aim of these awards is to spotlight, showcase and give coverage to the culture of enterprise and entrepreneurship in our community. The council, through the local enterprise office, supports and celebrates these businesses.

“Longford County Council and the LEO are always working to make County Longford a better place to do business in,” said Cllr Murtagh.

The council Leas Cathaoirleach spoke of the vital role the businesses play in the community: “We recognise the achievement of progressive and forward thinking entrepreneurs throughout the county. These are businesses that help us retain our young people and bring wealth to the local economy. Today we recognise their efforts.”

A diverse range of indigenous businesses were recognised at the event. The Lean Champion award went to Longford town retail outlet Fabiani, owned and run by Louise Brennan.

The women's designer clothing fashion boutique is over a decade in business. What started as a high-end shoe store has transformed into a 'retail destination' attracting a national customer base.

The Lean Champion award acknowledged the businesses' advancements in the online side of the business, developing a process to support the growth of online sales and automate aspects of order capture resulting in an efficient and effective use of resources.

The 2024 Digital Champion is Larkin Windows & Doors. In 1992 Brendan Larkin established the family run business in Ballinamuck. They have grown to become one of the largest producers and suppliers of aluminium and uPVC doors, windows, porches, patios and conservatories in the County.

In 2023, the company undertook a Digital for Business Programme with Longford LEO to get a full review of their systems before switching to cloud-based project management and production systems improving their work processes.

Ballymahon lifestyle store and deli Wilder & Gold are this year's Green champion. Their upgrade of tech infrastructure has ensured future growth. Established by Marie O'Dowd in 2018 the business has focused on managing and controlling the environmental impact of the business.

Availing of the Green for Business Programme, Marie had a full audit of the business from a Green perspective reviewing waste management, food waste and packaging along with energy usage. The audit resulted in a range of actions aimed at achieving reductions in food waste and energy usage.

Hugh Quinn, Director and Chairperson of Edgeworthstown District Development Association, was the recipient of the Spirit of Longford Award.

Hugh is a leading driver in the development of Co: Worx, the award winning co-working hub in Edgeworthstown. Hugh is very involved in Edgeworthstown Trader's Association, an organisation he established almost 20 years ago.

Edgeworthstown Trader's Association represents local business owners who work together to improve the town's aesthetic and commercial possibilities. The association now has 50 permanent members and continues growing.

Since coming into being in 2018 Harp Media has enjoyed a tremendous amount of success. Robert Higgins and Patrick McGivney, the award-winning directing and producing duo, have been leading lights in the independent Irish film sector.

They wrote, produced and directed the feature film 'Lakelands' which won Best Irish Film at the Galway Film Fleadh and Kerry Film Festival. Their short film 'Drifting' stars Emmy nominee Paul Mescal, IFTA nominees Dafhyd Flynn and Lorcan Cranitch.

After Lakelands premiered at the Galway Film Fleadh it was acquired for worldwide distribution with Oscar winning distributor Network Ireland Television. Alongside their creative film making, Harp Media also provides video production and streaming to the commercial sector with an impressive client listing. The duo have worked with the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland delivering film production workshops to students across the region.

The final award went to a relatively new start-up. In the area of innovation Thermwall, established by brothers Guram and Bisek Baisonashvili, is a real Longford success story. Guram and Bisek are originally from Georgia, but have been living in Ireland for the past 20 years.

They began their careers in the construction industry before starting Thermwall in 2023, manufacturing insulation solutions for the commercial and domestic market in Ireland.

The company designs, manufactures, cuts and assembles insulation solutions specific to client needs.

The County Longford Enterprise Awards took place as part of Local Enterprise Week in PVs in Longford town. It was organised by Local Enterprise Offices, and supported by Enterprise Ireland, local authorities, including Longford County Council, and the Government of Ireland.