THE resilience of the business community in the Greater Newry Area was celebrated at a glittering awards ceremony in the city's Canal Court Hotel & Spa.
The awards, organised by the Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade and sponsored by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Shelbourne Motors and which take place biennially, honoured the achievements of 27 individuals and organisations.
Chamber president Emma Mullen-Marmion said: “The last 18 months have been among the toughest times faced by businesses and society in general, but from the over 200 award applications received in these awards, we know the local economy is being driven by many successful, ambitious and talented enterprises.
“The strength of this year’s awards illustrates a confident and determined business community, focused on creating jobs and generating wealth and prosperity for our region.
“We were especially delighted to present a special recognition award to the Southern Health and Social Care Trust to honour its commitment during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Chamber wanted to thank all health care staff for the vital role they played in helping to care for our citizens and keeping us all safe.”
The award for outstanding contribution to the Greater Newry Area went to highly respected solicitor Ciaran Rafferty, who for more than four decades been involved with charity and community sector organisations including Newry Credit Union, Clanrye Group and St Vincent de Paul Society.
Best businessman was awarded to Connaire McGreevy of Connect Transform Sustain CTS), with the best businesswoman award going to Gemma Murphy from Jack Murphy Jewellers.
Emma Mullen-Marmion added: “The Greater Newry Area is synonymous with entrepreneurship, innovation, excellent service, product quality and customer care, and this year’s awards have recognised the very best that this region’s business community has to offer.”
WINNERS
:: Special Recognition Award - Southern Health & Social Care Trust (sponsored by Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade)
:: Best Social Enterprise - Newry.ie CIC (sponsored by Newry and Mourne Co-operative and Enterprise Agency in association with Oriel Developments)
:: Best Bar - The Bridge Bar (sponsored by Q Radio)
Best Green Business - Around Noon (sponsored by Canal Court Hotel & Spa)
:: Best Tourism & Hospitality Business - Killeavy Castle Estate (sponsored by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council)
:: Best Use of Social Media - Lily Bain Bathrooms & Tiles (sponsored by Brilliant Red Digital)
:: Best Customer Service (Multiple Retailer) - Specsavers Newry (sponsored by Quays Shopping Centre)
:: Best Marketing Initiative - S&W Wholesale (sponsored by The Newry Democrat)
:: Best Innovative Business - HBE (sponsored by FD Technologies plc)
:: Best Export Business - S&W Wholesale (sponsored by Norbrook Laboratories)
:: Best Manufacturing & Engineering Business - ASEE Ltd (sponsored by Collins Aerospace)
:: Best Young Entrepreneur - Patrick Mackin, Mackins Accident Repair Centre (sponsored by O'Hare & McGovern)
:: Best New Business - Raw Fusion (sponsored by Digney Grant)
:: Best Customer Service (Independent Retailer) - Jack Murphy Jewellers (sponsored by Newry BID)
:: Best Place To Eat (Best Restaurant & Bistro) - Killeavy Castle Estate (sponsored by AbbeyAutoline)
:: Best Place To Eat (Best Café & Takeaway - Camocha Bistro Café (sponsored by AbbeyAutoline)
:: Best Kept Business - Granite Exchange (sponsored by The Newry Reporter)
:: Best Beauty, Health & Wellbeing Business - The Gym Guru (TGG Fitness Ltd) (sponsored by Jack Murphy Jewellers)
:: Best Place To Work - Clanrye Group (sponsored by The Irish News)
:: Best Professional Services Business - PKF-FPM (sponsored by Bank of Ireland UK)
:: Best Small Business - RNN Communications (sponsored by Translink)
:: Best Apprenticeship Employer - McGuinness Plumbing (sponsored by Southern Regional College)
:: Best Family Business - Crilco - Crilly's Sweets (sponsored by AIB)
:: Best Business In The Community - Clanrye Group (sponsored by Newry Credit Union)
:: Best Businesswoman - Gemma Murphy, Jack Murphy Jewellers (sponsored by Younique Aesthetics)
:: Best Businessman - Connaire McGreevy, CTS (sponsored by Younique Aesthetics)
:: Outstanding Contribution To The Greater Newry Area - Ciaran Rafferty (sponsored by Buttercrane Shopping Centre)
