TST Group’s Maire Claire Reid shortlisted for major EY Ireland entrepreneur award
- Love Ballymena
- Apr 6
- 4 min read
Maire Claire Reid, Managing Director of TST Group, Ballymena
Maire Claire Reid, Managing Director of TST Group, has been shortlisted for the prestigious EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Ireland 2026 programme, placing her among a select group of business leaders recognised for exceptional growth, innovation and leadership across the island of Ireland.
The announcement marks a significant milestone for Reid and the international logistics business she co-founded with her family, with the shortlist recognising not only her individual leadership but the transformation of TST Group into one of the region’s key logistics and warehousing operators.
This year’s programme comes at a time of continued pressure and change across global trade and supply chains, with the recognition highlighting the role businesses such as TST Group continue to play in supporting movement of goods between Ireland and the UK.
One of 31 entrepreneurs selected across Ireland
Reid is among 31 entrepreneurs representing 24 companies who have been chosen for the 2026 programme following what organisers described as a rigorous nomination, application and interview process.
Candidates were assessed by an independent judging panel against a broad range of criteria, including business performance, strategic direction, innovation and leadership impact.
The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ programme is now in its 40th year internationally and operates in more than 60 countries, making it one of the most established and competitive business awards initiatives globally.
The programme is widely regarded as a benchmark for entrepreneurial achievement, celebrating founders and senior business leaders who have demonstrated exceptional vision and sustained business success.
Growth from a single truck to a major logistics network
Central to Reid’s inclusion on this year’s shortlist is the scale of growth achieved by TST Group under her leadership.
The company has evolved from what began as a single-truck operation into a fully integrated third-party logistics (3PL) provider, with depots now operating across both the UK and Ireland.
Its footprint has expanded significantly, with the business now managing more than 1.5 million square feet of warehousing capacity.
That expansion has been driven through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions, strengthening the company’s position in the UK market while also widening its presence across the Republic of Ireland.
The growth trajectory reflects a broader transformation in the logistics sector, where warehousing, distribution and cross-border supply chain resilience have become increasingly critical for businesses navigating international trade pressures.
Steering the business through Brexit and supply chain disruption
A major element of the recognition centres on Reid’s leadership during some of the most challenging periods for the logistics industry in recent years.
She has guided TST Group through the operational and commercial challenges created by Brexit, alongside wider and ongoing supply chain disruption.
Those pressures have included changes to customs processes, delays in cross-border trade, fluctuating demand and broader global instability affecting movement of goods.
Under Reid’s leadership, the business has positioned itself as a key partner in facilitating trade between Ireland and the UK, an area of continuing strategic importance for companies operating across both markets.
Focus on innovation, sustainability and talent
Beyond the company’s operational expansion, Reid has also been recognised for her focus on long-term resilience and future growth.
She is described as a strong advocate for sustainability and innovation within the logistics sector, with continued investment in technology and AI-led solutions designed to future-proof the business.
Alongside technology investment, she has also prioritised workforce development.
This includes initiatives such as the TST Academy, which is aimed at attracting, developing and training the next generation of logistics professionals.
That investment in talent comes as the logistics and transport industries continue to face skills shortages and growing demand for digitally enabled operations.
Reid: “A real honour”
Pictured at the announcement of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 finalists are (from left) Alison Currie (Invest NI), Rob Heron (partner lead for the EY programme in Northern Ireland), one of the northern finalists Maire Claire Reid (TST Group), Jonathan Dobbin (Julius Baer) and Roisin Shanks (EY Northern Ireland). PICTURE: DARREN KIDD
Commenting on the announcement, Reid said:
“Being shortlisted for EY Entrepreneur Of The Year is a real honour. This recognition reflects not just my own journey, but the commitment, resilience and ambition of the entire team at TST Group. What we’ve built has always been a collective effort, and I’m proud of what we continue to achieve together.”
The statement places emphasis on the team effort behind the company’s growth, reflecting the wider workforce and leadership contribution behind TST Group’s continued expansion.
Scale of this year’s entrepreneurial cohort
The 2026 cohort reflects the wider scale of business leadership being recognised across Ireland.
Collectively, the shortlisted entrepreneurs generate close to €1 billion in annual revenues and employ more than 3,000 people.
The businesses represented span multiple sectors including logistics, technology, consumer, health and construction, underlining the breadth of entrepreneurial activity currently being recognised.
This year’s group has been framed around business leaders navigating a complex international environment shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, technological change and economic volatility.
What happens next
Participants in the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Ireland 2026 programme will now take part in a year-long leadership development and networking programme.
This includes international experiences such as a CEO Retreat in Toronto, alongside leadership events and peer networking opportunities.
The programme will culminate later this year in a Gala Awards ceremony, where category winners and the overall EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ will be announced.
For TST Group and Reid, the shortlist places the company firmly among Ireland’s most prominent growth businesses as it continues to expand its logistics footprint across these islands.
At a glance
Maire Claire Reid of TST Group has been shortlisted for EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Ireland 2026
She is one of 31 entrepreneurs from 24 companies selected across the island of Ireland
The award programme is now in its 40th year internationally
TST Group has grown from a single-truck operation into a major 3PL logistics business
The company now operates depots across the UK and Ireland
It has more than 1.5 million square feet of warehousing capacity
The shortlisted businesses collectively generate close to €1 billion in annual revenues
Together they employ more than 3,000 people
Winners will be announced at a Gala Awards ceremony later this year
