It’s been an exciting time for Irish businesses with sustainability, creativity and international awards taking centre stage
Aoife McNamara becomes first Irish B Corp fashion brand
Aoife McNamara has been awarded B Corp certification, becoming the first in Ireland to hold this globally renowned accolade. B Corp recognises companies that use business as a force for good, meeting high ethical and environmental standards and positively impacting workers, communities, customers, and our planet.
The global award establishes Aoife McNamara as Ireland’s first B Corp fashion label, setting a new standard for sustainable, ethical clothing in Ireland. A testament to its commitment to sustainability, the brand is embracing the concept of ‘Degrowth’ by forgoing a new winter collection this year.
Fingal councillors give go-ahead for new €3.3m creative hub in Balbriggan
A key milestone in the ‘Our Balbriggan’ rejuvenation programme has been reached with the granting of planning permission for a €3.3m creative hub which is expected to be completed by mid-2025.
The vision for the listed building includes the development of creative art spaces with adjoining digital learning facilities, a courtyard and gallery. The project will now move to the design stage before the appointment of a contractor. Welcoming the move, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Adrian Henchy, said: “The creative hub is another key piece of the rejuvenation programme which will shape the development of Balbriggan and ensure it is regarded as a great place to live, work and do business.”
DCCI Design Week 2023, Alison Conneely x UNFPA
Connemara designer and creative director Alison Conneely will present Hail Thee: We Come in Reveries of Change, her acclaimed project in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in Dublin, as part of DCCI Irish Design Week 2023.
The project, which includes nine artists, is cross-cultural and multidisciplinary and highlights global campaigns for reproductive rights, justice and equality for women – in their bodies; in the home; in the workplace; in the arts; saluting their place in myth and history and their role as agents of resolution in global crisis. The closing event will take place on Friday 17 November from 6pm-8pm.
16th year of Going for Growth programme
Going for Growth, the award-winning business development scheme for female entrepreneurs determined to grow their businesses, has begun accepting applications for the 16th year of the programme.
Up to 60 places will be available and applications are sought from female entrepreneurs across all sectors who are strongly focused on growth. There is no charge for those selected and the six-month initiative will begin in January 2024.
Supported by Enterprise Ireland and KPMG, the initiative has seen more than 900 businesswomen take part since its first cycle in 2008. Some of the past participants include Aimee Connolly of Sculpted by Aimee; Andrea Doolan of Atlantia Clinical Trials; Derval O’Rourke of Derval.ie; Kate Scott of HoloToyz; Louella Morton of TestReach; and Vanessa Creaven of Spotlight Oral Care.
Donegal’s Lough Eske Castle placed as one of the top ten hotels in Ireland
Condé Nast Traveler announced the results of the annual Readers’ Choice Awards, with Lough Eske Castle recognised as No.10 in the Top Hotels in Ireland Category. The five-star hotel is located just outside Donegal Town, nestled within 43-acres of forest woodland hugging the shores of Lough Eske.
More than 520,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers submitted responses rating their travel experiences across the globe to offer a comprehensive look at the places they eagerly anticipate revisiting. The Readers’ Choice Awards, with their unparalleled legacy as the travel industry’s longest running and most prestigious accolades, remain the ultimate symbol and acknowledgment of excellence within the travel sector.
Too Savage launches first of its kind premium plant-based wasabi mayo
Dublin’s Too Savage, proud producers of Ireland’s only plant-based range of mayonnaises, have added a hot new first of its kind condiment to their line-up – a premium 100% natural wasabi mayo that is guaranteed to liven up your mealtimes.
The Northside brand’s tasty plant-based wasabi mayo, handmade using sustainably grown Irish wasabi from Co. Kilkenny, is low in sugar and completely free from artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives. The new addition is the ideal accompaniment to sushi or your favourite seafood dishes, pushing traditional sauces aside as your new condiment of choice.
Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa wins massive accolade at World Travel Awards
Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa, located near Clonakilty in West Cork, was named Ireland’s Leading Hotel 2023 at the World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony in Batumi, Georgia last month.
Celebrating a landmark 30th year anniversary, the World Travel Awards serves to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry. Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa was nominated alongside other prestigious leading Irish hotels and will go on to compete on the world stage at Grand Final Gala event towards the end of the year.
