The outstanding achievements of businesses across County Mayo were celebrated on Friday, November 6, as the Mayo Business Awards 2026 brought together the county's business community for an afternoon recognising excellence, innovation and entrepreneurial achievement.
Hosted at the Erris Coast Hotel, the awards celebrated the ambition, creativity, resilience and determination of businesses making a significant contribution to Mayo's economy and communities.
Organised through the Mayo Chambers of Commerce network in partnership with Local Enterprise Office Mayo, the awards showcased the diversity and strength of enterprise across the county, recognising businesses ranging from emerging start-ups to established enterprises, innovative organisations and businesses leading the way in sustainability, tourism and customer experience.
The winners of the Mayo Business Awards 2026 were: Best Start-Up Award: Pitch Scheduler; Best Small/Medium Business: DeCare Dental Insurance Limited; Manufacturing or Export Award: Murray's Recycled Plastic Ltd; Innovation + Digital Impact Award: VAMORI t/a Global VAM Ltd; Excellence in Customer Experience Award: Westnet; Hospitality Innovator of the Year: Great National Hotel Ballina; Leading Social Enterprise Award: Mayo Abbey Parish CDC CLG; Excellence in Tourism and Visitor Experience Award: Westport Hotel Group; Excellence in Sustainability Award: Blossoms.
The prestigious Neill O'Neill Award, in honour of the late Managing Editor of The Mayo News and former Westport Chamber of Commerce President, was presented to O'Donoghue's Bakery, recognising its outstanding contribution and achievement.
Recognising the strength of Mayo enterprise
Speaking at the awards, John Magee, Head of Enterprise at Mayo Local Enterprise Office, congratulated all the winners and finalists.
“The Mayo Business Awards provide a fantastic opportunity to recognise and celebrate the exceptional businesses and entrepreneurs who are contributing so much to our county. The standard of this year's finalists is a testament to the ambition, innovation and determination of Mayo's business community.
“From exciting new start-ups to established businesses, innovative enterprises and organisations making a real difference in their communities, the awards highlight the diversity and strength of enterprise across Mayo.
“It is particularly important that we recognise the people behind these businesses, their commitment to creating employment, supporting local communities and building sustainable enterprises for the future. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists on their achievements.”
Celebrating business excellence
The 2026 awards highlighted the breadth of business activity taking place throughout Mayo, from innovative approaches to technology and digital development to outstanding customer service, sustainable practices, tourism experiences and social enterprise.
The achievements of this year's winners reflect the important role played by local businesses in creating employment, supporting communities, attracting visitors, developing new markets and contributing to the continued economic growth of the county.
Sponsors and media partners
The organisers of the Mayo Business Awards 2026 extended their sincere appreciation to all sponsors and partners whose support made the awards possible.
The category sponsors were AIB, Mellett, AbbVie, Atlantic Technological University, Westport Estate, CBE, DeCare Dental, Fáilte Ireland and The Leeson Enterprise Centre.
The organisers also acknowledged the valued support of media partners Midwest Radio, The Connaught Telegraph, The Mayo News and The Western People, whose coverage helps highlight the achievements and success stories of businesses throughout Mayo.
The awards also recognise the collective commitment of the Mayo Chambers of Commerce and Local Enterprise Office Mayo in supporting and promoting enterprise across the county. The organisers extended their congratulations to all the winners and finalists and thanked the sponsors, partners, judges, guests and everyone involved in making the Mayo Business Awards 2026 a memorable celebration of business excellence.
5. 6th November 2026 At the Mayo Business Awards at the Erris Coast Hotel. Front Andrea Kean Claremorris Chamber, Maria Staunton Castlebar Chamber, Ann Cunnane Ballyhaunis Chamber and Cliona Campion Ballina Chamber. Back Row Geraldine Horkan Westport Chamber, Paraic Whyte, President of Claremorris Chamber, Joanne Grehan Mayo County Council, Brian Bakeburg Erris Chamber , Dermot Langan Pres Westport Chamber Tom Forde President Ballyhaunis Chamber and John Magee Mayo Co Co.
Conor McKeown
6. 6th November 2026 Senator Mark Duffy, Brian Bakeburgh Erris Chamber of Commerce, Joanne Grehan Mayo County Council, Cllr Sean Carey, Cllr Peter Flynn and John Magee Mayo Co Co at the Mayo Business Awards at the Erris Coast Hotel. Photo Conor McKeown
Conor McKeown
7. Mayo Business Awards 2026 at the Erris Coast Hotel Celebrating the Best of Business Across the County. Best Small/Medium Business was won by DeCare Dental Insurance Limited, Claremorris Co Mayo
Conor McKeown
8. Erris Coast Hotel Mayo Business Awards 2026 Celebrate the Best of Business Across the County. The prestigious Neil O'Neill Award was presented to An Builín Blasta O'Donoghue's Bakery, Belmullet recognising its outstanding contribution and achievement for four generations in the Community.
Conor McKeown