Kells Chamber reveals finalists for annual business awards

THE finalists in the Kells and District Chamber of Commerce Business Awards have just been announced. The aim of the awards scheme is to recognise and reward leading local businesses for their innovations and achievements - particularly in these challenging economic times. "Times are tough, but it is very encouraging to see such a wide range of businesses represented in the nominations and it is a fitting tribute to the talents of the people behind each and every one of them," said Geraldine Gaughran, president of Kells Chamber. An overall winner of each category will be announced at a gala ceremony during the Kells Chamber President's Ball this Saturday in the Headfort Arms Hotel. One of the five category winners will also be chosen as the recipient of an overall Kells Chamber Best Business Award 2012. The five categories are: Best Retailer, Most Creative and Innovative Business, Best Customer Service, The Business That Is Putting Kells on the Map, and Best Business for Business in Kells. The nominees for Best Retailer include O'Brien's SuperValu, Gormley's Pharmacy, Thomas Doherty Meats, The Courtyard, Mother Nature Health Food Store and The Flowershop. The Most Creative and Innovative Business Award nominees include A O Solutions, Flo Web Design Ltd, Tankardstown Manor House and Estate, Kiernan's Butchers, Meath Mykidstime.ie, The Handmade Soap Company and The Forge Restaurant. The nominees for Best Customer Service are The Headfort Arms Hotel, HRS Consultants, Sabrina Callan's Interiors at No 20 Ltd and Iona College. Nominees for The Business that is Putting Kells on the Map are The Forge Restaurant, Thomas Doherty Meats, Glass & Alu CAD Ltd, Iona College and Grove Gardens and Open Farm. Shortlisted for the Best Business for Business in Kells are Kilbeg Dairies, O'Brien's SuperValu, The Headfort Arms Hotel and Sheridan's Cheesemongers. In keeping with the Chamber's Local Heroes campaign, the menu for the four-course gourmet dinner at the president's ball will feature the very best of local produce. The MC for the awards ceremony will be 2FM DJ and local man, Damien Farrelly, while Kells artist Ian Rogan was commissioned to make the awards for each category and for the overall winner. "These pieces were inspired by the beautifully adorned panels of the West or Ruined Cross, which is located in the grounds of St Columba's Church," said Ian of his work. "A hidden gem, like so many hidden gems within the Kells business community, I felt inspired to highlight its historic and artistic beauty with a modern twist."