Waterford-based company wins inaugural award

Waterford-based company STS Group has won the inaugural Amazon Web Services (AWS) Horizon Award at a ceremony in Dublin. The award recognises firms that have exported their services or products to other markets or contributed positively to the wider reputation of the data centre industry. The winner was announced at an AWS Business Breakfast in Dublin and presented by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney TD.

The event brought together a range of companies, service providers and other stakeholders to discuss the collaboration between AWS and Ireland’s wider enterprise network. STS Group was awarded the Horizon Award at the event for their outstanding contribution to the country’s cloud enterprise economy.

A 2020 survey by Indecon found that an estimated over 550 sub-suppliers have worked with firms supplying services to AWS in Ireland.

This is the first time AWS has given this award which recognises a firm which has helped create jobs in Ireland, exported their skills or products to other markets or contributed positively to the wider reputation of the industry.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney TD said: “I am delighted to attend this event hosted by Amazon Web Services which acknowledges how cloud computing continues to be a key driver of our tech-based economy and is a crucial support to our thriving SME sector. Through adopting cloud-based technologies, like AWS, Irish SMEs have been empowered to grow into global markets, innovate and remain resilient.”

“As a government we are committed to supporting the cloud-based computing sector to enhance our economy and ensure the creation of high-quality jobs for our hugely talented tech workforce.

I’d like to acknowledge this remarkable talent and creativity and congratulate STS Group winners of the inaugural AWS Horizon Award. STS Group is a Waterford company, which has a base in Cork. Companies like STS Group are an impressive example of how the cloud is driving economic growth through empowering SMEs to develop tangible business solutions now and into the future.”

Leo Clancy, CEO Enterprise Ireland said: “The growing data centre industry in Ireland has greatly benefited Irish enterprises delivering engineering, energy, project and power management solutions to multinational technology providers. Enterprise Ireland works closely with many innovative Irish companies operating in the sector to support their continued success in international markets, creating employment and economic opportunity across the country.”

Neil Morris, AWS Country Lead said: “The expansion of the data centre industry in Ireland has given Irish companies the opportunity develop world-leading solutions in the engineering, manufacturing, logistics and construction sectors.”

“The success of these domestic companies should be celebrated for its rich contribution to enterprise and employment across the country.”

“There can be no stronger example of the positive effect that foreign investment has on the Irish economy than a Waterford-based company like STS Group expanding internationally as a result of the work they’ve done with AWS.”

Liam Linehan, Business Development Director, STS Group said: “I am honoured on behalf of STS to accept this recognition of the work that we have done with AWS over the years. The experience that our teams have developed working on these projects with AWS has allowed us to expand our business internationally, creating jobs and developing further expertise and talent here in Ireland.”