The very best of Waterford’s business community was celebrated at the Waterford Business Awards, which took place on Friday night, November 13th, at the Tower Hotel, before an audience of approximately 320 business leaders from across Waterford city and county.
The gala evening, hosted by WLR’s Mary O’Neill and organised by Waterford Chamber, with the support of Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber, WLRfm and Waterford City & County Council, recognised excellence, innovation and achievement across a diverse range of sectors, from emerging businesses and local enterprises to established companies making a significant contribution to the region.
The highlight of the evening came when Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr Liam Brazil, announced that the Overall Waterford Business of the Year for 2026 was Clem Jacob Hire. The company was recognised for its outstanding contribution to business in Waterford, its commitment to sustainability and its continued investment in innovation and the future of the business.
Excellence in Business
Speaking at the event, Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr Liam Brazil, congratulated all the finalists and winners and paid tribute to the strength and ambition of Waterford’s business community.
“Waterford has an incredibly diverse and ambitious business community, and tonight is an opportunity to recognise the people, teams and organisations who make such an important contribution to our city and county.
“Behind every successful business are people with vision, determination and a willingness to take risks, innovate and create opportunities for others. These awards celebrate that commitment and the positive impact businesses have on employment, investment and the wider community.
“Congratulations to all our finalists and winners. They are wonderful ambassadors for Waterford and demonstrate the talent and potential that exists across our region.”
Award Winners 2026
This year’s category winners reflected the strength, creativity and diversity of enterprise across Waterford:
- Business of the Year – 100+ Employees: Dawn Meats
- Environmental and Sustainability Award: Clem Jacob Hire
- Retail Excellence Award: George Corbett Motors
- Taste of Waterford Award: Merry’s Gastro Pub
- Business of the Year – Up to 100 Employees: 360 Bia Óg
- New Business of the Year: AeroClime Refrigeration and HVAC
- Not-for-Profit Award: Solas Cancer Support
- Visit Waterford Award: Waterford Walls
- Customer Excellence Award: Lean Industry
- Business of the Year – Up to 20 Employees: European Regulatory Affairs
- Marketing Excellence Award: Antiques Ireland
- Excellence in Innovation Award: IBM Ireland
- Best in Hospitality Award: Waterford Marina Hotel
Special Award Winners
The special awards recognised individuals and organisations making an exceptional contribution to business and the wider Waterford community.
William Bolster received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, recognising his entrepreneurial leadership and contribution to business and investment in Waterford.
The Judges’ Special Recognition Award went to Eunice Power, in recognition of her contribution to Waterford’s food, hospitality and tourism sectors and her role in championing the county’s food offering.
The Think Waterford First Award was presented to Sanofi, recognising the importance of supporting and promoting Waterford as a place to do business and the contribution of companies that help strengthen the local economy.
The evening’s top honour, Overall Waterford Business of the Year, went to Clem Jacob Hire, adding to the company’s Environmental and Sustainability Award win.
Celebrating Local Enterprise
The Waterford Business Awards shine a spotlight on the companies and individuals shaping Waterford’s economic future. They provide an opportunity to celebrate achievement, recognise innovation and acknowledge the contribution of businesses of all sizes to employment, investment and the vitality of our city and county.
Marian Walsh, President of Waterford Chamber, congratulated all finalists and winners, saying: “The Waterford Business Awards are one of the highlights of our business calendar because they give us an opportunity to celebrate the people and businesses who make Waterford such a dynamic place to live and work.
“What stands out every year is the quality, ambition and diversity of the businesses operating across our city and county. From new enterprises finding their feet to established companies competing on a national and international stage, there is so much to be proud of.
“Congratulations to every finalist and winner. Their success is not just good for their individual businesses; it is good for Waterford, for employment and for the wider South East.”
Tommie Murphy, President of Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber, added: “These awards demonstrate the strength of enterprise right across Waterford, from our towns and villages to the city. Businesses are at the heart of our communities, creating employment, supporting local suppliers and contributing to the places where we live. It is fantastic to see such a strong range of businesses recognised tonight.”
Michael Byrne, CEO of WLR commended the winners and thanked the partners and sponsors who made the evening possible: “The Waterford Business Awards are a wonderful celebration of the talent, creativity and commitment that exists within our business community. The standard of finalists this year was exceptional, and it is great to see so many businesses and individuals receiving recognition for the work they do.”
Waterford Chamber and Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber extended their thanks to the sponsors, partners, judges and supporters who contributed to the success of the awards, and congratulated all those who were shortlisted.
