Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards 2012
Managing Director Margaret Valette O’Connor represented Quigleys Cafe, Bakery and Deli at the Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards for the Munster Area. The famous chain nabbed the coveted “Best Established SME Award” at the event and will represent Nenagh at the National Finals in May where they will also compete for the overall Ulster Bank Business Achiever Award.
The Awards, now in their 19th year, shine the spotlight on exceptional businesses all over Ireland. There are 8 categories namely, Woman Led Business, Best Business Start-up, Innovation and Emerging Technology Award, Best SME, Food and Drink, Social Enterprise, International Business and Agri-Business. Industry experts and seasoned local entrepreneurs comprise the judging panel to select the shortlist who will then move on to compete against winners from Leinster, Connacht and Ulster for the national title and individual category title.
Since taking over the humble town bakery, Margaret and her former husband expanded the century-old family business nationwide. The brand has grown from 1 to 17 branches and employs 150 staff. They have also built a 25,000 square foot production facility in Nenagh, ensuring that each product has the same great quality whether you order from their Dublin, Athlone, Cork or Limerick branch.
From Nenagh.ie, “The “Best Established SME Award” category is for all SME’s over three years old who have beaten the recession and over the last number of years put in place foundations for growth. It is inclusive of family run businesses that have shown a capacity to build resilient, growth-oriented structures. Quigley’s were judged in a number of areas including Business Milestones & Achievements, Strategy, Financial Performance, Development of Innovative Products & Services, Importance of the Business to the Local Area and the Leadership and Innovation of the Entrepreneur.
At the award ceremony Margaret O’Connor, Managing Director of Quigley’s Bakery spoke of the dedicated teamwork of her staff, ‘Our success today is testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone at Quigley’s.’ She said she was delighted to accept the award on behalf of Quigley’s who are now looking forward to the national finals in May.”
The other winners were Tina Darrer of Dooley’s Hotel for the “Woman led Business Award”; Gillian Den of Den Agri and Manufacturing Ltd. for the “Agri-Business Award”; John Ogie Sheehy of ViClarity for the “Innovation and Emerging Technology Award”; James Vizor of Hailstorm Commerce for the “Best Business Start-up Award”; Fergus Kelly of Capstone for the “International Business Award”; Ann Norton of Clare Crusaders Children’s Charity for the “Social Enterprise Award”; and Diarmuid O’ Sullivan of Irish Yogurts for the “Food and Drink Award”.