Dear Finalists,

I would like to wish all of You the best of luck and appreciate all the hard work you put into this! Unfortunately, because of a personal circumstance (COVID-19), I was unable to present the award personally, on behalf of CK Skillnet on Saturday.

Mary Hayden

The Kilkenny Business Awards 2021 take place in the Lyrath Estate Hotel on Saturday 12th March.

The gala awards ceremony will celebrate the resilience and determination of the local economy with 18 awards. A new category for 2021 will honour the Best Business Pivot in the Pandemic. A special recognition for local businesses with an exceptional Covid-19 story to tell. Local businesses that, in the face of an unprecedented global pandemic, lockdown, restrictions, closures and much uncertainty, have not only survived but thrived, adapted and grown. The coveted Lifetime Achievement Award, President’s Award plus the overall business of the year will also be announced on March 12th.

After a challenging two years, the flagship event provides a long-awaited opportunity to meet and network, in person, with colleagues, clients and friends from Kilkenny’s business community.

Colin Ahern, President of Kilkenny Chamber said, 

“The date is set to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of local business. Kilkenny Chamber is thrilled to announce the return of its flagship gala event on 12th March. The event will be a special reunion and chance for people to meet face to face in a safe environment. I am looking forward to meeting friends and colleagues to celebrate everything that we have achieved across the county under unprecedented circumstances.”

The evening of celebration will start with a Champagne Reception from 6 pm in the Conference Centre at Lyrath Estate Hotel followed by a delicious four-course dinner. Host Helen Carrol will announce the winners throughout the evening. Music by the Party Girls will round off the evening.

Tickets are limited. Those interested in attending can contact admin@kilkennychamber.ie. The event will be held with all necessary safety precautions and in strict adherence to the Government guidelines.

Kilkenny Chamber was delighted with the huge response to the call for nominations, an indication of how strong and positive the business community is in the city and county.

Congratulations to all the finalists!

1. Food & Drink Producer Award (Sponsor FBD Insurances)
   1. The Fig Tree
   2. Arán
   3. Elite Living Nutrition
2.  Best Business Pivot in the Pandemic Award (Sponsor VHI Healthcare)
   1. Intosport
   2. Lorimat Jewellery
   3. CF Pharma
3. Craft & Design Award (Sponsor Design & Crafts Council Ireland)
   1. K Kajoux Jewels
   2. DfM Clothing Ltd.
   3. Zoe Carol
4. Culture, Heritage and Tourism Award (Sponsor Kilkenny County Council)
   1. Hawkeye School of Falconry
   2. Shenanigans Walks
   3. Rothe House & Garden
5. Customer Service Excellence Award  (Sponsor Bank of Ireland)
   1. Callanan Couriers
   2. Springhill Court Hotel & Conference Centre
   3. UPMC Aut Even Hospital
6. Emerging New Business Award  (Sponsor AIB)
   1. Dialize Clothing
   2. Luke Parsons Hair Salon
   3. The Indie List
7. Employee of the Year Award (Sponsor T. Butler Engineering)
   1. CF Pharma
   2. Optimize Recruitment
   3. Goods of Kilkenny
8. Employer of the Year Award (Sponsor Kilkenny People) 
   1. Hibernian Hotel Kilkenny
   2. Veri
   3. Lyrath Estate Hotel
9. Environmental Excellence Award (Sponsor Kilkenny Leader Partnership KLP)
   1. White Feather Ladies Wear & Holistic Shop
   2. Value Centre
   3. Valley of Roses
10. Exporter of the Year Award (Sponsor PRL)
    1. CR Payroll
    2. Modubuild
    3. Biddy’s Good Luck Horseshoes
11. Family Business of the Year (Sponsor PwC)
    1. Momentum Healthcare
    2. Blushes Salon
    3. Dore Optometrists
12. Hospitality Excellence Award (Sponsor The Wine Centre)
    1. Pennyfeather Restaurant
    2. Hoban Hotel Kilkenny
    3. Mount Juliet Estate
13. Innovation in Business Award (Sponsor Caulfields Supervalu)
    1. Cleere Life
    2. Loanitt
    3. LawEd
14. Investment in Skills, Training and Development Award (Sponsor Carlow Kilkenny Skillnet)
    1. UPMC
    2. Optimize Recruitment
    3. Mint Medispa by Pembroke
15. Retailer of the Year Award (Sponsor MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre) 
    1. Brett’s Hardware Home & Garden DIY Centre
    2. Fitzpatrick’s Fruit & Veg
    3. Lilyrose Boutique
16. Small Business of the Year Award (Sponsor Local Enterprise Office)
    1. The Wine Buff
    2. Rafter Dempsey’s
    3. Muse Coffee
17. Social Media & Digital Marketing Excellence Award (Sponsor KCLR96FM)
    1. Newpark Hotel
    2. Mountain View
    3. The Indie List
18. Technology and e-Commerce Excellence Award (Sponsor Glanbia)
    1. ISE Forest & Garden
    2. UPMC
    3. Lova.ie

The criteria for each award can be found here and the Terms & Conditions of the Kilkenny Business Awards 2021 can be found here.

All plans are being made in line with Government guidelines and will be subject to change should the guidelines be changed.