Fingal business community comes together for 2025 Gala Awards

Nearly 500 business leaders gathered at the Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport on Friday 14 November for the Fingal Business Awards 2025. Hosted by Fingal Chamber with support from Fingal County Council, the gala recognised excellence, talent, customer service and sustainable impact across 24 categories, with more than 90 organisations represented from every part of the county.

Now in its 21st year, the awards showcased the strength and diversity of Fingal’s economy. The region is in a strong moment: part of Ireland’s fastest-growing area, home to major employers, ambitious start-ups and a young, diverse workforce shaping what comes next. That energy was evident throughout the evening, which opened with a performance from the Fingal Mummers and continued late into the night with live music from Marvin and The Grooves, giving guests plenty of time to network, reconnect and celebrate.

Top honours went to Ian Hunter of Swords Pavilions, named Business Person of the Year for his leadership in retail and community partnerships. Malone Group in Blanchardstown received Large Business of the Year, ALS Identify in Damastown took the SME Award, and Cozmotec in Swords was recognised as Start-Up Business of the Year.

A charity raffle in aid of Little Fitness - a local social enterprise providing inclusive fitness programmes for children in emergency accommodation and disadvantaged settings - raised €7,000 on the night. Prizes included return flights to Europe with Aer Lingus, premium hotel stays, leisure experiences and a range of local vouchers donated by Fingal businesses.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O’Leary said:
"When businesses thrive, our communities thrive. The finalists here tonight show what’s possible when ambition meets hard work, and they continue to shape Fingal as a place where people want to live, work, visit and do business."

Dr Pat O’Connor, President, Fingal Chamber said:
"Tonight gives us a moment to recognise the people behind the progress – the teams who put in the hours, the founders who take the risks and the organisations that keep pushing for better. You’re shaping Fingal’s future in very real ways."

Anthony Cooney, Chief Executive, Fingal Chamber said:
"It’s inspiring to see the remarkable ambition, commitment and creativity shown by local businesses across the county. Congratulations to all finalists and winners."

Cooney added that the awards reflect a business community that’s ambitious, resilient and deeply rooted in Fingal. Events like this help people connect, share ideas and build relationships that lead to real opportunities.

He also noted the priorities consistently raised by members: the need for faster progress on housing, skills, transport and competitiveness. Getting these foundations right, he said, will ensure businesses continue to invest, innovate and create opportunities across Fingal.

Photo highlights from the event are available on Fingal Chamber’s website and social media channels.

Award Winners – Fingal Business Awards 2025

Talent Awards

Business Person of the Year – Sponsored by Dublin Airport

Ian Hunter, Swords Pavilions

Young Business Person of the Year – Sponsored by Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers Programme at TU Dublin

Aaron Redmond, Redlough Landscapes

Team of the Year – Sponsored by Malone Group

Draíocht Arts Centre, Blanchardstown

Business Excellence Awards

Large Business of the Year – Sponsored by CWPA Planning & Architecture

Malone Group, Blanchardstown

SME Business of the Year – Sponsored by Dains Ireland

ALS Identify, Damastown

Start-Up Business of the Year – Sponsored by the Local Enterprise Office Fingal

Cozmotec, Swords

Innovation in Business Award – Sponsored by Skillnet Ireland

Anyscor, Skerries

International Trade Award – Sponsored by Country Crest

Keogh’s Crisps, Oldtown

Sales and Marketing Award – Sponsored by Vhi Healthcare

Armatile, Baldoyle

Learning and Development Award – Sponsored by The Wright Group

AirNav Ireland, Dublin Airport

Not-for-Profit Organisation of the Year – Sponsored by Amazon

Remember Us, Balbriggan

Public Service of the Year – Sponsored by North Irish Sea Array

Swords Summer Festival

Sustainable Business Impact Awards

Workplace Award – Sponsored by Adare HRM

Crowne Plaza Dublin Blanchardstown

Community Involvement Award – Sponsored by Riot Games

Amazon, Blanchardstown

Climate Action Award – Sponsored by EirGrid

Roganstown Hotel & Country Club, Swords

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award – Sponsored by Swords Pavilions

Irish Institute of Music & Song, Balbriggan

Sustainable Impact by a Small or Medium Business – Sponsored by City North Hotel

CWPA Planning & Architecture, Swords

Customer Experience Awards

Hotel Award – Sponsored by Aer Lingus

Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport

Leisure/Tourism Service Award – Sponsored by Carlton Hotels

Lynders Holiday Park, Portrane

Restaurant Award – Sponsored by AIB Bank

Wrights Findlater, Howth

Bar/Pub Award – Sponsored by Bank of Ireland

The Brooklyn, Swords

Café Award – Sponsored by Keelings

The Art of Coffee, Blanchardstown

Retail Outlet Award – Sponsored by One4all

Amica Eco Hairdressing, Castleknock

Professional Service Award – Sponsored by Crowne Plaza Hotels

Bell Associates, Rush