The countdown to the Irish Made Awards is well and truly underway so we wanted to tip our hats to everyone who took the courageous step in entering their business
Did you enter the Irish Made Awards? If you were lucky enough to make the finalists shortlist, we salute you – that is a phenomenal achievement in its own right.
However, if you entered your business and did not make the final cut, it’s understandable that you may be feeling a bit deflated or wondering what you could have done differently, if anything.
With that in mind, we asked some of our judges to share their insights and expertise in the hopes that it will encourage you to give it a go again next year! Here’s what they had to say:
Fashion & Retail Consultant Eddie Shanahan
“State and demonstrate your mission or purpose clearly and succinctly. Remember it’s not about you, but about what you do and who you do it for. The customer journey begins online; ensure you have a professional website with easy navigation.”
Entrepreneur and Environmentalist Pat Kane
“Embrace Authenticity: I was impressed to see how some of our brands go above and beyond to ensure that their brand values and messaging genuinely reflect their commitment to sustainability. Authenticity resonates with consumers who are increasingly looking for brands with a genuine purpose so that’s a big win!
Prioritise Local Sourcing: It’s great to see that, whenever possible, some of our contenders are doing their absolute best to source materials and products locally to reduce their carbon footprint and support the Irish economy, which helps build a strong connection with our communities.
Implement Eco-friendly Practices: I was delighted to see how some of our brands are incorporating sustainable practices in their operations, such as reducing waste, using energy-efficient systems, and opting for reduced and recyclable packaging, to demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility.
Engage with the Community: Some of our brands actively participate in local environmental initiatives and collaborate with other businesses or organisations that share their values, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.
Educate and Inspire: Businesses are using their platform to educate their customers about sustainability and share their journey towards greener practices, helping inspire them to make more eco-conscious choices.”
Food Writers The Gastro Gays
“What a joy and wonderful complaint it is that the judging process gets more and more difficult with each year as talented makers, creators, and producers put themselves forward for the Irish Made Awards. It’s an honour to be asked to judge the food category each year.
Here’s a little secret: what readers might not know is that entrants are scored across a wide range of categories, so each one has the opportunity to shine, and even exceed, in an array of categories, not just for their product or the pitch but also their online presence, product photography, place in the market and creativity.
“Winners in the food category in the past few years we have judged, combined with the public vote, have included a fish smokery in the Burren, a honey producer by the Blackwater, a chocolatier in East Galway, an ice-cream maker from Kerry and a gin brand from the wilds of Wicklow. Each icon in their specific sector, some long established, some only fresh from the start-up stage, and each deserving of the ultimate accolade yet together they showcase the diversity of this category –– there’s no one fit to win, and the Irish food and drink scene is so jam-packed with producers who each have the potential to shine.
“Our advice to future entrants? Pitch to judges passionately, don’t just copy and paste from your website’s homepage, and ultimately lean into your USP. What makes you…you? You are the expert on your brand and what you do differently or uniquely, so lead with that, especially in a competitive field. Also, in this digital age, your online presence – both website and social media – is your shop window so of course are taken into account. Keep ticking away at making your website and social media the most ideal expression of you and your brand –– which doesn’t need to mean spending money, it means being creative, authentic, and engaging, which, in essence, is priceless.”
ICM Parenting Columnist Laurie Morrisey
“Never underestimate the power of your brand’s story and how it might inform and inspire others. The Irish Made Awards is an opportunity for you to showcase and celebrate all the hard work and creativity invested in your business so far, it’s your chance to shine, so don’t be afraid to shout about your unique business story – the bumps as well as the successes along the way!
“I always love reading what brands are planning and wishing next for their product so I would encourage entrants to share their plans and dreams (no matter how crazy!) for the future. If only those entrants that don’t happen to get shortlisted could know how highly they are regarded by the judging team – the competition is fierce and most entries come within a hair’s breadth of making the shortlist, so if you don’t happen to make the shortlist one year, enter again the next. Congratulations and best of luck to all Irish Made Awards entrants – keep putting yourselves out there.”
ICM Fashion Editor and Stylist Anne O’Shea
“I’m always inspired by the entrepreneurial and creative spirit of Irish people. Running a small business, especially in a fast-paced industry like fashion, is a constant challenge. To those who managed to submit their applications to the IMAs, I commend you. As a small business, you are your brand, and every opportunity matters. Take the time to carefully consider these applications—they could open doors to new investors, customers, and lasting brand loyalty.
Though it may seem like just another task on your to-do list, remember the importance of your words and the images that represent your brand. Investing in a creative team you trust is always worth it. My advice for next year? Aim to improve each category of the judging by just 10%. Small, consistent enhancements can make a big difference.”
