The Carlow Business Awards 2018 were launched at a reception which was held in Swan Electrical, Strawhall, Carlow on Thursday 19th July. Sean Swan, recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2017 Awards opened the evening, welcoming all the guests and regaled with experiences from his years in business here in Carlow. This was followed by a presentation from David Walsh of Netwatch, winner of Business of the Year 2017. David outlined some of the key developments of the group in recent years and their delight at winning this award in their home county. The success of the company he attributed to the quality and skills of their team, which has been recruited and developed here in Carlow.
Organised by the County Carlow Chamber, the awards are recognised as one of the most important events in the calendar and this year sees the introduction of some changes in the categories to help take this even further. Brian O’Farrell, CEO of County Carlow Chamber said “The awards are designed to allow everyone to highlight businesses or individuals who they feel deserves recognition; and to help showcase and celebrate this great innovation, talent and achievement.”
This year some awards have been refreshed, and we have also added several new awards including Rural Innovation Award and Outstanding Small Business of the Year, which is designed to recognise those businesses employing fewer than 20 people who have made a longstanding contribution to the community. Details of all the awards categories and how to nominate are available on www.carlowchamber.com with nominations open until 12 noon of 23rd August 2018. Winners will be announced on 27th September at the Awards Ceremony which will be held at the Visual Centre for Contemporary Art.
Yvonne Jones, President of County Carlow Chamber commented “The awards give local businesses an opportunity to showcase their strengths and successes, as well as promoting Carlow as an attractive place for investment and to do business. The awards benchmark the industrial, retail and service base in the county to a standard of excellence,”
For further information or queries in relation to the Carlow Business Awards 2018, please contact Brian O’Farrell, CEO County Carlow Chamber on ceo@carlowchamber.com
