MBTA 2024: Meet the finalists in the Best Innovative Product or Service category

Best in the business of sport rises to the surface

JMB Sportsfield Services

Tell us about your business and team

JMB Sportsfield Services is a family-owned business, established in 2005, specialising in the maintenance and upgrade of natural grass surfaces on sports fields such as GAA, soccer and rugby pitches as well as golf and pitch & putt courses. The business helps clubs maintain, improve, and make available their highly sought-after playing surfaces all year round, by using specialised machinery and innovative turfcare work practices.

Dynamic partnership of John McBride and his brother Damien are both qualified Greenkeepers, having worked in Headfort Golf Club and County Meath Golf Club Trim. Their team include their father, brothers, nephew and son - all sports enthusiasts.

Describe the best thing about your service

JMB operates in the niche turfcare maintenance sector and offers a wide range of maintenance and pitch upgrade services using specialised equipment. The business provides individual maintenance programmes and practices for clubs and organisations playing fields, tailored to their maintenance budgets.

The Team’s extensive experience and qualifications in maintenance practices ensures that clubs and associations are availing of best-in-class turfcare practices.

Being awarded the National GAA Inter County Pitch of the Year Winner 2021 and 2023 for the maintenance of Pairc Tailteann in Navan was testament to the business’s commitment to providing the best-in-class surface to our valued partner, Meath GAA.

What's the best business advice you've ever been given?

Never take any shortcuts in any form of work, if you can’t do it right, don’t do it at all. Treat every job with absolute attention to detail - big or small.

What does the future hold for your business?

JMB wants to continue to innovate and maintain its high standards. This will be achieved by embracing innovative technologies and maintenance practices. The business hopes to transition to a second generation over time.

Seeking to lead the way in veterinary wound and derm care across the globe

Zarasyl

Tell us about your business and team

Athboy based Zarasyl is bringing its innovative animal woundcare products to the veterinary market worldwide. Created in collaboration with a team of scientists, Zarasyl is a competition-safe topical cream using silicate technology instead of steroids and antibiotics, used to treat animals by vet practices at home and internationally in USA, UK and Australia. A present a number of field studies are underway by Adrienne Magnier’s Zarasyl as well as a clinical study with UCD.

Describe the best thing about your service

Zarasyl, which was established in 2019 is bringing products to the market that will support animal welfare and help veterinarians bring better solutions to their patients. Just this week a veterinarian who is a leader in the field of working dogs in the USA said she loves Zarasyl because it makes her life easier.

What's the best business advice you've ever been given?

Owner of Zarasyl Adrienne Magnier says it's less about the advice she got and more about the experience she got while working for a small Irish company that became a global leader in their field. “I saw that a great product, a visionary leader and hard work and determination is a great combination for success and then the world truly is your oyster.”

What does the future hold for your business?

At Zarasyl, it is hoped that its products will be synonymous with great veterinary wound and derm care across the globe.

Oldcastle has good view of the future with digital signage solutions

Interactive Displays Ireland

Tell us about your business and team

Interactive Displays Ireland is a leading provider of digital signage solutions, serving clients across Ireland, the UK, and Europe. Founded by Gerry McDonnell, the company operates from Dromone, Oldcastle and employs a dedicated team of 16 people. Its expertise spans industries such as retail, hospitality, education, healthcare and beyond. In 2022, it introduced Moytronix - Ireland’s first homegrown digital signage brand. In 2023, it launched ScreenFusion.ai, a ground-breaking AI-powered content management platform. Its team is committed to delivering high-quality, innovative display solutions, backed by outstanding customer support and a passion for transforming visual communication.

Describe the best thing about your service

The best aspect of the business’ service is the seamless combination of innovation and customer care.Interactive Displays Ireland aim not to just provide digital signage but offer tailored solutions that meet unique business needs, from interactive displays, menu screens to outdoor signage and AI-driven content management. ScreenFusion.ai platform allows clients to effortlessly manage displays from anywhere, integrating real-time data and business tools. Every project is backed by comprehensive support, including installation, training, and ongoing assistance. This commitment aims to ensure that clients maximise the value of their digital signage investment and stay ahead in an ever-changing marketplace.

What's the best business advice you've ever been given?

The best business advice that owner Gerry McDonnell has received is to always hire people who excel in areas where I’m not as strong. Surrounding myself with talented experts allows the business to grow more effectively, bringing in fresh perspectives and skills that complement and elevates overall capabilities.

What does the future hold for your business?

In the coming year, Interactive Displays Ireland aims to expand its workforce by adding 10 skilled professionals, planning to grow its presence further into the EU and Africa, driven by ongoing innovation and increased investment in research and development to keep advancing its digital signage solutions.