Chamber Awards shine spotlight on outstanding local businesses

: Columba O'Hare; Category: Business; Published: 20 June 2023

WINNER - Savage & Whitten Wholesale - Best Place to Work. Photograph: Colum Lynch Photography

Over 500 guests saw a range of local businesses and individuals recognised, celebrated and rewarded at the 9th edition of the Greater Newry Business Awards. The prestigious Gala Awards saw over 220 entries. The biennial event took place in the Canal Court Hotel and honoured the achievements of 26 individuals and organisations.

Since they began in 2004 the awards have become the premier celebration of business excellence in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area. This year, the awards were kindly supported by Principal Sponsor, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Supporting Sponsor, nijobfinder, 25 Category Sponsors and organised by Newry Chamber.

A Charity Raffle on the night raised over £5,000 for PIPS Hope and Support and Samaritans who this year, mark their 20th and 40th anniversaries respectively, providing their vital services to many people within the Greater Newry Area and beyond.

The headline award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Greater Newry Area’, went to Brian Doran, Chief Executive of Southern Regional College and the Greater Newry Area Diaspora Award went to Mick Boyle, Owner of Killeavy Castle Estate. Rosemary Connolly from Rosemary Connolly Solicitors won the ‘Best Businesswoman’ award and the ‘Best Businessman’ award went to Joseph Doherty from Re-Gen Waste.

WINNER - The Brain Injury Foundation - Best Charity. Photograph: Colum Lynch Photography

Julie Gibbons, President of Newry Chamber commented “The awards last took place in September 2021 and the 20 months since then, has undoubtedly been an incredibly testing period for local businesses, across the district. However, from the 220+ entries received, which is a record, we can clearly see the local economy is being driven by many successful, ambitious and talented businesses who call this region home.”

“The strength of this year’s awards illustrates a determined, resilient and confident local business community, focused on creating jobs and generating wealth and prosperity for our region. I want to congratulate all the winners, highly commended and finalists and thank everyone who took the time out to enter this year's awards.”

“The Greater Newry Area is recognised as a place synonymous with entrepreneurship, innovation, excellent service, product quality and customer care. This year’s awards have recognised the very best that this region’s local business community has to offer. As a Chamber, we were delighted to be able to organise these prestigious awards and showcase Greater Newry’s Greatest.”

The Winners

Best Social Enterprise

WINNER - Clanrye Group

Best Charity

WINNER - The Brain Injury Foundation

Best Green Business

WINNER - Deli Lites Ireland

Best Tourism Business

WINNER - Killeavy Castle Estate

Best Use of Digital Marketing

WINNER - DFI Beds

Best Customer Service (Multiple Retailer)