Ford Ultimate Pro – Ireland’s best

Ford Ireland has announced the shortlist of businesses in the running to be crowned 
Ireland’s Ultimate Pro! Celebrating some of the country’s most inspiring small, 
independent businesses from florists to grassroots charities, each of the shortlisted 
businesses has been selected for their unique contributions to their communities and 
their clear vision of how a Ford Transit Custom could help them grow and thrive now 
and into the future.  The winner will be selected by public vote.   
 
John Manning, Ford Ireland’s Market Lead, commented on the next 
stage of the competition:  
“Congratulations to all the finalists for making it this far in the Ford Ultimate Pro 
competition. We are thrilled to see such a diverse range of businesses showcase 
their passion and dedication. As we move into the voting phase, it’s exciting to see 
how the Ford Transit Custom can make a real difference for these businesses. Each 
finalist has demonstrated a clear vision of how this van will transform their 
operations and enhance their growth’’  
 
The Shortlisted Businesses:  
1. Smyth and Bloom – A bespoke florist based in Mullingar Co. 
Westmeath specialising in weddings, Smyth and Bloom creates stunning floral 
arrangements that reflect the unique personalities of each client. As a one- 
person operation, founder Elizabeth Jane Smyth manages everything from 
sourcing fresh flowers to delivering intricate designs across Ireland. A Ford 
Transit Custom would provide the logistical support needed to expand her 
reach, improve efficiency, and even serve as a mobile advertisement to boost 
brand visibility.  
2. Hygiene Hub – This grassroots charity is dedicated to ending hygiene 
poverty by distributing essential hygiene items to those in need across Ireland. 
With eight hubs supporting 94 organisations nationwide, a Ford Transit 
Custom would enable Hygiene Hub to deliver donations more efficiently and 
cost-effectively, particularly to remote areas. Co-Founder Ciara Dalton 
mentioned that the van would transform their operations, allowing them to 
respond quickly to urgent needs and accept more donations.  
3. La Cocina Cuevas – Passionate about bringing authentic taco 
goodness to Ireland, Dublin based La Cocina Cuevas is in the midst of 
expanding its operations to deliver even more of their mouth-watering 
offerings. The Ford Transit Custom would be a vital asset, providing the 
reliable and modern transport needed to seamlessly connect their HQ with 
satellite kitchens. Founder Jeremy Cuevas says the van will enable them to 
focus on what they do best—preparing and serving exceptional food. The van 
would not only streamline their logistics but also support their growth, 
enhancing their ability to meet increasing demand and continue delighting 
customers across Ireland.  
4. We Are Marlowe – A proudly Irish independent business, We Are 
Marlowe has been thriving despite the challenges facing small retailers. Based 
in South Circular Road, Dublin 8, and specialising in delivering high-quality 
products nationwide, the Ford Transit Custom would greatly boost their 
operations. It would enhance delivery capacity, reduce courier costs, and allow 
bulk buying to pass on savings to customers. Founder Patrick Fagan plans to 

use the van for business growth and brand visibility across Ireland’s scenic 
countryside. With a strong community focus and a 100% Irish identity, We 
Are Marlowe is a deserving finalist ready to elevate their business with the 
Ford Transit Custom.  
 
How to Vote: The public now has the power to decide which of these businesses 
will win a 12-month lease of a Ford Transit Custom. To cast your vote, simply head to 
the @FordIreland Instagram page and like the comment featuring your favourite 
business on the competition post. The business with the most likes will drive away 
with the prize, so your vote could make all the difference! The deadline for voting is 
September 30th.  
 
The Ford Transit Custom is renowned for its spacious design, advanced features, and 
unwavering reliability, making it the ideal partner for small businesses looking to 
enhance their operations. With Ford Pro’s Telematics system, the van offers even 
greater efficiency and improved customer service—something each of the shortlisted 
businesses could benefit from immensely.  
 
For more information about the Ultimate Pro competition, follow Ford Ireland on 
Instagram, @FordIreland or visit www.ford.ie. Full competition T&C’s can be found 
here.