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JAN

Launch of Wexford Chamber 2015 Business Awards

CSR Award will feature in the 2015 Wexford Business Awards

Wexford Business Awards, now in their seventh year, are county wide awards recognising the entrepreneurialism, innovation, diversity and talent of businesses across all sectors.

Martin Doyle, President of Wexford Chamber, commented “The upcoming Business Awards on 5th June in Whites of Wexford will be a marvellous opportunity to gather with local business owners and celebrate the successes of the year.”  “Don’t miss out!  It is FREE to apply and is open to everybody who is in business.  You do not need to be a Member of Wexford Chamber to apply” added Martin.

Commenting on this year’s Awards, CEO Madeleine Quirke said “Our responsive website which is fully digital compliant was a resounding success last year.  Created by Graphedia.ie, www.wexfordbusinessawards.ie is very user friendly and application forms can be completed and posted online in as little as 30 minutes.  However, the information requested is intended to give the Judges an overview of your business and your vision, so pitch it!!    All the information you require is on the website, including a full list of the 21 categories together with the objective and criteria that applies to each categories.”   “New categories featured this year include CSR, Business Person of the Year and Networking” added Madeleine.

The Awards are for everybody, big or small, and this year we are hoping to attract the many sole traders and artisans/craftspeople that are making such an important contribution to the local economy particularly in the food and retail sectors.   We are looking to recognise effort and performance, particularly over the past 12 months, and any business will be considered as being eligible provided that it is compliant.  A business does not have to be profitable but must demonstrate that it is viable.  Madeleine added “Itis important that we recognise success and whether a business has identified a new strategy in terms of growth and diversification, or whether it has decided to consolidate its position or found ways to grow, this must be looked at in a very positive light.  The Judges will be very interested in the ups and downs of business and particularly in how opportunities and threats are being handled.”

In most cases, you will nominate your own business for a Category Award.  As a Manager you understand there are many roles to play in achieving exceptional results, developing strong team dynamics and inspiring others to greatness.  A self nominated application form will provide you with recognition of success, putting your business in the spotlight and an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of your staff and supporters.

You may also nominate somebody.  Do you know somebody that inspires others, is passionate about management, develops the potential in others and is achieving exceptional results?  Give them the ultimate recognition and nominate them today.

Wexford Chamber Business Awards have become a distinguished tradition.  They recognise outstanding achievements by business people in the fields of commerce, community work and innovation.  The Awards Ceremony, coupled with the presentation of the coveted ‘Business of the Year Award’ is one of Wexford’s most prestigious annual affairs.  Last year’s winners Eishtec, were truly delighted and honored to receive the overall award.

Edward Hendrick, Founder and CEO of Sonru, who won the Export Award last year said “This export award is a testament to Sonru’s international growth over the past 12 months. Sonru now has regional offices in the UK, Singapore and Australia with new operations opening shortly in France and the USA not to mention our representation worldwide. All that said, it’s wonderful to get the recognition and kudos by being singled out from such worthy competitors by such an eminent judging panel. It’s fantastic, thank you.”

Winning the Wexford Small Business of the Year Award in 2014 meant a lot to Killowen Farm. Helen Meade of Killowen Farm said, “The fact that this category is open to all types of businesses, not just food producers, meant that we were competing against the very best of all small businesses in the county. The shortlist included some excellent and well known businesses and we were honoured to be chosen as the best among the group. The whole process of entering the awards and going to the interviews and final ceremony really makes you think about your business and its strengths and weaknesses. It is a really useful exercise as it is a great way to focus you on what you are doing and why.”

The recipient of the 2015 Business of the Year Award will be chosen from the winners of each category.  Judging will be carried out by an independent Panel of Judges.

Applications should now be made online. Completed forms must be in BY WEDNESDAY, 29th APRIL NO LATER THAN 5 PM.  An independent judging panel will review all applications received. Shortlisted applicants will be announced on THURSDAY 7th MAY and advised of interview times. All shortlisted applicants MUST BE AVAILABLE for judging interviews on EITHER WEDNESDAY 13th MAY OR THURSDAY 14th MAY.

The Wexford Business Awards Gala Ceremony will take place on Friday, 5th June in Whites of Wexford.  Mary Kennedy, RTÉ broadcaster and Nationwide presenter, will be guest  MC.  Tickets are already selling for what will be a sellout occasion.  Book early.  Contact Wexford Chamber on 053 91 22226 or traceymorgan@wexfordchamber.ie  for further information.  Or visit our webpage www.wexfordbusinessawards.ie

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