PMI National Project Awards, in association with PwC, celebrate Lidl for first net zero energy supermarket

The Ireland Chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMI) announces the winners of this year’s PMI National Project Awards, in association with PwC. Among the winners was Lidl for its first net zero energy supermarket in Ireland.

The annual awards recognise the contribution and excellence of project management in Ireland, showcasing the best innovation and talent in the profession. This year, 10 awards were presented at the black-tie event hosted at PwC’s Dublin office on Thursday 6 November.

From a workforce management transformation project in the retail sector to a telehealth programme, the event celebrated a variety of projects across numerous industries and demonstrates the growing influence and success of project management in Ireland.

Lidl was celebrated in the special “Future of Work Excellence” category for Ireland’s first net zero energy supermarket. Based in Maynooth, the store is net zero in both operational and embodied carbon. Furthermore, the supermarket’s design promotes wellbeing and productivity among employees by incorporating natural light, landscaped surroundings and low noise systems. Electric vehicle chargers, bike racks, and e-bike stations have also been installed to promote sustainable commuting.

Other organisations that were successful on the night included Primark, ESB and the HSE. Individuals were also celebrated, including three under-35 changemakers. These were Rachel Bothwell of GP Practice Ally, Sainath Vasantha of Deloitte, and David Garry of KSN Project Management.

The full list of winners for 2025, chosen by an independent judging panel*, can be found below.

  • PMO of the Year – National Broadband Ireland.
  • Project Professional of the Year – Niamh McAuliffe, NMA Consulting Ltd.
  • Private Sector Project of the Year – Primark: Workforce management transformation “myTime”.
  • Public Sector Project of the Year – ESB: PI Vision: Unlocking data, empowering decisions, transforming ESB.
  • Project Management for Social Good – AquaB Nanobubble Innovations Ltd: Nanobubble technology lifecycle project.
  • Under-35 Changemakers of the Year – Rachel Bothwell (GP Practice Ally), David Garry (KSN Project Management), and Sainath Vasantha (Deloitte).
  • eHealth Project of the Year – HSE: Community and primary care telehealth programme.
  • Special category: “Future of Work Excellence” – Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland: Lidl Zero Maynooth Store.
  • Special category: “2025 awards submission most compliant with the 17 x UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” – AquaB Nanobubble Innovations Ltd: Nanobubble technology lifecycle project.
  • Ireland Chapter of the PMI Volunteer of the Year – Mariana Zanivan.

Speaking about the awards, Peter Glynne, President of the Ireland Chapter of the PMI, said: “The project profession in Ireland seems to go from strength to strength every year. This year was no different, with the quality and creativity of projects pushing the boundaries in terms of ambition and innovation. Not only that but these initiatives and individuals are driving real impact both within organisations and for society as a whole.”

John Dwyer, Partner in PwC Ireland, added: “As the landscape of business and work continues to evolve, project professionals are at the forefront, driving innovation and technology-led transformation across Irish and international organisations to prepare for the future. Both the Ireland Chapter of the PMI and PwC are deeply committed to the transformation agenda, and we at PwC are delighted to again be the headline sponsor of the Awards this year and support two specific awards – the Future of Work Excellence Award and the eHealth Project of the Year. This sponsorship highlights our dedication to advancing project management through a complex and fast-changing environment with resilience and optimism, to ensure that we are fit for the future. We commend each and every one of the finalists and a huge congratulations to the winners.”

Garmin wins five CES 2026 Innovation Awards

Garmin has announced it has been honoured with five CES 2026 Innovation Awards for groundbreaking achievements in technology across various categories. The CES Innovation Awards program, presented annually by the Consumer Technology Associations (CTA), recognised several Garmin smartwatches – the fēnix 8 Pro -MicroLED, Venu® 4 and Forerunner® 970 – along with the Blaze Equine Wellness System and the Descent S1 Diver Communication Buoy ahead of CES 2026. 

“These honours highlight Garmin’s ongoing commitment to redefine what is possible for consumers around the globe. From introducing the world’s first MicroLED smartwatch display to pioneering advancements in equine and dive technology and creating next-generation wellness and running smartwatches with innovative health and fitness features, Garmin continues to set the standard for innovation in consumer technology.”  

–Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing   

The award-winning Garmin products and their respective categories include: 

fēnix 8 Pro MicroLED Fashion Tech 

The brightest smartwatch ever, this multisport GPS smartwatch has a first-of-its-kind MicroLED display, plus it was the first smartwatch with inReach® technology for satellite and LTE connectivity1

Venu 4 Digital Health 

To support overall well-being, this advanced smartwatch includes innovative features like health status, lifestyle logging and more to help users track trends and see how lifestyle choices affect their health. 

Forerunner 970 Sports & Fitness 

This premium GPS running and triathlon smartwatch features a bright AMOLED display, built-in LED flashlight and enhanced navigation plus advanced training and recovery features. 

Blaze Equine Wellness System Pet & Animal Tech 

Designed specifically for horses, this easy-to-use tail wrap and sensor gives riders and trainers real-time insights and data, including heart rate, into their horse’s health and fitness.

Descent S1 Buoy Sports & Fitness 

Track, monitor and communicate with those above and below the surface with the revolutionary Descent S1 buoy that helps strengthen diver communication and advances dive safety technology.  

CES 2026 will take place Jan. 6-9 in Las Vegas, Nevada, where Garmin will showcase these products and much more in booth #3453 in the LVCC West Hall.

Finalists Announced for the 2025 Repak Resource Awards

Repak announced the finalists for the 2025 Repak Resource Awards. The newly named awards which replace the Pakman Awards are Ireland’s leading environmental and sustainability awards, and celebrate Ireland’s leaders in waste prevention, reuse, circular design, and community-led environmental initiatives.
The addition of two new categories; the Circular Community Award and the Circular Design Award celebrate community-led efforts and innovation in sustainable design. Each category in the programme highlights the creativity, leadership and impact of businesses tackling Ireland’s pressing environmental challenges.
Finalists this year include Dairygold Co-Operative Society, Meath Camogie, Rubbish Film Festival, An Post and the Paint Reuse Network. Community projects by Joe Bonner, Food Cloud, and Blessington Tourist Office & Blessington Allotments have also been shortlisted. This year, twelve winners will be announced at a ceremony at The Shelbourne Hotel on Thursday, 23rd October 2025.
The Repak Resource Awards are regarded as one of the most prestigious accolades in the environmental sector, honouring those who lead in sustainability and environmental efforts, including grassroots initiatives, design innovations and cross-sector collaboration, which are becoming essential drivers of circular change.
Each category winner is eligible for the Overall Repak Resource Award, which celebrates outstanding achievements in recycling and waste management, innovation and grassroots environmental action.
Further finalists include Flamers Ltd in the Innovation in Waste Resource Products or Services award category, IQUTECH in the Battery & WEEE Champion award category and Badger & Dodo in the Circular Design award category. Nominees for the ESG Leader award include Jason Carolan from Aldi, Kurt Kyck fromKMK Metals Recycling and Dr Sarah Miller from the Rediscovery Centre.
Commenting on the announcement of the 2025 Repak Resource Awards finalists, Repak CEO, Zoe Kavanagh said: “We have received an unprecedented number of entries, and I am delighted to announce the category finalists for the 2025 Repak Resource Awards. By expanding the focus beyond traditional waste management, the Repak Resource Awards aim to capture the full spectrum of circular innovation happening across the country.
The Repak Resource Awards recognise businesses, organisations, and community initiatives that demonstrate exceptional dedication not only to recycling and waste management, but also innovation in circular design, responsible resource use, and grassroots environmental action. We are excited to celebrate those who are leading the way to a greener, sustainable future for Ireland, and we look forward to welcoming all finalists to the awards ceremony on Thursday, 23rd October.”
The complete list of finalists for the Repak Resource Awards 2025 includes:
·         Battery and WEEE Champion
o    Castletroy College
o    IQUTECH
o    Aldi
·         Business Recycling Champion
o    Swords Pavilions
o    Boots Ireland
o    Dairygold Co-Operative Society
·         Environmental Education and Community Initiative
o    Rubbish Film Festival
o    Regional Waste Management Planning Offices
o    Dublin City Farm & Ecology Centre
·         Innovation in Waste Resource Products or Services
o    KMK Metals Recycling Ltd
o    Flamers Ltd
o    CJ Sheeran Limited
·         Circular Community Award
o    Food Cloud
o    Joe Bonner
o    Blessington Tourist Office & Blessington Allotments
·         Waste Prevention Award
o    Swords Pavilions
o    Rebox
o    The Paint Reuse Network
·         Waste Recovery Operator and Facility Award
o    KWD Recycling
o    LPP
o    Soltec
·         Circular Design Award
o    Kellanova
o    An Post
o    Badger & Dodo
·         Best Single-Use Plastic Initiative
o    Coghlan’s Bakery
o    Glenpatrick Spring Water Ltd & Kilkenny Nutritional Ltd
o    Shabra Plastics & Recycling Ltd
·         Best Deposit Return Initiative
o    Meals on Wheels Courtown
o    Lidl Ireland
o    Meath Camogie
·         Tyre Champion
o    Addible Ltd
o    Heffernan Tyres
·         ESG Leader Award

