2018 AWARD

1. Best New Business Award sponsored by Peevers Sly Cotter

This award is open to businesses which commenced trading on or after January 1st 2017. Applicants must have demonstrated examples of the following criteria: A clear vision for the business going forward An example of their innovation in their industry Excellent customer service

2. Best Retail Award sponsored by McCarthy Insurance

This award is designed to celebrate excellence in the retail service industry. To be considered, businesses must highlight what separates them from the competition and gives the best customer experience. This award will be mystery shopped. The winner will have satisfied the following criteria: Excellent customer experience Good value for money Pleasing display

3. Best Customer Experience Award sponsored by AIB

This award is open to any business that can demonstrate their focus on customer services. Mystery shoppers will look at all aspects of the service provided in terms of staff interaction and the range of services on offer as appropriate to the needs of customers. The mystery shopper will pay particular attention to: The initial impact of the business How the staff interact with customers and enhance the customer experiences How the business exceeds customers expectations How the service provided delight the customer

4. Best Environment and Heritage Award sponsored by Irish Drain Services

This award is open to businesses that have shown a commitment to the sustainability of the local environment and have demonstrated respect to their heritage. The award is based on the following criteria: Environmentally sound operations and processes Plans for sustained environmentally conscious growth Innovative management concepts

5. Best Innovation in Business Award sponsored by Enterprise Ireland

The winner of this award will have shown a unique innovative approach to doing business which has seen a clear benefit to the company. The winner will be chosen based on the following criteria: Innovation used to benefit the company Innovation used to benefit customers Examples of positive impact on the business

6. Best Tourism Award (NEW) sponsored by Destination Kerry

For Best Tourism Award there are 3 principle categories. Entry is open to bona fide tourism businesses, entrepreneurs, visitor attractions, organisations and events. This award gives recognition to and promote people, companies and organisations that have made significant contributions to developing, marketing, selling and delivering improved visitor experiences in the region.

(1) Best Outdoor/Indoor Adventure Experience (2) Best Cultural Festivals Award (3) Hospitality Award

7. Best Community Enterprise Award sponsored by NEWKD

This award is confined to voluntary community enterprises that provide services, funds, resources, knowledge and skills to sustain and develop an important community service. They must display the following criteria: Key objectives of the social enterprise Demonstrate growth in the enterprise since it was first established Evidence of a clear, structured social enterprise strategy

The launch of the 2018 Kerryman Business Awards in Ballygarry House Hotel & Spa Tralee in August.

Adrian Gallagher and Damien McMahon of McCarthy Insurance Group, awards sponsor. Back Lto R Noelle Foley, Kerryman Sales Executive, Kevin Hughes Kerryman Editor and Mike McCarthy of McCarthy Insurance Group.

Trisha Dowling NEWKD, Kevin Hughes Kerryman Editor and Siobhán Murphy, Advertising and Marketing Manager.

Seated; John and Nicola Slye, PSC Accountants Ltd, awards sponsors. Back Lto R Teresa O’Shea, Kerryman Sales Executive, Seamus Cotter PSC Accountants Ltd and Siobhán Murphy, Advertising and Marketing Manager The Kerryman.

Mary B Teahan, MD Irish Drain Services awards sponsor and Siobhán Murphy, Advertising and Marketing Manager The Kerryman.