Deloitte opens call for entries to 2026 Best Managed Companies Awards. Ambitious Irish firms sought as programme marks growing influence across the island.
Deloitte Ireland has opened applications for its 2026 Best Managed Companies Awards and is inviting indigenous businesses in Ireland and Northern Ireland to apply for a place in the expanding programme.
The initiative highlights performance, leadership and organisational strength among privately owned Irish companies.
“We encourage ambitious organisations with forward-thinking leadership, solid governance and strong team cultures to apply”
The current network includes 115 businesses across sectors from retail and hospitality to manufacturing and construction, together employing more than 62,000 people with combined revenues of €22 billion.
Capability to thrive
Brian Murphy, lead partner for the awards programme at Deloitte, said the initiative offers companies an opportunity to assess their capabilities against the strongest performers in the market.
“The Best Managed Companies programme represents a distinctive platform for organisations to evaluate and compare themselves against the best in Ireland,” he said. “It also offers a collaborative and engaged network where leaders are keen to share insights, support their peers and strengthen Ireland Inc as a collective.”
Murphy added that the companies recognised through the programme demonstrate “remarkable flexibility, resilience and the capability to thrive amid global business volatility and uncertainty.”
He said that applicants tend to show a high degree of self-awareness and an appetite for impartial evaluation to support their growth plans.
“Deloitte is committed to providing strategic coaching that will ensure Irish companies maintain their competitive edge,” he said. “We encourage ambitious organisations with forward-thinking leadership, solid governance and strong team cultures to apply.”
Eight companies were newly recognised last year, including Actavo Group, Dixon International Logistics, Kirby Group Engineering, Marcon Fit Out, Nostra Technologies, Ohk Energy, Specialist Group and Suir Engineering.
Submissions will be assessed by an independent judging panel chaired by Frank Ryan, former chief executive of Enterprise Ireland and former chair of IDA Ireland.
Other judges include Ellvena Graham, chair of Tourism NI; Lionel Alexander, chair of Intact Software; Feargal Mooney, formerly of Hostelworld; Cathy Bryce of AIB; Professor Anthony Brabazon, dean of UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School; Orla O’Gorman, non-executive director and former head of listing at Euronext; and Sarah Murphy, chief executive of the Business Post.
Applications for Phase 1 close on Friday 3 April. Companies that advance to Phase 2 will be notified later in April. The 2026 winners will be announced at the annual gala awards event in February 2027.
Top image: Winners from Best Managed Companies Awards 2025
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