2024 Business and Finance Awards Finalists Announced by KPMG

October 23, 2024
2024 Business and Finance Awards Finalists Announced by KPMG

The 2024 Business and Finance Awards, marking their momentous 50th anniversary, have officially unveiled their finalists in an event organized by KPMG. This milestone celebration aims to recognize and honor businesses and individuals who are making significant strides in shaping the future landscape of Irish business. A notable addition to this year’s ceremony is the introduction of the ‘Innovation of the Year’ category, a move that signals a strong commitment to encouraging and celebrating groundbreaking ideas in technology and other fields.

This year’s awards have seen an unprecedented level of participation, underscoring their growing prestige and importance within the Irish business community. Over 80 companies have managed to secure a place on the esteemed shortlist, which is a testament to the dynamic and competitive spirit that characterizes contemporary Irish enterprises. Companies vying for various accolades represent a broad spectrum of industries, reflecting the diversity and inclusive nature of these prestigious awards. Such a turnout not only highlights the vibrancy and resilience of Ireland’s business sector but also sets the stage for a grand celebration of excellence.

Record-Breaking Participation

This year’s Business and Finance Awards have set a new benchmark with a record-breaking number of entries, signaling a heightened recognition of their prestige and significance. The event has culminated in a shortlist featuring more than 80 companies, each exemplifying high standards and competitive vigor that are emblematic of the modern Irish business landscape. The sheer volume of participation this year underscores an evolving trend where enterprises across various sectors acknowledge the boost that these awards can provide to their brand and market presence.

Among the standout finalists that have particularly caught public attention are Manna Drone Delivery and Integrity360. Both of these companies are in the running for the ‘Elevation Company of the Year’ award. Manna Drone Delivery has been lauded for its innovative approach to last-mile delivery through the utilization of cutting-edge drone technology. Integrity360, on the other hand, has carved out a significant niche in the realm of cybersecurity, providing advanced solutions to safeguard businesses against the ever-evolving threat landscape. Such diversity among finalists not only highlights the inclusive nature of the awards but also emphasizes the interdisciplinary innovation thriving within Ireland.

The marked increase in participation vividly illustrates the burgeoning innovation ecosystem that is flourishing in Ireland. Companies from across a multitude of sectors, ranging from technology and financial services to robust defense mechanisms, have thrown their hats into the ring, demonstrating the perceived value and brand-enhancing power that these awards hold. This surge in entries also speaks volumes about the collective enthusiasm within Ireland for forward-thinking solutions and the tremendous potential of these awards to drive industries toward a more prosperous future.

Introducing Innovation of the Year

Highlighting a forward-looking approach, the Business and Finance Awards have, for the first time, introduced the ‘Innovation of the Year’ category to celebrate pioneering ideas and significant technological advancements. This new inclusion aims to cast a spotlight on innovations that have the potential to substantially impact their industries, signaling a forward-thinking strategy centered on progress and ingenuity. The category has quickly garnered attention, reflecting its importance in fostering a spirit of creativity and sectoral advancement within the Irish business community.

In this inaugural category, Positive Carbon and Xocean are emerging as strong contenders. Positive Carbon leverages innovative tech solutions to address the pervasive issue of food waste, thereby championing sustainability and efficiency. Their work exemplifies how technology can be harnessed to solve pressing real-world problems. Similarly, Xocean is making waves with its robotic technology designed to collect critical oceanic data, positioning itself at the forefront of environmental technology. Their nomination in this category highlights the indispensable role that technological innovation plays in advancing not just industry standards but societal goals as well.

The introduction of the ‘Innovation of the Year’ category underscores the awards’ commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and forward-thinking within the Irish business landscape. Recognizing and celebrating technological advancements are crucial for driving industries towards a future characterized by sustainability and increased operational efficiency. This category aims to encourage companies to push the envelope, transcend traditional business models, and embrace cutting-edge solutions that can redefine industry benchmarks for years to come.

Key Finalists in the Spotlight

This year’s finalists span a remarkably diverse range of industries, highlighting the broad scope and inclusiveness of the Business and Finance Awards. Particularly noteworthy among them are Manna Drone Delivery and Integrity360, both of which are strong contenders in the ‘Elevation Company of the Year’ category. Their presence on the shortlist exemplifies the forward-thinking and innovative spirit that these awards aim to recognize and celebrate.

Manna Drone Delivery has been making headlines with its state-of-the-art drone technology, which promises to revolutionize last-mile delivery services. The company’s innovative approach addresses logistical challenges in a novel way, aiming to make deliveries faster, more efficient, and environmentally friendly. Integrity360, meanwhile, has established itself as a leader in cybersecurity, offering robust solutions designed to protect businesses from increasingly sophisticated digital threats. Their expertise in this critical area is crucial for safeguarding the integrity of business operations in our digital age. Together, these companies embody the excellence and innovation these awards aim to reward.

Other prominent finalists include TransferMate and Wisetek, who are competing for the ‘Company of the Year’ title. TransferMate is recognized for its efficient B2B payment solutions, which streamline complex international transactions and reduce costs for businesses. Wisetek specializes in data destruction and IT asset disposal, ensuring not just data security but also promoting sustainability within the tech industry. Both companies are prime examples of how different sectors contribute uniquely to the broader business ecosystem, each driving innovation in their own right.

Special Individual Awards

In addition to celebrating corporate excellence, the Business and Finance Awards also honor individual contributions to business and public life, adding a personal dimension to the accolades. This year, Sir Nick Clegg, president of global affairs at Meta and former UK deputy prime minister, will receive the prestigious Sutherland Leadership Award. This recognition is a testament to his exceptional leadership within the tech industry and his profound influence on global digital policies. His work exemplifies the kind of impactful leadership that the awards seek to honor.

Another significant individual recognition is the posthumous honor for the late Sir Tony O’Reilly, who will be awarded the TK Whitaker Award for his extensive contributions to public life. Throughout his career, Sir Tony made indelible marks in the fields of business and public service, his legacy continuing to inspire future generations of leaders. His posthumous recognition underscores the enduring impact of his life’s work on Irish society and the importance of leadership that transcends business metrics.

Willie Mullins, a celebrated racehorse trainer and former jockey, will be awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Ireland Award. This accolade shines a light on his significant achievements and contributions to Irish sports and culture, elevating the awards to a broader societal context. Mullins’ recognition underscores the inclusive nature of the awards, highlighting contributions that go beyond the business realm to influence cultural and national pride. These special awards enrich the narrative of the ceremony, blending business excellence with broader societal impact and leadership.

Celebrating Excellence and Innovation

The 2024 Business and Finance Awards, commemorating their landmark 50th anniversary, have announced their finalists at an event organized by KPMG. This significant celebration aims to honor businesses and individuals making impactful contributions to the future of Irish business. A noteworthy addition this year is the ‘Innovation of the Year’ category, highlighting a strong dedication to fostering and applauding groundbreaking ideas in technology and other fields.

This year’s awards have seen record-breaking participation, emphasizing their increasing prestige and significance within the Irish business community. More than 80 companies have earned a spot on the distinguished shortlist, showcasing the vibrant and competitive nature of today’s Irish enterprises. Companies competing for various accolades come from a wide range of industries, reflecting the inclusive and diverse spirit of these esteemed awards. Such extensive participation underscores the dynamism and resilience of Ireland’s business sector, setting the stage for a remarkable celebration of excellence in 2024.

Subscribe to our weekly news digest.

Join now and become a part of our fast-growing community.

Invalid Email Address
Thanks for subscribing.
We'll be sending you our best soon.
Something went wrong, please try again later