LAST Friday night saw business people from across Fermanagh gather to celebrate and acknowledge the 2013 Fermanagh Herald Business Awards, run in association with 02 Enniskillen.
With 250 people in attendance at the gala event in the Manor House Country Hotel, including Michelle Gildernew, MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, the night was compered by MC for the evening, Ramona Nicholas, Joint MD of Cara Pharmacy and star of RTE’s Dragons’ Den.
John Maguire of the Belleek Group, pictured with his wife Catherine, after being presented with the Fermanagh Herald and 02 Enniskillen Business Person of the Year Award
As part of the awards initiative all winners and highly commended nominees received an advertising and editorial package with total value in the region of £11,000. This included The Fermanagh Trust grant of £1,000 for the Social Enterprise of the Year and £2,000 worth of consultancy for the Best Start Up Business winner from South West College Innotech Centre.
The main award of the night going to John Maguire of the Belleek Group, who was named as the Fermanagh Herald and 02 Enniskillen Business Person of the Year.
The 2013 category award winners:
Lifetime Achievement for Business Commitment Award – Roy Kells of SD Kells;
Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, sponsored by Ulster Bank: Winner – Nicky Cassidy. Highly commended: Declan Mc Avinue of Work Appearance NI and Paul & Shane Molloy of Molloy’s Fish Market;
Best Start Up Business Award, sponsored by South West College Innotech Centre: Winner – Toddle In 2. Highly commended: The Blackbird Coffee Shop and Lemac Insurance;
Excellence in Business Practice Award, sponsored by Fermanagh District Council: Winner – GR White & Son Ltd. Highly commended: Toddle In 2 & Belmore Court and Motel;
Excellence in Marketing Award, sponsored by Cara Pharmacy: Winner – Belmore Court and Motel; Highly commended: Shuphoric & Autoline Insurance Group;
Best Tourism Service Provider Award, sponsored by Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism: Winner – Westville Hotel. Highly commended: The Enniskillen Hotel & Belmore Court and Motel;
Excellence in Customer Service Award, sponsored by First Trust Bank: Winner – Monaghan Bros. Highly commended: SD Kells & Swift’s Supervalu;
Social Enterprise Award, sponsored by The Fermanagh Trust: Winner – Lakeland Community Care. Highly commended: Lisbellaw Credit Union & Fermanagh Community Transport;
Growth Through Export Award, sponsored by Invest Northern Ireland: Winner – Kettyle Irish Foods. Highly commended: Belleek Group & Webtec.
Guest speaker for the night, Bridget Lea, 02, Head of Stores, UK. emphasised what local business means to 02:
“At O2 we’re passionate about innovation and the success of local business and therefore I’m delighted to be a part of these awards, which help celebrate the best in entrepreneurial thinking and business success. Local businesses play a valuable role in their community and its fantastic to see so many providing such innovative products and services, combined with excellent customer service.”
Dominic McClements said he was delighted, “last Friday’s gala night was a huge success for everyone concerned, with the local business community being acknowledged for its dedication and entrepreneurialism.
The Fermanagh Herald plays a pivotal role in the local community and backing initiatives such as these awards is crucial. Our partnership with 02 Enniskillen has grown along with our category sponsors and we will continue to forge excellent working relationships for next year’s awards.”