Breffni Insulation: 20 years of family and growth
MEET THE FINALISTS: BEST FAMILY BUSINESS
From humble beginnings in the backyard of a family home to a workforce of almost 70 people, Breffni Insulation is proudly celebrating 20 years in business.
Founded by Jim Farrell in 2006, the Kilnaleck-based company has grown significantly over two decades, but one thing has remained constant: the belief that everyone who works with Breffni is part of the family.
Speaking at the Pitch Night for the Cavan Business & Tourism Awards, Managing Director Steven Burns said he was proud to represent Breffni Insulation, the Farrell family and the wider team who have shaped the business.
“The business was created literally in the backyard of the house,” he said.
What began with one man and a van has evolved into a nationwide operation, with Breffni now delivering complete home energy retrofits from initial assessment through to project completion.
While insulation remains at the company’s core, Breffni’s services have expanded considerably.
As a registered Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) One Stop Shop, the company can manage full home energy upgrades, including insulation, windows and doors, ventilation, heat pumps, solar PV and other energy-efficiency measures, while supporting homeowners through the grant process.
Despite that growth, Steven said Breffni’s greatest strength remains its people and the family culture created within the business.
“If you think about a family, it’s about nurturing, protection, growing, being able to make mistakes and learn from them,” he said.
“That’s what it is for us as a company. We may have grown substantially, but we still maintain that ethos because it’s family first.”
That philosophy extends beyond the Farrell family. Breffni considers its employees part of the wider Breffni family, creating an environment where people are supported, encouraged to develop and given opportunities to progress.
The company’s 20th anniversary was an opportunity to celebrate that extended family and give something back to those who have supported Breffni throughout its journey. A special family fun day in Castlerahan brought together employees, their families, subcontractors and members of the local community to mark the milestone together.
For Breffni Insulation, the anniversary celebrates not only 20 years of growth, but the people, partnerships and community relationships behind it – and the family values that will continue to guide the company into its next chapter for years ahead.
___
FULL LIST OF FINALISTS
Read about the other three finalists in this category by visiting the stories below.
The Breffni Arms: A family tradition in the heart of Arva