Offaly’s leading entrepreneurs Stephen Grant and Gerard Cleary, both finalists in the Ernest & Young Entrepreneur of Year competition will address a gathering of business people in Birr Technology Centre on Thursday, October 18th at 7.30 p.m.
The event which is organised by Shannon Development is aimed at local businesses and companies operating in the County. Denis Duggan of Shannon Development told the Midland Tribune “This is a great opportunity for Offaly entrepreneurs, business owners, company managers and the general public to hear the fascinating stories of our leading businessmen. Both Stephen Grant and Gerard Cleary have been recognised by Ernest & Young in this year’s Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. In Shannon Development, we are delighted that others will have the opportunity to listen to their experiences as they tell their intriguing stories on Thursday evening in Birr Technology Centre. It will be an exciting opportunity for those involved in businesses, as owners, managers or employees to meet with both Stephen and Gerard.”
Stephen Grant is the founder of Grant Engineering Ireland Limited which he started in 1977 near Birr, County Offaly to design, manufacture and supply a wide range of efficient heating products. From an initial factory size of 1500sq ft with 20 employees and manufacturing the Twin Pass Back Boiler for domestic use, the company’s product range and output has grown to require a 75,000sq ft factory facility in Crinkle and now employs 200 in Ireland and 60 in the UK. Grant Engineering has an annual turnover of €40million. The Company has recently expanded and now includes solar panels and a variety of boiler types.
Gerard Cleary leads Glenisk Dairies based in Killeigh, Tullamore which is Ireland’s largest organic fresh dairy products. Established in 1987 by Cleary’s father John, he inherited the business in 1995 and within a year, in response to the demands of a growing market, developed it into a fully organic business. The company has built a strong reputation of providing a range of healthy dairy products throughout Ireland including; organic milk, goat’s milk and yogurts. In 2006 Glenisk teamed with Stonyfield Europe, co-owned by US based Stonyfield Farm and Paris based Danone Group. The business agreement has expanded their distribution chain to Tesco, Sainsbury and Wholefoods stores in the UK. The company employs 35 staff.
For those interested in attending, please contact Denis or Verona at Birr Technology Centre on 057-9124000 or email duggand@shannondev.ie . Spaces are limited and booking is essential.
Nandi O’Sullivan
Public Relations Manager
Tel: +353 61 710259
Mobile: +353 86-2371510
Fax: 061 363180
E-mail: Click Here