Small business success stories were in the spotlight this evening as eight small businesses were honoured at the annual County and City Enterprise Boards' National Enterprise Awards at Dublin Castle (Tuesday, November 11th). Organised by the County and City Enterprise Boards to reward and recognise outstanding micro-enterprises, Mr. John McGuinness, T.D., Minister for Trade & Commerce presented the overall award to Simtech Aviation International in Fingal, a flight simulation training company, based at Dublin Airport.

Cathal and Daniel Gallagher from North West Aluminium Slate Trim Ltd from Donegal and Andrew Tobin from t2 Ltd in Carlow, took first runner-up and second runner-up places respectively.

Run by Fergal Keogh and Sé Pardy, Simtech Aviation, nominated by the Fingal County Enterprise Board, provides flight simulation training in Dublin for international airlines, helicopter companies as well as the world-wide search and rescue industry. With a fast-growing client base that includes CityJet, Aer Arann, Celtic Helicopters, Kenya Airways and Tiger Airways in Singapore, Simtech have signed up two airlines from the United Arab Emirates since September.

Speaking at Dublin Castle, Christine Charlton from the County and City Enterprise Boards said: "Despite the challenging economic climate, small businesses in Ireland, such as those showcased at the National Enterprise Awards, have proved that if businesses adapt, they can survive and thrive."

She continued: "The network of 35 County and City Enterprise Boards around the country will continue to deliver much-needed support services to those small businesses and to those wishing to start a new business."

The other finalists who were short-listed this year were Ed Field from Digino Ltd in North Tipperary; Brendan Cosgrove and Gerry Reilly from Ballytherm Ltd from Cavan;  Padraig Briody from Patrick Briody & Sons Ltd in Offaly; Daire Lynch from Finesse Medical Ltd in Longford and Laurence Murphy from Sigtec Ltd in Cork.

The finalists were judged in the following categories: 'Business Plan', 'Marketing Strength', 'Financial Strength', 'Use of Technology & Innovation' as well as the 'Entrepreneurial Skills of the Promoter'. Chairperson of the Judging Panel and entrepreneur, Jacqui McNabb, said:  "Simtech Aviation International's ability to embrace change occurring in the aviation industry worldwide and using it to their advantage coupled with their growth in a very short time, impressed the judging panel."
The winners were as follows:

1st Place : Simtech Aviation International Ltd (Fingal, Dublin)
Nominated by the Fingal County Enterprise Board
Short Profile : Simtech Aviation International Ltd are a flight simulator company, based in Dublin Airport. They provide a range of training and consultancy services to flight training students and airlines. Promoters: Fergal Keogh & Sé Pardy.


1st Runner Up : North West Aluminium Slate Trim (Ire) (Donegal)
Nominated by the Donegal County Enterprise Board
Short Profile : North West Aluminium Slate Trim employ twelve people to manufacture aluminium and PVC roofline products for the construction sector. The company has invented and developed innovative products to permanently secure roof tiles. Promoters: Cathal Gallagher & Daniel Gallagher


2nd Runner Up : t2 Ltd (Carlow)
Nominated by the Carlow County Enterprise Board
Short Profile : t2 Ltd are a software development and IT solutions company. They offer bespoke software and e-business solutions; IT support services and website design and development services to clients across the SME sector. Promoter: Andrew Tobin