Winners unveiled at Causeway Coast & Glens Business Awards 2019
Winners unveiled at Causeway Coast & Glens Business Awards 2019
Causeway Chamber, in partnership with principle sponsor Randox Health, hosted the 2019 Causeway Coast and Glens Business Awards, which was held Friday 21st June at the Lodge Hotel, Coleraine. As all enjoyed the drinks reception from Old Bushmills Distillery, the evening provided a chance to network whilst the anticipation grew before the awards presentation.
This prestigious ceremony recognised and honoured the best of the Borough’s businesses on a local and national level.
In the opening address Murray Bell, President of Causeway Chamber said;
“We have a wealth of businesses within our borough, organisations large and small, entrepreneurs, start-up innovators, all who compete at the highest level they can, and tonight is an opportunity to celebrate those talents – recognising the progress made and reaching forward to further excellence and creativity, underpinning our Chambers message that Causeway Coast & Glens Borough is an ‘Outstanding Place to live, work and play.”
350 guests attended the event including Mayor Cllr Sean Bateson, Deputy Vice Chancellor Alastair Adair, Chief Executive David Jackson, Dr Peter FitzGerald CBE FREng DL, Managing Director, Randox Laboratories Ltd, local businesses, award sponsors and the 61 finalists who eagerly waited to see if they were successful as winners of their category.
Dr Peter FitzGerald CBE FREng DL, Managing Director, Randox commented;
“It is a great honour to be here once again for the Business Awards for the Causeway Coast and Glens, a region with whom we have become closely engaged since opening the newest division of our multi-faceted company; Dundarave Estate in Bushmills. Dundarave’s collection of jams, chutneys, ciders and meats has proved very popular with both the local community and other businesses, together with whom we are able to demonstrate what Northern Ireland has to offer to a global business market.
“We are proud that through our sponsorship of this event, we can not only bring together the best local businesses, support one another and celebrate our collective achievements, but also encourage all those involved to proactively think about their health. For all of us, our health is our wealth, and indeed for the entrepreneurial finalists, many of whom are self-employed, their health is their livelihood. We might all usefully consider how we can live better for longer, to fully enjoy what life has to offer, in both our business and our personal lives. I must also say that we have been very impressed with the nominees of each category and the calibre of finalists, each of whom absolutely deserve their place in the Causeway Coast and Glens Business Awards. Congratulations to all the award winners.”
Sarah Travers who was delighted to once again host the event said;
“The Causeway Coast and Glens Borough is unique in its ability to offer a variety of locations for business development. The Chamber has truly embraced the diversity of the local business talents and rewarded each sector individually.”
Annette Deighan, Chamber Operations Manager added;
“Causeway Coast and Glens Business Awards would not have been possible without our businesses and continued support of all our sponsors. It is an honour to host these awards, to recognise the achievements and success in our region. It shows as a Borough we are continuing to excel and compete at a regional and national level.”
There were 18 awards comprising of many categories sponsored by individual companies. The judges were overwhelmed with the level of entries received which is a testament to the success of these biennial awards and the achievements of all businesses within the Borough. The awards highlighted that the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough is continuing to grow, compete and provide services at a local and global level. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists on the evening.
For further information about the Causeway Coast & Glens Business Awards 2019 please contact the Randox PR team by emailing randoxpr@randox.com or phoning 028 9442 2413
Randox Northern Ireland Potato Festival returns to Giant’s Causeway
Northern Ireland’s favourite potato-themed festival is back, bigger and better than ever, on Saturday 13th October 2018. And the popular event is set for a boost thanks to a new partnership with headline sponsor Randox, and a festival cookery theatre compered by NI Food Ambassador Paula McIntyre MBE.
Set against the backdrop of the world-famous Giant’s Causeway, the Randox Northern Ireland Potato Festival is a heady mix of family fun, a celebration of world-renowned potato breeder John Clarke, and a chance to sample the delights of the agri-food industry which thrives in the Causeway Coast & Glens. Festival fun starts at 10am and runs until 5pm in the grounds of the Causeway Hotel.
