Cavan business wins top innovation award
Family owned firm KORE in Kilnaleck is celebrating after scooping a coveted award from InterTradeIreland.
In business for over two decades, the SME manufactures insulation for the new build and retrofit market. It’s one of only five businesses across the island that has been recognised by the cross-border organisation for its innovation capabilities.
KORE participated in InterTradeIreland’s Innovation Boost programme, which provides funding for a graduate to work in the business, as well as linking up the firm to a third level institution to promote business development. The InterTradeIreland award is in recogition of the firm's outstanding innovation and collaboration.
Managing Director Noel Brady says participation in the Innovation Boost programme has made a real difference to the growth of the business “We’ve produced two new products as a result of Innovation Boost. Working with South West Regional College has opened so many doors. It’s great to get outside input. Sometimes you need a different kind of spark to get your thought process going.”
“We’ve always been a very customer focused company and we always will be, but this type of collaboration has given us even more confidence to go out and seek more solutions for our clients and generate more products. We’ve embedded what we’ve learned into the business and we will continue to innovate and more forward. I’d recommend Innovation Boost to anyone who wants to develop their business.”
Barry McCarron from South West College who worked on the project says “It was great to work with KORE, they had a willingness to innovate and learn. I have a lot of experience in research and development which was also a great platform to help the graduate to excel.”
“For any business that is generating ideas, but hasn’t done anything about them, I’d advise them to go on the Innovation Boost programme to advance those ideas and turn them into reality. It gives you the opportunity to meet customer need and stand out from your competitors.”
Alan Morrow, Assistant Director at InterTradeIreland comments, “KORE are to be congratulated. They have now built innovative processes into their business, which enables them to take a very strategic approach to business growth. This has helped to future-proof their business. InterTradeIreland is delighted to award KORE Exemplar Status.”
“It is important that we recognise KORE’s success, which we hope will encourage other SMEs to participate in the Innovation Boost programme. It’s easy to apply for and can improve productivity and increase revenue potential.”