VOYA is named Overall Winner of the Small Firms Association National Small Business Awards 2025
The winners of the Small Firms Association (SFA) National Small Business Awards 2025 have been announced. The Awards celebrate the achievements of small businesses in Ireland and recognise the important and vital contributions of this sector to the Irish economy. Forty-four finalists and five Emerging New Businesses were selected from hundreds of applications received for the 2025 programme.
VOYA was named as Overall National SFA Small Business Winner 2025.
Established by Mark and Kira Walton in 2006, VOYA has redefined luxury skincare on a global level, combining ethical sourcing with a commitment to sustainability. Located in Sligo with a team of 43, this family-run Irish brand has become the world’s first certified organic seaweed-based skincare line, setting an industry benchmark. VOYA’s innovative products harness the power of hand-harvested seaweed, delivering science-backed, results-driven skincare while maintaining a deep respect for the environment. The company’s dedication extends to sustainable packaging and eco-friendly formulation processes, ensuring luxury with a conscience.
VOYA products can be found in over 42 countries around the globe, in the most luxurious spas, hotels and retail outlets in the world.
Presenting the awards, Peter Burke T.D., Minister for Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment, stated: “These companies represent the pinnacle of small business excellence in Ireland. Our overall winner, along with all finalist and category winners, deserve recognition for their outstanding innovation, creativity, and invaluable contribution to the Irish economy.”
SFA Director, David Broderick added: “I am delighted that we are continuing to grow a programme that positions the small business brand as the backbone of the Irish economy. Congratulations to all the finalists each of whom represent the very best in small business and all are winners. Small businesses are present in every village, town and city and contribute enormously to economic activity and community engagement”.
The nine category winners are:
Manufacturing sponsored by PTSB: Lawrence Engineering, Collooney, Co. Sligo
Highly Commended: Hygeia, Galway City
Food and Drink sponsored by Bord Bia: Carlingford Oyster Company, Carlingford, Co. Louth
Services sponsored by Sage: SolarSmart Energy, Dublin
Outstanding Small Business sponsored by Elavon: GP Practice Ally, Arklow, Co. Wicklow
Retail sponsored by One4all Rewards: The Smooth Company, Lucan, Co. Dublin
Highly Commended: Jack Murphy Clothing, Skerries, Co. Dublin
Innovation sponsored by National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI):
Oriel Marine Extracts, Drogheda, Co. Louth
Highly Commended: Total Plastic Solution, Dublin
Exporter of the Year, sponsored by Enterprise Ireland: VOYA, Sligo
Sustainability sponsored by Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI):
Active Tribe, Courtown, Co. Wexford
Workplace Wellbeing sponsored by DeCare: ContractingPLUS, Cork
The Emerging New Business award sponsored by Microfinance Ireland is a category to encourage emerging entrepreneurs to promote and grow their business. The winners are:
Your Friend, My Friend, Dublin, Eco Powered Cabinets, Hollymount, Co. Mayo, RealSafe App, Dublin, Copper Coast Renewables, Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford and Colectivo, Dunboyne, Co. Meath.
Entrants in this category are under two years in business and the winners were identified by the judging panel as companies that will grow into successful organisations.
The Awards prize package for ALL finalists included a strategic management masterclass; participation in the SFA Business Connect event in February last, media exposure in a special supplement published with the Irish Independent today (26th March). The total prize for finalists is valued at €50,000 each.
The category winners were presented with a trophy and free membership of the Small Firms Association for one year.
Skillnet Ireland are sponsors of the awards management training and media partner is Irish Independent.
ENDS
Issued by Jonathan McDade, Public Affairs Lead SFA, Jonathan.mcdade@ibec.ie
01 6051776/ 0876253551
For interviews, please contact Jonathan McDade.
EDITORS' NOTES:
- Photos with imbedded captions from event have been circulated by Conor McCabe to the picture desks.
Full details are on the SFA Awards website at www.sfaawards.ie or follow us on Twitter: @SFA_Irl #SFAAwards2025