o

  • Kurt Kyck from KMK Metals Recycling
  • Jason Carolan from Aldi
The 2025 Repak Resource Awards are proudly sponsored by AMCS, Circol ELT, Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, DNV, Environmental Protection Agency, European Recycling Platform, Irish Waste Management Association (IWMA), Local Authorities of Ireland, Panda, Re-turn, and WEEE Ireland.
For more information, visit https://repak.ie/resource-awards

Deloitte opens the 2025 Fast 50 awards

Deloitte Ireland is inviting the country’s fastest-growing and most innovative technology companies to apply to be part of the prestigious Deloitte Fast 50 awards. The programme, which celebrates home-grown entrepreneurship, ranks the 50 fastest growing indigenous technology companies based on revenue growth over the last four years.

The list features both private and public listed technology companies that have demonstrated creative strategies, sound management practices and marketplace vision, driving them to achieve the status of high-growth leaders.

“The dynamic shifts in the macroeconomic landscape since the 2024 awards have intensified businesses focus on resilience and upholding the highest standards of quality across their organisations,” explains Jams Toomey, partner and Fast 50 programme lead at Deloitte.

“The changes in our current trading environment have shifted our focus here at home in Ireland. More than ever, we realise we need to invest and support indigenous businesses to insulate Ireland and keep us an innovative and exciting place to work and live. It’s why I’m passionate about the Deloitte Fast 50 awards, because every year, for 26 years, we celebrate the 50 fastest growing tech companies on the island of Ireland. Each business is a real-life example of the incredible indigenous companies that are being talked about so much.

“For any company considering applying, previous ranking companies have included unicorns Wayflyer and Tines,” continues Toomey“That shows the calibre of our winners. The rankings are trusted, respected and purely quantitative based, solely looking at growth, so it’s an objective ranking. We hear from previous participants how this has helped them when looking for external investment. In this environment, when investors are being sharper and smarter with their money, this is invaluable. I look forward to seeing which companies apply and seeing many of them at our awards ceremony in November.”

This year’s awards programme will include several award categories that companies can enter in addition to the overall ranking. 2024 winners of these awards include Catagen for the Impact Award in association with Meta.

  • Growing New Technology Award in association with Google: This award recognises a company that has created or introduced a new or innovative product or service to international markets, which helped grow their business over the last four years.
  • Impact Award in association with Meta: This award recognises a company that has made a significant impact within the current year.
  • Women in Technology Advocate Award in association with NetSuite: This award will be presented to an individual who has demonstrated through their actions that they are an advocate for increasing participation by, and promotion of, women in the technology sector.
  • Scale Up Award in association with Scale Ireland: This award recognises a company that has demonstrated an impressive ability to scale up/expand overseas over the last four years.
  • Financial Services Innovation Award in association with Financial Services Ireland: This award recognises a company with an innovative product or service that is having a disruptive impact within the financial services industry.
  • The Rising Star award in association with Enterprise Ireland: This award will recognise a company that has demonstrated a promising growth trajectory and the potential for inclusion in the Fast 50 rankings in years to come. Companies being considered for this award must have operating revenues accounting for a minimum of 2 years and less than 4 years.

Application details and further information about the programme can be found here: https://www.deloitte.com/ie/en/Industries/tmt/technology-fast-50-awards.html

The closing date for entries is 19 September 2025 and the winners will be announced at a ceremony in Dublin on 27 November 2025.

