Local businesses and individuals were recognised, celebrated and rewarded at the 11th edition of the Greater Newry Business Awards at a glittering Gala Awards Ceremony. The now annual event was attended by 450+ guests in the Canal Court Hotel & Spa, Newry on Thursday 24th September and honoured the achievements of 24 individuals and organisations from across the Greater Newry Area.
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, 23 Category Sponsors and organised by Newry Chamber.
On the night, a Charity Raffle also raised over £4,500 which will be split between our beneficiaries, Cuan Mhuire and Newry & District Gateway Club, two amazing local charities who provide such a vital support service for many people within our local community.
The headline awards for ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Greater Newry Area’, went to Peter Murray, Former Centre Manager of Buttercrane, President of Newry Chamber & Chair of Newry BID and the ‘Greater Newry Area Diaspora Award’ went to Kate O’Connor, European & Commonwealth Heptathlon Champion.
Derek O’Reilly from O’Reillys Wholesale picked up the ‘Best Businessman’ award with Orlaith Talty from The Powerhouse winning the ‘Best Businesswoman’ award and Rachel Mearns from Concept Occupational Health and Patrick Mackin from Mackins Accident Repair Centre claiming the ‘Best Young Businesswoman’ and ‘Best Young Businessman’ awards respectively.
On the night, a major announcement was delivered by Michael Savage, CEO of Newry Chamber and Eamonn Connolly, Manager of Newry BID on how the two business organisations will be saving the much-loved and relied on Newry Business Charity Christmas Dinner.
The continuation of the annual fundraising event had been cast into doubt earlier in the week and the announcement that it will indeed continue into the future was welcomed with great acclaim by the packed room of 450+ guests in the Canal Court Hotel with the event set to take place in the hotel on Wednesday 2nd December.
Conor Patterson, President of Newry Chamber commented:
“The 12 months from when the awards last took place has undoubtedly been an incredibly testing period for our local business community. However, from the high calibre of the entries we received, we can clearly see the local economy is being driven by many successful, ambitious and talented businesses who are proud to call our 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 put their best foot forward in 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
Greater Newry Area Diaspora Award
Sponsored by MJM Marine
WINNER – Kate O’Connor, European & Commonwealth Heptathlon Champion
Outstanding Contribution to the Greater Newry Area
Sponsored by The Exact Group
WINNER – Peter Murray, Former Centre Manager of Buttercrane,
President of Newry Chamber & Chair of Newry BID
Best Healthcare & Wellbeing Business
Sponsored by O’Reillys Wholesale
WINNER – The Powerhouse Newry
Best Charity
Sponsored by Newry & Mourne Co-operative and Enterprise Agency
WINNER – Women’s Aid Armagh Down
Best Green Business
Sponsored by Canal Court Hotel & Spa
WINNER – Cole Groundwork Contracts
Best Tourism Business
Sponsored by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
WINNER – Killeavy Castle Estate
Best Use of Digital Marketing
Sponsored by Brilliant Red Digital
WINNER – Jack Murphy Jewellers
Best Construction Sector Business
Sponsored by NIE Networks
WINNER – Cunningham
Best Innovative Business
Sponsored by Norbrook Laboratories
WINNER – Duality Healthcare
Best Export Business
Sponsored by InterTradeIreland
WINNER – Two Stacks Irish Whiskey
Best Young Businesswoman
Sponsored by O’Hare & McGovern
WINNER – Rachel Mearns, Concept Occupational Health
Best Young Businessman
Sponsored by O’Hare & McGovern
WINNER – Patrick Mackin, Mackins Accident Repair Centre Ltd
Best Manufacturing & Engineering Business
Sponsored by Collins Aerospace
WINNER – FME
Best Small Business
Sponsored by Newry Reporter
WINNER – Clever Clogs Academy
Best Professional Services Business
Sponsored by Newry BID
WINNER – Home Instead
Best Customer Service (Independent Retailer)
Sponsored by S&W Wholesale
WINNER – Shelbourne Motors
Best Place to Eat (Licensed)
Sponsored by AbbeyAutoline
WINNER – The Oliver
Best Place to Eat (Unlicensed)
Sponsored by Newry.ie
WINNER – Sugar House
Best Place to Work
Sponsored by Bank of Ireland UK
WINNER – MyLife Bathrooms
Best Apprenticeship Employer
Sponsored by Southern Regional College
WINNER – Water Solutions Ireland
Best Family Business
Sponsored by Buttercrane
WINNER – O’Reillys Wholesale
Best Business in the Community
Sponsored by Newry Credit Union
WINNER – S&W Wholesale
Best Businesswoman
Sponsored by Jack Murphy Jewellers
WINNER – Orlaith Talty, The Powerhouse Newry
Best Businessman
Sponsored by Newry Democrat
WINNER – Derek O’Reilly, O’Reillys Wholesale