Haleon was named Overall Waterford Business of the Year at the Waterford Business Awards today, Friday, February 24th by Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr John O’Leary, during a gala awards dinner at Faithlegg.
Haleon, launched as a new global Consumer Healthcare business in July 2022, also picked up the Business of the Year (150+ employees) award.
Haleon employs over 22,000 people globally and has a network of 24 sites, of which Dungarvan is one of the largest, employing over 900 people. The manufacturing site in Dungarvan was established in 1981, thus having a presence in West Waterford for over 40 years. They manufacture Power Brands Panadol and Polident, suppling over 600 products to 70 markets worldwide.
The Waterford Business Awards, which are organised by Waterford Chamber, Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber and WLR, were hosted by Mary O’Neill and celebrated the successes and contributions of the shortlisted companies.
Opening proceedings, Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr John O’Leary said: “From my ongoing engagements, I know first-hand what an amazing business community we have in Waterford, so today I would like to thank you all and simply say well done. While there will be only one winner in each category today, to me you are all winners and I applaud your tenacity and commitment.”
Topping the categories were Red Hat for Technology, Research and Innovation, Marketing Excellence went to The Lady's Slip Lingerie, CC Renewables was named New Business of the Year, Tourism Excellence winners were Comeragh Pods, Geaney Engineering Consultants took home the Business of the Year (up to 20 employees) award, Enerpower was awarded Business of the Year (21 to 150 employees), Haleon was named Business of the Year (150+ employees), Sun Life received the Excellence in Sustainability award, Everett’s Restaurant won Food and Beverage and the Granville Hotel received the Customer Service Excellence award.
The Entrepreneur of the Year Award, sponsored by workLAB, was presented to Mervyn O’Callaghan, founder of CameraMatics, while the Judges Special Recognition Award, sponsored by Faithlegg, went to Waterford Treasures Museum Director Eamon McEneaney.
The shortlisted businesses were nominated by the public and also by self-nomination in all categories. An independent judging panel, under the Chairmanship of Noel Kelly, and including Martin Freyne; Deirdre Houlihan, Faithlegg Hotel; TV Honan, Spraoi; Lena Phelen, Truvium Vet; Jacqui Gaule, Waterford Local Enterprise Office, Des Whelan, WLR and Jackie Roche, Bausch & Lomb carried out the difficult task of selecting the final shortlist and category winners after a rigorous judging analysis of each application.
Following the awards, Paul Nolan, Waterford Chamber President said, “On behalf of Waterford Chamber, I would like to congratulate Haleon on being announced as the Overall Winner of the Waterford Business Awards and to all category winners and finalists – thank you. Without your hard work and determination our business community would not be as vibrant as it is today and we wish you all continued success.”
Meanwhile, Oren Byrne, President of Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber said: “We are delighted to welcome the perpetual Overall Waterford Business of the Year trophy to West Waterford for a second year in a row and wish Haleon every success going forward. Well done to all of the winners and finalists. These awards showcase the very best in business and it is fantastic to be able to honour so many innovative and talented people across the city and county.”
Speaking on behalf of WLR, Des Whelan, Managing Director, said: “WLR, as a local company with offices and studios in Waterford City and Dungarvan, was very pleased to be involved in both organising and promoting the Waterford Business Awards. It’s such a positive event for Waterford City and County with so many world class companies and innovative business people being honoured. My congratulations to all the nominees and winners and thanks to all who entered and supported the 2022 awards.”
Waterford City and County Council sponsored the Overall Waterford Business Award, Entrepreneur of the year was sponsored by workLAB, the Judges Special Recognition Award was sponsored by Faithlegg, while category sponsors include Permanent TSB, Waterford Local enterprise office, Fáilte Ireland, AIB bank, EY, Energia, PWC, RelateCare and Waterford Chamber Skillnet.
