Antiques Ireland is Waterford digital award overall winner

Waterford Local Enterprise Office, together with Waterford City and County Council have announced that Antiques Ireland is this years Waterford Digital Awards Overall Winner.

The ceremony took place at Dooley’s Hotel on Friday, June 6, and was aimed at recognising and rewarding SMEs based in County Waterford that have developed their ecommerce and digital platforms as part of their product offering. 

The awards were open to all businesses with less than 50 full time employees based in the county.

Presenting the awards, Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr Jason Murphy said he was impressed with the development of Waterford’s digital footprint and he said digital marketing had also empowered local businesses.

"From artisan food producers reaching new markets via Instagram, to tourism campaigns using immersive video to draw global eyes to our beautiful coastlines and historic streets, digital tools have allowed our community to connect with the world in a faster and smarter way, and more authentically than ever before," said Cllr Murphy.

Antiques Ireland was first established in Kilmacthomas, County Waterford in 1949 by the late Patrick Keighery as RJK Antiques. Rody Keighery, his son, took over the business in the 1980s and created the renowned antiques shop and auction room, with his wife Anne. 

The business, RJ Keighery Antiques, Waterford has built a solid reputation, both locally and nationally, based on expertise, experience and integrity. A spokesperson for Waterford City & County Council highlighted how in recent years Rody’s son, Thomas, joined the business and added digital platforms to the promotion and execution of browsing and buying the Antiques Ireland collections. 

"This digital marketing has helped bring the auction house to a worldwide audience," said the spokesperson.

The business holds auctions around 10 times a year, sometimes themed and sometimes general antique. They use social media to bring these to life by educating the public on the beauty and uniqueness of antiques.

Antiques Ireland will have a very unique auction taking place on June 16 when a collection or immaculate vintage cars and carts will go under the hammer. 

To read more about that auction click here.

To view a video clip of Rody Keighery talking about the car collection click here.

Expressing delight at the win, Rody Keighery said a lot of hard work and effort had gone into the business in recent years.

"We’ve put so much time and effort into this area of the business over the past few years, it’s great to get it recognised tonight by the Local Enterprise Office, they who helped us so much along the way," he said.

"We believe we are innovators in the world of antiques and auction houses," he added. "We really push the boundaries with our content where we make a mix of information, fun, creativity and occasional comedy to bring the place to life and build a brand around what we sell."

Rody said social media had changed the business dramatically. 

"When we showcase new items they sometimes sell in minutes and hours, and it has driven huge growth across our business," he said.

"The content has really driven foot traffic to our auction viewing, where people have built a real rapport with us," he added. 

"Most people assume we are in Dublin but we’re proud to fly the flag here in Waterford.” 

The other award winners on the night in their respective categories were: 1 - Best Digital Transformation – Inspiring Excellence; 2 - Best E-Commerce Business – Murphy Larkin Timber Products; 3 - Best Use of Social Media – Antiques Ireland; 4 - Best Digital Marketing Campaign – Liberty Blue; 5 - Best SEO Strategy – Neg8 Carbon.

The winner of each category received €1,000 towards technical advice, photography, videography and marketing and the overall winners won €2,500 in cash.

Gareth Evans, Head of Enterprise with Local Enterprise Office Waterford was delighted with the quality and standard of entries.

"Selecting the finalists has proven to be a really difficult task in circumstances where the quality and standard was so high," he said.

"I want to thank everyone who engaged with the process and congratulate those businesses, innovators and talented professionals who have made it through to the final of the Digital Awards," he added.

“For those who did not make it to the final this time, please know that your contributions are no less valued, and we encourage you to continue striving, growing and sharing your stories. We look forward to seeing your innovative efforts again in next year's awards."

Digital for Business is an initiative from the Local Enterprise Office designed to give its clients a digital edge. 

"The programme was launched last year and we’re seeing the benefits of it here tonight," said Mr Evans.

"Our expert digital consultants have assisted clients through analysis of gaps, exploration of opportunities and guidance in implementation of new digital solutions.” 

For further information visit www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford, contact LEO Waterford at 051 849905 or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie.