Galway has had an exciting summer, and during events such as the Volvo Ocean Race, the Galway Arts Festival, and the Galway Races, thousands of tourists descended on the city. Now it is the turn of local businesses to show that Galway is the friendliest place in Ireland.
Junior Chamber International Galway, supported by the Galway Advertiser, is looking for the public’s nominations for Galway’s most customer-focused and friendly business. The winners of the local event will be put forward for the national finals of the Friendly Business Award. The overall winner will be presented with the award by An Toaiseach Enda Kenny at the JCI National Convention in Westport next October.
The awards recognise businesses that ‘go the extra mile’ and make their customers feel valued and welcome, without compromising on service or product. Entrants will be judged on the following criteria; customer care and friendliness; eco-friendliness; and shop layout, design and disability access, as well a new category, digital media. This category will reflect the importance of user-friendly websites and social media to customers.
To ensure fairness in the selection process. JCI Galway has enlisted the support of new Galway company Research It, which specialises in helping businesses gain a better understanding of customers’ needs through market research.
President of JCI Galway Anne-Marie Shanahan said the awards were a good way for customers to express their support for local businesses.
“The awards seek to celebrate the most innovative and dynamic businesses in our city today that exemplify best practice for other businesses in times of economic uncertainty,” she said. “During inclement times it is especially important to show support in this way for local businesses that are the lifeline of our communities.”
Sales manager at the Galway Advertiser, Máire McCarthy, said the newspaper was proud to be involved with the awards.
“It is so important for businesses to provide customers with a pleasant shopping experience. In doing so, the businesses themselves benefit through building customer loyalty and repeat business,” she said. “In the end, this results in the maintainance and creation of jobs in the local community, which benefits everyone. This is something that the Galway Advertiser is very aware of. We are delighted to be sponsors of awards that give recognition to businesses which excel in providing the best service to the public.”
Local winners will receive their awards at the Galway Chamber Business After Hours Event at the Harbour Hotel on September 27.
All businesses which deal with customers are free to enter. Perhaps it is your favourite cafe, bar or restaurant, which always provides a warm welcome? Or a beauticians, hairdressers, DIY store, or mechanic which put a smile on your face every time you deal with them. Entry is free and anyone can nominate a business, or their own business, by sending an email to Sean Rowland ([email protected] ) with the details of the company and why it deserves to be known as the friendliest in Galway. Nominations close on August 31 but people are encouraged to send in nominations as soon as possible. For more information see the JCI Galway Friendly Business Awards page on Facebook.
