Wexford Gets Ready for Best Ever Business Awards

With over 500 people expected to attend this year’s Business Awards on 14th June, Wexford Chamber CEO Madeleine Quirke said “there is great anticipation around town as to who will win award categories and the overall Business of the Year Award.  We are so delighted to see this event grow year on year and to have support from members and non-members alike is very rewarding.  It is very uplifting to see businesses taking the time to participate in our Business Awards and their willingness to allow themselves to be carefully scrutinized for the sake of improvement and recognition is a credit to each and every one of them.”

Now in its fifth year, the Wexford Business Awards has established itself as the most important and respected business awards in the county and the Black Tie Gala Evening is known as one of the highly regarded events on the business calendar.   This year, for the first time, the Tourism Category will feature two separate awards, one for Accommodation/Travel and the other for Attractions/Activities.

“Against the extremely challenging trading conditions that businesses endure, it is vitally important that the achievements and talent needed to survive are celebrated. Wexford is home to many successful businesses that provide valued local employment and are a driving force in our local economy. With 15 award categories the awards will provide opportunities to businesses to have their achievements publically recognized and celebrated” added Madeleine.

Thousands of people rely on these local employers and, in turn, the county’s economy has been able to weather some of the worst vicissitudes of the recession by businesses working together in urban centres around the county through Chambers of Commerce to develop the county and put it on a national footing like never before.  County Wexford has truly lived up to its ‘Model County’ name and it has become a market leader in everything from seafood and fruit and vegetables to manufacturing.   Its reputation as a fantastic tourist destination full of excellent places to stay bore fruit recently when it even surpassed Co. Kerry as the number one, most popular destination in the country in a poll. The Sunny South East living up to its name.

Last Year’s Business of the Year Award was won by Kelly’s Resort Hotel.  The award was presented to Managing Director of Kelly’s, Billy Kelly, by County Manager Eddie Breen.    Commenting on the reasons for choosing Kelly’s as overall winners, Eddie Breen said “Kelly’s are worthy winners of this award. Bill Kelly and his team have created a centre of excellence for customer service, cuisine and accommodation which has enhanced the reputation of the county as a tourism destination for decades.”
Bill Kelly said on receiving the award, “We are delighted to receive this award, which would not be possible without the great service and dedication of our 200 staff members”. 
By entering the Wexford Business Awards, local businesses benefit through increased industry and customer recognition; retaining and attracting talented personnel; encouraging continuous improvement and generating a positive news story about the company.   The awards programme is designed to seek out these businesses and people who actively display the entrepreneurialism, innovation, diversity and the talent required to drive and grow a business in today’s challenging environment
A keynote address will be delivered at this year’s awards by broadcaster Aonghus McNally. Local Councillor George Lawlor will act as MC for the evening.
Winners in each of the 15 award categories and the overall Wexford Business Year Award will be announced at the black tie gala ceremony on Friday night in Whites of Wexford.  Music after the awards will be by “Take It Easy”.

“A night not to be missed” concluded Madeleine.

– ENDS –