TCL Five EISA Wins: TCL Redefines Home Entertainment in 2025

TCL, a global leader in consumer electronics and the world’s No.1 Mini LED and Ultra-large TV brand, has cemented its industry leadership by clinching five prestigious EISA awards—Europe’s top honor for audio-visual innovation. Dominating both the Home Theatre Display & Video and Home Theatre Audio categories, TCL’s triumph highlights its relentless push for groundbreaking advancements in large-screen brilliance and QD-Mini LED precision.
Leading the charge, the TCL 98-inch C8K earned the “EISA STATEMENT TV 2025–2026” award for its revolutionary design and jaw-dropping visuals, while the TCL 85C9K claimed the “EISA HOME THEATER MINI LED TV 2025–2026” title, setting a new gold standard for cinematic immersion. The TCL 75C7K was honored as the “EISA FAMILY TV 2025–2026” for its perfect blend of stunning clarity and smart functionality, and the TCL 55C6K took home “EISA GAMING TV 2025–2026”—a must-have for next-gen gamers. Rounding out the accolades, TCL’s Q65H Soundbar secured the “EISA BEST BUY SOUNDBAR 2025–2026” award, delivering theater-quality audio at an unbeatable value.
TCL 98C8K: EISA “STATEMENT TV 2025-2026”
Chosen as EISA “STATEMENT TV FOR 2025–2026”, the TCL 98C8K redefines large-screen excellence with TCL’s industry-first architecture for large-screen TVs. Thanks to the use of advanced, premium materials, the TV achieves a Virtually ZeroBorder display that maximizes screen space for a more immersive viewing experience.
Beyond its striking design, the 98C8K is also engineered for top performance. Through TCL’s newly upgraded CrystGlow WHVA panel, the TV delivers an exceptional native contrast ratio of up to 7,000:1. A 0.5% low-reflection film further enhances image clarity by reducing glare, while the panel’s 40% ultra-wide color viewing angle ensures vivid, lifelike visuals from any direction. Paired with TCL’s proprietary All-domain Halo Control Technology, the 98C8K delivers precise light and shadow control—bringing advanced picture quality with uncompromising brightness, contrast, and detail to every frame.
TCL 85C9K: EISA “HOME THEATER MINI LED TV 2025-2026”
As TCL’s flagship model, the TCL 85C9K is crafted to deliver an uncompromising cinematic experience at home. Featuring a Virtually ZeroBorder display and CrystGlow WHVA Panel, the 85C9K provides a borderless, immersive visual experience with ultra-wide viewing angles and consistent picture quality from every direction. Supported by TCL’s QD-Mini LED Technology, the Precise Dimming Series TV features up to 5,184 separate brightness zones with a peak brightness of 6,500 nits, allowing it to render detailed light and shadow transitions that elevate contrast and depth across all content types. To complement its visual power, the 85C9K also features immersive Audio by Bang & Olufsen, ensuring that what you hear is as impactful as what you see.
 
TCL 75C7K: EISA “FAMILY TV 2025-2026”
The winner of the EISA “FAMILY TV 2025–2026” award, the TCL 75C7K is the ultimate hub for family entertainment. As a member of TCL’s Precise Dimming Series, the 75C7K uses advanced QD-Mini LED technology to deliver stunning picture quality with exceptional brightness, contrast, and color accuracy, all housed in an ultra-slim, minimalist design that complements any living space.
Powered by the TSR AiPQ Processor, the 75C7K intelligently optimizes picture quality based on content and user preferences, while integrated Google TV enables seamless access to personalized content and smart home controls. Additional family-friendly features such as Kids Profiles, Art Gallery Mode, and TÜV-certified low blue light protection ensure a safe and engaging experience for viewers of all ages.
TCL 55C6K: EISA GAMING TV 2025-2026
The TCL 55C6K is built for gamers who demand top-tier performance. Its QD-Mini LED display and native 4K 144Hz refresh rate ensure ultra-smooth gameplay and crystal-clear motion, eliminating stutter and blur, while an immersive ONKYO 2.1 Hi-Fi sound system brings cinematic audio to every gaming session. With Game Master Mode, AMD FreeSync, and SuperWide GameView, the C6K delivers a full suite of game-optimized features designed for intense, responsive, and truly immersive play.
Beyond display excellence, TCL also continues to push the boundaries of audio innovation. Named EISA “BEST BUY SOUNDBAR 2025–2026”, the Q65H Home Theater Soundbar features RAY·DANZ—TCL’s proprietary acoustic technology designed to precisely direct sound through a custom acoustic structure, creating a wide soundstage for a striking cinematic audio experience.
Currently available in select markets worldwide, these award-winning products represent TCL’s ongoing commitment to Inspire Greatness through premium and immersive entertainment experiences.

