Drogheda Life

Ken Byrne from Flogas and Hubert Murphy, President of Drogheda Chamber of Commerce present the Outstanding Achievement in Business Award to Victor and Paddy Dwyer at the Drogheda and District Chamber, Northeast Business Excellence Awards 2023 at the City North Hotel. Photos by Jenny Callanan.

The social night of the year for the local business community, The Northeast Business Excellence Awards, which took place on Friday night in the CityNorth Hotel, was another great success with the main award, the Outstanding Achievement in Business Award, being presented to footwear retailers Victor and Paddy Dwyer of Shop Street.

As ever, the night was one of great glitz and glamour (and that was just the men!) as the entire business community donned their glad rags to celebrate with the winners across a wide range of categories.

*Sarah Mallon from Local Enterprise Office Louth (Sponsor) presents the Emerging New Business Award to Donal Quinn of Enso.*

This year, along with the traditional voting method with a jury, there was also a public vote section which saw some delighted companies who were rewarded for their professionalism throughout the year by their customers.

In their report the judges said they were highly impressed, remarking:

"The standard of entrants keeps rising year on year. We are constantly amazed at the levels of entrepreneurship, customer service that drives both individuals, community groups and companies to succeed.

"Drogheda Chamber has played a significant role in the development of commerce in the town and district for well over 100 years.

*Nicola Mee from Permanent TSB (Sponsor) presents the High Street Hero - Small Retailer Award to Naomi and Barry Tully and Frances McDonagh of Hubert Tullys.*

“The changes in the town in recent years has added to the need for a local representative body and that need will only grow in the years to come," President Hubert Murphy stated.

"These awards are very much part of our ethos of recognising and rewarding local business and the great thing is that there is such a variety to choose from.

*Mary O’Sullivan of Osborne Recruitment Excellence (Sponsor) presents the SME of The Year (2-10) Award to Paul and Patricia Kirwan of Nuvalez Consulting Ltd.*

“The town is blessed to have such individuals and firms as part of our growing community." He thanked all the sponsors who have shown such wonderful support down the years to the awards, the judges, the public for voting and the many, many businesses who took the time to enter.

"The awards take months of planning and the chamber staff deliver time and time again. A real team effort makes this night what it is."

*Seamus Flynn from Indaver (Sponsor) presents the Best Customer Service Award to Richard and Charlotte Kelly from Calluna’s Tanning, Hair and Beauty.*

The outstanding contribution of the Dwyer family over the last 70 years to the business life of the town was also recognised with a special award presented by Premier Sponsor Ken O’Byrne of Flogas for Outstanding Achievement in Business.

The prize winners in the various categories were: