Nominee: Patrick D. O'Callaghan

Delta Homes was established in 2002 when Patrick O'Callaghan and Eric Lisson began researching and producing modular house extensions for Cork County Council and engaging in research and development on bathroom pods.

In April 2003, the company moved to a new facility in the Cobh Dockyard.

Within six months, Delta was manufacturing bathroom and kitchen pods. It is now moving again - to a high-tech manufacturing facility in Macroom.

It currently employs 75 people and this is expected to increase to 300.

Customers: Delta's clients are the top tier of construction companies.

Products: Delta has developed the Delta ThinFloor pod. This allows the pod to be placed flat on the concrete screed, without the need for costly cut-outs. It helps construction companies to deliver fast-tracked projects to tight deadlines.

Achievement: Delta has grown rapidly since its inception. Its turnover was in excess of 9 million in the first year, and is estimated to exceed 17 million in 2005.

How did the business idea first come about? The Irish construction industry was lagging behind the rest of the EU in the use of off-site construction. An opportunity was seen to provide this service in the Irish market.

What were your immediate next steps to make it happen? The first step was research and prototyping of both products.

How did you identify your first customers to target? Cork County Council was approached for the modular extensions and the private sector for the bathroom and kitchen pods.

What sales practices work best, in your experience? Delta seeks to differentiate its offering. It focuses on a quality perspective and flexibility, rather than price.

What key piece of advice would you give to a start-up entrepreneur? "Have a clear value proposition for the intended customer. It is not always wise to hold one's cards too close to the chest. You may benefit more in the long run by having a slice of a big pie rather than all of a small one."