Now in its 6th year, the line-up for Festival Day boasts a packed programme of activities and attractions for all ages, and there is no admission fee.
Festival Committee Chairman Michael McKillop, Glens of Antrim Potatoes, said;
“This year the committee has worked effortlessly to bring a bigger and better potato festival to the North Antrim coast on the site of the Giant’s Causeway. We have more fun-filled events planned with loads of arts and crafts on site and fantastic local chefs doing cookery demos. Along with a free open day to the Causeway Centre, it will be a great family day out.”
“I would like to extend my thanks to the National Trust for their continued support. Every year the National Trust is a key partner and sponsor for the Potato Festival, not only opening up the Giant’s Causeway site and providing the perfect location but giving their staff to co-ordinate the activities on the day. They also coincide the festival with their free Community Open Day welcoming everyone to enjoy their Visitor Experience and award winning guided tours for free providing a great opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland’s heritage to local and international visitors while celebrating the legacy of John Clarke.”
This year also sees the first appearance of the Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market, with a popular collection of award-winning local artisan food and drink, and hand-made colourful art and crafts.
The Food NI Roadshow is back with its festival cookery theatre, compered by NI Food Ambassador and newly-honoured local chef Paula McIntyre MBE, and featuring a selection of talented homegrown chefs and producers.
Q Radio Bus and the PSNI tractor are making their debuts in the event’s exhibitor area, with a new ‘Kidzone’ featuring bouncy castles, potato-inspired activity workshops, ‘The Mighty Spud’, balloon-modelling, face-painting and a petting farm.
And for potato enthusiasts there will be a series of specialist talks on a range of topics including John Clarke and breeding your own potato varieties, as well as an exhibition of all John’s varieties.
Cutting Edge Helicopters will be back in the air again offering spectacular helicopter sightseeing flights (fee applies), and on the eve of Festival Day (Friday 12th October) a ‘Super Spud Tour’ will be held along the beautiful Causeway Coastal Route, celebrating the area’s unique potato breeding and growing heritage.
This ticketed tour, offered by Causeway Coast Foodie Tours, will include a potato producer tour, themed lunch and an opportunity to enjoy a delicious cocktail featuring Ireland’s first potato-distilled vodka.
Randox Founder and Managing Director, Dr. Peter FitzGerald, said;
“This sponsorship means a great deal to Randox and we are delighted to work, for the first time, alongside the dedicated and enthusiastic committee behind this fantastic event. The local community has played a significant role in the successes of Randox over the past number of years and we believe it is important to give the same support and encouragement back wherever we can.
“The Randox Northern Ireland Potato Festival is well-known in the area and attracts an impressive number of visitors, from both near and far. Like the Randox Northern Ireland Potato Festival, we at Randox are dedicated to supporting local quality produce, evidenced in our production of meats, jams, chutneys and apple juice straight from Dundarave Estate in Bushmills and CherryValley Estate in Antrim. The food and hospitality industry in Northern Ireland is among the best in the world and we are pleased to help showcase award-winning local producers on a national platform.”
As well as Randox as the main sponsor, the festival has benefited from financial help from The National Trust, Glens of Antrim Potatoes, Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, NI Regional Food Programme (DAERA), Jamison Potatoes, McCurdy Potatoes, Wilsons Country, Manor Fresh, Active Packaging and Food NI.
The Randox Northern Ireland Potato Festival is a free event held in the region known and respected for the strength of the agricultural industry, award-winning food and drink and stunning scenery. Festival day coincides with the National Trust free open day at The Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre (Saturday only).
There will be a free park-and-ride service operating from Bushmills car park and from Dunluce School.
For more information about the Randox Northern Ireland Potato Festival, please contact the Randox PR team by emailing randoxpr@randox.com
Showcasing the best in business!
