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Rewarding good business


At the launch of the Ennis Chamber FBD Business Excellence Awards were, from left,  Ennis Chamber CEO, Rita McInerney; Ida O’Keeffe, FBD; Patrick Treacy, West County Hotel; Mike Knightson, FBD and Michele Madden, Ennis Chamber president. Photograph by John Kelly

THE annual FBD Clare Business Excellence Awards for 2013 were officially launched this week with a networking coffee morning in Treacy’s West County Hotel, Ennis.

Previous winners from the past three years were invited to the launch and some availed of the opportunity to introduce themselves to those in attendance to explain what winning an award meant for their business.

Aodhnaid Lennon of Home Instead, winners of the Professional Services Award in 2012, stated, “Winning the award was instrumental in helping us increase our profile in County Clare. We knew we were doing a good job but to have that rubber stamped by an external body was fantastic. In fact, we were further inspired to apply for our ISO award which we achieved. We are really looking forward to being involved again this year.”

Colm Davoren of Caherconnell Fort and Sheep Dog Demostrations, winners of the Clare Tourism and Hospitality Award last year, added, “The awards have been very beneficial for us in the last year. We have booked international CIE tours, which is a massive plus and a lot of that is based around recognition that we have got from our peers.

“I would recommend anybody to get involved with the awards because it makes you look at your business in the macro, rather than just the micro day-to-day. It makes you appreciate what you are doing well.”

The launch was attended by the premier sponsor FBD as well as most of the 10 category sponsors from AIB, Bank of Ireland, Bord Gáis Networks, Clare County Enterprise Board, Clare Tourism Forum, Essilor, Microsemi, Roche Ireland, Shannon Airport and Ulster Bank as well as beverage sponsor, BWG Value Centre. 
Other businesses interested in entering this year’s awards were also present to find out more information and meet the previous winners.

Speaking at the launch, president of Ennis Chamber Michele Madden  said, “I would encourage every business in the county to enter the awards, as they are a great opportunity for businesses to profile what they have to offer.”

Rita McInerney, CEO Ennis Chamber added, “Part of the profile and honour of winning an award is to highlight the positive work that is going on in the county. That, even despite the recession, there are lots of businesses doing lots of interesting things to a very high standard.”

Ida O’Keeffe, branch manager at FBD Ennis, said, “FBD are delighted to be sponsoring the Clare Business Excellence Awards and to be associated with recognising the innovation, dynamism and high standards within businesses in County Clare. We wish all entrants the best of luck in the competition.”

The launch was hosted by Patrick Treacy, who welcomed the members of the business community to the West County Hotel under new ownership and said they looked forward to working together on future events.

The 10 award categories cover a wide range of business areas and sectors.  This year  sees in introduction of two new categories, namely Start-Up Business of the Year and the Clare Renewable Energy Award. Most businesses will find at least two categories in which to showcase their company. Businesses can benefit by entering as a way to recognising their success but also to set the company as a benchmark for excellence and to have a promotional video of the company for all finalists.

For further information log onto www.ennischamber.ie/services/business-awards. Brochures are also available from Ennis Chamber at 54 O’Connell Street, on 065 684 2988 or email awards@ennischamber.ie .

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