Celebrating local businesses at annual awards

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Mark Simpson of the BBC was on hand to see twenty three local businesses and individuals acknowledged for being top of their game at the Greater Newry Area Business Awards Ceremony held in the Canal Court Hotel on Thursday night.

Over 530 guests attended the ceremony organised by Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade which saw the largest number of entrants ever compete for the prestigious awards.

The awards celebrate the very best that the Greater Newry Area business community has to offer, profiling the exceptionally high standard of business leadership, ambition, entrepreneurship and innovativeness which has become synonymous with this region.

Lianne McCooey of McCooey's, Monaghan Street, winner of the Best Use of Social Media Award Sponsored by Newry Junior Chamber

Winners and finalists of this hotly contested business awards competition were announced on the night, and with 23 awards (over 21 categories) presented to the crème of local business talent, there was plenty to celebrate at Greater Newry’s very own business Oscars.

300 applications from local businesses were entered into this awards competition, and the independent judges of the awards, were highly impressed by the high standard and volume of applications.

Mr Michael McKeown, President of Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade, stated, ‘We are delighted with the success of this high profile event. Our local businesses are continuing to innovate, invest in products and improve levels of customer service. This event celebrates and showcases their success. On behalf of the Newry Chamber, I would like to thank our principal sponsors, Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, Bank of Ireland UK & Flogas Natural Gas, together with the sponsors of our individual awards for their support and commitment, without which this event would not have been possible’.

Chairperson Roisin Mulgrew said ‘On behalf of Gold Sponsor Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, I am delighted to support and endorse this prestigious event. This competition provides a great opportunity for us all to celebrate the success of our local businesses. I would also like to congratulate Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade on their immense efforts in hosting this event’.

Geraldine O’Hagan from Gold Sponsor, Bank of Ireland UK stated, ‘We are delighted to be a Gold Sponsor of the Greater Newry Area Business Awards 2017 and to support this prestigious business awards competition which showcases regional business excellence, export, entrepreneurship and innovation.

Paul Crosbie, Flogas Natural Gas and Gold Sponsor said ‘Flogas Natural Gas were delighted to sponsor the Greater Newry Business Awards. Congratulations to all the winners and indeed everyone involved - it is evident that businesses in the Greater Newry area are delivering an exceptional standard of service across a diverse range of sectors. We look forward to continuing to build relationships with local businesses as we promote our commercial Flogas Natural Gas offering throughout the area.

The Winners Greater Newry Area Business Awards 2017

Best Social Enterprise Award – Southern Area Hospice

Highly Commended – Cycle Recycle

Sponsored by Newry & Mourne Enterprise Agency

Best Pub Award – The Bridge Bar, Newry

Highly Commended – The Bank Bar

Sponsored by UK Export Finance

The Outstanding Contribution to Newry Award – Jerome Mullen

Sponsored by Buttercrane Shopping Centre

Best Social Enterprise Award – Southern Area Hospice Highly Commended – Cycle Recycle Sponsored by Newry & Mourne Enterprise Agency

Best Pub Award – The Bridge Bar, Newry Highly Commended – The Bank Bar Sponsored by Q Radio

Best Green Business Award – Deli Lites Ireland Highly Commended – Cunningham Butchers & Foodhall Sponsored by Canal Court Hotel & Spa

Best Tourism Award – Leitrim Hill Bed & Breakfast Highly Commended – The Funhouse Sponsored by Ryco Marketing

Best Use of Social Media Award – McCooey’s Newry Highly Commended – Zen Orthodontics Sponsored by Newry Junior Chamber

Best Customer Service Award (Multiple Retailer) – Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics Highly Commended – The Perfume Shop Highly Commended - Specsavers Sponsored by The Quays Shopping & Leisure

Best Marketing Initiative Award – Buttercrane Shopping Centre Highly Commended – The Funhouse Sponsored by Newry Democrat

Best Innovative Business Award – BlueZone Technologies Highly Commended – PKF-FPM Sponsored by First Derivatives

Best Export Business Award – Re-Gen Waste Ltd Highly Commended – CGDM Construction Highly Commended – Kukoon Rugs Sponsored by Norbrook Laboratories

10.Best Young Entrepreneur Award – (2 Winners) Cathal Grant James Cunningham Highly Commended – Michael Nugent, Nugelato Sponsored by O’Hare & McGovern

Best New Business Award – BlueZone Technologies Highly Commended – Finegan & Son Sponsored by Damolly Developments

Best Customer Service Award (Independent Retailer) – Jack Murphy Jewellers Newry Highly Commended – Berling Highly Commended - Cherrypic Sponsored by Newry BID

Best Place to Eat Award (Restaurant & Bistro) – Old Mill Restaurant Sponsored by Autoline Insurance Group

Best Place to Eat Award (Cafe & Tea Room) – The Shelbourne, Newry Sponsored by Autoline Insurance Group

14.Best Place to Work Award – PKF-FPM Accountants Limited Highly Commended – JMK Solicitors Highly Commended - Autoline Sponsored by The Irish News

15.Best Small Business Award – Smet Building Products Limited Highly Commended – Jack Murphy Jewellers Highly Commended - Younique Sponsored by Translink

16.Best Business Growth Award – Around Noon Highly Commended – CGDM Construction Sponsored by Southern Regional College

17.Best Customer Service Award (Service Sector) – The Shelbourne Home Bakery & Restaurant Highly Commended – Health Matters (Health & Safety) Ltd Highly Commended – PKF-FPM Highly Commended – Zen Orthodontics Sponsored by Boots Ireland

18.Best Family Business Award – The McAllister Group Highly Commended – T.Downey & Sons Highly Commended – Cunningham Butchers & Foodhall Sponsored by First Trust Bank