The Minister for Research and Innovation at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Seán Sherlock TD, was in the headquarters of the Barry Group on Tuesday to launch the Mallow Business Awards, which are hosted and sponsored by the Mallow-based Barry Group, Minister Sherlock paid particular tribute to the local businesses that are leading the way to economic recovery. Mallow Business Awards showcases Mallow’s best in business, celebrates local business successes, and acknowledges the vital contribution of the business sector to the Irish econ-omy. Open to businesses of all sizes and from all industry sectors, this year’s award categories have also been given a fresh, new look and will include:
1. Food and Drink Sector
2. Business Person of the Year
3. Manufacturing Sector
4. Services Sector
5. Emerging New Business
The final category – the Outstanding Business Award – will be judged from the five winners of the above categories.
Minister Sherlock was delighted to officially launch the awards, saying: “Mallow has much to offer in terms of entrepreneurial spirit. It is great to be back again this year to see the advancements that have been accomplished throughout the year. Small and medium enterprises form an integral foundation to our economic recovery and I feel it is important that the efforts of those leading the way be commended.”
Also speaking at the launch of the 2012 awards was Barry Group MD, Jim Barry: “Since we first launched the Mallow Business Awards in 2008, Mallow has cemented its position as the economic heartland of North Cork. There is a wonderful entrepreneurial spirit in the town and its hinterland, and it gives me great pride to see the ways in which the local businesses look to innovate and improve in what remains a challenging business environment. I continue to be impressed with the calibre of busi-nesses here in Mallow – these awards are a testa-ment to their endless dedi-cation and commitment.”
Nominations are now open for this year’s Awards and will remain open until October 5th. Winners will be announced at the annual Mallow Chamber Ball in Springfort Hall on December 1st.
This year’s awards launch was attended by Minister Seán Sherlock; Managing Director at Barry Group, Jim Barry; Mayor of Mallow, Cllr Noel O’Con-nor; Mallow Chamber President, Mary Kelly, along with previous winners, members of Mallow Chamber and local business representatives.