Clare Business Excellence Awards 2018 Launch
Rejuvenation is the theme for this year’s Clare Business Excellence Awards, launched at Hotel Woodstock, Ennis, on Thursday, June 28th.
Diarmuid McMahon, President, Ennis Chamber, said, “As a reflection of the county-wide ethos of these awards, we are delighted to welcome on board Clare County Council as Lead Sponsor.”
He added, “The Ennis Chamber run ‘Clare Business Excellence Awards’ were amongst the first regional business awards in Ireland. Now entering their ninth consecutive year, these awards have proven credibility and staying power. Since they began more than 70 businesses have benefitted as category winners, proudly displaying a winner’s logo that marks them out as a leader in their sector.”
Councillor Michael Begley, newly elected Mayor of Clare said, “Clare County Council is delighted to be Lead Sponsor of this awards scheme which focuses on those businesses that are excelling in their relevant sector and are in many ways, showing the way forward for others to follow. These awards reveal a local business sector teeming with enthusiasm and great ideas, run by individuals committed to their business models and ultimately, to the communities in which they operate.”
Other exciting news this year sees Clare FM on board as the official Media Partner, with a comprehensive package of profile-raising supports for entrants, finalists and winners. “I believe that Clare FM will bring great dynamism to the role of Media Partner and we very much look forward to working with Susan Murphy and her team,” said Diarmuid McMahon.
Key changes to the new look Clare Business Excellence Awards include the introduction of three new categories, ‘Leadership in Corporate Social Responsibility’, ‘Best Licensed Premises in Clare’ and ‘Best Community/Voluntary Group in Clare’.”
Based on feedback from previous entrants the ‘Best Place to Eat’ award this year features two sub-categories namely, ‘Best Restaurant’ and Best Bistro/Cafe’. This to differentiate between evening dinner service versus casual daytime dining.
The start-up category has broadened to ‘Best Micro Business’ (up to 10 employees) giving the opportunity to a greater number of businesses to compete for recognition of their achievements and successes to date.
New category sponsors include Pallas Foods, HLB McKeogh Gallagher Ryan and LIT as well as Clare County Council as Lead Sponsor.
Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council commented, “These awards are all about celebrating the contribution of our local businesses to the local economy. The level of business activity ongoing in the county is clearly reflected in the quality of entries this awards scheme attracts. I am filled with confidence that County Clare really is going places.”
Diarmuid McMahon concluded by urging Clare businesses to enter. “Entering these awards is a great way to benchmark your business, to build awareness, to open doors, and to attract and retain the best employees.”
Entry forms to each of the 11 categories can be downloaded from:
www.ennischamber.ie/services/business-awards
Award Categories and Sponsors for Clare Business Excellence Awards 2018 are:
Best Micro Business in Clare (employing 10 people or less) – sponsored by Clare Local Enterprise Office
Leadership in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – sponsored by Essilor
Clare Professional Services Excellence Award – sponsored by AIB
Best Tourism Experience in Clare – sponsored by L.I.T.
Innovative use of Technology in Business (sponsored by Microsemi)
Clare Customer Service Excellence – sponsored by HLB McKeogh Gallagher Ryan
Best Hospitality Provider in Clare – sponsored by Shannon Group
Best Place to Eat in Clare (2 sub-categories) sponsored by Pallas Foods
Best Place to Eat – Best Restaurant
Best Place to Eat – Best Bistro/Café
Best Licensed Premises in Clare – sponsored by Ennis Chamber
Clare Retailer of the Year Award – sponsored by Ennis Gold Gift Vouchers
Best Voluntary/Community Group in Clare – sponsored by St Francis Credit Union
‘Overall Winner Clare Business Excellence Awards 2018’
sponsored by Clare County Council
