Louth company scoops prestigious business award

Louth company LHK Group were named Professional Services and Business Support Solutions winner at the Guaranteed Irish Business Awards 2026.

The 2026 Guaranteed Irish Business Awards, took place on March 5th at The Dublin Royal Convention Centre.

Now in their fifth year, the annual awards shine a spotlight on Ireland’s leading businesses that are committed to supporting jobs, communities and provenance.

Insomnia, Irish coffee chain, took home the prestigious - Business of the Year award, while the esteemed Guaranteed Irish Special Recognition Award 2026 was presented to President of the GAA, Jarlath Burns.

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Winners of the Professional Services and Business Support Solutions category, sponsored by FBD Insurance, were LHK Group.

The Irish owned company specialises in insurance, pensions, wealth management, investments, employee benefits, and mortgage advice.

With offices currently operating in Dublin and Drogheda, and plans underway for a third location as the business continues to grow, LHK remains focused on job creation and contributing to the Irish economy.

Over 400 guests enjoyed a delicious meal crafted from locally sourced ingredients, supplied by several Guaranteed Irish members.

The evening was hosted by Irish TV and radio personality Marty Whelan, who kept the crowd entertained with his personable style, warmth, and well-known charm.

A special highlight of the evening was Irish poet Stephen James Smith, who opened the ceremony by delivering a bespoke poem written for the occasion, reflecting on the history and mission of Guaranteed Irish.

A Fashion and Beauty quarter added a glamorous touch to the evening where stylist Edel Kinnane chatted with guests on the green carpet, as attendees shared their glamorous looks and the Irish designers they chose to wear on the night.

Brid O’Connell, CEO Guaranteed Irish, commented; “Now in its fifth year, the Guaranteed Irish Business Awards continue to showcase the very best of Irish enterprise.

"Businesses that support each other's supply chains, continuously innovate, and are deeply committed to supporting jobs, communities and provenance.

"This year’s winners, from Insomnia as Business of the Year, Ballymore in Construction to The Smooth Company in the beauty category, the winners demonstrate the scale of ambition and impact that exists across our membership and within Irish business today”.

Patrick Farrell, Chief Retail Banking Officer at PTSB, said:  “Guaranteed Irish continues to champion the strength, innovation, and resilience of Irish businesses at both local and international levels.

"As a bank dedicated exclusively to the Irish market, PTSB is honoured to partner once again with the Guaranteed Irish team to celebrate the businesses that play such a vital role in supporting communities, driving economic growth, and showcasing Irish excellence on a global stage.

"I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to all of the winners this year.

"Their achievements reflect the exceptional talent, ambition, and commitment that define Irish enterprise.

"It is a privilege to recognise and celebrate the positive impact these businesses are making through providing local employment, community development, and forward‑looking innovation.”

In addition to their category win, LHK Group was also recently named a Guaranteed Irish Brand Activation Champion for February.

The award recognises the company’s strong and consistent use of the Guaranteed Irish symbol across its brand, marketing and community engagement activities.

From social media and advertising to client communications and events, LHK has embedded the ‘G’ as a visible demonstration of its commitment to supporting Irish jobs, local communities and Irish-owned business.

Each month, Guaranteed Irish rewards one member business for exemplary activation of the symbol with the Brand Activation Champion award, in association with The Irish Times.

The winner receives a marketing package worth €15,000, including advertising in The Irish Times, a radio advertising campaign and regional media coverage.