Final batch of nominees for Athlone Business Awards

Below are the nominees in the final six categories of the Athlone Business Awards, hosted by Athlone Chamber.

The awards night takes place in Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone, on Saturday, November 8.

In total there are 21 categories. You can read more about the finalists in the other 15 categories on these three articles: 1, 2 and 3

Diversity, Equality & Inclusion

Sponsor: TUS

FUTURE LEARNING

Future Learning is redefining language education through diversity, creativity, and inclusion. Its classrooms combine English with 21st-century skills, STEAM, and AI to empower learners from every background to connect, create, and lead. Inclusion is embedded in everything it does — from multicultural project-based learning to accessibility in our campuses across Ireland and the UK. It celebrates individuality, encourage collaboration, and ensure every learner feels seen, valued, and supported. By integrating innovation with empathy, Future Learning prepares students not just to learn a language, but to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world.

ERICSSON

Ericsson Athlone champions Diversity, Equality and Inclusion as core pillars of culture. With over 50 nationalities represented, it fosters belonging through inclusive recruitment, mentorship, and continuous learning. Its award-winning INFUSE programme inspires over 6,000 students annually — particularly young women — to pursue STEM careers. Internally, employee networks promote gender equality, LGBTQ+ inclusion, accessibility, and cross-generational collaboration. Ericsson believe diverse teams drive innovation and creativity, and is proud that its efforts have earned Ericsson Athlone recognition as one of Ireland’s top employers for inclusion, wellbeing, and equal opportunity across the technology sector.

ZINKWORKS

At Zinkworks, diversity and inclusion are central to how it innovates. Its global team of over 200 engineers brings together perspectives from multiple cultures and disciplines to solve complex challenges for the Telecommunications and Financial Services sectors. It actively promotes gender balance in tech through mentorship, internships, and outreach programmes, while fostering a workplace built on respect, fairness, and opportunity for all. A flexible culture supports work–life balance and celebrates individuality, ensuring every team member can contribute authentically. For Zinkworks, inclusion isn’t an initiative — it’s how it builds better solutions and a stronger community.

SME Of The Year

Sponsor: Westmeath LEO

FUTURE LEARNING

Future Learning is a pioneering education provider merging language learning with technology, innovation, and creativity. By integrating STEAM and AI into its curriculum, it equips students with real-world skills and fosters inclusion, diversity, and cross-cultural collaboration.

DUNBAR PHARMACEUTICALS

Dunbar Pharmaceuticals, Ireland’s first licensed manufacturer of pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoid APIs, operates Europe’s only GMP-certified facility of its kind. Founded in Athlone, this female-led company blends scientific excellence with sustainability, producing safe, effective alternatives to opioids. Dunbar Pharmaceuticals exemplifies innovation, community focus, and Ireland’s growing global reputation in pharma.

TORMEY'S SOLICITORS

Tormeys Solicitors, based in Athlone, is one of the Midlands’ largest and most respected legal firms. Centrally located, they provide expert services to clients nationwide, combining knowledge, experience, and a client-focused approach. Operating from a historic townhouse near Athlone Castle, the firm emphasises partnership, professionalism, and quality in every aspect of its work. Tormeys has been recognised in Ireland’s Best Law Firms 2023 Special Report by the Sunday Independent and Statista, and won Legal Firm of the Year at the Midlands 103 Customer Service Awards 2024, as well as Employer of the Year at the Athlone Business Awards 2024.

Best Large Business

Sponsor: West-Midlands Credit Union

GLASSON LAKEHOUSE

Glasson Lakehouse blends modern luxury with warm Irish hospitality. Overlooking the stunning shores of Lough Ree, it offers exceptional accommodation, dining, and experiences while supporting local suppliers and the community. Its relaxed, contemporary approach redefines Irish getaway hospitality.

DPD IRELAND

DPD Ireland is one of the nation’s leading parcel delivery companies, known for reliability, innovation, and service. Employing thousands nationwide, DPD promotes inclusion, wellbeing, and sustainability—expanding its electric fleet, supporting local causes, and introducing innovations like Predict delivery windows. Trusted, local, and future-focused.

