Finalists for 2018 NW Business Awards revealed

by Gráinne Connolly

With the 2018 North West Business Awards fast approaching, organisers Londonderry Chamber of Commerce and City Centre Initiative have revealed the category finalists ahead of the gala awards ceremony on 1st June at the City Hotel. 

Sinead McLaughlin, Londonderry Chamber of Commerce said the entries were of a very high standard this year:

“Our judges have had a tough time shortlisting entries for this year’s awards as the standard was very high.

"None the less we have our finalists and we are confident that those selected are deserving of their place in the finals.

"These businesses and entrepreneurs will represent the best in business, in different sectors, throughout the North West.”
 

Thanking the judges and entrants, Jim Roddy, City Centre Initiative added:

“This will be our 13th year celebrating the North West’s best in business and I’d like to thank everyone who entered for our awards and our independent judges for helping us select the winners.

"For those who were unsuccessful this year, we’d like to thank them for their entry and assure them that their efforts and impact on the economy on the North West is greatly appreciated but unfortunately we have only space for three nominees in each category and while they may not have made the shortlist this year, do not deter from entering next year.”
 

The North West Business Awards are well established and a highlight in the city and regions business event calendar.

One of the previous winners of a North West Business Award and the current President of Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, Jennifer McKeever of Airporter said the awards provide a unique opportunity for local businesses to promote themselves and be recognised for their work.

“As a winner of the Excellence In Innovation Award and Business of the Year Award in 2016 I can vouch for the benefits to winners of these awards.

"It’s great to be acknowledged and promote the accolade to customers as it instils a sense of confidence in your business. The evening itself is fantastic and it’s a great opportunity to meet with like-minded and influential people, while having fun.” 

The 2018 NW Business Award finalists 

NW Pub of the Year

·Argyle Bar

·McGrory’s Hotel

·Peader O’Donnell’s
 

Restaurant of the Year

·Nonna’s Wood Fired Pizzas

·Primrose Strand Road

·Walled City Brewery
 

Guest Accommodation Provider of the Year

·Bridge B&B

·Hastings Everglades Hotel

·The River House

 
Retailer of the Year

·Houstons Footwear Ltd

·JKC Specialist Cars

·Vogue Car Sales

Outstanding Contribution to Arts & Culture Award

·In Your Space Circus

·Institute of Study Abroad Ireland

·Millennium Forum
 

Craft Industry of the Year

·Banba

·Elsie Tweed

·Get Baked

Best Tourism Event or Initiative

·Derry City & Strabane District Council – Slow Food Festival

·Friends of Derry City Cemetery

·Museum of Free Derry
 

Best Use of Digital and/or Social Media

·Saint Mary’s College

·The Derry Barber Company Ltd

·The Style Edit

Hair & Beauty Business of the Year

·Bareknuckle Barbershop

·Cabelos

·Mane & Waves Luxury Hair Extensions

Excellence in Innovation

·Foods Connected

·LacPatrick Dairies (NI) Ltd

·Scattr

Creative Industries Business of The Year

·Blockception

·Gradon Architecture

·The Style Edit

 
Growth Through Export Award

·Foods Connected

·LacPatrick Dairies (NI) Ltd

·Nora & Katie

Professional Services of the Year Award

·ACS Controls

·MPA Recruitment

·Waterhouse Financial Planning

Tickets for the event are now available. Further information on the North West Business Awards, which will be held on Friday 1st June at the City Hotel, can be found at the Facebook and Twitter pages @NWBizAwards2018 or via the websites www.londonderrychamber.co.uk or www.cciderry.com.