PICTURES: Waterford Business Awards night glamour as local businesses celebrate big wins

Waterford's business community turned out in force on Friday night as close to 400 guests filled the Tower Hotel for the 2025 Waterford Business Awards.

Hosted by WLR's Mary O'Neill, the gala event recognised excellence across start-ups, SMEs, and major employers, with Mayor Séamus Ryan and Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke among those in attendance.

USE THE ARROWS OR 'NEXT' TO BROWSE THROUGH THE FULL GALLERY

The night's top honour went to Dave Barry Plastics, named Overall Waterford Business of the Year for its innovation and strong growth in Dungarvan.

Other winners included Euryka AI for New Business of the Year, Liberty Blue Estate Agents for Business of the Year (up to 20 employees), Dave Barry Plastics for Business of the Year (up to 100 employees), and Eirgen Pharma for Business of the Year (100+ employees).

USE THE ARROWS OR 'NEXT' TO BROWSE THROUGH THE FULL GALLERY

The Granville Hotel won the Environmental and Sustainability Award, Ashleigh Farms took home Excellence in Innovation, Fitzgeralds Menswear was named Retailer of the Year, and The TEFL Institute of Ireland won Marketing Excellence. Dunmore Adventure Centre received the Visit Waterford Award, Fitzwilton Hotel won Workplace Excellence, Klearcom took Customer Service Excellence, and The Railway Cottage was honoured in the Food, Beverage and Hospitality category.

Special awards went to Seamus Kilgannon (Entrepreneur of the Year), TV Honan of Spraoi (Judges' Special Recognition), and Paul Dower of Waterford In Your Pocket, winner of the new Think Waterford First Award. Faithlegg also scooped WLR's Radio Campaign of the Year.