Galetech Energy surges to the top in county's Enterprise Awards

Cootehill company, Galetech Energy Development Ltd, claimed the top award in the 2010 Cavan County Enterprise Awards. The county awards mark the first stage of the County & City Enterprise Board's National Enterprise Awards competition for 2010, which aims to recognise and acknowledge the entrepreneurial spirit and valuable contribution of small enterprises to the economy. The announcement was made at a special reception hosted by Cavan County Enterprise Board at the Hotel Kilmore last Friday. Brendan Smith, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, attended and presented the awards to the winners. Galetech Energy Development Ltd will now represent Co. Cavan in the regional stage of the competition. Successful regional winners will go on to the national final to be held on November 11 next. Galetech Energy Developments Ltd (GED), based in the Cootehill Enterprise Centre, is a specialist wind energy development and development support services company. The company's principals, Darren Sherry and Herman Buschotts, have a long track record in the Irish and European wind and renewable energy industry with an extensive network of contacts throughout Europe. Darren and his family have been involved in wind farm project development in Ireland since 1997 and successfully developed the Mountainlodge wind farm in Co. Cavan, which is currently operational. Herman Buschotts has been involved in wind farm development since 1993, both in Ireland and internationally, with multinational energy companies including General Electric. Darren and Herman are supported by a strong core team of wind energy professionals. This knowledge and experience allows the company to develop its own wind energy projects, of which a number are at various stages of development in Ireland. The company also provides a specialist support service to the industry including: project identification and analysis; comprehensive project technical design; environmental impact assessments; and wind data collection and analysis. GED's strength lies in combining its consultancy services with its own wind farm project development activities. As knowledge based business, the development of a highly skilled dedicated team of professionals has enabled the company to offer a flexible, innovative, high quality service to its client base, including the ability to raise funding through international networks. This is a critical strength and advantage in the marketplace. In addition to market opportunities in Ireland, the company has identified multiple opportunities throughout Europe and further afield. On accepting the award, Darren Sherry expressed his delight at winning the top prize and thanked all those involved in the competition and looked forward to representing Cavan in the next stage of the competition. Vincent Reynolds, CEO Cavan CEB commented: "Cavan is fortunate to have a strong focus on entrepreneurship with a solid indigenous base across a variety of sectors. This is exemplified by Cavan's past performance in the national finals and more importantly all previous winners are still in existence and trading well." The runner up was McHugh Timber Products Ltd, based in Killeshandra. Founded in 1985 by Neville McHugh, the company manufactures a range of tanalith treated fencing for the agricultural, equine and landscaping industry. The business has grown steadily over the years and expanded successfully. In 2003, Neville's wife Siobhan joined the business bringing strong sales, marketing and IT background with her. McHugh Timber Products plans to expand into the UK market and increase its product range. Other winners on the night were C.J. Simulators Ltd, t/a as Drivezone, who won the best emerging new business for 2010. Based in Stradone, John Martin and Cyril Jackson set up the company in 2008, which offers a one-stop-shop for individuals who wish to learn to drive or improve their driving skills using a computerised driving simulator. The company plans to focus strongly on the education of students in safe driving techniques and will continue to raise awareness and promote simulated driving as an effective tool in teaching individuals to drive safely. Meanwhile, presenting the awards, Minister Brendan Smith highlighted the importance of the awards in the development of business opportunity and enterprise in County Cavan. He pointed to the rapid progression and growth of past winners including Shalvey Poultry Ltd of Cootehill; Airpacks Ltd of Kilnaleck; Crannagh and Company Trade and Business Services of Belturbet; Ballytherm Ltd. These, as well as enterprises that are players on the international stage such as Kingspan, are according to the Minister "a clear illustration that Cavan is well endowed with the highest calibre entrepreneurs and Irish owned companies that are successful and innovative players in the highly competitive global marketplace". Minister Smith emphasised the importance of keeping alive the ability to innovate and identify market opportunities, and create new enterprise. "At national level, it is the role of Government to create the optimal environment, which will stimulate people with entrepreneurial flair to establish and develop their own enterprises. We have, by international comparisons, been highly successful on this front, especially in attracting Foreign Direct Investment to this country," the minister said. Congratulating Cavan County Enterprise Board CEO, Vincent Reynolds and his staff, Minister Smith outlined the organisation's pivotal role in promoting the overall economic development of the county. "Since its establishment, the Cavan Board has invested over €6m in over 535 enterprises, contributing to the employment of almost 1,000 people in County Cavan. As we face unprecedented economic challenges, with particular implications for business and jobs, the role of Cavan County Enterprise Board is especially important." Minister Smith concluded by congratulating the finalists, Galetech Energy Developments Ltd, Cootehill; McHugh Timber Products, Killeshandra and C.J. Simulators, Stradone and said that he looked forward to them expanding their businesses and carrying on the great tradition of enterprise and innovation, which is so evident in County Cavan.