Velvet Cloud named Mayo finalist in National Enterprise Awards

VELVET Cloud have been chosen to represent Mayo in the National Enterprise Awards.

The final will take place virtually on February 11 and Deputy Alan Dillon was one of the first to send his best wishes to the Flanagan family and team at Velvet Cloud after they were announced today as a finalist by the county's Local Enterprise Office.

Velvet Cloud produces sheep’s milk yogurt and cheese on the family farm. Its digestion-friendly products are available in over 100 Irish stores and are on the menu of the top restaurants across the country, including five Michelin-starred establishments.

Velvet Cloud also sells direct to a loyal and growing customer base via its website.

Said Deputy Dillon: “The National Enterprise Awards celebrate small businesses and recognise excellence in exporting, sustainability and innovation. The finalists are competing for a €50,000 prize fund, which goes to the overall winner, as well as eight regional awards.”

This year there will be two new award categories that reflect the challenging business conditions that companies have faced because of the pandemic and Brexit.

The Pivot Award will be presented to a company which has successfully pivoted their business in the face of challenging conditions in the last 12 months. The Brexit Ready Award will be presented to a company who have excelled in their preparation for Brexit particularly where it would have created specific challenges for them as a business.

Added Deputy Dillon: “I applaud Mayo Local Enterprise Office for the invaluable work it continues to do for in encouraging entrepreneurship and supporting small businesses in the county. Other great initiatives include Local Enterprise Week, the Student Enterprise Programme and National Women’s Enterprise Day.

“LEOs are a huge support to anyone looking to start a business or any small business that is looking for support or advice to help them expand or adapt their business to meet today’s challenges. They provide hugely important mentoring, training, expert advice and financial supports to small businesses.”

Anyone who would like to avail of their services should check out https://www.localenterprise.ie/.