Deadline extended for the New Ross Chamber awards
DUE to the large interest in this year’s New Ross & District Chamber Business & Community Awards, the organisers have announced an extended entry deadline of 5.30 pm on Friday, September 29.
Free to enter, the awards are open to businesses and community groups based in the New Ross & District area that have been in operation for at least six months.
This year’s awards in association with Wexford County Council offers a total of 12 categories and includes: Best in Retail Experience sponsored by Loftus Hall; Best in Tourism sponsored by Secret Valley Wildlife Park & Zoo; Business Woman of the Year sponsored by Fred Curtis Crystal; Community & Social Enterprise Award sponsored by Guardian Fire & Safety
Employee of the Year sponsored by Lake Region Medical Ltd an Integer Company; Best New Start Up sponsored by Wexford Local Enterprise Office (LEO); Professional Services Award sponsored by JFK Trust; Small Business of the Year sponsored by AIB Bank; Social Media Award sponsored by Tweeting Goddess AKA Samantha Kelly; Sports Club of the Year sponsored by Creacon Wellness Retreat; New Ross & District Person of the Year sponsored by New Ross Standard; Overall Business of the Year sponsored by Wexford County Council.
Applications are paper based and available to download at www.newrosschamber.ie or by calling the chamber office on 051 425077. Nominations can be submitted in up to three categories as appropriate.
Applicants to the Best in Tourism and Best in Retail Experience categories will also be visited by an independent Mystery Shopper who will assess all elements of the business from first impressions, staff presentation, product presentation, product knowledge, sales technique and overall customer care.
Speaking on behalf of the Chamber, President John Mc Sweeney said: ‘Our Mystery Shopping partners will make their reports available to all applicants upon request after November 4. This will allow businesses to quantify the experience of their customers and I would encourage applicants to share the findings with their team as it is a great mechanism for motivating staff and identifying any possible areas for improvement.’
Judging will take place following the closing date and the shortlist will be announced on Monday October 16.
Teresa Delaney urged those interested in applying to get their applications in as no further extensions will be granted. ‘I wish all applicants the very best and look forward to celebrating with them on Saturday November 4.