Cork company cleans up at awards
A Cork manufacturer and supplier of high-pressure cleaning equipment will represent Cork County at the National Enterprise Awards 2026, along with a fermented food company.
Eurojet and The Cultured Food Company have been named winners of the Local Enterprise Awards by Cork County Council’s Local Enterprise Offices in South Cork and Cork North and West.
The businesses will now represent Cork at the National Enterprise Awards in Dublin, where they will compete alongside 29 other finalists for a share of the €35,000 prize fund.
Representing South Cork, Kevin Murphy of Eurojet will compete at this year’s National Enterprise Awards. Based in Little Island, Eurojet has built a reputation as an innovative Cork manufacturer and supplier of high-pressure cleaning equipment, pumps, spare parts and specialist cleaning systems. Drawing on decades of engineering expertise, the company delivers high-quality, reliable solutions for both domestic and industrial markets, with bespoke systems tailored to meet specialist customer needs.
Representing Cork North and West, Hayley Milithorpe of The Cultured Food Company will compete at this year’s National Enterprise Awards. Based in Skibbereen, The Cultured Food Company has earned a growing following for its premium range of raw, organic and naturally fermented foods, including sauerkraut and kimchi. Founded from Hayley Milithorpe’s background in nutrition and passion for gut health, the business is known for its vibrant small-batch products, crafted with live cultures and natural ingredients to support wellbeing and great taste.
Speaking at a special luncheon to celebrate the award winners, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley said: “These businesses are proof that innovation and ambition thrive in Cork. Just a few short years ago, businesses like these would not have even been imagined, yet in our rapidly changing world, we see them not only emerge but grow, create employment, and lead in their fields.
“New opportunities are constantly emerging, and our local entrepreneurs are stepping up to meet these challenges and shape the future. The Local Enterprise Offices play a vital role in supporting this journey, and I encourage every aspiring business to tap into the resources available. With the right support, there’s no limit to what can be achieved.”
Kevin Murphy of Eurojet said: “We are delighted to receive this recognition and to represent South Cork at the National Enterprise Awards. The support from LEO South Cork has been invaluable to our business growth, providing guidance and opportunities that have helped us develop and expand. We are proud to showcase what we do on a national stage.”
Hayley Milithorpe of The Cultured Food Company said: “Winning this award is a fantastic honour for our business and a wonderful opportunity to represent Cork North and West at the National Enterprise Awards. The support from LEO Cork North and West has played an important role in our journey, helping us strengthen the business and look ahead with confidence. We are excited for what comes next.”
Last year, Cork County Council’s LEO offices in South Cork and Cork North and West approved grants totalling over €2 million to support local businesses.
Further information on the supports available to start-ups and small businesses is available from the Local Enterprise Office.