On Thursday March 8th, Tomás Garvey, Director of the Garvey Group, was named as the 2018 Cantillon Business Leader of the Year at the Business Leaders’ Gala Dinner held at BallyGarry House Hotel in Tralee. This annual event, presented by the Institute of Technology Tralee, in association with EY, honours the entrepreneurial spirit and achievements of Kerry-based business leaders.

Over 170 attended the Business Leaders’ Gala Dinner, including the County’s leading enterprises and entrepreneurs,  as well as representatives from Kerry County Council, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, Kerry Local Enterprise Office, North, East & West Kerry Development; South Kerry Partnership Development, Udarás na Gaeltachta and the Institute of Technology Tralee.

Accepting the award, Tomás Garvey acknowledged the calibre of award recipients who have gone before him, including FEXCO’s Brian McCarthy (2016) and Munster Joinery Founder Donal Ring (2017). Mr. Garvey also recognised the efforts of management and staff across the Garvey Group, in addition to thanking his family for their ongoing support.

The Garvey Group was started in 1965 by Tomas Garvey when he took over the management of his parents' shop in Dingle and began expanding and opening shops in nearby local towns. Today, the company comprises nine Supervalu stores throughout the southwest, as well as two hotels in Dingle. It employs 750 staff.

Commenting on the selection of Mr. Garvey as the 2018 award recipient, Brid McElligott, Vice President for Research, Development and External Engagement at the IT Tralee said, ‘We are delighted to present this award to Tomás Garvey in recognition of his entrepreneurial drive, determination and ability. Through the growth of the Garvey group he has demonstrated vision, foresight and outstanding leadership, which serve as a beacon of example for current and future business leaders and entrepreneurs.’

Ian Venner, Energy Lead and Assurance Partner, EY Ireland commented: “The Cantillon Entrepreneur Award serves to recognise a local entrepreneur who has demonstrated a clear ability to innovate, inspire and outperform within business. EY is committed to supporting and fostering Ireland’s entrepreneurial community and congratulates Tomás Garvey on his achievements”.

Earlier in the day, the IT Tralee, in association with FEXCO, hosted its annual Cantillon Conference at The Rose Hotel in Tralee. Named after pioneering economist and Ballyheigue native Richard Cantillon, this year’s conference explored the theme of BrexTech – Navigating New Borders and looked at the challenges and opportunities for Irish companies, both start up and established, as it relates to Brexit in the areas of financial technology and cyber security as well as furthering the discussion around innovation and attracting the necessary talent to support this growing sector.

The Cantillon Conference and the Business Leaders’ Gala Dinner take place each year in March as part of Kerry’s Month of Enterprise (www.kmoe.ie).  Now in its 5th year, ‘Enterprise Month’ continues to shine a spotlight on just some of the innovative and enterprising activities on offer to you all year round across the County of Kerry.

For additional information and media enquiries please contact Sarah Flaherty sarah.flaherty@staff.ittralee, 066 7191895

PICTURED: Munster Joinery Founder Donal Ring and 2017 Cantillion Business Leader Award recipient presenting the 2018 award to Mr Tomás Garvey. The family-owned Garvey Group of Supervalu stores and hotels, one of the biggest private companies in Munster.