Pictured L-R at the All-Star Accreditation Programme at the Fourth Annual All-Ireland Business Summit powered by Audi at Croke Park were, Mr. Kieran Ring, Deputy Chairperson of Judging Panel All Star Awards, Oliver Haslette, Chairman, Ronan Haslette, Managing Director, Corrina Maguire, General Manager from Merenda who were accredited with All-Star Innovative Wood Products Enterprise 2018-19

Leading companies in Irish Business descended on Croke Park on Thursday 19th April 2018 for the Fourth Annual All-Ireland Business Summit where a 1000 strong audience from all 32 counties attended.

The Business All-Stars is an annual competition designed to identify, recognise and accredit Irish companies and individuals that have distinguished themselves in the conduct of their business over the last 12 months.

Merenda was accredited with the All-Star Innovative Wood Products Enterprise 2018-19. Speaking at the event, Kieran F. Ring, CEO Global Institute of Logistics, Deputy Chairperson Adjudication Panel said; 

 “The decision to designate Merenda with Innovative Wood Products Enterprise 2018-19 is based on the score achieved in four rounds of intense competition.

The application, supported by references, interviews and independent ratings from the ‘mystery shopper’ process left the adjudication panel in no doubt that Merenda is richly deserving of this accreditation. We would like to extend our sincere congratulations to all concerned and we wish you every success for the future”

In response to the announcement Ronan Haslette, Managing Director said

“On behalf of Merenda, I want to thank the All Star judging panel for this award. It is a great honour to be accredited as an Innovative Wood Products Enterprise. Achieving All-Stars accreditation is a great source of pride for all the Merenda team and we look forward to building on this award as we work towards our long term strategic business goals.

This award is a reflection of the hard work and energy put in by the Merenda team to build a successful, internationally focused export business in the heart of North Leitrim. The structure of the competition required us to put our brand story on paper and gave us the opportunity to reflect on who we are, our growth strategy and above all the value we create for our target audience.

The opportunity to hear first-hand feedback from our Judge-Mentor, our existing customers, partners and suppliers through the reference module combined with the results from the mystery shopper round was invaluable.

Speaking at the summit, Dr. Briga Hynes, Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick, Chairperson Adjudication Panel summed up the entire process by reminding the enterprises honoured with All-Star that:

 “Merenda has demonstrated an ability to innovate and has impressive growth plans which no-doubt reflects the resilience and optimism that are the hallmarks of Irish entrepreneurs. Merenda bring a real inspiration for what is possible in business in Ireland and provide important role models for the many aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small firms,”

Merenda are now included in the 2018-19 All-Stars Role of Honour, the list is published annually to coincide with the All-Ireland Business Summit at Croke Park.