THE hunt is on for the Fermanagh's top entrepreneurial trailblazers. 

The 2024 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ (EOY) programme is officially open for nominations, with entrepreneurs from businesses operating across all industry sectors from Fermanagh invited to submit their nominations.

The theme for this year’s programme is ‘The Trailblazers’. 

Entrepreneurial trailblazers are true leaders with the courage and capacity to plot and follow their own path, pushing conventional boundaries and limits. 

Richard Kennedy, CEO of Devenish, who was named 2019 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ is encouraging entrepreneurs from all sectors in Fermanagh to “go for it”!

“I learned so much from the programme and forged friendships and connections with inspirational entrepreneurs from a wide range of industries,” Mr Kennedy said. “The alumni network continues to be an invaluable support group to me today and their collective experience and business expertise is second to none. 

“The generosity and support that exists within the group is incredible and there is a genuine willingness to help and encourage and each other. 

“I can wholeheartedly recommend this programme and I encourage any entrepreneurs based in County Fermanagh who may be considering getting involved to go for it!”

The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ programme is open to entrepreneurs from all sectors and growth stages in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The awards programme is divided into three categories - Emerging, Established and International - with eight finalists chosen per category.

The EY Entrepreneur of The Year™ Sustainability Award will also be presented to one of the finalists in recognition of their business’ significant contribution towards achieving and ensuring environmental sustainability.

Meanwhile, Rob Heron, Partner Lead for EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™, said the programme will showcase the best and brightest entrepreneurs from Fermanagh and beyond. 

“We are very excited to invite entrepreneurs from Northern Ireland to submit their nominations," he said. "Now in its 27th year, the programme exists to acclaim, drive, and inspire entrepreneurship across our island. 

“Northern Irish entrepreneurs continue to have a disproportionate global impact, reflecting an international scaling mindset and innate capacity to grow and succeed across borders and cultures.”

The 24 finalists will be selected by an independent judging panel, comprising former winners, and chaired by Harry Hughes CEO of Portwest, who takes over the role from Anne Heraty CEO of CPL Resources plc.


Nominations close on February 29 and can be made online at www.eoy.ie. Those nominating someone else must do so with the entrepreneur’s consent.