It’s the biggest night of the year for the local business community and the Northeast Business Excellence Awards organised by Drogheda & District Chamber is always one of glitz and glamour – and that’s just the men!

On Saturday night, in front of a huge attendance at the CityNorth Hotel, Drogheda Chamber’s outgoing President Robert Murray announced the winners of the 2022 Northeast Business Excellence Awards, led by Premier Sponsor Flogas.

The awards celebrate the efforts of small, medium and large enterprises from across the Greater Drogheda region and beyond. This was a welcome return to the social business calendar following the COVID-19 pandemic and the event went a long way to recognising those that have come through a tough and demanding few years.

Before announcing the winners, Robert reflected on the many years the Chamber has served the Greater Drogheda business community – over 125 years its Presidents; Council Members and the general membership have played a pivotal role in the growth of businesses and employment in what has become Ireland’s largest town.

He paid tribute to the leadership and contribution made by Past Presidents and many others within the chamber family, who are now seeing the fruits of their efforts as Drogheda takes its place as a leading centre of trade and commerce on the island and with a bright and exciting future. 

“We launched these Northeast Business Excellence Awards in 2019 as a way of rewarding excellence in this region. The Northeast is a market leader when it comes to doing business and as a chamber we intend to shout that from the rooftops at a local, national and international level,” Robert stated.

“This year, there were close to 200 entries for the Awards, of which c. 150 were shortlisted as finalists across various categories, including the Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Applicants for the Awards were assessed by an independent judging panel, chaired by Geraldine King of NRF. As always, the judges were faced with difficult decisions.

Murray expressed delight at the huge interest shown by businesses across the Northeast and congratulated both the winners and all other participating businesses, wishing them continued success.

“We are very grateful to the adjudicating panel for volunteering their time and expertise. Once again, they found the submissions to be of a very high standard and it was encouraging to see many new entrants this year”, he said.

In addition to the Business Awards, Anne Reilly (above) was awarded this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented on the night by John Rooney of Flogas, the Chamber’s Premier Sponsor.

AIB sponsored the design of this year’s award, which showed off the remarkable talents of local artist, Deirdre McCullough of Oldbridge Silver.

Robert Murray concluded by again thanking all participants; the adjudication panel and the many sponsors and attendees for their support of the event.

He encouraged all businesses to engage with the Chamber in relation to next year’s Northeast Business Excellence Awards programme which will be promoted throughout Louth, Meath, Cavan and Monaghan.

He also encouraged businesses in the Greater Drogheda area to avail of the many relevant activities and events organised throughout the year by the Chamber.

His last duty was to introduce the new chamber president, the former editor of the Drogheda Independent Hubert Murphy who is currently General Manager at Drogheda United FC.

Here's the ful list of prizewinners:

• Lifetime Achievement – Anne Reilly
• Solopreneur of the Year – AgriKids
• SME of The Year (1 -10) - Phytaphix
• SME of The Year (11 +) - Paycheck Plus
• Family Business of the Year – TRIBE Restaurant
• Green Excellence & Sustainability – Boann Distillery
• Best Customer Service – Scholars Townhouse Hotel
• Best Business Transformation (during a pandemic) – Woolworks
• Best Not for Profit Organisation – An Garda Síochána Drogheda Community Policing Team
• Digital Innovation – Rapid360
• Professional Service of the Year – Impact Physiotherapy
• Best Hair / Beauty Salon– Tresses and Talons
• Employee Development – Bright Software Group
• Hospitality & Tourism Excellence– Drogheda Festival Committee
• Rising star/ Best Emerging Business– TRIBE Restaurant
• People’s Choice Award – Woolworks

For more information and photos see: https://www.droghedachamber.ie/