Bevcraft, a Westmeath mobile canning company has taken the top prize at this year's National Enterprise Awards, which took place virtually this evening.
The awards which are run by the Local Enterprise Offices are in their 22nd year and recognise the achievements of small businesses.
The Minister of State for business, employment and retail, Damien English made the announcement from the Mansion House in Dublin which was broadcast live online, with the 30 finalists watching from around the country.
Bevcraft
Bevcraft was set up by friends Darren Fenton and Ciarán Gorman with the aim of creating an international business in their home town of Mullingar.
The company provides a mobile canning service to craft beer companies across Ireland.
They are also operating in five other European countries including Germany and the UK.
Bevcraft sends its mobile canning lines and crews into craft breweries to convert tanks of craft beer into cans, ready for supermarket shelves and off-licences.
The company which was created in 2016, say they are on course to handle 50 million cans this year, an increase on the 20 million last year.
Bevcraft currently employs 17 people and hope to grow to a team of 30 by the middle of next year.
The company, which has been supported by LEO Westmeath has recently transferred to Enterprise Ireland to support their international growth.
Other winners
Along with the overall winner, five category winners were announced.
VRAI, which is backed by LEO Dublin City, won the Innovation Award.
The Best Export Award went to Kianda Technologies, which was supported by LEO Fingal and have recently moved to Enterprise Ireland.
The Future Focus Award went to Lidan Designs, backed by LEO Roscommon.
To recognise the particular challenges overcome by businesses in 2020, two new awards were presented, the Brexit Ready Award and the Pivot Award.
The Brexit Ready Award went to Knockanore Farmhouse Cheese who are supported by LEO Waterford.
The Pivot Award winner went to WowWee.ie who are backed by LEO Clare.
Announcing the awards virtually from the Mansion House, Minister English said he has no doubt that the winning businesses will continue to grow, create more jobs and make a significant contribution to their local economies.
"The foundations of the Irish economy is built on by small businesses and through these awards we can recognise their valuable role in society," he said.
