Galway Chamber’s first ever virtual Business Awards was hosted on Friday last and was attended by hundreds of businesses; to celebrate the achievements, innovation and resilience of the Galway business community, in what was a year of extreme uncertainty.
The winner of the Galway Chamber Overall Business of the Year Award 2020 in association with Shannon Group plc was presented to?Galway Racecourse, who were also Category Winners in the Marketing Excellence category.
Established in 1869, Galway Racecourse is a market leader in its field in Ireland and a strong player in the international market, recognised as a strong brand that is synonymous with the City of Galway and the wider region.
Galway Racecourse chose 2020 as an opportunity to grow their brand. They looked at new fresh ways to celebrate all that is great about the Galway Races with their audience at home. They refreshed their Marketing Strategy, accelerated their digital programme, extended coverage with all media partners, expanded and connected deeper with their audience at home.
The Awards celebrates all that is good about Galway’s business community, with the theme for this year being ‘Celebrating Resilience and Innovation’ or ‘Ag ceiliúradh acmhainneachta & nuálaíochta.
In a wide-ranging address to the attendees, Galway Chamber President JP Gilmartin said, “This year, the theme for our Awards reflects the unprecedented impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on Galway’s Business Community. It is more important than ever, to recognise the achievements of local businesses after a challenging year for all sectors. As the saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention. We have witnessed first-hand, how businesses have pivoted and transformed this year.”
Mr. Gilmartin continued, “We have seen from the high calibre of entries how businesses have embraced the difficulties thrown at them by the pandemic and adapted quickly to ensure business continuity and future relevance. This resilience and innovation merits our recognition this afternoon.”
Mary Considine, CEO of Shannon Group plc commented, “Shannon Group were delighted to join the Galway Chamber as main sponsor for the Business Awards once again this year. The awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge the innovation, talent and entrepreneurial spirit which is thriving in the Galway region.”
AWARD WINNERS
The President’s Award Sponsored by PwC
John Power, Managing Director & CEO of Aerogen, received this year’s prestigious President’s Award. The President’s Award, sponsored by PwC, is given to an individual who has made a contribution to the business life of Galway that is outstanding in every way.
Mairead Connolly, Tax Partner with PwC said “We are honoured to sponsor the President’s Award and are delighted that the Chamber recognised John Power’s achievements. Honouring John’s contribution is timely toom as Aerogen have played a key role in Covid-19 therapies with hospitals around the world, using their technology to deliver aerosolised medication to critically ill ventilated Covid-19 patients.”
John founded Aerogen (formerly Cerus ) in Galway in 1997 and the company is today recognised as the global leader in aerosol drug delivery in the Acute Care setting where its transformational products have fundamentally improved the standard of care. More than 10 million patients globally have been treated with Aerogen’s drug delivery technology. JP Gilmartin, President of Galway Chamber said the success of Aerogen as a world leader in acute care aerosol drug delivery is grounded in the commitment, leadership and strategic vision of John and his team to deliver better patient outcomes.
“John is a truly authentic and inspirational business owner who energises and inspires everyone he comes in contact with and his contribution to medical technology innovation and to the economic development of this city and region is to be applauded.”
The Category Winners of the Galway Chamber Business Awards 2020, in association with Shannon Group plc, were:
Dr. Chris Coughlan Award for Best Emerging Enterprise Sponsored by WestBIC and Galway Technology Centre Winner: Aurigen Medical
Best Business Innovation Sponsored by EY Winner:?Ex Ordo
Best SME? Sponsored by AIB Winner:?Helplink Mental Health
Best Customer Service Sponsored by Bank of Ireland Winner: Renvyle House Hotel & Resort
Marketing Excellence Sponsored by Galway City Council Winner: Galway Racecourse
Sustainability Award Sponsored by Shannon Airport Winner: National University of Ireland, Galway