Finalists Announced for 2025 Diversity in Tech Awards

The finalists for the 2025 Diversity in Tech Awards (DITA) have been announced today. Taking place on Thursday 19th September at 6:00pm in a new location—the Gibson Hotel, Dublin—the event will gather over 300 guests to honour individuals and organisations leading the way in diversity, inclusion, and innovation across the tech sector.
Now in its eighth year, DITA celebrates a broad spectrum of diversity—from gender and culture to disability and neurodiversity—and continues to spotlight the changemakers reshaping the tech industry for the better. This year saw more than 300 entries, with the Rising Star and Startup Visionary awards attracting the highest number of submissions.
Claire Rushe, Executive Director Global Technology of JP Morgan and a member of the judging panel, said; “JP Morgan is thrilled to continue our partnership with the Diversity in Tech Awards in 2025. This year we reaffirm our commitment to fostering an environment where diverse perspectives drive innovation and opportunity. These awards honour the trailblazers who are making the tech industry more inclusive, aligning with our belief that technology thrives when every voice is heard and valued. This is an opportunity to recognise those who think outside the box, driving ingenuity and progress through diverse insights. By supporting these awards, we not only honour the groundbreaking strides being made but also reinforce our commitment to fostering a tech landscape where bold ideas and inclusive thinking lead the way.”
Clare Kilmartin, COO of the Diversity in Tech Awards, added; “The 2025 finalists represent the very best of what our industry has to offer—bold thinkers, brilliant innovators, and inclusive leaders who are breaking down barriers in every direction. These awards are a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we create space for all talent to thrive. I look forward to celebrating them in style this September.”
2025 Finalists
Cultural Inclusion Award
  • EPAM Systems
  • Fiserv
  • Integral Ad Science
  • LearnUpon
  • MEG
  • Rewriting the Code
  • SHEIN
DE&I Special Initiative Recognition
  • Access Avenue
  • Datapac
  • JP Morgan
  • TiLT Role-Play Limited
  • Yahoo International Limited
DE&I Support Network of the Year
  • BearingPoint
  • EPAM Systems
  • ESB
  • Limit Break
  • Logitech
DE&I Excellence in Leadership
  • Datapac
  • Indeed
  • JP Morgan
  • Yahoo International Limited
Disability Inclusion Award
  • Access Avenue
  • EPAM Systems
  • ESB
  • Nexus Inclusion
Diverse Company of the Year Award
  • BearingPoint
  • Cognizant
  • Datapac
  • Fastrack into Information Technology (FIT)
  • Oracle EMEA Ltd.
  • Uisce Éireann
  • Yahoo International Limited
Inspirational Diversity Role Model Award
  • Accenture
  • BNY
  • Greenhouse Software
  • Microsoft
  • Optum
  • Uisce Éireann
LGTBQ+ Inclusion Award
  • Gas Networks Ireland
  • Greenhouse Software
  • myGwork
  • Shane Collective
Neurodiverse Inclusion Award
  • auticon
  • BearingPoint
  • EPAM Systems
  • ESB
  • Fastrack into Information Technology (FIT)
  • Laois County Council
Rising Star Award
  • Dr. Sheetal Dash of Barclays
  • Israel Ngombo of BNY
  • Apurva Kiran Vangujar of Jaguar Land Rover
  • Lynsey Byrne of Bord Gáis Energy
  • Faith Omotayo of Rewriting The Code
  • Aisling Kearney of Squarespace Ireland Limited
  • Naa Korkoi Addo of Taighde Éireann Research Ireland Centre for Research Training in Artificial Intelligence
Social Impact Award
  • Datapac
  • JLR (Jaguar Land Rover)
  • Logitech
  • Oracle
  • PayGap.ie
  • Therapix
  • Women in Technology & Science Ireland
Startup Visionary Award
  • Deirdre McCarthy – AllSkills Tech
  • Rena Maycock – Chirp
  • Cuty Gupta – Cozmotec
  • Emer Mugisha – Cyberminds
  • Corina Popov – Digitax
  • Hannah Wrixon – KELLA
  • Victoria Finlay – The MenoPal
STEM Champion Award
  • Sara Grimaldi -Amazon Web Services
  • Amy Everson – Baker Hughes
  • Elfreeda Sunny – EY
  • Catherine Casey – Fiserv
  • Faith Omotayo – Rewriting The Code
  • Svitlana Samko – Verizon Connect
  • Lidia Maria Muñoz – Vodafone Business
Tech Leader Award
  • Karen Morton – Ekco
  • Rebecca Keenan of Expleo
  • Marisa O’Shea – North (NAB_IRE Ventures Limited)
  • Marie O’Connor – Sogeti Ireland
  • Dorothy Zbikowski – Squarespace Ireland Limited
  • Svitlana Samko – Verizon Connect, W2business
  • Orlagh Lynch – Workhuman
Technical Guru Award
  • Lisa Devery – Fiserv
  • Aanchal Mittal – Integral Ad Science
  • Lee Pegas – JP Morgan
  • Daria Vasileva – North
  • Megan O’Brien – Optum
Trailblazer Award
  • Katarina Antill – Bonafi
  • Melissa Proxenos – Debtrak
  • Rebecca Keenan – Expleo
  • Veronica Rahneberg – EY
  • Joanna Haslam – Snap Finger Click
  • Máirín Murray – TechFoundHer
  • Mithra Ravichandran of Trane Technologies, Women in AI
  • Chirawan Phongkasettrakam of Vodafone Business
The 2025 Diversity in Tech Awards take place on Wednesday 17th September at 6:00pm at the Gibson Hotel, Dublin.
For more details and finalist profiles, visit: https://diversityintechawards.online

