Purple Panda Founder Achieves AIBF’s Top Honour

The All-Ireland Business Foundation (AIBF) has named Gavin Kelly AIBF Entrepreneur of the Year 2026.

Gavin is the founder of Tallaght business Purple Panda, which has become one of Ireland’s fastest-growing office and cleaning supplies partners.

Drawing on more than two decades across customer service, telesales, retention, and account management, Gavin has helped shape a brand that blends operational discipline with bold, customer-centric marketing.

Gavin Kelly, Co-Founder of Purple Panda, pictured with Kapil Khanna (Co-CEO, AIBF) & Kieran Ring (Vice-Chair AIBF Adjudication Board) as he was honoured with the AIBF Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 accreditation from All-Ireland Business Foundation.

Having previously founded Purple Hippo before guiding its evolution into Purple Panda in 2019, he has been central to building a culture defined by accountability, innovation, and measurable performance.

This AIBF recognition reflects the Foundation’s pillars of Performance, Trust, and Customer Centricity. By combining practical innovation with transparent communication, Gavin Kelly and the Purple Panda team demonstrate how a focused Irish brand can scale sustainably while maintaining service excellence at its core.

Gavin Kelly, Co-Founder of Purple Panda, said:

“I’m deeply grateful for this recognition from the All-Ireland Business Foundation. From the beginning, our goal has been simple-deliver what customers need, when they need it, and always stand over the experience. This honour belongs to our team, our partners, and our loyal customers who have helped us build something special.”

Kieran Ring, Deputy Chair of the AIBF Adjudication Board, said:

“Gavin Kelly’s entrepreneurial journey illustrates what drive and customer focus can achieve. Under his leadership, Purple Panda has delivered consistent performance and a people-first culture. This recognition honours his impact on Irish business and his example of growth through integrity.”

Kapil Khanna, Co-CEO of the All-Ireland Business Foundation, said: "Gavin Kelly represents the energy and ingenuity that define Irish entrepreneurship. His leadership of Purple Panda embodies the performance and customer commitment celebrated by the AIBF."

He said: “We evaluate a company’s background, trustworthiness and performance, and we speak to customers, employees and vendors. We also anonymously approach the company as a customer and report back on the experience. The business goes through at least two interviews and is scored on every part of the process against set metrics.”

About The All-Ireland Business Foundation

The All-Ireland Business Foundation is an autonomous national accreditation body tasked with enterprise development and the promotion of Best-in-Class Irish businesses.

As the accreditation body for the Business All-Star mark, the AIBF recognises Best-In-Class Irish businesses. Companies that merit recognition based on an independent audit of their performance, reputation, and customer-centricity.

Business All-Star Accreditation Is The Nation’s Symbol Of Trust. Currently, there are over 750 companies that are accredited by AIBF. Since 2014, over 5000 companies have participated in our programs. The AIBF also hosts the annual All-Ireland Summit and monthly gatherings to promote peer learning and collaboration among its accredited companies.