Randox Laboratories was delighted to sponsor this year’s 2017 Causeway Coast and Glens Business Awards, which was held at the Diamond in Ulster University, Coleraine.
The prestigious ceremony, organised by the Causeway Chamber, recognised and honoured the best of the Borough’s businesses on a local and national level.
350 guests attended the event including Mayor Cllr Joan Baird OBE, Provost Dr Karise Hutchinson, Chief Executive David Jackson, local businesses, award sponsors and 59 finalists who eagerly waited to see if their name would be called out.
Dr Peter FitzGerald CBE FREng DL, Managing Director, Randox commented:
“When you have an opportunity to bring together the best local businesses, not only does it demonstrate the strength of the region but it also enables businesses to help each other and get even better. As this year’s sponsor, we were very impressed with the nominees of each category and choosing the winners was no mean feat. As a company which has benefitted enormously from competitions and awards, we look forward to following their journeys and wish them all the best in the future.”
Anthony Newman, President of Causeway Chamber said:
“The chamber is recognised for helping businesses grow by providing networking opportunities; gaining access to government and key decision makers; creating a range of support initiatives and contributing to local economic activity. We work in partnership with local, national and international organisations and stakeholders. We have formed ties with Ulster University and Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, this is evidenced by our collaboration to create a shared vision for this beautiful area.”
The event was hosted by local businesswoman and former TV presenter Sarah Travers who commented on the wide range of companies in the competition:
“The Causeway Coast and Glens Borough is unique in its ability to offer a variety of locations for business development. The Chamber has truly embraced the diversity of the local business talents and rewarded each sector individually.”
Annette Deighan, Chamber Operations Manager added that the awards enable the area to showcase its many talents on a national stage:
“Causeway Coast and Glens Business Awards would not have been possible without our businesses and continued support of all our sponsors. It is an honour to host these awards, to recognise the achievements and success in our Borough. It shows as a Borough we are continuing to excel and compete at a regional and national level.”
This year there was 18 awards comprising of many categories sponsored by individual companies. The judges were overwhelmed with the level of entries received which is a testament to the success of these bi-annual awards and the achievements of all sectors in the Borough. It highlighted that the Causeway Borough is continuing to grow, compete and provide services at a local and global level. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists on the evening.
Green Business Award sponsored by firmus energy
ATG Group
Best Young person in Business Award sponsored by Northern Regional College
Gareth Boyd, 2020 Architects
Training & Development Award sponsored by Ulster University
Dixons Contractors
Health & Wellbeing Award sponsored by Public Health Agency
Focus on Family
Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility sponsored by Riada Resourcing
Roadside Garages Ltd
Innovation Award sponsored by Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council
ATG Group
Best Start up Business Award sponsored by Causeway Enterprise Agency
Adams McGillan
Small Business of the Year sponsored by Bank of Ireland
I Care Opticians
Social Enterprise of the Year sponsored by McDonald’s
Ashes to Gold
The Creative Industries Award sponsored by Ulster Bank
2020 Architects
Good Food Award sponsored by Electric Ireland
Anglers Rest
Best Tourism Attraction/Service Provider of the Year sponsored by Tourism Ireland
The Crannagh Activity Centre
Business Growth Award sponsored by Danske Bank
Christies Direct
Best New Product/Service of the Year sponsored by Armstrong Medical Ltd
Euro Autospares Ltd
Accommodation Provider of the Year sponsored by First Trust Bank
The Lodge Hotel
AgriBusiness of the Year sponsored by ATG Group
Ballyeamon Eggs Ltd
Retailer of the Year sponsored by Autoline Insurance Group
JKC Specialist Cars
Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council
Winifred Mellet, The Winsome Lady, Ballymoney
For further information about the Randox sponsorship of Causeway Coast & Glens Business Awards, please contact Randox PR by phoning 028 9445 1016 or emailing RandoxPR@randox.com
