Finalists Clare Business Excellence Awards 2019 Announced
The finalists for Clare Business Excellence Awards 2019 were announced this week at a well-attended networking breakfast at the Old Ground Hotel, Ennis.
Gwen Culligan, President Ennis Chamber said, “This year marks the 10th successive running of the Clare Business Excellence Awards, and to see so many businesses represented in the room was fantastic. It proves that professionally run, local awards mean a lot to local businesses.”
She added, “Having been involved in these awards from the start, I believe the continued secret of their success is not just that they provide a platform to keep Clare businesses on their toes, they also set a valuable benchmark.”
Margaret O’Brien, CEO Ennis Chamber said, “We were delighted to welcome so many awards entrants to the breakfast event. They travelled to Ennis from the four corners of the county and we really appreciated the effort they made to be there.”
She also thanked the sponsors including lead sponsor Clare County Council. “Without our sponsors we couldn’t afford to engage professional independent judges, something that sets these awards apart and underpins their credibility”.
Trends
As is the case every year, there were some notable trends. The independent judges commented that overall standards were up, adding that in a number of categories entrants scored in the 90’s, which they described as a ‘remarkable achievement ‘. Also of note, once again the category to attract the highest level of entries was Customer Service Excellence, with even more businesses competing for that title this year.
The winners will be announced at an awards gala, to be held at Treacy’s West County on Thursday November 21. To help celebrate the occasion of the awards 10th anniversary, MC for the occasion is comedian and broadcaster Colm O’Regan.
Clare Business Excellence Awards Finalists for 2019 are:
Best Green & Sustainable Practices
Sponsored by CupPrint
• Burren Ecotourism Network
• Hotel Doolin
• Palm Free Irish Soap
• Scattery Island Tours
Best Micro Business (up to 10 employees)
Sponsored by Local Enterprise Office, Clare
• Aisling Meehan Agricultural Solicitors
• Max Business Services
• Quin Art
• The Tourism Space
Leadership in Corporate Social Responsibility
Sponsored by Essilor
• Cahir & Co Solicitors
• EI Shannon
• TTM Healthcare
Professional Services Excellence
Sponsored by AIB
• Aisling Meehan Agricultural Solicitors
• Carey Corbett Financial Solutions
• DNG O’Sullivan Hurley
• MHP Solicitors
Best Tourism Experience in Clare
Sponsored by LIT
• Atlantic Air Adventures
• Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
• Moher Hill Open Farm
• Scattery Island Tours
Best use of Digital Marketing/Social Media
Sponsored by Treacy’s West County
• Bridget Haren Hair & Beauty
• Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
• Frank Frawley Butchers
• TTM Healthcare
Clare Retailer of the Year
Sponsored by Ennis Gold Gift Vouchers
• Bambino’s
• Gleeson Goldsmiths
• La Jolie Femme
• Maddens Furniture
Customer Service Excellence
Sponsored by McKeogh Gallagher Ryan
• Gleeson Goldsmiths
• La Jolie Femme
• O’Connor’s Bakery (Ennis @Tesco)
• O’Connor’s Bakery (Shannon)
• Shannon Springs Hotel
Best Hospitality Provider
Sponsored by Shannon Group
• Bellbridge Hotel
• Old Ground Hotel
• Shannon Springs Hotel
• Temple Gate Hotel
Best Licensed Premises
Sponsored by: Ennis Chamber
• Brogan’s
• Durty Nelly’s
• Knox’s
• Taylor’s
Best Place to Eat /Restaurant
Sponsored by Pallas Foods
• Durty Nelly’s
• Hotel Doolin
• Ocean View at Trump International Golf Links
Best Place to Eat/ Café
Sponsored by Pallas Foods
• Bellbridge Hotel
• Coast Hotel
• Town Hall
• Sweet n Green
Best Voluntary & Community Group
Sponsored by St Francis Credit Union
The Winner is: Ennis Scouts 1st& 4thGroup
*The winners of Best Voluntary & Community Group will be awarded a cash prize of €500 together with their trophy, at the Awards Gala to be held on November 21.
