Limerick Chamber Announces 2025 Regional Business Awards and President’s Dinner, Celebrating Excellence, Driving Regional Impact
Thursday 26 June 2025: Limerick Chamber is proud to announce the launch of the 2025 Limerick Chamber Regional Business Awards, in partnership with title sponsor Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), alongside the return of the President’s Dinner, supported by AIB. This dual-headline event -the largest annual business gathering in the Mid-West – will take place on Friday, 14th November 2025 at the Limerick Strand Hotel, bringing together business leaders, policymakers, and key stakeholders to celebrate the achievements and ambition of the Mid-West business community.
Now in its 14th year, the awards and continue to be a cornerstone of Limerick Chamber’s mission: to represent, connect, and champion businesses across Limerick, Clare, Tipperary, and North Kerry. Entries for the 2025 Regional Business Awards open today, with the shortlist of finalists to be announced on 17 October 2025.
Michelle Gallagher, Chief Executive Officer, Limerick Chamber said:
“The Awards highlight the businesses that are not just succeeding but actively shaping the region’s future. As the voice of business in the Mid-West, Limerick Chamber is proud to champion the companies driving our region forward. From ambitious startups to global exporters, these awards recognise the real engines of growth and innovation. They reflect the strength, diversity, and resilience of our business community. If your business is making an impact, now is the time to step forward and be recognised I strongly encourage you to enter ,” said Gallagher.
The awards are open to all businesses across the region, Chamber membership is not required to apply, and the judging process is independently assessed. Each category has been developed to reflect business excellence across different sizes, sectors, and impact areas.
2025 Award Categories
- Best Emerging Business (sponsored by Limerick City & County Council)
- Best SME: Regional Business Excellence Award (sponsored by AIB)
- Best Employer: People & Culture Excellence Award
- CSR: Community Impact Award (sponsored by Limerick Chamber Skillnet)
- Sustainability and Environmental Leadership Award (sponsored by EY)
- Customer Experience Excellence Award :Retail & Hospitality (sponsored by BDO)
- Innovation & Digital Transformation Award (sponsored by Holmes)
- Best Not-for-Profit Impact Award (sponsored by Northern Trust)
- Best Overall Business of the Year (sponsored by TUS) – selected from category winners
Note on Applications:
The process has been simplified in 2025 with a concise, digital-first application form, enabling businesses to easily present their impact, ambition, and growth story for our panel of judges. Entries close mid-September, and all shortlisted companies will receive complimentary attendance at the awards ceremony.
Mairéad Connolly, President of Limerick Chamber, commented:
“The awards embody the spirit of the Limerick Chamber community, a community that is diverse, driven, and deeply collaborative. We celebrate the companies that are not only growing but also giving back, innovating, and shaping the region’s future. The President’s Dinner provides a unique moment to reflect on progress and unite the voices that advocate for investment, talent, and policy focus for the Mid-West.”
The Limerick Chamber President’s Dinner and Regional Business Awards is a black-tie evening attracting over 400 guests, including national stakeholders, public representatives, and regional business leaders. The evening begins with the President’s Dinner, during which the recipient of the President’s Award is announced, this is an honour recognising an individual or organisation that has made an exceptional contribution to the Mid-West. This is followed by the Awards Ceremony, culminating in the announcement of the Best Overall Business of the Year, selected from the eight category winners.
Redmond McDonnell, CEO of DesignPro Automation and 2024 recipient of both the Best SME and Best Overall Business awards, reflected on the impact:
“Winning these awards was a milestone moment for our team. It gave us meaningful recognition and opened new conversations with partners, customers, and talent. The exposure raised our profile locally and nationally; this acknowledgment was more than an honour; it was a catalyst.”
Returning as the President’s Dinner sponsor and Best SME Award sponsor, AIB continues to demonstrate its alignment with the Chamber’s vision of strengthening business across the Mid-West.
Damien Garrihy, Business Banking, AIB Limerick & Clare, shared:
“Our partnership with Limerick Chamber reflects a shared commitment to the success of Irish business. From emerging enterprises to long-established SMEs, we are proud to support and spotlight those driving employment, innovation, and opportunity across the Mid-West.”
TUS, title sponsors of the Regional Business Awards and sponsor of the Best Overall Business of the Year category, continues to bridge the gap between industry and education.
Professor Vincent Cunnane, President of TUS, commented:
“These awards shine a light on the businesses that lead through innovation, resilience, and purpose. At TUS, we partner with companies across the region to support their growth through research, talent, and problem-solving. Our role as long standing sponsor reinforces our commitment to building an economy rooted in knowledge and collaboration.”
Gillian Barry, Head of Innovation and Enterprise at TUS, added:
“These awards are about recognising and celebrating the real stories behind our region’s business success. I’ve seen first-hand the passion, resilience, and ingenuity that drives companies across the Mid-West. TUS is incredibly proud to support these awards because we believe in backing the businesses that are building something meaningful – creating jobs, solving problems, and strengthening our communities.”
The 2025 programme is made possible through the generous support of our category sponsors: TUS, AIB, EY, Northern Trust, Limerick City & County Council, Holmes, BDO, and Limerick Chamber Skillnet.
We also thank our local media partners who continue to amplify the voices and achievements of the Mid-West business community, our media partners play an essential role in ensuring these stories are seen, shared, and celebrated.
Ready to enter: Start Your Awards Journey Here: https://limerickchamber.ie/flagship-events/regional-business-awards-2025/
Relive some of the best moments:
26/06/2025 Dr Gillian Barry, TUS, Mairead Connolly, Limerick Chamber President, Damien Garrihy, AIB, Redmond McDonnell, Designpro Automation, Michelle Gallagher, CEO Limerick Chamber and Lavinia Duggan Ryan, Award Committee Chair pictured at the launch of Limerick Chamber Awards 2025. Pic: Don Moloney
26/06/2025 Dr Gillian Barry, TUS, Mairead Connolly, Limerick Chamber President, Damien Garrihy, AIB, Redmond McDonnell, Designpro Automation, Michelle Gallagher, CEO Limerick Chamber and Lavinia Duggan Ryan, Award Committee Chair pictured at the launch of Limerick Chamber Awards 2025. Pic: Don Moloney
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