EY Ireland has announced the finalists for its annual Entrepreneur of the Year award, with 24 business leaders shortlisted. The nominees come from a variety of industries including technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and engineering, and collectively generate over €700m in annual revenue while employing over 5,000 people.
The entrepreneurs were chosen across three categories: emerging, established, and international. Among the finalists are Sam Moffett of Moffett Automated Storage, Denis Collins of ActionZero, Chris Kelly of EasyGo, Sheena Bailey and Louella Morton of TestReach, Brian Fahey of MyComplianceOffice, and Andrew Woods of Catagen. Three Northern Irish founders also made the list.
EY partner lead for the Entrepreneur of the Year program, Roger Wallace, highlighted that there were a record number of nominations this year, including the highest ever number of women entrepreneurs. Wallace also emphasized the diversity of the finalists, coming from different backgrounds and communities across Ireland, and noted that the EY Entrepreneur of the Year alumni group fosters the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurialism. The full list of finalists can be found on the program’s website.
EY Ireland’s Entrepreneur of the Year award shortlist was chosen from over 150 nominations by an independent panel of previous winners. The program’s alumni network has grown to include over 600 members, with 75% of them doing business with each other. The community generates €25bn in revenue and employs over 250,000 people across Ireland.
Anne Heraty, founder of CPL Resources and EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2006, emphasized the challenge the judging panel faced in selecting the 24 finalists and noted that it highlighted the thriving spirit of entrepreneurship in Ireland, offering hope for the future of the island.