SECURE ALL SECURITY

Established in 1995, Secure All Security Group is an Irish-owned and operated security company that has grown a strong reputation for professional, reliable services. Nationally, the company provides a comprehensive range of security solutions, including on-site guarding, mobile patrols, remote monitoring, fire and safety services, electronic security, and integrated systems. Serving all vertical markets, Secure All delivers bespoke services tailored to each client’s needs. Their experienced team combines industry expertise, strong management, and a customer-focused ethos, ensuring every client receives the professional, dependable, and high-quality security service they expect and deserve.

Employer Of The Year

Sponsor: Tormeys Solicitors

ZINKWORKS

Zinkworks nurtures a people-first culture where diversity, collaboration, and professional development drive innovation. With over 200 engineers globally, staff benefit from structured learning, mentorship, and career progression within a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages creativity and technical excellence.

RBK CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

RBK, Ireland’s largest independently branded accountancy firm, has been supporting businesses since 1958. With a nationwide presence, RBK fosters a collaborative and empowering workplace, offering training, career development, and mentorship opportunities. Employees thrive in a client-focused culture that values innovation, professionalism, and inclusivity.

DPD IRELAND

DPD Ireland invests in its people through comprehensive training, wellbeing initiatives, and recognition programmes. The company fosters diversity, inclusion, and collaboration while promoting innovation and sustainability across operations, making it a workplace that values, supports, and empowers every employee.

HODSON BAY GROUP

Hodson Bay Group employs over 780 people across its hotels and hospitality businesses. The company prioritises staff wellbeing, training, and career progression, fostering a supportive, respectful, and inclusive culture where employees are encouraged to grow while delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Sustainable Impact by an SME

Sponsor: DPD Ireland

DUNBAR PHARMACEUTICALS

Dunbar Pharmaceuticals pioneers pharmaceutical sustainability with Europe’s first GMP-certified cannabinoid manufacturing facility. Founded in Athlone, it combines innovation, zero-waste processes, and community focus to create ethical, high-quality products that improve lives while promoting Ireland’s green biotech future.

WEST-MIDLANDS CREDIT UNION

Serving over 80,000 members and managing €465 million in assets, West-Midlands Credit Union delivers ethical, accessible financial services across the Midlands.

Through local investment and sustainable finance, it empowers communities while promoting financial wellbeing and social impact.

TAPiTAG

TAPiTAG, founded in Athlone, is a tech company transforming how people and businesses connect in a digital-first world. From its Midlands headquarters, TAPiTAG serves 88 countries, trusted by Airbus, UEFA, Accor Hotels, and AIB Merchant Services. Its products include digital business cards, gamified donation tools, review management systems, smart NFC displays, and POS solutions, all designed to make connections faster, smarter, and more sustainable.

By replacing single-use print materials, TAPiTAG enables organisations to grow efficiently while reducing environmental impact. Innovation, global reach, and sustainability are at the heart of TAPiTAG’s mission and operations.

Business Person Of The Year

Sponsor: RBK

MARK GIBBONS, TAPITAG

Mark Gibbons is the founder of TapiTag, an Athlone-based tech company redefining how people and brands connect digitally. Exporting to 88 countries, TapiTag partners with global brands like Airbus and UEFA while driving sustainability through paperless NFC technology.

DENIS DULLEA, ERICSSON

As a leader at Ericsson Athlone, Denis Dullea has played a key role in advancing Ireland’s position in global telecom innovation. His leadership champions inclusion, technical excellence, and the professional development of Ireland’s next generation of engineers.

TREVOR MAHON, MAHON WINDOWS

Trevor Mahon is Owner/Director of Mahon Windows Ltd, a family-run business which manufactures, supplies and fits all types of NSAI certified energy efficient windows and doors.

Trevor has 26 years’ experience working in the family business, established by his father, Michael, who passed away this year.

In the early days with his foresight and vision, Mahon Windows has achieved key accomplishments, revenue growth, market expansion.