Waxies success: 'Mines firm impresses at Enterprise Awards

Premier Fire Products Ltd, trading as Waxies, who are supported by Local Enterprise Office Tipperary, were worthy representatives at this year’s National Enterprise Awards. The awards, which took place at the Mansion House in Dublin, are in their 23rd year and run annually by the Local Enterprise Offices.

Premier Fire products was established in 2014 and manufacture eco-friendly firelighters at a purpose-built location in Silvermines. The product range includes traditional household firelighters and BBQ firelighters all of which are from recycled wax and saw dust. The company manufacture two brands, Waxies for the household use and WaxiStix for the BBQ firelighters.

Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council, Cllr Marie Murphy, stated: “Rory and Denis, from Premier Fire Products Ltd, were fantastic representatives for Tipperary at the National Enterprise Awards. Their products, Waxies Firelighters and WaxiStix BBQ lighters, are odourless and clean, they are environmentally friendly and are a 100% recycled product. We wish Rory, Denis and their families the very best for the future.”

The overall winner at the National Enterprise Awards was Wicklow aquaculture and offshore wind company, Aqualicense. Established in 2019 by Kate Dempsey the company has gone from strength to strength in recent years. The company engages in consultation, planning, legal compliance and project delivery on behalf of companies in the aquaculture and offshore renewable energy industries.

Several other companies won across a range of categories at the awards, which were established by the Local Enterprise Offices to celebrate the impact and quality of small businesses across the country.

The Best Start-Up category was won by Acoustic Interiors supported by Local Enterprise Office Offaly. The business improves the health, wellbeing and productivity of people through intelligent acoustic design and fit-out of homes, offices and buildings.

The Green/Sustainability Award went to Cirtex, supported by Local Enterprise Office Longford. The company have created a closed-loop manufacturing business that upcycles the materials from duvets and mattresses, most of which are imported, to be reused in new products.

The Best Export category was won by Professional Hair Labs supported by Local Enterprise Office Wexford. The family run business is a manufacturer and distributor of cosmetic products including GHOSTBOND, the world’s leading product for hair adhesive solutions.

The Innovation Award went to Cubbie who are supported by Local Enterprise Office Mayo. The installation, which is in over 200 schools across Ireland, enables students with neurodiversity or sensory challenges to regulate their senses with a bespoke programme to ensure their learning and academic experience is not adversely affected.

Finally, the One to Watch Award was taken by Streat School supported by Local Enterprise Office Monaghan. The business provides an end-to-end solution for those looking to enter the street food business, providing equipment, workshops and branding materials.

This year’s winners share a €50,000 investment fund and eight regional winners were also announced on the night. There was also an Outstanding Achievement Award presented on the night to an individual or company who has excelled in recent years. This award went to ABC Nutritionals from Clare. The Shannon-based business, established in 2007 are a private label manufacturer of sports, weight management and lifestyle nutrition products. They have doubled their workforce and turnover since 2018 with 68 now employed and hope to reach 100 by 2025 with a new facility in development.

The National Enterprise Awards are one of a number of initiatives that the Local Enterprise Offices run, to foster entrepreneurship across the country.

Established in 2014, the Local Enterprise Offices are the essential resource for any entrepreneur looking to start a business or any small business that is looking for support or advice to help them grow. For more information see www.LocalEnterprise.ie