News

K&T Bakery Success in ILDN Enterprise Awards

Katie & Tomasz receiving their award from Mr. Garrett Stokes of Micro Finance Ireland and ILDN Chair Marie Price Bolger

K&T Bakery & Restaurant based in Cahersiveen has taken second place overall in the newly established National Enterprise Awards organised by the ILDN. The national finalists had all come through as winners from the various regional finals and SKDP were represented at last night’s event by K&T Bakery & Restaurant Cahersiveen.  Katarzyna Gwis and her husband Tomasz established the business in 2014 with support from SKDP enterprise officer Anne O’Riordan through the BTWEA. The business now employs 15 staff between full and part time and since its establishment the business has gone from strength to strength.

The event was organised by ILDN to recognise the achievements of enterprises established by Local Development Companies through the Back to Work Area Enterprise Allowance Scheme (BTWEA) and Short Term Allowance Scheme (SEA).  The awards night also sought to acknowledge the contribution of key partners in the process such as Dept. of Housing, Planning, Community & Local Government and the Dept. of Social Protection.

Over 150 invited guests heard from a range of speakers on the night, including from both government Depts, CEO of Micro Finance Ireland and the Chairperson of the ILDN.  Guests also viewed short video presentations from all 18 finalists.   All finalists highlighted the importance of the support received from the BTWEA and the Local Development Companies in giving them the confidence and support to enable them take the initial steps in establishing their businesses.

SKDP CEO Noel Spillane said that “on behalf of SKDP – I would like to congratulate Katarzyna & Tomasz of K&T Bakeries on their  outstanding achievement in winning this award and it is due recognition of their hard work and commitment in establishing and growing their business.  I would also like to acknowledge and thank our SICAP enterprise officers Joanne Griffin and Anne O’Riordan who, working in partnership with the local offices of DSP have supported hundreds of unemployed individuals to establish and development enterprises through the BTWEA & SEA.  Noel added that without the support of Anne O’Riordan and the BTWEA – K&T Bakeries would not have been able to establish and grow their business and K&T bakeries are very grateful to the support they have received from both SKDP and the DSP.

We wish K&T Bakeries continued success.

First place went to Derek Walker from Letterkenny, Co. Donegal with his business Simply Natural Health.