Write a commentThe Greater Newry Business Awards results are in.
With well over 500 people at the landmark competition organised by Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry on Thursday night, 27 June, the Greater Newry Business Awards exceeded all expectations.
Paul Convery, President, Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade said "I believe that everyone's presence here is a real indicator of the strength, confidence and vitality that exists in our local business community
"In business it is so often the case that the rewards go to the risk takers, those who speculate to accumulate, those who see the opportunity and calculate the risks and those who have the personal resolve to strive for excellence."
Mr Convery concluded "Self motivation and drive is not taught. It is an inate quality. It is one that I believe is in abundance in the greater Newry area"
The polished ceremony showcased the best of the best in local business and the prestigious event highlighted the incredible business talent locally.
Michael Blaney from Ashtree Financial Services took the ultimate award, the Outstanding Contribution to the Greater Newry Area.
Sponsored by Buttercrane Shopping Centre, Peter Murray, Centre Manager said of Michael, the former managing director of Autoline Insurance "He took over his business in 1997 from it's original founder. His vision of growth demonstrated a real talent for entrepreneurial leadership and in the years since aquisition, turnover has increased from two million to to fifty five million per annum, and in the same period the numbers employed in that business have increased from 18 to over 210 people, with the majority of those people based in the company's Newry headquarters."
Mr Murray continued "A firm believer of happy people making happy customers, he invested in staff development. He was committed in developing his own staff giving a low level of turnover and an extremely loyal workforce."
"2019 was a significant personal milestone for our recipient as he negotiated a succesful sale of his company, whilst ensuring he left in place a strong management team to deliver the future success for the business, thereby ensuring his legacy to the business, to the staff and indeed to the greater Newry area and beyond."
Cllr Charlie Casey, Chairperson, Newry, Mourne and Down Council said "Newry, Mourne and Down District Council are delighted to support this event, in particular sponsoring Best Tourism and Hospitality Business. Tourism is a key growth sector for our council area and the success of this sector is as a result of the hospitality offered by our tourism businesses and entrepreneurs."
"Every business here this evening contributes towards the councils economic drive for job creation, business growth and investment and you all should be proud of this achievement."
The Winners
Best Social Enterprise sponsored by Newry and Mourne Co-operative and Enterprise Agency in association with Oriel Developments
Winner: W.B.R Credit Union Ltd
Highly Commended: An Tobar Community Wellness Centre & Social Farm
Best Bar sponsored by Q Radio
Winner: The Bank Bar and Bistro
Highly Commended: Bellinis Newry
Best Green Business sponsored by Canal Court Hotel & Spa
Winner: ABP Food Group
Highly Commended: CTS Projects Ltd
Best Tourism & Hospitality Business sponsored by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
Winner: Montalto Estate
Highly Commended: Canal Court Hotel & Spa
Best Use of Social Media sponsored by Brilliant Red Digital
Winner: Zen Orthodontics & Rejuvenation Clinic
Highly Commended: Autoline Insurance Group
Best Customer Service (Multiple Retailer) sponsored by The Quays Shopping Centre
Winners: Specsavers Newry
Highly Commended: Argento Contemporary Jewellery Newry
Best Marketing Initiative sponsored by The Newry Democrat
Winner: Southern Regional College
Highly Commended: Montalto Estate
Best Innovative Business sponsored by First Derivatives plc
Winner: Exact CNC NI Ltd
Highly Commended: COPAS Technologies Ltd
Best Export Business sponsored by Norbrook Laboratories
Winner: Deli-Lites Ireland
Highly Commended: FM Environmental Ltd and Lowden Guitars
Best Manufacturing & Engineering Business sponsored by Collins Aerospace
Winner: COPAS Technologies Ltd
Highly Commended: Exact CNC NI Ltd
Best Young Entrepreneur sponsored by O'Hare & McGovern
Winner: Conor Cole, Cole Groundwork Contracts
Highly Commended: Patrick Mackin, Mackins Accident Repair Centre Ltd
Best New Business sponsored by Damolly Developments
Winner: Granite Exchange
Highly Commended: The GYM Newry
Best Customer Service (Independent Retailer) sponsored by Newry BID
Winners: Cherrypic
Highly Commended: Jack Murphy Jewellers
Best Place To Eat (Best Restaurant & Bistro) sponsored by Autoline Insurance Group
Winners: The Whistledown Hotel
Highly Commended: Courtney's Steakhouse
Best Place To Eat (Best Café & Takeaway) sponsored by Autoline Insurance Group
Winner: Synge & Byrne Slieve Gullion
Highly Commended: Courtney's Mall View
Chef of the Future sponsored by Henderson Foodservice
Winner: Jason McClory, Courtney's Steakhouse
Finalist: Martin McMahon, Finegan & Son
Best Kept Business sponsored by The Newry Reporter
Winner: The Galley Restaurant & Take Away
Highly Commended: Granite Exchange and Newry & District Gateway Club
Best Beauty, Health & Wellbeing Business sponsored by Jack Murphy Jewellers
Winner: Newry Foot Clinic & Seraphic Holistic Therapies
Highly Commended: Younique Group
Best Place To Work sponsored by The Irish News
Winner: MJM Group
Highly Commended: First Derivatives plc and Newry Credit Union Ltd
Best Professional Services Business sponsored by Bank of Ireland UK
Winner: Autoline Insurance Group
Highly Commended: PKF-FPM Accountants Ltd
Best Small Business sponsored by Translink
Winner: The Hub Newry
Highly Commended: Rustic Soul Ltd
Best Business Growth sponsored by Southern Regional College
Winner: McAllister Group
Highly Commended: Around Noon and COPAS Technologies Ltd
Best Family Business sponsored by First Trust Bank
Winner: Clanrye Lighting & Electrical Supplies
Highly Commended: GIE Ireland Wholesale Furniture and Lowden Guitars
Best Business in the Community sponsored by Newry Credit Union
Winner: Warrenpoint Port
Highly Commended: Crash Services
Best Businesswoman sponsored by Younique Aesthetics
Winner: Jackie Reid, Deli- Lites Ireland
Best Businessman sponsored by Younique Aesthetics
Winner: Shaun Copas, Copas Technologies Ltd
Outstanding Contribution to the Greater Newry Area sponsored by Buttercrane Shopping Centre
Winner: Michael Blaney, Ashtree Financial Services
