Carlow Chamber launches business awards

IT’S A NIGHT not to be missed, as the business community of Co Carlow comes together to celebrate, collaborate and congratulate excellence.

Last Thursday evening, the County Carlow Chamber launched its annual Business Awards 2024 at the premises of last year’s overall winner, Seamus Byrne Electrical (SBE), on the Wexford Road, Carlow. The popular awards are sponsored this year by Carlow Credit Union and are aimed at recognising and rewarding excellence in business.

“Running a successful business takes talent, dedication and a lot of hard work – and it’s really important that we recognise and reward organisations that are excelling in any aspect of their business,” said Michael Quinn, president of the Carlow chamber. “We are very proud of the impact that the Carlow Business Awards has had over the years in shining a light on some of the incredible businesses we have throughout Co Carlow.” Nominations for the awards can be made by individual companies or by members of the public who would like to recognise and reward exceptional businesses in their community. Simply click on the nomination button at www.carlowchamber.com.

In 2023 alone, over 135 businesses were nominated across all 24 categories of the awards – from every industry, business size and type.

“As a family-run business, SBE were exceptionally proud to win the Carlow Business of the Year Award in 2023,” said Seamus Byrne.

“We have an incredible team here – many who have been working with us from the outset – and we feel that this award not only recognised how far we have come as a business, but also the talent and dedication of our fantastic team. It has raised our profile, ensuring that more people know who we are and what we do.” There are a broad variety of categories in the awards, recognising all of the areas in which businesses and businesspeople can excel. Details of the award categories and the criteria for each award are available on the website, and people are encouraged to look at the diversity of options and enter as many categories as they feel are relevant to their business (or the business they are nominating).

“Entering awards is an excellent way for businesses to raise their profile and to earn respect and recognition for the incredible work they are doing,” said Nicola Doran, CEO of County Carlow Chamber of Commerce.

“We would urge all business owners and managers to think about what they do well, and to submit a nomination.

“Likewise, if you have come across a business that has exceeded your expectations or impressed you in any way, make sure to nominate them – they may not have the confidence to nominate themselves and this award could make a huge difference to their business. Even just being part of the selection process raises their profile and the awareness of their brand in a very positive way.” The awards are open to any business based in Co Carlow; there are no limitations in terms of size, industry or length of time in business. All are welcome.

Full information about the awards, categories and selection process is available on the County Carlow Chamber of Commerce website and the closing date for nominations is midnight on Sunday 11 August 2024. Shortlisted businesses will be invited to submit more detailed applications in mid-August, and the finalists will be announced in mid-September.

The winners will be announced at the very popular Carlow Business Awards ceremony, which will take place in Visual Carlow on 26 September. Tickets go on sale in August.

Updates on each stage of the awards will be available on the chamber website and the award category sponsors will be announced over the coming weeks.