The entrepreneurial spirit in Ireland remains strong and continues to thrive. The country has produced many business leaders who have made their mark globally and continue to do so.
Businesses of all sizes across the country provide valuable opportunities in local communities and help Ireland punch above its weight on the global stage. Ranging from family-run businesses to international organisations, each one plays a role in Ireland's social and economic well-being.
From micro SMEs to large multinationals, Irish entrepreneurs have pushed forward and set the standard.
The Entrepreneurs, a new RTÉ One series produced in association with EY Entrepreneur of the Year™ offers a unique perspective into the brilliant entrepreneurs behind some of Ireland’s leading homegrown businesses. It will go behind the scenes of the highs, the lows, the risks and rewards associated with running a business
Each business leader featured has their own pathway to success, with no shortage of work, effort, and ingenuity along the way.
Fuelling generations
Many businesses across the country aim to improve the nation's health and wellness. Some of whom choose an innovative approach or spot a market problem.
FabÜ is a wellness brand specialising in scientifically formulated supplements that blend plants, including herbs and mushrooms, with essential vitamins and minerals.
Founded by Laura Dowling in 2022, the company originated from her work as a pharmacist, where she saw the need for targeted, holistic advice.
Its products are available in more than 1,500 pharmacies and health-food stores across Ireland, as well as online.
Another company offering a healthy alternative is VitHit. The low-calorie, low-sugar vitamin drinks company was founded by Gary Lavin in response to the lack of healthy drinks available on the market.
VitHit employs 30 people and operates in 18 markets worldwide, including Belgium, the US, the UK, France, and the Netherlands.
Bringing beauty to business
Likewise, Ireland is making its mark in the beauty industry, exemplified by several emerging players.
Áine Kennedy started The Smooth Company in her attic in February 2022. Having years of experience in the beauty industry, the company began with the release of the Smooth Stick™, described as a 'hair-taming’ wand that controls stray hairs without leaving hair stiff or greasy.
The Smooth Company now has customers in more than 70 countries. It was recently launched in the luxury de Bijenkorf stores in the Netherlands and in all H&M Beauty flagship stores across Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark. The business and its products have been featured in Vogue and Elle magazine,
In addition, the business has amassed more than 150 million organic TikTok views.
Consultant dermatologists, Caitriona Ryan and Nicola Ralph, co-founded The Institute of Dermatologists to transform the delivery of private dermatological care.
Their goal is to deliver care through a collaborative practice that combines medical excellence with aesthetic care.
Based in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, the clinic is served by 13 consultant dermatologists and has more than 20 employees. It also includes a cosmetic suite and a rapidly growing online sales platform.
The backbone of national services
Alongside many front-facing businesses, Ireland has a strong pedigree in behind-the-scenes infrastructure, playing a role in everyday services as well as significant projects.
Headquartered in Co. Wicklow, LMH Engineering has grown to become one of Ireland’s leading mechanical and structural engineering companies. Under the stewardship of its managing director, James Kelly, it offers end-to-end services in advanced design, engineering, manufacturing and installation.
It employs over 220 people and operates in more than four countries, with offices and legal entities in Ireland, the UK, Denmark, and the Philippines, and serves industries including battery production, data centres, and pharmaceuticals.
Pivotal is a cash-in-transit and cash-management business founded by Terry Hughes in 2005.
Starting from a single branch in Belfast, it now serves over 8,000 customers across Ireland and Britain, operates 18 centres, and employs 1,200 people.
It owns and operates about 2,000 ATMs across Britain and Ireland, with plans to expand to 10,000.
The entrepreneurs featured in The Entrepreneurs series are all finalists of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ programme.
Now in its 28th year, the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ programme supports, promotes, and connects a community of more than 680 entrepreneurs across sectors and regions, who collectively employ over 275,000 people across the island of Ireland and generate revenues of €28bn.
For more ,see EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ | EY - Ireland
