It’s down to business as shortlist revealed

Customers are what matter in 2019, judging by the entries to the 2019 Meath Business and Tourism Awards with the Customer Service Category having the greatest number of entries closely followed by Best New Business. “This is a great sign that Meath people are brave, passionate and innovative,” says Mary McGuigan Group Commercial Manager, Celtic Media Group who has been involved with the awards since they began 10 years ago. At that time, the Meath Chronicle and Meath County Council came together to launch the MBTAs. The idea was to give businesses a boost and recognition for their efforts while enduring the challenges of a troubled economy. And it worked.

Meath Business and Tourism Awards 2019 will take place this year on Friday 15th November in the beautiful surrounds of Dunboyne Castle Hotel. The awards have become important to local businesses and the categories are re-visited every year, with each year highlighting changes occurring in various sectors. The numbers who entered and the quality of entry this year was exceptional, according to judges and shows the dedication and hard work that is happening in the county – a factor that makes Meath businesses among the best and most influential countrywide and on the international stage. “We have a terrific panel of judges – and this year they were burning the midnight oil to make decisions on the top three in each category – top 4 in Customer Service as it was just impossible to narrow it down any further,” Mary says. “Congratulations to all the businesses that have been shortlisted.”

 

The judges are looking forward to meeting the finalists in AIB, Navan on Wednesday, 30th October at 6pm where everyone gets an opportunity to pitch their business, which has now become a rite of passage for awards finalists. Focus will be on why a business should win their category and also be considered for the overall award – Business of the Year 2019 and Tourism Business of the Year 2019. AIB will play host to this speed-persuasion event once again. In the past it has proved a very popular occasion with an array of food and drink available for all in attendance. The pitch night is normally great fun and pitches are limited to two minutes offering those shortlisted the opportunity to promote their business to 40 businesses attending.

“For those who entered and were not shortlisted, we would like to thank you for your efforts and please keep entering. 2020 may be your year,” says Mary. The Meath Chronicle's partnership with Meath County Council is a huge contributory factor to the success of the awards. Jackie Maguire, CEO and Kevin Stewart, Deputy CEO continue to support the awards and Kevin also chairs the judging panel.  He also “volunteers” every year to be the host at the Pitch Night in AIB – the perfect person for this job as he has worked with so many of the businesses down through the years. “Without our sponsors we could not have these awards and we are so grateful that so many of you have been with us since the beginning,” says Ms McGuigan. “This promises to be a great night for all business and tickets are on sale now from Dunboyne Castle.”

The 2019 Meath Business & Tourism Shortlist

 

Best New Business 
Oldcastle House Hotel 
Gift & Home Boutique 
Hair Academy

Best in Social Media & Marketing 
Causey Farm 
MK Bridal
Costello's Centra Kilmessan

Best Customer Service 
Lynch's TotalHealth Pharmacy 
Motability Ireland 
Ryan’s Bar, Navan 
Crew Barbers, Trim 

Best Local and Artisan Food Producers 
Brogans Butchers 
Royal County Puddings 
The Whole Hogg

Best in Retail 
Rooney’s Homevalue 
Asta Fashions 
Farrell’s Pharmacy

Not for Profit and Community Spirit Award 
Dunderry Fair
Donaghmore Round Tower & Graveyard Ctte
Prosper Meath

Local Enterprise Office Award 
ACE Solution Books 
Qualitas Electronics Ltd 
Zatino Travel

Young Entrepreneur Award 
Sustainable PR 
The Olive Tree 
Water Cremation Ireland

Green Ambassador Award
Bee Wise 
Turmec 
Willow Farm Ceramics 

Outstanding Boyne Valley Festival 
Fairyhouse & Navan Racecourse
Hinterland Festival of Literature & Arts 
Royal Meath Show

Small Tourism Business Initiative 
Bee Wise 
Meath Beo 
Boyne Valley Activities

Best Boyne Valley Tourism Experience 
Beautiful Meath Tours 
My Ireland Family Heritage 
Slane Distillery

Outstanding Boyne Valley Welcome 
City North Hotel & Conference Centre 
Trim Castle Hotel 
Sage & Stone