Kildare Company Triumphs at National Enterprise Awards
04 June 2025: Kildare-based company ‘Fused’ by Fiona Uyema, supported by Kildare County Council’s Local Enterprise Office, has emerged as the Mid-East Regional winner at this year’s National Enterprise Awards. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the awards ceremony took place at the Round Room in the Mansion House, Dublin.
The Kildare born company offers a range of Asian sauces and seasonings that incorporates top class ingredients for a healthy twist. Fused took home one of the Regional Awards and a share of the €50,000 investment fund.
Co-founders, Fiona and Gilmar Uyema, bring their wealth of experience and expertise in the food industry, along with a special grá for Japanese food. Their combined vision to raise the standards of Asian ingredients on food shelves has been key to differentiating themselves and succeeding in today’s competitive market.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Fiona Uyema said; “It is an honor to receive this award and recognition. Thank you to all the LEO Kildare Team for their incredible support over the last 10 years”.
Fused follows in the success of Kildare’s new and innovative software company DreamDEV, last year’s overall winners at the 2024 National Enterprise Awards. Established in 2019 by Eoin Barry and Douglas Augiar, this AI company enables companies to significantly increase their product’s time to market.
The overall winner at this years National Enterprise Awards was SPRYT, a virtual assistant that addresses appointment challenges in the healthcare industry. Users can quickly book, pay, and amend their appointments through SMS, while professionals can effectively reallocate appointments in real-time to eliminate no shows and doctor and consultant time wastage.
Announcing the award winners at the Mansion House the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Minister Dillon said; “The National Enterprise Awards are a celebration of the innovation, resilience, and ambition that define Ireland’s business community. Each year, the calibre of finalists continues to rise, reflecting the extraordinary talent and determination of entrepreneurs across the country. These businesses are not only creating jobs—they are shaping the future of our local economies and communities.
“Tonight’s winners represent the very best of what Irish enterprise has to offer, and we remain committed to supporting them as they grow, compete, and thrive on both a national and global stage. These businesses are at the core of every town, village and community and are vital to our economy. We will ensure businesses continue to get the support they need to grow, prosper, and remain competitive.”
Also honoured on the night was Keoghs Farm, which won the Outstanding Achievement Award. After beginning their journey at their Local Enterprise Office, the renowned crisps and snack company serves as a reminder of the impact that accessing local initiatives can have.
Carol Gibbons, Head of Entrepreneurship and Local Enterprise, Enterprise Ireland, said: “The high calibre of businesses in today’s final highlights the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and innovation within Irish enterprise. The solutions these businesses have developed are impressive, and I am encouraged by their ambition and determination to develop products and services with a positive impact on our society. At Enterprise Ireland, we believe Irish businesses are central to driving economic growth, and we’re proud to support that ambition in partnership with the Local Enterprise Offices. Congratulations to all the winners — I wish them continued success on their growth journey.”
Previous winners of the National Enterprise Awards from Kildare include Terra NutriTech (2018) and Pestle & Mortar (2019).
The National Enterprise Awards are one of several initiatives run by the Local Enterprise Offices to foster entrepreneurship across the country. Others include Local Enterprise Week, the Student Enterprise Programme, National Women’s Enterprise Day and Local Enterprise Showcase. The Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities are funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland.
Established in 2014, the Local Enterprise Offices are the essential resource for any entrepreneur looking to start a business or any small business that is looking for support or advice to help them grow. Since their inception eight years ago, the Local Enterprise Offices have helped create over 75,000 jobs across the country. The LEOs work with thousands of client companies across Ireland in a diverse range of sectors offering mentoring, training, expert advice and financial supports to small businesses. For more information see www.LocalEnterprise.ie.
