Mr Brody Sweeney is the brains behind O'Briens Irish Sandwich Bars. The thinking behind the O'Briens concept was simple - to take an existing product that everybody buys, the sandwich, improve it by using the best quality ingredients and designing a clean, attractive and modern environment in which to sell it.

Since O'Briens' beginnings as a one-stop-shop 13 years ago, the company has mushroomed on to high streets across Ireland and the UK, as well as South East Asia, Australia and the United States. Mr Sweeney's career started when he left business school to launch the Prontaprint franchise in Ireland. Over the years he has won numerous franchise awards, including Irish Franchiser of the Year.

Mike Mills, chief executive, Ulster Carpet Mills Group

Mr Mike Mills joined the family-owned Ulster Carpet Mills Group in 1988 when the company was struggling. It is now the world's second largest manufacturer of Axminster carpets. Understanding that textile jobs in Europe are only sustainable through making high-added value products as efficiently as possible, Ulster Carpets has invented and developed world beating weaving technology which it has patented worldwide.

Through this, the company is leveraging international sales growth and opening new markets, such as on-floor advertising at airports and totally customised carpet for private homes.

It now markets throughout the world, with offices and design studios in Northern Ireland, England, the US, France, Dubai, Australia and South Africa.

John O'Loughlin, chief executive, Qualceram Shires plc

Qualceram was founded in 1987, an effective management buyout which followed the closure by Armitage Shanks of its manufacturing plant in Arklow.

Mr John O'Loughlin, an ex-employee of Armitage Shanks, was approached by Mr Tom and Mr John Byrne to lead a team to pursue the opportunity of recommencing the manufacture of bathroom suites in Arklow. The company was selling products on the market within six weeks, reported a profit in its first 12 months of operation, and has delivered 20 per cent compound growth year on year thereafter.

It became a public company in 1997 and completed a reverse take-over of Shires plc last year.

Tom MacGuinness, managing director, Horseware Products Ltd

Founded in 1985 by Mr Tom MacGuinness, Horseware Products developed an innovative range of horse blankets, using proprietary design and materials. It now claims to be the world's leading supplier. Its products sell in leading retail outlets worldwide. Despite losing production facilities through fire and floods, Mr MacGuinness sustained and grew the business, while at the same time developing the products of the business to world leading standard.

Dr Edward Haughey, chairman, Norbrook Laboratories Ltd

Norbrook Laboratories was set up in 1969 by Dr Edward Haughey who still owns 100 per cent of the company's shares. It is the world's largest veterinary pharmaceutical company producing sterile antibiotics, which it sells under its own brand in more than 100 countries and manufactures for eight of the top 10 multinational companies.

It employs 1,000 people worldwide and has three manufacturing facilities: in Newry, Northern Ireland; one in Co Monaghan and one in Nairobi, Kenya. It also has marketing offices in South East Asia, Australia and North America.

Sean Carty, managing director, Connect Electronics

Born in Dublin, Mr Sean Carty emigrated to Scotland in 1986 and worked in the electronics sector there for seven years. In 1993, he returned to Ireland to set up Connect Electronics as a specialist distributor of electronic components. From a turnover of £1 million (#1.27 million) in its first full year of trading, Connect reported a turnover of £191 million in its last financial year to September 2000.

The company initially focused on the domestic market before expanding its operations to service an international customer base. Under Mr Carty's management, Connect Electronics has grown to become one of the top 10 independent electronic components distributors in Europe.

Pat McDonagh, chief executive, Supermac Ireland Group

Mr Pat McDonagh is founder and managing director of Irish indigenous fast food group Supermac's. The former teacher spotted an opportunity in Ireland's fast food business and decided to pursue it. In 1978, he established the first Supermac's in Ballinasloe, Co Galway.

Over the years, Supermac's has grown into a national chain of family fast food restaurants. It currently operates 45 restaurants in Ireland employing more than 2,000 people. Its turnover was £45 million (#57.14 million) last year.

Despite the huge growth in the company over the years, Mr McDonagh still maintains a hands-on approach to management and is highly involved in the company's day-to-day operations.

Paddy Woods, chief executive, Nypro Ltd

NYPRO Limited was set up by Mr Paddy Woods in a joint venture with Nypro Inc in 1982 to provide injection moulding services to the European market.

The initial plant and equipment for the operation was taken over from Solus Teo, which was in the process of closing down its moulding business. Seventy people were employed in the business at the time. Nypro has evolved its business from pure injection moulding to provide a full range of services such as project management, component sourcing and integration and supply chain management solutions leading to the provision of totally integrated manufacturing and assembly services.

Nypro has averaged double-digit revenue growth since its inception, with current revenues in excess of £45 million (#57.14 million).