4FM 'Doing it for themselves' Competition results on 4FM

Off We Go Publishing scoops €15,000 prize in 4FM’s “Doing It For Themselves” competition

Limerick mum Avril Webster, who established Off We Go books as a learning tool for her son, proves to be a shining example of people ‘Doing it for themselves’

4FM, Ireland’s newest radio station, is delighted to announce Off We Go Publishing as the winner of their "Doing it for themselves" competition. Off We Go Publishing was born of a Limerick Mum’s passion to help her son, who has a severe developmental brain disorder, to learn day-to-day skills and cope with new experiences.

This nationwide competition was established to recognise and reward all those people who have taken a chance in "Doing it for themselves" and are forging ahead in business and in life in spite of the current economic difficulties.

Off We Go Publishing will now receive an extensive radio and print advertising package as well as a tailored communications campaign by public relations and advertising experts Unique Media to the value of €15,000.

Also commended in the 4FM "Doing it for themselves" competition were Galway based Michael Fitzgerald who set up ‘Swift Accounts’, a web-based book-keeping and accounts application dedicated to the single person enterprise and Deirdre Collins who runs ‘Dee’s Eat Well, Be Happy’ range of wholefood burgers which are manufactured in Ballincollig, Co. Cork. Each of the runners up will receive €1,500 of advertising on 4FM.

4FM were looking for entrepreneurs from around the country who have set up a company or an ongoing local business recently. Local charity, community and ‘not for profit’ initiatives were also invited to participate.

the judging panel

The “Doing it for themselves”
judging panel consisted of:

Senator Feargal Quinn,
Founder and President of supermarket chain Superquinn

Tanya Airey,
Managing Director of Sunway Travel

Martin Block,
CEO of Ireland’s newest radio station 4FM

Richard Curran,
Host of the Irish Dragon’s Den series

Martin Block, CEO of 4FM, was delighted to be able to instigate this competition in order to recognise fellow entrepreneurs who are striving ahead in business and in life in spite of the economic recession.

“Over 200 outstanding applications were received and these top three have been judged to be the most inspiring examples of people "Doing it for themselves" according to their enterprising spirit, business merits and the extent that they could benefit from this great prize. We were all blown away by the standard of entries which we received from all over the country and commend each and every one of them for their efforts.”

Off We Go Publishing
Off We Go Publishing provides resources to help children with complex learning needs cope with new experiences and changes in their routine. Off We Go books aim to support these children and their families to take part in everyday activities such as going to the dentist or going swimming. Each book uses pictures in a 12 step sequence to give the child an idea of what to expect and also to address any difficulties in advance to make the task much easier for both the children and parents. These products are also great cross-over products to help any young children learn day-to-day skills.
www.offwego.ie

SwiftAccounts.ie
Swift Accounts is a light, web-based book-keeping and accounts application dedicated to the single person enterprise. Already in sync with the Irish revenue system, invoicing is simplified, VAT return calculations are ‘automatic’ and tax forms are dealt with in sequence to their arrival in the post! Furthermore, because Swift Accounts is focused on the individual, bin, medical and dental expenses can all be inputted and calculated to claim yearly tax credits. Swift Accounts is all about getting the accounting and finance aspects of running your own business sorted so that entrepreneurs can get on with enterprising.
www.swiftaccounts.ie

Dee’s Eat Well Be Happy
Dee’s range of wholefood burgers are manufactured in Ballincollig, Co. Cork and are freshly made, 100% natural, 100% Organic and Gluten-Free. Available in a variety of shops and street markets through-out Ireland, these burgers are perfect for popping in a pitta at lunchtime and are quick, convenient and, most importantly, nourishing. Varities currently available include the ‘Spicy Bean Burger’ and the ‘Omega Burger’, a nutritional powerhouse packed full of wholegrains, superseeds and tasty fresh vegetables.
www.dees.ie

For more information, please contact:
Breda Brown/Joanne Leahy Unique Media Tel: (01) 522 5200 / (087) 1229776 (JL)