PICTURES: Newry Chamber celebrates business champions at Employee & Team Awards

The event, organised by the Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade, took place at the Canal Court Hotel & Spa on Thursday, September 26 in front of over 350 guests and honoured the achievements of 23 individuals and organisations.

The winners came from organisations of all sizes from start-ups to social enterprises, charities, family businesses right up to the major global players based here. The categories also reflected the key sectors in the local area including retail, hospitality, professional services, construction, digital, manufacturing and engineering.

The Best Overall Team went to the New Product Development Team at DELI LITES and the Best Overall Employee went to Padraig Harte from PIPS Hope and Support. See full list of winners below.

Edwina Flynn, President of Newry Chamber commented: “There is no question the few years have been amongst the toughest times faced by businesses and society in general. However, from the 120+ award applications received by the Chamber, we can clearly see that the local economy is being driven by many hardworking, ambitious and talented people.”

“The Employee & Team Awards hold a special place for me, as this is the opportunity to really recognise our people. I often say to my team, that leaders are only as good as their team. I would say most business owners would say that if it wasn’t for the commitment, work and loyalty of their teams, we would never have made it through the last couple of difficult years.”

“The Greater Newry Area is recognised as a place synonymous with entrepreneurship, innovation, excellent service, product quality and customer care. This year’s awards have recognised the very best that this region’s business community has to offer. Well done to all individuals and teams that entered and congratulations to the winners.”

The awards could not happen without the generous support of the category sponsors. Newry Chamber would like to thank: ABP Food Group, Newry BID, Southern Regional College, U105, MJM Marine, Collins Aerospace, Gray Design, Digney Grant, Newry Reporter, Bank of Ireland, Canal Court Hotel, Newry Credit Union, Jack Murphy Jewellers, Newry Democrat, DELI LITES, AbbeyAutoline, Translink, FD Technologies, S&W Wholesale, O'Hare & McGovern and The Exact Group.