Shortlist Revealed For Down District Business Awards

A TOTAL of 33 businesses have been shortlisted in 11 different award categories for the Down District Council Chairman’s Annual Awards which will this year recognise and celebrate business excellence in Down District. And delighted to be in the running is DOWN NEWS which has as a new business been shortlisted in the Best Use of Social Media category. The Down District Business Awards, incorporating the annual Dermot Curran Young Achiever Awards, received an overwhelming response from the district’s business community, and the local authority has unveiled a shortlist of three companies in each of the 11 award categories: Dermot Curran Young Achiever Award sponsored by Ulster Bank: Boat Covers Ireland; Fresh Interiors; and Mourne Archery Centre. Down Business Centre Graduate Award: 31 Interactive; Falco K9 Academy; and Whole Hog Media. Best Small Business: 31 Interactive; Bluefin Software Solutions; and Fresh Interiors. Best Green Business: Churchtown Farm; KC Skip Hire & Contracts; and Tory Bush Cottages. Best Export Business sponsored by Invest NI: I Dance Irish; P & K Roller Shutters; and Magna Kata. Best Knowledge Based Company: Bluefin Software Solutions; Fresh Interiors and Hastings ProVideo. Best Community/Social Enterprise: Ballymote Community Project Ltd; Castlewellan Regeneration Ltd; and Down Community Transport. Best Sustainable Local Food Producer sponsored by ASDA: Churchtown Farm; Froth Coffee Company; and Mange Tout. Best Marketing Initiative: EDA Media, JJ Donnelly; and Whole Hog Media. Best New Tourism Business: Action Outdoors; Downpatrick Golf Centre; and NI Bootcamp. Best Use of Social Media: Deepa Mann-Kler; Down News; and JJ Donnelly. Councillor Eamonn ONeill, Chairman of Down District Counci, said, “We were absolutely delighted with the response to the awards, and I would like to pass on my sincere thanks to all those who took the time to put forward their company for consideration. “Indeed, the standard of entries was truly exceptional, and any one of the companies short-listed would make a worthy winner.” Councillor Curran added, “I would like to congratulate all of the companies who have been short-listed. It is no mean feat to get this far in the competition, and I look forward to meeting these outstanding entrepreneurs at the awards ceremony next week. Winners will be unveiled at a glittering gala awards ceremony in the Burrendale Hotel and Country Club on Friday 25th February 2011. Tickets for the event are still available for purchase by contacting 028 4372 2222. [caption id="attachment_18868" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The search for the top businesses in Down District is almost over. Down Council chairman Eamonn O'Neill and Councillor Dermot Curran will be at the awards ceremony in the Burrendale Hotel on Friday 25th February when the winners will be revealed at a gala evening. "][/caption] ]]>