Limerick companies up for sustainability challenge

THREE Limerick companies have entered this year's Irish Business Design Challenge (IBDC), which focuses on sustainability methods going forward.

The local companies competing are: Braw Bakery by Anna Coffey Lynch, Ballysimon Road, online business Irish Dance Dress to Impress by Jason Carmody and The Natural Sleep Company, by Mary-Rose Fitzpatrick, Ballylanders.

Now in its third year, the IBDC supports companies who are striving to future proof their business by using more sustainable methods and materials, with the aim of making their practice more dependable.

The competition has a prize fund of over €50,000 and over 100 businesses across Ireland entered this year’s challenge.

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There are over 248,344 SMEs active in Ireland and they account for more than 70% of employment in the Irish economy.

Head of Design, Design and Craft Council Ireland, Tom Watts, said: “We know that micro, small and medium enterprises are fundamental to Ireland’s economy.

“The number of high-quality entries this year is testament to how important sustainability has become for Irish businesses.”

A Limerick company has yet to be crowned winner and public voting is now open until Tuesday, March 7, 2023.