Write a commentA confident Newry business community celebrated the success of local business at this year’s Greater Newry Area Business Awards, in the city’s Canal Court Hotel.
The glittering awards ceremony, organised by the Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade and sponsored by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Shelbourne Motors, was attended by 500 local businesspeople from across the Greater Newry Area.
Speaking at the Awards, Chamber President, Paul Convery said “The Business Awards have grown from when they first started in the early 2000s to be the highlight of the Newry business calendar. From that early beginning, the awards are now a shop window for Newry businesses to showcase their talent and broadcast all that is good about our region.
“The Chamber received 250 high quality award applications from the many successful, ambitious and talented businesses who are the real driving force behind our local economy. The strength of this year’s awards clearly illustrates a confident, determined business community, focused on creating jobs and generating wealth and prosperity for our region. “
Twenty-seven individual awards were made on the night, with the Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Greater Newry Area going to Michael Blaney, former Managing Director of Autoline Insurance. In his 21 successful years with the company, turnover increased from £2m to £55m, 200 jobs were created, and the Group made a significant contribution to local charities and community organisations.
Best businessman was awarded to Shaun Copas, of COPAS Technologies, Kilkeel, with the Best Businesswoman award going to Jackie Reid from Deli-Lites Ireland. Conor Cole, from Cole Groundwork Contracts was awarded Best Young Entrepreneur for 2019.
Congratulating all the winners, Paul Convery said:
“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 business community has to offer. Well done to all 250 companies that entered and congratulations to the winners.”
See the full list of results at this link www.newry.ie
