The company specialises in the manufacture of timber frame structures, roof trusses, pre-hung door systems and turn key development, working on developments and one-off projects.

"We can take a project from start to finish, " said Modern Timber Homes sales manager Tommy Ryan, who accepted the award on behalf of the company in Croke Park on Wednesday evening. "We take a set of plans, and through our design team and our engineering team, we can put a finished product in place onsite. It is this capability which we feel won us the award."

This capability, coupled with growth in a very short time. Modern Timber Homes identified a market within which it could be successful, and having opened its doors in 2004, it moved from building an average of one unit per week in 2005 to an average of 10 units per week by the end of 2006. Indeed, this success is necessitating a move to a much larger, purpose-built facility in the near future.

This growth can also be measured in terms of personnel. In 2004, there were three people working at Modern Timber Homes. In 2006, that number is closer to 50.

"Two years ago, we had a small customer base, " explained Ryan. "But Shaun (McColgan, Managing Director) put a lot of effort into market research, which has helped hugely with the growing of the business. We believe that we offer our customers good service, and a good quality product."

Indeed, the ethos of the company revolves around ecologically friendly and energy efficient houses. And as people become more aware of the environment around them, Shaun McColgan expects new markets and opportunities to come their way. Tipped as being "one to watch" for the future, the company is already making plans, with the use of technology to increase its customer base.

Of course, the support of Donegal County Enterprise Board for Modern Timber Homes was crucial for the company in its initial phases.

"Our business requires significant investment into buying specialised equipment, " said Tommy Ryan. "From an initial setting-up point of view, the Enterprise Board was a big help to us, both in terms of its financial support, and its advice on running a company . . . although our managing director already had a good background in business."