TCL Wins Best Innovation in Consumer Electronics at the IER Awards 2025

TCL, a global leader in consumer electronics and the world’s No.1 Ultra-large, Mini LED and Google TV brand, has today been awarded one of the highest honours at the IER Awards 2025, winning the Best Innovation in Consumer Electronics category for its standout C805K Mini-LED TV series.

TCL offers the leading Mini-LED technology on the market and this win recognises TCL’s technological leadership and commitment to delivering cutting-edge, premium features at accessible price points. The C805K Mini-LED series stood out to the IER judging panel for its fusion of performance, design, and value, offering consumers true cinematic quality powered by Mini-LED backlighting.

Meanwhile “TCL Everywhere”, the brand’s cross-channel integrated marketing campaign, earned high praise for its 360° creative execution and real-world relevance receiving Highly Commended in the competitive Best Manufacturer Marketing & Advertising Campaigns category for its creative impact and brand resonance. Designed to elevate brand visibility across TV, gaming and smart home verticals, the campaign was applauded for its creative execution and integrated storytelling across digital, retail and experiential platforms. The recognition reflects the campaign’s strong reach, engagement and effectiveness in driving brand affinity across key audiences.

Adam Aldred-Lane, UK Marketing Director at TCL said: “These awards are a testament to the relentless drive of our global and local teams, who consistently strive to merge forward-thinking technology with powerful storytelling. The C805K MiniLED series perfectly exemplifies TCL’s unwavering commitment to innovation, while the ‘TCL Everywhere’ campaign has been instrumental in deepening our connection with consumers. We are truly honoured to be recognised by the IER and incredibly proud of the significant strides we continue to make.

With UK market share on the rise, TCL’s performance at the IER Awards 2025 reflects the company’s momentum across both product innovation and brand building, continuing to shape the future of visual and connected entertainment.

