Corkman glad to be a source of support for fledgling businesses
IT is over half a century since The Corkman was set up to represent the local community through an open-door policy, and that ethos has not changed.
That was the view of Group Editor of The Corkman and The Kerryman, Kevin Hughes who spoke at the IRD Duhallow business awards.
He said: “Content is key and we are privileged to report on a wide cross section of local, innovative businesses. Indeed, by featuring local businesses in our publication we are proud to have been part of the journey for the countless start-ups across Duhallow.”
He made reference to Banteer Community Childcare, which was the overall winner last year. It opened in 2007 – just on time for the economic downturn – but, despite the markets being in chaos this local service swung open its doors each day from 7am until 7pm.
“Today, this non-profit community service employs 30 staff, caters for over 200 children and more than 60 families,” he said.
He also noted that having spoken to its manager, Mary Murphy, she said that winning the overall IRD Duhallow business award was a great platform to showcase their service and a huge morale boost.
“That word ‘showcase’ is important and a business award is, in effect, a marketing tool – seeing the name of a company in print and highlighting what goes on behind the scenes is the all important oxygen for local businesses,” he said.
As Group Editor, he thanked all involved including the hard-working team at IRD Duhallow, the judges, James McAuley of McCarthy Insurance, John Pierse and Siobhan Murphy, Group Sales and Marketing Manager of The Corkman / The Kerryman.
He also thanked Corkman reporters Maria Herlihy, Bill Browne, advertising staff Billy Mangan and David Twomey, and photographer Sheila Fitzgerald. In addition, he thanked The Corkman MD John Feerick for his continued support.
Siobhan Murphy said that what has stood out for her from meeting the business community in Duhallow was the drive and utter determination by companies of all sizes to surge forward and showcase their ability and business acumen.
“What we all know is that entrepreneurs are risk takers who are willing to roll the dice in the belief that their business will succeed. What we have in this room tonight is truly fantastic risk-taskers who have shown us all that, with a solid plan, determination and a few slices of luck thrown in along the way, a business can succeed,” she said.
She also advised anybody in the audience who had a business plan to build on it. “Sometimes the first step can be the most difficult,” she said.