MBTA 2024: Meet the finalists of the Best Family Business category

A dedicated teams passionate about what we do'

McGarry Tiles & Bathrooms

Tell us about your business and team?

McGarry Tiles and Bathrooms are a one-stop shop for newbuilds, renovation projects, bathroom conversions and less abled bathrooms. Seamus with Johanna and a team of trusted employees have a vast array of goods at their showroom in Newgate Navan where all tiles are imported from Spain and Italy and the ware is constantly being changed and refurbished to reflect ever-changing trends and allows them to be competitive in an ever-growing market. A large part of the business is supply and fit of less abled bathrooms for both young and old, which are carried out in line with Occupational Therapist specifications. The team are dedicated, passionate and have a wealth of experience and they love what they do!

Describe the best thing about your service?

Our passion for what we do is reflected in our strong customer service and interaction with customers. Our attention to detail is what sets us apart and we get excited about new projects and ventures. We regularly travel abroad to trade shows so we can provide customers with the latest trends and value. Our customer service extends beyond the showroom doors straight into people’s homes designing spectacular indoor and outdoor spaces.

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

A very successful local businessman once said to me, 'If a customer is looking for something and you haven't got it... Just Get It!'. This piece of advice has stood the test of time not only in his business but now in ours.

What does the future hold for your business?

As an ever-growing business, we are excited about the future and see ourselves expanding further into home renovation and commercial sectors. Our experience over the past 25 years is pushing us in this direction but rest assured our service will remain the same.

A European leader in power and communication services

MTM Engineering

Tell us about your business and team?

MTM Engineering was founded in 1997 by Martin and Patricia Mee as a Irish cable installation company. Over the past 27 years, the business has grown into a European leader in power and communication services. Now son Brendan Mee as CEO is continuing his parents’ legacy and now employs over 900 people across 10 countries, with plans to exceed 1,000 employees this year. The recent headquarters expansion in Slane, reflects its commitment to both the local community and global growth. MTM Engineering is guided by core values – People, Integrity, HSEQ (Health Safety Environmental and Quality), Schedule, and Innovation.

Describe the best thing about your service?

MTM has grown significantly over the last decade, by continually evolving and developing our people and our business. Our services are carried out by our staff across our locations in Europe, all directly employed and each one growing our company. The core values of our business are at the forefront of our people and our customers, ensuring we deliver across our business every time. We specialise in high volume of works over a short period, giving us the name across our industry as a trusted delivery partner.

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

Best advice; "We can't write the book, only play the tune," meaning there are things we can’t control, we can only adapt and pivot as we need to, if and when it arises.

What does the future hold for your business?

We will continue to grow our business both organically and through acquisition across Europe and further afield. Over our growth journey, we will continue to cultivate leaders within our industry, to enable our company to grow further across the globe.

A business as fresh today as it was 130 years ago

Gerry Ellis & Sons Fresh Today

Tell us about your business and team?

Fresh Today Shops are now a fifth-generation business involved in wholesale and retail trade that has been doing business in Meath for over 80 years. The first Fresh Today business was founded 131 years ago in 1889 by Arthur and Mary Ellis, driven by a desire to serve their local community. The name changed to Gerry Ellis & Sons in 1974 and more recently, as part of the brand and marketing strategy, it became known as Fresh Today and now has thriving shops in Oldcastle, Athboy and Trim.

Describe the best thing about your service?

We give a personal service to our customers. We do not have a self-service till, which is a family decision. We also offer to carry out customer shopping to their cars.

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

Our late Father (Gerry Ellis Snr) and Grandfather always told us to pay your suppliers promptly, look after your staff, treat your customers honestly and keep your taxes up to date.

What does the future hold for your business?

With 20 shops nationwide and an excellent wholesale business, we feel we are well placed for the future. With the volumes we have now, we are able to buy in bulk and compete with bigger supermarkets. During a recent survey we were 16% cheaper than Lidl. Our fruit & veg is a very important part of the business. We collect Fresh Fruit & Veg in Meath, Louth and Co Dublin today and it’s on our shelves tomorrow morning.