Creative Pebble Nova Named Best Speaker at the European Hardware Awards 2025

Awarded for its exceptional audio performance, striking modern design, and innovative features, the Pebble Nova sets a new standard for desktop speakers
London UK, June 26th 2025: Creative Technology is thrilled to announce that the Pebble Nova has been awarded Best Speaker at the European Hardware Awards 2025, a prestigious accolade that recognises excellence in consumer technology across the continent.
Celebrated for its exceptional audio performance, striking modern design, and innovative features, the Pebble Nova stood out in a highly competitive field, securing its position as a top-tier desktop audio solution in Europe and beyond.
Over 100 of Europe’s most experienced editors reviewed the speakers they’ve tested, and voted the Creative Pebble Nova as the best product in its class.
The European Hardware Awards is organised by the European Hardware Association, comprising editors from the region’s most respected technology publications. Winners are carefully selected by an expert panel, ensuring that only the most outstanding products receive recognition.
Launched in late 2024, the Pebble Nova is the latest evolution of Creative’s acclaimed Pebble series. Equipped with powerful coaxial drivers, customisable RGB lighting, and versatile wireless connectivity, it has quickly earned a loyal following among gamers, content creators, and audiophiles seeking immersive sound in a compact footprint.
The award reflects Creative’s ongoing commitment to redefining everyday audio experiences through bold innovation and thoughtful design. The recognition of the Pebble Nova by such a respected panel underscores Creative’s dedication to delivering accessible, high-quality sound to users around the world.
For more information on the Pebble Nova and Creative’s full portfolio of audio solutions, please visit www.creative.com.

PRCA Spotlight Awards for Excellence in Communications 2025

The Public Relations Consultants Association (PRCA) launches the PRCA Spotlight Awards for Excellence in Communications 2025, a fresh new rebrand of the PRCA Awards, which have been running for over 30 years. Setting the benchmark for excellence in Ireland’s PR and communications industry, the PRCA Spotlight Awards will celebrate the outstanding value and impact PR agencies and professionals have on clients, society and the Irish economy through strategic insight, creativity, and measurable results. Entries close on Tuesday 15th of April and cost €200 per entry.

The PRCA Spotlight Awards also announces new and improved categories that will demonstrate the tangible value PR agencies create for their clients, from shaping reputations and influencing behaviour to driving business growth and societal change. There are 24 categories in the PRCA Spotlight Awards 2025 including new awards for Best Contribution to a Client’s Goals through a Social-First Campaign, Best Technology Campaign and Best Lifestyle Campaign, Best Agency Innovation along with awards to celebrate the industry’s Rising Star and those who demonstrate an Outstanding Contribution to the Industry.

There is a new judging panel for the PRCA Spotlight Awards, chaired by Crispin Manners, CEO and founder of Onva Consulting, a Fellow and past Chairman of the PRCA in the UK. Crispin will be joined by a panel of experts including Chloe Brennan, Matchstick Talent Agency,  Andy Green, Story Starts Here, Geraldine Herbert, journalist and broadcaster, Thomas Kelly from DCU, Eoin Kennedy, Consultant, Geoff Lyons, PML Group, Padraig McKeon, consultant advisor, Allison Morris, Belfast Telegraph, Andras Sztaniszlav, CEO of ICCO, Florence White from Úisce Eireann, Nikki Gallagher, Head of Public Affairs, IBEC  Gillian Nelis, the Business Post.

Commenting on the PRCA Spotlight Awards, newly appointed chair of the PRCA board, Brian Harrison of MKC, said: “As the advocate for the industry’s impact and a catalyst for agency success, PRCA has designed these awards to reinforce the essential role of PR in business and society. Under the leadership of Crispin Manners, PRCA 2025 award chair, and judged by a panel of experts across 24 categories, the awards include new areas such as innovation and the best use of new technologies like AI. This year’s awards will showcase how agencies are shaping the future of communications. “When I was invited to chair the judging panel, I grabbed the opportunity with open arms because my previous experience of Irish PRCA members is that they deliver amazing contributions to client success every day. I’m looking forward to being able to reward those contributions with the recognition they deserve.” explained Crispin Manners.

The PRCA Spotlight Awards are open to PR agencies, sole traders and in-house PR teams, who have worked with a PR agency or sole trader to deliver impactful campaigns. Entries opened on Friday, 7th March and cost €200 per entry. The deadline for entries is 12pm on Tuesday, 15th April and the shortlist will be announced on Tuesday, 20th May. The awards ceremony will take place in The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin, on Friday, 20th June.

For further information, please visit www.prca.ie and https://prca.ie/about-the-awards-for-excellence/