Kerry businesses are the backbone of the day to day economy

THE importance of local business in Kerry needs little in the way of introduction at this stage. Our awards help to bring them under the spotlight and to highlight the many positives associated with Kerry’s business community. Last Friday’s event at The Ballygarry Hotel and Spa was very much a coming together of people with a vested interest in promoting business in the county and everyone enjoyed themselves as they chatted about business in a relaxing and social atmosphere.

I mentioned at the launch of this event in September I was confident the entries received would be of a high standard and I’m pleased to be able to say this was proven to be the case. Each entrant is a case in point and the determination people have when it comes to operating their business needs to be commended. Putting your business in the spotlight to be judged can be a daunting prospect; however the wider benefits of being a part of these awards is an advantage in terms of profile and advertising. I also want to congratulate all the shortlisted businesses, especially the group winners. The INEC in Killarney was our overall winner and it goes without saying this venue has contributed immensely to tourism and entertainment in Kerry for almost 20 years.

These awards celebrate the fantastic businesses we have in Kerry representing a cross-section of rural and urban business in villages and towns; businesses that contribute to the social and economic fabric of their respective communities, helping to create jobs and sustain the local economy through various business initiatives. I wish to thank our MC for the evening, Caroline McEnery, who did a marvellous job. Caroline is a leading entrepreneur and she recognises and appreciates the hard work of business people in Kerry. Also, I wish to thank our guest speaker Ivan Yates. Ivan’s insightful overview of the challenges facing local business was very informative and it was a pleasure to have such a high-profile speaker at our event.

Finally, I want to thank all the businesses who once again helped make our awards such a major success. They are the backbone of the day-today economy and we hope that The Kerryman Business Awards go some way towards acknowledging this.

Winners of the Best Customer Experience Award sponsored by AIB Kerry, front left, Aurelia Gorczyk (Stoves 4U), Sean Healy (AIB Kerry) and Joanne O’Sullivan (Stoves 4U). Back left, Shane Delaney and David O’Sullivan (Stoves 4U) and Teresa O’Shea, The...

Winners of the Best Rural Business Award sponsored by Quinlan’s Fish Shop & Seafood Bars, left Liam Quinlan (Quinlan’s), Thomas and Eileen Ashe (Ashe’s Annascaul) and Tadhg Evans, The Kerryman.

The Bon Secour Hospital, Tralee, winner of the Social Corporate Responsibility Award sponsored by Ballygarry House Hotel.

LocalLink Kerry, winners of the Best Community Enterprise Award sponsored by NEWKD.

Ivan Yates, guest speaker at The Kerryman Business Awards at the Ballygarry House Hotel on Friday night.

An Business Awards on Friday night at the Ballygarry House Hotel.

John Feerick, Managing Director of The Kerryman.