Carrickfergus Chamber of Commerce and Trade launch Business Excellence Awards

The Carrickfergus Chamber of Commerce and Trade officially launched the Business Excellence Awards at the Clarion Hotel this week.

There are 14 award categories and the chamber 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.

Chamber of Commerce President Michael McCune said: "In 2009 and 2010, the chamber has gone from strength to strength as membership has increased and become more structured with the appointment of our business development manager Janis Smyth and of course the opening of our new office in West Street and we sincerely hope that this flourishing interest and commitment to the chamber will continue.

"A chamber of commerce is a focal point for business owners to come together to share their concerns, swap information, network and perhaps most importantly lobby for change and investment where and when it is needed.

"In times of crisis, there is always strength in numbers and the more members Carrickfergus Chamber of Commerce and Trade attracts, the stronger it will become and the more benefits it will bring to the economy of the borough.

"The Business Excellence Awards are a great way of highlighting the work of the chamber of commerce and the success of its members which tends to go on quietly in the background. It is also an opportunity to recognise the hard work and commitment of business owners right across the borough and we encourage all shops and businesses in the borough to enter the competition.

"These awards are not just about recognising the high standards that already exist in the Carrickfergus business community but to also to help raise those standards further which will in turn increase and develop our customer base locally and encourage people from further afield to come to the town and also increase outside investment.

"Business is the lifeblood of any local community and in order for us to sustain and develop the borough as a destination for shopping, tourism and investment, each of us must play our part in making Carrickfergus an attractive offering for all.

"These awards are a great opportunity for businesses in the borough to demonstrate their innovation, energy and achievements and we are looking forward to rewarding and recognising the hard work of our local business community."

Janis Smyth, the Chamber's Business Development Manager, said: "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."

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 are available from the Carrickfergus Chamber of Commerce and Trade offices in West Street. 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.

The closing date for entries is the April 2 so if you have any enquiries on the awards or would like an entry pack posted to you, or to book a ticket for the gala awards, telephone the Chamber offices on 028 93 362905 or email - info@carrickferguschamber.com.

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 (not more than 20 employees)
Best New Business Award
Environmental Award
Innovation/Creativity Award
Marketing/PR Award
Commitment to Carrickfergus Award