Local businesses and individuals were recognised, celebrated and rewarded at the 10th edition of the Greater Newry Business Awards at a glittering Gala Awards Ceremony.
The biennial event was attended by over 400 guests in the Canal Court Hotel & Spa, Newry on Friday 19th September and honoured the achievements of 25 individuals and organisations.
The awards have become the premier celebration of business excellence across the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council since their inception in 2004. This year, the awards were kindly supported by Principal Sponsors, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and NIE Networks, 24 Category Sponsors and organised by Newry Chamber.
On the night, a Charity Raffle also raised over £5,000 for Women’s Aid Armagh Down, the leading agency in tackling domestic/sexual abuse and seeks through its work to promote healthy and non-abusive relationships and the Chamber’s Charity Partner for 2025.
The headline awards for ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Greater Newry Area’, went to Jacinta Linden, CEO of Bolster Community and the ‘Greater Newry Area Diaspora Award’ went to The Rooney Family, Owners of The Pittsburgh Steelers.
Sarah McAvoy from The Whistledown Hotel claimed the ‘Best Businesswoman’ award, the ‘Best Businessman’ award went to Colm Gribben from Viltra and there was a Social Enterprise Special Recognition Award presented to the People of Newry to mark 50 Years Since the Formation of Work In Newry (W.I.N.).
Edwina Flynn, President of Newry Chamber commented:
“The awards last took place in September 2023 and the 26 months since then, has undoubtedly been an incredibly testing period for local businesses, across the district. However, from the 200+ entries received, 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 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.”
WINNERS:
Social Enterprise Special Recognition Award
Sponsored by Newry & Mourne Co-operative and Enterprise Agency
WINNER – The People of Newry & Mourne Celebrating 50 Years Since the Formation of Work In Newry (W.I.N.)
Best Charity
Sponsored by AAB Group
WINNER – Women’s Aid Armagh Down
Best Green Business
Sponsored by Canal Court Hotel & Spa
WINNER – DELI LITES Ireland
Best Tourism Business
Sponsored by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
WINNER – Canal Court Hotel & Spa
Best Use of Digital Marketing
Sponsored by Brilliant Red Digital
WINNER – Jack Murphy Jewellers
Best Customer Service (Multiple Retailer)
Sponsored by The Quays Shopping Centre
WINNER – Armatile Ltd
Best Innovative Business
Sponsored by Norbrook Laboratories
WINNER – Environmental Products and Services Ltd
Best Export Business
Sponsored by InterTradeIreland
WINNER – DELI LITES Ireland
Best Young Businesswoman
Sponsored by O’Hare & McGovern
WINNER – Caoimhe Toner, Water Solutions Ireland Ltd
Best Young Businessman
Sponsored by O’Hare & McGovern
WINNER – Patrick Mackin, Mackins Accident Repair Centre Ltd
Best New Business
Sponsored by Brown & Brown
WINNER – Concept Occupational Health
Best Manufacturing & Engineering Business
Sponsored by Collins Aerospace
WINNER – The Exact Group
Best Small Business
Sponsored by Newry Reporter
WINNER – Mackins Accident Repair Centre Ltd
Best Professional Services Business
Sponsored by Newry BID
WINNER – Health Matters Occupational Health
Best Customer Service (Independent Retailer)
Sponsored by S&W Wholesale
WINNER – Jack Murphy Jewellers
Best Place to Eat (Licensed)
Sponsored by AbbeyAutoline
WINNER – The Oliver
Best Place to Eat (Unlicensed)
Sponsored by Newry.ie
WINNER – Synge & Byrne
Best Place to Work
Sponsored by Bank of Ireland UK
WINNER – S&W Wholesale
Best Apprenticeship Employer
Sponsored by Southern Regional College
WINNER – MJM Marine
Best Family Business
Sponsored by AIB
WINNER – Shelbourne Motors
Best Business in the Community
Sponsored by Newry Credit Union
WINNER – The Whistledown Hotel
Best Businesswoman
Sponsored by Jack Murphy Jewellers
WINNER – Sarah McAvoy, The Whistledown Hotel
Best Businessman
Sponsored by Newry Democrat
WINNER – Colm Gribben, Viltra Ltd
Greater Newry Area Diaspora Award
Sponsored by MJM Marine
WINNER – The Rooney Family – Pennsylvania, USA
Outstanding Contribution to the Greater Newry Area
Sponsored by The Exact Group
WINNER – Jacinta Linden, Bolster Community