Kilkenny-headquartered software technology group, CluneTech, has been recognised as one of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies at a Gala Awards ceremony held in the Convention Centre, Dublin. First recognised as one of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies back in 2010, this is the eighth consecutive year that CluneTech has retained its Platinum Status – the highest accolade in these awards.

The Ireland’s Best Managed Companies awards programme, run by Deloitte in association with Bank of Ireland, shines a spotlight on outstanding private businesses from across the island of Ireland and the exceptional performance that drives them. This year at the 15th annual awards ceremony, Deloitte recognised 130 indigenous companies representing 24 of the 32 counties across the island of Ireland.

The network of companies has a combined turnover of €17 billion and €3 billion of exports sales, providing employment for over 53,000 people across Ireland across a range of sectors – from manufacturing and tech to construction and food and beverage. A detailed judging process precedes the recognition, evaluating the entire management team and business strategy. The judges look beyond financial performance at areas such as a company’s environmental, social and governance standards, strategic planning and talent strategy, when awarding Ireland’s top privately owned businesses.

Established in 1996 by entrepreneur Terry Clune, CluneTech is a suite of software technology companies, comprising tech unicorn TransferMate, Taxback, Taxback International, Sprintax, Visa First and Benamic. The group has offices in 21 countries and employs more than 1,200 people globally. Immedis, a leading global payroll platform, was recently acquired by UKG in one of Ireland’s largest technology deals.

Welcoming the award, Terry Clune, CluneTech CEO and founder said:

“We are delighted to have retained our Platinum status at this year’s Deloitte Best Managed Companies Awards. This award is a reflection of the dedication and passion of our people, led by a phenomenal leadership team, to deliver the best in technology, services and innovation in support of our customers and partners worldwide. Our companies continue to go from strength to strength and, with the acquisition of Immedis by UKG earlier this year, we’re more excited than ever about the opportunities in the future.”

Brian Murphy, Lead Partner for Ireland’s Best Managed Companies Awards Programme at Deloitte Ireland said:

“This year we’re celebrating 15 years of the BMC programme and the incredible companies that have qualified. Even though this year’s cohort faced into another challenging period, over the past 15 years we’ve seen how indigenous Irish businesses find opportunities in change. Strengthening governance and recognising the value of specialist expert advice on critical areas such as ESG were key discussion points in the coaching sessions. We also saw companies increasingly focused on innovation driving internationalisation. Despite the uncertainties of the past few years, the confidence of Irish businesses is clear as more and more are scaling their market reach internationally”.

Nikki Canavan, Senior Director, Head of Origination & Sustainability, Corporate Banking Ireland, and judging panel member said:

“Over the last number of years the companies in the Best Managed Companies network have shown huge strength in the face of disruption and uncertainty. This year in particular – a year that tested Irish businesses like never before – the judges noted the commitment, bravery, resilience and tenacity of the applicant companies.”

 

About the Best Managed Companies Awards

The Deloitte Best Managed Companies programme, in association with Bank of Ireland, promotes and recognises excellence in Irish/Northern Irish owned and managed companies. It is the only awards scheme on the island of Ireland that considers a business’ performance from every perspective. Entrants to the programme will compete for this designation in a rigorous process that evaluates the calibre of their management abilities and practices.

Programme sponsors are Bank of Ireland, the IMI and the Business Post. For further information, visit www.deloittebestmanaged.ie.

International History of Best Managed Companies Programme

The Best Managed Companies Programme originated in Canada in 1993, where it has been run successfully ever since and is the country’s leading business awards programme. In addition to Ireland and Canada, the programme is currently run in a total of 48 countries including China, The US, Southeast Asia, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Czech Republic, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Turkey, Mexico and Chile.