Excitement builds ahead of Waterford Business Awards night

There is excitement building in Waterford ahead of this year's Waterford Business Awards showcase with the shortlist of nominees representing a broad cross-section of the Déise's commercial sector.

Organisers, Waterford Chamber joined forces again this year with partners WLR and Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber for the gala awards ceremony, which will take place in the Tower Hotel on Friday, November 14.

Speaking about the awards, Waterford Chamber President Eadaoin Carrick said: “Congratulations to all the businesses who have been shortlisted, what a fantastic representation of the Waterford business community across the city and county.

"This shortlist goes a long way towards showcasing the strength and depth of our amazing business community," said Eadaoin.

Meanwhile, Oren Byrne, President of Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber added: “To be recognised by your peers for the hardworking and determination to be best in class deserves to be celebrated and we look forward to doing so on November 14.” 

 Commenting on the decision-making process Martin Freyne, Chairperson of the Judging Panel, said: “It is absolutely incredible what our business community is delivering in terms of innovation, technology, customer service and more. While only three can be shortlisted in each category, the lists could easily have been much longer and there was some very active debate and tough decisions along the way. Our independent panel of judges make a huge commitment to selecting the shortlist and I thank them for their time and dedication.”

Michael Byrne, CEO of WLRfm said the station is delighted to be involved to both champion and promote the Waterford Business Awards each year.

“The Business Awards are a beacon of positivity and once again the list of nominee companies in every category is of a very high standard," he said.

"There is no doubt the Waterford business community is vibrant and ambitious, which is evident from the list of entrants and shortlisted companies. We wish everybody the best of luck.” 

The shortlisted businesses were nominated by the public and through a self-nomination process. An independent judging panel, chaired by Martin Freyne and including Lena Murphy, Truvium Vet; Jackie Roche, Bausch + Lomb; Neil Gough, WLR; Deirdre Houlihan, Faithlegg; Tommie Ryan, Waterford Chamber Skillnet; Georgina Campbell, Orbe Consulting; James O’Sullivan, SETU; Howard Kent, Kent Consulting and Jacqui Gaule, Waterford Local Enterprise Office, decided upon the final shortlist after a rigorous judging analysis of each application.  Three businesses were shortlisted for each of the categories and the winners of those categories will then go head-to-head in the hope of claiming the Overall Waterford Business of the Year, sponsored by Waterford City & County Council.

A Special Recognition Award, sponsored by Faithlegg and the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, sponsored by Parker Law, will also be presented to an individual chosen by the judging panel. They will only be revealed during the live event. In addition, the Radio Campaign of the Year, sponsored by WLR, will recognise excellence in creative execution, strategic delivery, and measurable impact across radio and WLR’s platforms, while the Think Waterford First Award, sponsored by Buíon Phort Láirge, will be awarded to a business or individual who has shown exemplary commitment to promoting and supporting Waterford.

The shortlist is composed of: Business of the Year (100+ employees) -  Dovida,  Eirgen Pharma, The Park Hotel Dungarvan; Business of the Year (up to 100 employees) - Dave Barry Plastics, Hartley People,  Q1 Scientific; Business of the Year (up to 20 employees) - Aspire Physiotherapy,  Liberty Blue Estate Agents,  Merry's Gastro Pub; Customer Service Excellence - Irina Duane Photography,  Klearcom,  Parker Law Solicitors; Environmental & Sustainability -  CC Renewables,  Granville Hotel,  TFI Local Link Waterford; Excellence in Innovation - Ashleigh Farms,  Lean Industry 4.0,  NEG8 Carbon; Food, Beverage & Hospitality - CocoabyJudit, The Railway Cottage,  Under the Clock Coffee House; Marketing Excellence - Griffin Auctioneers,  The TEFL Institute of Ireland,  Visit Waterford; New Business of the Year - Euryka AI,  GoChallenge, Natures Alchemy; Retailer of the Year -  Fitzgerald's Menswear,  George Corbett Motors,  Harlow Fine Jewellery; Visit Waterford Award - Coláiste na Rinne,  Dunmore Adventure,  Churchyard Sessions @ The Reg; Workplace Excellence - Haleon,  Fitzwilton Hotel,  Unitec IT Solutions.