The business end – finalists of Kilkenny Chamber Business Awards 2019 revealed
By COLIN BARTLEY
FIFTY-six innovative companies from across the city and county have been shortlisted for the Kilkenny Chamber Business Awards 2019.
More than 150 businesses put themselves forward to be considered for an award this year, and judges have whittled these down to just three short-listed companies per category.
There are no fewer than 20 categories this year. The winner of each individual category will then be put forward for the overall Kilkenny Business of the Year award.
This year more than 63% of businesses that applied are new entrants to the Kilkenny Business Awards. Some 40% are not members of Kilkenny Chamber.
Kilkenny Chamber President, Marion Acreman said: “Kilkenny Chamber is delighted that so many local businesses have engaged with the Kilkenny Business Awards this year. In particular it is great to see so many new businesses come to the fore.”
This year’s Kilkenny Business Awards 2019, run in association with State Street, will take place in Lyrath Estate Hotel on Saturday, November 16.
The short-listed businesses and the categories are:
AGRI BUSINESS OF THE YEAR:
Martin Agri
Coogan Auctioneers
Goatsbridge Trout
FOOD & DRINK PRODUCER OF THE YEAR:
Dinners for Winners
Goatsbridge Trout
Breagagh Valley Artisan Meats
EXPORTER OF THE YEAR:
CR Payroll Solutions
CF Pharma Ltd.
Mechanical Modular Solutions
EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNICATIONS:
KCLR96fm
threesixty branding & communications
Kilkenny Community Radio
INNOVATION IN BUSINESS:
JJ Kavanagh
CF Pharma Ltd.
Red Sky Europe
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE:
Billy’s Tea Rooms
The Good Shepherd Centre
Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre
EXCELLENCE IN HOSPITALITY:
Springhill Court Hotel
Butler House
Ristorante Rinuccini
CUSTOMER SERVICE EXCELLENCE:
Newpark Hotel
Castleview Financial Services
Insight HR
EMERGING NEW BUSINESS:
White Feather Well Being Centre
Ireland Posters
Vicky’s Photography
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR:
Suzanne Freeman Interior Design
Little Mischief Day Nursery
Manicle Property Insurance Claims
SERVICE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR:
Rossiter Pedorthics
Hotel Kilkenny – Active
JJ Byrne & Co.
RETAILER OF THE YEAR:
Natural Health Store
The Book Centre
Kilkenny Design Centre
INFORMATION & COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY:
Square Root Solutions
Red Sky Europe
Quinn & Sons Tyres
EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR:
Lyrath Estate Hotel
Castle Orthodontics
Modubuild
EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR:
KBC Bank
Hoban Hotel
Donohoe Town & Country
CULTURE/HERITAGE TOURISM AWARD:
Kilkenny Civic Trust (MM Museum)
Gowran Park
Castlecomer Discovery Park
CRAFT PRODUCER OF THE YEAR:
Michelle Treacy Millinery
K Kajoux Jewels
Celtic Commemorations
FAMILY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR:
Quinn & Sons Tyres & Auto
Gittens Murray Arhcitects
Johnston Funeral Directors
INVESTMENT IN SKILLS, TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT OF STAFF:
Campion Insurances
Kelron Health & Safety
Preferred Future
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD:
Hibernian Hotel
Envirico
3 Counties Energy Agency
Picture: Julian Hughes, Hughes Farming receives the 2018 overall award from Mayor Peter Cleere, Marion Acreman and Cathal Smyth, State Street
