About the Athlone Business Awards

Every year, Athlone Chamber of Commerce, supported by several large sponsors, actively seek out locally & regionally based companies that have demonstrated significant achievement and success over the past year. The Business awards are open to all businesses, across varying sectors and sizes, from the Emerging to SME’s to Large indigenous and multinational organisations. It is not necessary to be a Chamber Member to apply for the Awards.

Alongside the regular metrics of innovation, growth plans, financial stability etc., every year the President’s Award varies and recognises excellence either from individual leaders or companies in areas such as CSR, Green environment etc.

Why enter? During the competition process, there will be extensive promotion of shortlisted businesses through the medium of radio, newspaper and digital media. Local Companies eager to progress their business enterprise, recognise the efforts of both employees and partners and those wishing to celebrate their achievements to date should consider entering these awards.

Both finalists and winners receive significant exposure in both social & traditional media and at the Annual Gala Awards night, which is attended by approximately 400 business people, including the region’s leading business and political figures.

Therefore, the Chamber encourages all businesses to use this opportunity to reflect on their success over the past year and apply. There is also the opportunity to nominate companies that you believe have got the wow factor.

Award Categories for 2022

Business of the year
Nominees will have made a major contribution in the past year that reflects innovation, sustainable growth & has a positive impact on the town.
SME of the year
Nominees will be able to demonstrate success in business growth & will illustrate their commitment to research & development in the company’s industry. Consideration is also paid to their vision for sustainable growth & their impact on the wider community
Best Online Presence & Social Media
This award explores how a business utilises social media to increase its business. The recipient will have demonstrated a high level of competency in the use of social media channels growing their business & increasing customer awareness
Start Up/Emerging New Business.
Award aims to acknowledge new & emerging business & entrepreneurs that have the potential to grow successful companies which will
be innovative, create employment & maximise opportunities in their marketplace.
Community Group of the year
This award celebrates groups that have invested time, resources & effort to to support communities over the past year. This category will be judged on the positive impact the groups activities have had on their community.
Excellence in Sustainability & Climate Action.
Applications are welcome from business in all sectors that demonstrate meaningful commitment to implementing green & sustainable practices. these may include energy efficiency, green procurment, cleaner production & pollution prevention. Applicants will have to show how these practices benefit the local environment & community.
Best Retailer
This award recognises Business with an outstanding customer offering, individuality through innovation in merchandising, product range, services & a real understanding of customer needs. Nominations will be assessed on following criteria ; Customer Care, Merchandising & shop front & online presence
Best Customer Service
The winner of this award will be a business that goes above & beyond the call of duty to its customers. Staff will be attentive, friendly & prompt. They will be professional at all times.
Family Business of the Year
The resilience & adaptability of family run business during the recent pandemic will be recognised. Criteria will include customer service, adaptability to change & contribution to Athlone area.
Global Business Of The Year
Open to Business who export goods or services. Applicants should highlight its success & future potential. Other factors considered will include sustainability, innovation & operational excellence.
Best Tourism Exprience
Open to any tourism or hospitality business including visitor attractions, activity or guided experience, and Hotels or banqueting venues . Must show commitment to excellence across all areas of the business, sustainable & environmentally sound practices, involving & supporting local communities. Business must also provide a range of marketing activities which provide visitors with comprehensive information on the service provided.
Best in Hospitality
Award is open to any hospitality business that can demonstrate how they successfully created an attractive guest friendly environment which exceeds expectations. Criteria include quality of product & service.
Business Person of the year
Nominations for business person of the year will include nominees who have undertaken the following criteria:
1. Developed & implemented strategic business plans.
2. Implemented plans to achieve growth & improve profitability.
3. Actively taken steps to exceed customer expectations.
4. Raised their business profile.
Medtech/Pharma/Healthcare
This award will recognise a business in this industry which has undertaken significant projects in the past 12 months. The award will be judged on the following criteria:
1. What has the company done to boost operational performance?
2. What are examples of innovation within the company in the past year?
3. What impact has this company had on the wider Athlone area?
4. What commitment does this company have to the implementation of green sustainable practices?
Professional/Service provider
This award will recognise a provider of professional services that has demonstrated the most outstanding overall performance in 2022 in the areas of innovation, professional reliability & efficiency