Record numbers attend the Chamber Business Awards 2023

October 23, 2023

A record crowd attended the Louth Business Awards organized by Dundalk Chamber of Commerce in the Carrickdale Hotel on Saturday the 21st of October. The annual event is now a high light in the social calendar in Dundalk with over six hundred guests in attendance.

A sell-out crowd compromising of business leaders, local politicians MEPs and dignitaries suggested this really was the place to be. Tickets are always at a premium for this occasion, and this was the largest number of bookings ever for this fantastic networking event.

Local Soprano Sarah McCourt entertained guests during the reception. Mizu Health & Beauty sponsored Best Dressed Lady while Tony McDonnell Menswear sponsored the Best Dressed Gent. It really was a glamorous occasion with beautiful dresses and accessories. The staff of the Carrickdale Hotel pulled out all the stops to make it a night to be remembered. There was a photo booth on the night and patrons had a fantastic time getting fun photos with plenty of props.

MC for the night was Michael Duffy who provided the rapport with the audience and the finalists. The band on the night was “Sugartown Rd.” and they got all the audience up from the very first number and made sure the crowd were entertained until the early hours with a brilliant selection of songs. The dance floor was packed to capacity the whole night and local businesses donated fantastic spot prizes also which really added to the occasion.

The winners in the various categories for the Louth Business Awards 2023 were as follows:

Best Customer Service in the Retail Sector sponsored by Net1.ie was won by Brodigans Londis.
Best Shop Front Both Interior & Exterior sponsored by AV Direct was won by Bumbles for Kids.
Best Hair & Beauty sponsored by L’Oréal was won by The Hair Shop.
Best Licensed Premises sponsored by Diageo was won by The Lumpers.
Best Hospitality Business sponsored by Dundalk Stadium was won by The Town House.
Culture, Heritage & Tourism Award sponsored by Value Centre Cash & Carry was won by Creative Spark CLG – Seek Urban Arts Festival.
Best Not for Profit Organization sponsored by Dundalk Credit Union was won by Dundalk Dog Rescue.
Best New Business sponsored by The Argus was won by Beam Consulting Ltd.
Micro Business of the Year sponsored by Recruit Island was won by ZOMA.
Best SME Business sponsored by AIB Bank was won by TSM Control Systems Ltd.
Large Business of the Year sponsored by Bank of Ireland was won by KTF Housing Ltd.
Training Award sponsored by Dundalk Chamber Skillnet as won by Irish Life Customer Service Centre.
Best Family Business sponsored by Prometric was won by Carlingford Oyster Company.
Team of the year sponsored by The Carrickdale Hotel was won by UHY Farrelly Dawe White.
International Business Award sponsored by Enterprise Ireland was won by Suretank Ltd.
Young Businessperson of the year sponsored by The Carrickdale Hotel was won by Laurna McDermott of Wunjo Club.
Technology, Research & Innovation Award sponsored by Regional Development Centre at DkIT was won by XOcean.
Best Green Business sponsored by Permanent TSB was won by WuXi Biologics Ltd.
Best Use of Digital Marketing social media sponsored by The Local Enterprise Office Louth was won by The Gift & Art Gallery.
Overall Business of the Year sponsored by Vhi Healthcare was won by ZOMA.
Best Dressed Lady sponsored by Mizu Health and Beauty was won by Michelle Rafferty.
Best Dressed Gent sponsored by Tony McDonnell Menswear was won by Killian Mulligan.
The Lifetime Award for contribution to Louth, was awarded to Jim and David Lally of Lally’s Electrical Superstore Euronics.

Una McGoey President Dundalk Chamber “was delighted with the attendance, there are not many occasions where you can get so many members of the business community under the one roof and these awards provide that. All these companies here tonight are winners in their own field, and this is a fantastic opportunity to recognize them.”

Una mentioned that “we are acutely aware of the challenges that our local businesses face today. From the ongoing resilience required to navigate these turbulent times to the pressures posed by the cost of living crisis and the increase in inflation, the economic landscape is undeniably challenging. However, it is in the face of adversity that the true strength and resilience of our local businesses shine through. Your perseverance and adaptability is commendable.”

In our efforts to address these challenges, Una said “we have worked closely with all our government colleagues. The collaboration with Government departments, Louth County Council, IDA, Enterprise Ireland, LEO, DKIT, Skillnet, and LMETB has been vital in providing support and solutions to our local businesses and communities.”