“LIMERICK can be restored to its rightful place if everybody pitches in for change and puts their shoulder to the wheel to restore the city to its former glory. But it’s going to be a long hard road and the people will write that script of change and give us a road map for success.” The words of Denis Brosnan, this Monday morning, as he helped launch the Limerick Chamber Midwest Business Awards for 2012. As a former winner, Mr Brosnan alluded to the success of large companies operating in the region in the past, but noted that the “real catalyst needed to get Limerick working again was local entrepreneurship”.
Sponsored by LIT for its second year, the Limerick Chamber are now seeking nominations for 11 categories where award winners will be sought for 2012 in the following categories;
Best Start-up/Emerging Business
Best Service
Best SME business (less than 75 employees)
Best FDI business (more than 75 employees)
Best Exporter
Best Hospitality
Best Retail
Best Large Indigenous Business
Best Technology
Best Sport, Arts and Culture
Best Overall Business
It is in the recognition of these companies and their work in providing goods or services, no matter their size, that is a key element in promoting and encouraging entrepreneurship in the city.
Mr Brosnan said that he was encouraged that many of the “awful structures” that Limerick had have now been addressed, and as a region with once “four authorities ruling it, now that has also been addressed with three to be merged into one. This, along with the work to tackle the job agencies issue, we can see that the global market place would be encouraged to create jobs in the region”.
He added that the “people of Limerick have seen too many plans for their city and now is the time for them to have a real plan to work on”.
In 2014, Limerick City is to be a city of culture and this is just part of the rebranding of the city. “We have a five- year programme to follow and we have to think positive – Limerick is thinking positively and every one should put their shoulder to the wheel in support”.
As the founder and former chief executive of Kerry Group PLC, Mr Brosnan said that attracting major businesses to the region can be done through the support of smaller firms to create a stable economy.
“The success of small firms supports industry,” he told the gathering, “while we await the arrival of a large business to the region”.
Gordon Kearney, president of the Limerick Chamber, said that the 2012 awards are there to “celebrate and publicly acknowledge entrepreneurship, innovation, determination, success and acumen in business in Limerick and the Mid West region.
Nominations are now being accepted for businesses falling under the 11 categories, and will close on Friday, October 5 next, and the winners will be announced at the president’s dinner on November 16.
from left to right: Maria Byrne- Deputy Mayor, Minister Jan O’Sullivan, Denis Brosnan – Guest Speaker, Maria Hinfelaar President LIT, Gordan Kearney – President Limerick Chamber
