Latest news with #NakedBakes
Agriland
13-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Food businesses among finalists for National Enterprise Awards
A number of food and agri-businesses are among the 31 finalists from across the country in the National Enterprise Awards. This is the 25th year of the Local Enterprise Office event, which was won last year by DreamDev Technologies, the Kildare-based company which developed an AI augmented platform. This year there is a wide variety of finalists competing for the title of National Enterprise of the Year at a ceremony on May 22. There is a selection of food businesses in the running this year including Naked Bakes from south Dublin, SOS Cookies from Limerick, Fused by Fiona Uyema from Kildare, jam maker Mór Taste from Wexford, and WONDR Jellies from Mayo, the world's first high-protein, low-sugar jellies. Other agri-related businesses which have been shortlisted are online auction platform, MartEye based in Galway and Kerry Woolen Mills. The finalists compete for a prize fund of €50,000 and, along with an overall National Enterprise of the Year winner, there are categories for Best Start-Up, Best Export Business, an Innovation Award, a One-to-Watch Award, and a Sustainability Award. National Enterprise Awards There will also be an Outstanding Achievement Award presented on the night to an Irish business who started with the support of their Local Enterprise Office and has gone on to achieve international success. This year's Outstanding Achievement Award will go to Keoghs Farm. In 2011 Tom Keogh created the Keoghs Crisp brand and from what was a 200-year-old potato farm, they export to 22 countries and employ 150 people at their base in north Dublin. Chair of the Local Enterprise Offices, Kieran Comerford said; 'This is the 25th year of the National Enterprise Awards and one thing we see year on year is amazing diversity of businesses from across the country, all excelling in their sectors. 'The 31 finalists have made it to this point and that in itself is validation that these are companies are primed for growth. 'We are excited to see who takes home the prizes in the final but we're also excited to see the next steps that these companies make in their areas as they all have the potential to become significant Irish businesses both here and internationally over the coming years.' The National Enterprise Awards are one of a number of events that the Local Enterprise Offices run, to foster entrepreneurship across the country.
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mum known for 'amazing' cakes opens soft play and roleplay centre near Birmingham
A baker known for her 'amazing' cakes has created a new 'Playroom' at her community hub cafe. Gemma Hamill has two branches of Naked Bakes, the first in Kings Heath and a second in Wythall's Woodrush Community Hub. Now Gemma has expanded her second site to include a role play and softplay area, with a little kitchen, cake shop and more as a place where 'little ones can thrive'. Read more: Michelin chef shares brutal truth of running Birmingham restaurant admitting 'it's too hard' Subscribe to the Brum Food Club for a weekly food and drink newsletter, in your inbox, every Thursday. It's free. The mum-of-one opened her first branch of Naked Bakes back in June 2022 after her cakes went viral on Instagram. She's since earned the support of the community with her beautiful bakes and warm family atmosphere, gaining an overall rating on Google review of 4.9 out of five. Before explains how her background has helped shape Naked Bakes' latest project. See full photo gallery of The Playroom at Naked Bakes HERE. "Before I was baking my career was supporting little ones and their families," she said. "I'm a qualified teacher with a background in early years, family support and all things baby! "I'm also a baby massage and baby yoga instructor. I started my first business at 19, running princess pamper parties. "I feel this journey has come full circle, and I couldn't be happier to combine my passions." Gemma says that the new space is for 'all the moms, moms-to-be and families' who have visited Naked Bakes for their 'coffee breaks and conversations'. She said: "My goal has always been to create a warm, welcoming space, a place where you can feel supported, celebrated, and, of course, enjoy some cake too!" Gemma said that 'everything changed' when she had her daughter Alba five years ago. "She's my inspiration for becoming self-employed and creating spaces that truly cater to what moms and families need," Gemma explained. "She's taught me so much about what it means to balance play, connection, and community and I've poured all that into my new venture." The new Playroom was designed by Gemma and built by her dad Barry Hamill. Gemma took over the cafe in Wythall in June 2024 and has been working to perfect the place ever since. "The Playroom is a space filled with soft play, role play, and endless fun for little ones. Whether you're a mom-to-be, a new mom, or simply looking for a family-friendly space to relax, I've designed this with you in mind. "My goal has always been to create a safe, welcoming environment where moms can feel supported and little ones can thrive. I can't wait to share this journey." The new Naked Bakes Playroom is at the Wythall Community Hub, Shawhurst Lane, B47 5JW.
