2nd Jul 2007: And the Winners Are ……………… Chamber Celebrates Outstanding Businesses Success
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Coleraine Borough Chamber of Commerce hosted its second bi-annual Coleraine Borough Business Awards on Thursday 21st June 2007. The evening was themed around the Chamber's 'Working for a brighter future'. Indeed this message was reflected right through the awards process by the eagerness of businesses across the Borough to enter these awards attracting over 200 expressions of interest across 13 different award categories and it clearly was an outstanding success.
The event commenced with a 'whiskey & wine' drinks reception sponsored by Diageo. Sponsors, VIP guests, finalists and local businesses had a chance to network as the excitement and anticipation grew before the Awards Presentation.
Sarah Travers from BBC NI was delighted to return and host the awards for the second time.
"The Borough of Coleraine is unique in its ability to offer a variety of locations for business development. The Chamber has truly embraced the diversity of the local business talents and rewarded each sector individually".
The awards spanned many different categories, sponsored by individual companies and the University of Ulster was the main sponsor for these Awards.
Julienné Elliott, President of the Chamber was very keen to reinforce the talent and success of the award entrants.
Julienné comments
"The Business Awards were created to celebrate the success of business talent through recognising their achievements. The event represents the culmination of these successes not just of the winners but also the finalists and each entrant who took the time to enter into this prestigious awards process.
Also the awards would not have become a reality without the vision, encouragement, support and enthusiasm of a large number of people and organisations and in particular the Chamber's partnership with the University of Ulster, Coleraine."
Customer Service Award sponsored by First Trust
There was one clear winner in this category impressing the judges with their personal one to one service and going that extra mile for the customer. Advice was on hand whether a novice or accomplished chef on all aspects of their product preparation. This outstanding winner provides a wide range of products within a modern, clean and friendly environment. Nothing is too much hassle for all the staff of these traditional butchers - McAtamney's Butchers of Garvagh.
Best Hospitality Award sponsored by Aghadowey Food Services
This category was closely fought with only half marks separating the top 3 finalists. Under new management this establishment impressed the judges with a relaxed ambience, beautiful setting and its high standard of cleanliness. The variety of food and knowledgeable staff would definitely entice diners back frequently the winner was - Sweeney's Wine Bar, Portballintrae.
Excellence in People Development/Training sponsored by firmus energy
The winners demonstrated a strategy for people development and
training both internally and externally.
They establish the training needs of new clients then develop and design a package of accredited and non-accredited training to meet those needs - the winner was clearly Causeway Institute, Coleraine.
Best New Business sponsored by Causeway Enterprise Agency
This was an exciting venture that embraces vision, enterprise skill and the willingness to take risks. They have shown great skill in constructing a purpose-built unit, sourcing the necessary equipment and developing the production capacity. Most importantly they were prepared to take a risk and back their instincts with financial and human capital - the winner was Braemar Farm Ice-Cream, Castlerock.
Business Growth Award sponsored by Northern Bank
After much deliberation it was decided that this family owned firm, operating in a highly competitive market has been a flagship operation for the Coleraine area and continues to set high standards for customer service and quality within the retail environment - the winner was Moores of Coleraine.
Excellence in Manufacturing sponsored by Bank of Ireland
The winner demonstrated sustained investment in equipment and people.
In addition they have introduced business improvement techniques such as "Total Productive Manufacturing" and "Overall Equipment Effectiveness", which has resulted in impressive growth in business over the last 2 years - the winner was SJ Hutchinson Engineering Ltd.
Environment Award sponsored by University of Ulster
The winning company demonstrated a strategy whereby environmental and economic benefits are both realised above their normal environmental impact management.
The company is an excellent example of environmental sustainability interfacing with the needs of a growing business. The winner was Coleraine Printing Company
Best in Tourism Award sponsored by Tourism Ireland
Working in partnership with the local economy there is a focus on providing a quality product, which sources local produce and providers thereby reinvesting the fruits of their labour. The owners of this luxurious new B&B in Portstewart identified an obvious gap in the accommodation market on the North Coast and have created a luxurious and unique experience for their customers. With a particular focus on the golfing market the facilities on offer are of an exceptionally high standard. Winning this award was Strand House Bed & Breakfast, Portstewart
Export Award sponsored by Invest Northern Ireland
The winner of this award is a Company which has been established for nearly 60 years and has demonstrated that it successfully trades in a range of export markets; UK, Ireland, France, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, and Finland.
As part of this strategy the Company actively explores new export opportunities beyond Europe in countries such as China. As the Company moves into these markets it continues to pursue innovation in terms of brand and flavour development - the winner of this category was Dairy Produce Packers Ltd.
Innovation Award sponsored by Ulster Bank
This company has shown continued innovation in their ability to bring unique products to market. They have developed an international profile and demonstrated commercial viability by linkages with a major US based world leader in their field. This company needs to be congratulated on their forward thinking approach, driven by high quality research from a dedicated team.
The winner was Diabetica Ltd.
Best Rural Initiative Award sponsored by TBF Thompson Van Centres
The winner of this category is very focused on their business - they want to provide a 5 star service where everything is of higher quality than the competition. They are regimental in maintaining the high standards already set and are intent in their pursuit of even greater excellence. They are Coleraine's only family centre providing relaxation, good fun, good coffee and exercise for both parents and children. And the winner was Cheeky Chimps.
Woman in Business Award sponsored by Northern Media, Q97.2fm
The winner has created a successful business which attracts customers not only at local and national level but also operating in the highly competitive international marketplace.
The success of this innovative business mirrors the creativity and vision of this unique female entrepreneur - the winner was Jayne Morris of Jayne Morris Creations.
Business Commitment to the Borough sponsored by Coleraine Borough Council
The winner has received this award for their continued business commitment to the Coleraine Borough. The panel felt that through their participation in the Town Centre Management Campaigns and other town centre initiatives such as the CCTV and Safer Coleraine projects, they are leading the way within the retail sector.
They have exceeded expectations in terms of their contribution to the local community. The winner is a member of the Portrush Regeneration Group and been one of the local businesses providing private sector funds to run economic initiatives such as a shop front scheme in Portrush. They sit on the Board of the Town Centre Management in Coleraine and are actively involved in decision making to further enhance both the town centre and the tourism industry within the area.
They are continually contributing to the local community far beyond the usual remit of retailing. Their flagship store in the centre of Coleraine is well renowned and attracts visitors from far beyond the Borough as does their Whitehouse store in Portrush. Known also for their dedicated, well trained and loyal workforce they are quite simply a role model to other local businesses.
It is for this reason that Moores of Coleraine were the well deserving winner of the 'Business Commitment to the Borough' 2007 award.
Closing the Award ceremony, Richard Barnett, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ulster, stated
"These Business Awards cover all sectors of our business community, retail, manufacturing, tourism as well as providing specific recognition for those businesses in the rural area. The University was delighted to be the Main Sponsor for this very successful evening and we look forward to strengthening business rapport between ourselves and the business community".
Tracey Rorrison, Executive Officer of the Chamber comments
"There are hundreds of exciting, successful, hard-working businesses that continually deliver results in product, service, staff training and right across the board and it is great that the Coleraine Borough Chamber takes the opportunity to shout about this across the province".
If you would like more information on the Chamber or the Business Awards, then please contact the Chamber office on 028 7034 3111 or log onto www.coleraineboroughchamber.co.uk.