5 February 2010

Carrickfergus Chamber of Commerce and Trade accepting entries for the Business Excellence Awards

Carrickfergus Chamber of Commerce and Trade has announced that the deadline for entries for the Business Excellence Awards has been extended and it is encouraging all shops and businesses in the borough to enter the competition.

The awards will recognise standards of excellence across a wide range of local business sectors, as well as a special award to celebrate an individual's consistent commitment to promoting the economy of the borough.

Janis Smyth, the Chamber's Business Development Manager said: "Last year was a challenging year for businesses in Carrickfergus we see these awards as an opportunity to recognise the commitment to business excellence and to reward companies who are helping to keep the Carrick economy buzzing.

"We would like to encourage all businesses in Carrickfergus to enter the awards which will be independently judged by Spotcheck and a panel of specially invited judges. The standard of service and quality of products available in Carrickfergus means that competition in most categories will be strong but if you're not in, you can't win."

"We have decided to extend the date for entries to Friday April 2 so that as many local business as possible can get involved and therefore we have rescheduled the awards ceremony in the Clarion Hotel to take place on June 4. In order to make the judging process fair and transparent for all and with the deadline put back a few weeks, Spotcheck will now be able to carry out thorough inspections and provide detailed feedback to both the Chamber of Commerce and Trade and entrants."

Jill Beasant, Partner at Spotcheck NI said: "Spotcheck are pleased and proud to be part of the Carrickfergus Chamber of Commerce and Trade Business Excellence Awards 2010.

"These awards are a great opportunity for businesses in the borough to demonstrate their innovation, energy and achievements and we are looking forward to providing the independent measurement and adjudication of the mystery shopping categories.

"We will provide feedback free of charge for all entrants to the mystery shopping categories so entrants will see how they scored against the criteria and perhaps even get pointers on areas of their business they can work on to enhance their customer's experience."

The gala awards ceremony will take place in The Clarion Hotel, Carrickfergus on Friday June 4, and tickets for the night are £40pp and will be available from the Carrickfergus Chamber of Commerce and Trade in the coming weeks. The ceremony will be hosted by popular UTV presenter Julian Simmons.

Entry forms for the Carrickfergus Chamber of Commerce and Trade Business Excellence Awards are available online at www.carrickferguschamber.com, in the local press and from the new chamber offices at 8 West Street.

There are 14 categories in The Carrickfergus Chamber of Commerce and Trade Business Excellence Awards:
» Best Multiple Retailer
» Best Independent Small Retailer
» Best Salon - Hair and or Beauty
» Best Pub
» Best Restaurant (inc Hotels)
» Best Cafe/Coffee Shop
» Best Business Premises
» Best Customer Service
» Best E-Trader (less than 20 employees)
» Best New Business Award
» Environmental Award
» Innovation and Creativity Award
» Marketing and PR Award
» Commitment to Carrickfergus Award