MBTA 2025: The category for the Best Green Business of the Year
SPONSORED BY MEADE FARM
It’s not just about coffee- it’s sharing a product that uplifts our customers' day
THE STUDIO COFFEE ROASTERS
Tell us about your business and team
The Studio Coffee Roasters is a family-run micro roastery based in Bettystown, Co. Meath. Established in 2017 by former pharma executive Alan Phillips, the business has grown revenue every year since. A unique selling point of the business is that it seeks out the finest coffee lots from small farms all over the world for coffee with superior flavour.
For the business, it’s not just about coffee- it’s about sharing an opportunity to the Irish consumer to obtain a product which uplifts their day. As a Guaranteed Irish and Bord Bia origin green certified company, the team at Studio Coffee Roasters is committed to a five-year sustainability plan that encompasses every aspect of their business.
Describe the best thing about your service
The company is passionate about making their product available to as many people as possible, not just coffee nerds so they came up with a plan to have high, medium and entry levels to their products.
Their entry level is the "Mundo Novo" brand supplied exclusively to 220 LIDL stores north and south of Ireland. Their Supervalu range offers a higher quality option, and their highest quality products are reserved for fine food stores nationwide including Avoca, Fallon & Byrne & Donnybrook Fair.
What's the best business advice you've ever been given?
The quote by Benjamin Franklin, "Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today"
What does the future hold for your business?
In terms of growth, the company signed contracts to extend its supply agreements with LIDL (NI). LIDL is the fastest growing retailer in Ireland, with plans to add further stores which will support further organic growth and potential to export to mainland UK. In addition, Studio Coffee Roasters is now exhibiting in trade fairs across the UK and is hopeful to extend its successful lines from Ireland to the UK.
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Devoted to protecting our wildlife and creating new habitats
WILDLIFE SURVEYS IRELAND
Tell us about your business and team
Wildlife Surveys Ireland surveys wildlife and provides advice to developers and tidy towns groups on protecting their wildlife and creating new habitats.
25 years ago Donna Mullen bought a farm with a plan to make it into a nature reserve. Now there are 30 species of birds, seven species of bats and mammals including red squirrels, pine martens, hedgehogs and stoats. “We try out everything on the reserve before we recommend it to others!” Donna says of the family business based at Tierworker, Kells, with all members specialising in different animals. “We are passionate about biodiversity!”
Describe the best thing about your service
The best thing about the job for us is that we get to work with animals. A lot of our work involves doing bat surveys, and we get to share the dawn with these magnificent creatures.
Donna says they also work with fabulous clients, developers, people from Tidy Towns groups, Wildlife rangers and Biodiversity Officers - many of whom have become firm friends. “The series "Succession" would claim that family businesses are awful. But as a family business, we really enjoy working together!”
What's the best business advice you've ever been given?
Mark Twain — 'Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.'
Also, the Kildare Wildlife Rescue Motto, "Every Animal Counts"
What does the future hold for your business?
We would hope that our business is no longer required. In an ideal world, there would be no biodiversity collapse, plenty of wildlife, and everyone would support biodiversity. Our hope is that someday we won't be needed.
Unforgettable eco-glamping experiences in a secluded woodland haven
ROCK FARM SLANE
Tucked away within a grove of sculpted sycamore, ancient oak, ash, chestnut, and hawthorn, Rock Farm Slane in Ireland offers a secluded haven where the trees form natural enclosures around cozy yurts and shepherd’s huts. Beyond the grove, a rolling wild meadow unfolds into open pasture, set high on a ledge that looks out toward the iconic turrets of Slane Castle. From this vantage point, a hidden path leads down to a secret bathing spot on the tranquil yet powerful River Boyne. This is a place steeped in ancient history.
The luxury Eco Glamping setting is nestled on the north bank of the River Boyne and offers quick access to the beautiful Boyne Meadow along the River Boyne and the Boyne Navigation Ramparts Walk below which will take you into Slane or along the river to Navan.
For anyone that has ever dreamed of saying “I do” in a magical woodland setting, Rock Farm Slane offers lush parklands, wild meadows, enchanting woodlands, and riverside views which can all create an unforgettable backdrop for the celebration.
Nestled on a private part of the historic Slane Castle Estate, Rock Farm Slane has been hosting beautiful, one-of-a-kind celebrations in harmony with nature since 2014.
Many couples choose an outdoor ceremony beneath an elegant stretch tent on the glamping site, followed by a drinks reception at the Glamping Shack or Lime House, and dinner and dancing in the rustic Hay Barn.
The Hay Barn, located beside the Lime House, can accommodate up to 200 guests for a relaxed, banquet-style feast. This spacious venue includes a dining hall, dance floor, stage, bar, and lounge area, with a charming gravel courtyard out front—perfect for mingling and photos.
In addition to weddings, Rock Farm Slane also hosts a vibrant calendar of events throughout the year, from corporate gatherings and private celebrations to creative workshops and weekly markets.