Craigavon Business Awards celebrate success

Winner of the Manufacturing Excellence Award, Garth Cairns of SlurryKat with Nicola Wilson, Head of Economic Development in Craigavon Borough Council.

Organised by Craigavon Borough Council’s Development Department, in association with Lurgan Chamber of Commerce, the high-profile gala ceremony in Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre showcased the calibre and driving force of business in both the Borough and Northern Ireland.

Children’s party and play centre Scallywags won Best New Business, Icons Coffee picked up the award for Best Restaurant or Food Provider, Funky Monkeys were awarded Best Multiple Retailer and Most Innovative Business went to JH Label.

There was also success for Bleary based Ballydougan Pottery, which was awarded Tourism and Hospitality Business of the Year.

Winner of Best New Business, Gayle McGurnaghan of Scallywags with sponsor Adrian Farrell of Portadown Chamber Of Commerce.

Amongst the guests at the event were the Mayor of Craigavon, Councillor Mark Baxter, Chair of the Development Committee, Councillor Carla Lockhart, Lady Heather McClay and hosting the gala awards ceremony was Jim Fitzpatrick.

Mayor of Craigavon, Councillor Mark Baxter said: “The Borough of Craigavon is a hub of business innovation and inspirational individuals who are helping improve the economic climate in the local area. This wealth of business talent and expertise is something we should all be very proud of. I would like to extend my thanks to the event sponsors and those who helped organise this very special night.”

There were 14 award categories in total, with some of the many highlights including both SlurryKat and The Meat Cleaver taking home three awards. The Meat Cleaver’s founder, Dwaine Smyth was presented with the Sir Allen McClay Young Business Person of the Year Award, which comes with valuable mentoring from ALMAC and seven of its business partners. Lady McClay, wife of the late Sir Allen McClay presented this award to Dwaine commending his business philosophy and his efforts in putting Craigavon on the business map.

Chair of the Council’s Development Committee, Councillor Carla Lockhart, said: “This has been one of the most competitive awards since the initiative’s inception in 2010 with the quality of each company’s entry exceeding all expectations.

Sean O'Dowd (right) of Ballydougan Pottery is presented with an award by Cllr Mark O'Dowd.

“It is with great pride we recognise the achievements of our local businesses and business people and we’re confident that this year’s winners will inspire other local organisations to strive towards business success.”

Other winners on the night included New Forge House (Best Green Business), Ballydougan Pottery (Tourism and Hospitality Business of the Year) and BNL Productions (Best Creative Business).

There was also a nod for Hendersons Fruit and Veg who received a highly commended certificate on the night.

Sponsors for the awards include ALMAC, Portadown Chamber of Commerce, Lurgan Chamber of Commerce, Craigavon Industrial Development Organisation (CIDO), John Lambe Photography, Bank of Ireland, Invest Northern Ireland and Moy Park.