Two Galway based companies, Collins McNicholas Ltd and Stewart, will compete to be a Best Managed Company at the annual Deloitte awards ceremony in March 2014. A symbol of organisational success and achievement, the awards are in their sixth year, and some of Ireland’s most dynamic and innovative companies now hold the prestigious Best Managed designation.
The 2014 shortlist shows that companies across Ireland are performing at the highest standards. Companies from all provinces are competing for the award, with Antrim, Cork, Clare, Derry, Down, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Laois, Louth, Monaghan, Waterford and Tyrone all represented on this year’s shortlist. The companies represent a variety of industries including manufacturing, technology and media, financial services, energy and resources, consumer business, life sciences and healthcare, and hospitality amongst others.
Shortlisted companies will now face an in-depth review by the judging panel of every aspect of their operations, and each must demonstrate how their organisation is meeting its strategic objectives and adding value to the business. Companies will work closely with coaches from Deloitte and Barclays during this process and will receive invaluable customised feedback.
Kevin Sheehan, Partner, Deloitte said: “First of all, congratulations to all who have been shortlisted, this in itself is a significant achievement. I encourage all the companies to get the most that they can out of the process as it provides an invaluable opportunity for companies to take stock and determine that their strategy is appropriate and indeed achievable. From our perspective, it’s a pleasure to engage with these talented businesses, the lifeblood of Irish industry, and to learn what makes them tick, and indeed succeed.”
The judging panel will this year be chaired by Frank Ryan, former CEO, Enterprise Ireland, and will be looking at a broad range of criteria when deciding this year’s best managed companies - including strategy, capability, commitment, financials and growth potential across all key functions of the business. In addition, this year the judges will be paying close attention to the innovative strategies that companies are employing to drive growth and profitability, be it implementing efficiencies, expanding into new markets, or capturing a greater share of existing markets.
Helen Kelly, Head of Large Corporates – Ireland, Barclays commented: “While the marketplace for many of the applicant companies remains turbulent and challenging, they really exemplify the ambition that is helping to foster an increasingly positive outlook for industry in Ireland. We are looking forward to hearing how these companies are driving market share and laying the foundations for sustainable growth in their businesses. I wish all the shortlisted companies luck.”
This is the sixth year of the Deloitte Best Managed Companies Awards which are open to companies from all 32 counties on the island of Ireland. It is the only awards programme that considers a business’ performance from every perspective, not just financial. The winners of this year’s awards will be announced in March 2014.
