Mayo Business Awards 2017 launched
THE Mayo Business Awards will return this year on November 10 and the online application process is now open at www.mayobusinessawards.com.
Last year saw the prestigious event return for a second consecutive successful instalment after a long absence, and following a gala night at the Twin Trees Hotel in Ballina, where 13 category winners were crowned, the event now moves to Breaffy House Hotel on Friday, November 10.
With some additions to the format and a free and simple online application process, it is very much expected that the level of entries and the calibre of businesses applying, from right across the county, will increase this year again.
The Mayo Business Awards are organised by Westport Chamber of Commerce, along with Mayo County Council’s Local Enterprise Office, in conjunction with other Chambers of Commerce in the county and the Mayo Chambers Group, who have also lent great support to the awards in the last two years.
With some changes and additions from last year’s format based on judging and participant feedback, there will be 13 categories again this year and a Lifetime Achievement/Special Contribution to Business Award will also be bestowed.
The application and submission process has been brought forward (pre-summer season) to allow more time for the judging process, and it is hoped that all businesses will have their entries in by the deadline date of Friday, June 9. Bringing the date forward was necessitated by the independent panel of judges setting out renewed criteria this year, and seeking a little more information to facilitate a smoother shortlisting process, so applicants are asked not to delay in getting their entries in.
The process is free, open to everyone and straightforward on mayobusinessawards.com where other relevant information is also available.
Once entries close a shortlisting process will begin, with those who are successful being informed of this. Winners are not announced until the night itself.
Special guest speakers will address the crowd on the night and entertainment will be provided after the ceremony, with all shortlisted entrants receiving a framed certificate.
All of Mayo’s local media outlets are behind the awards initiative, and the event, which moves to a new location each year, also generates a significant level of free publicity for winners and entrants.
The night itself will consist of a drinks reception at Breaffy House before a gourmet meal and the gala awards ceremony, followed by more entertainment in the hotel for those in celebratory mood or anyone looking to use the event as a staff outing or an opportunity to network with the best and brightest of the Mayo business community.
For more information, contact Westport Chamber of Commerce on (098) 27375.
Award categories
Most Innovative Product/Service Business Award
Micro Enterprise Business Award
Customer Service Business Award
Best Retail Premises Award
Best Tourism Business Award
Best Hospitality Business Award (over 10 full time staff equivalents)
Best Hospitality Business Award (under 10 full time staff equivalents)
Green Business Award
Best Business Start-Up Award
Manufacturing or Exporter Business Award
Food or Beverage Business Award
Best Technology Business Award
Best Professional Services Award
* Pictured at the launch in Castlebar of the Mayo Business Awards were, from left: Brian Moran, Westport Chamber of Commerce and Bank of Ireland (one of the award sponsors), Wilson Bird, president of Castlebar Chamber of Commerce, Ann Cunnane-Marques, Ballyhaunis Chamber, Bernard Hughes, Castlebar Chamber, Karen Moore, Westport Chamber and awards committee, John Magee, acting head of enterprise, Mayo County Council and Mayo LEO, Stephanie Colombani, CEO, Westport Chamber and awards committee, Donal Vaughan, Castlebar Chamber, Tanya Whyte, Mayo LEO and awards committee, and Neill O'Neill, president of Westport Chamber and chairperson of the awards committee.