Ireland is famous all over the world for its one hundred thousand welcomes (céad míle fáilte ). Galway had been named in 2015 as the world’s friendliest by US magazine Travel + Leisure. The official launch of the search for friendly businesses took place at the Startup Lab in Galway on July 13. This is the first year that the Friendly Business Awards expanded to Galway city and county.
If you know any businesses in Galway city or county that make you smile every time you use their service because of its customer care, disability awareness, digital online experience, eco-friendliness, retail design or community impact, do not keep it a secret, nominate it before August 18 for the JCI Galway Friendly Business Awards Competition. These categories are the foundations of a business that has the customer at their core.
The winners will come from five regions in Galway this year with category winners receiving an award, an overall winner will receive a unique trophy, and top scoring businesses will be selected for National Awards Public Vote in September with the winner announced in October.
Dominick Whelan, president of JCI Galway, said: “This is our 10th year of hosting these awards and the team at JCI Galway are extremely excited to expand to include the county's best businesses. With the assistance of Bank of Ireland Galway, it’s high time that rural business is recognised for being a part of their communities and support them to reach their full potential. Our aim is to support our community and enterprise from the ground up. I’m looking forward to our visits across Galway city and county.”
The future of enterprise is to support local and boutique businesses to ensure they have a future to engage customers and ensure to grow instore and online. The JCI Galway Friendly Business Awards seek to recognise the important role played by small businesses in the continuous development and improvement of our economy and local communities. The competition aims to award businesses that go the extra mile and provide an outstanding service to their customers and their community at large.
Tatiana Kelly, JCI Galway project manager for the Friendly Business Awards 2017, said: “I strongly support a decision to expand beyond the boundaries of Galway in a search for friendly business. This decision will bring awards to a much higher standard and will ensure accessibility and inclusion for rural small businesses.”
Bank of Ireland is the national sponsor of Friendly Business Awards and supports the importance of encouraging local businesses in the community. Along with its keen interest in providing the services and support that will enable the further success of those businesses to connect and work, Bank of Ireland aims to encourage innovation in the community through Workbench and Startlab in Galway.
The closing date for nominations is August 18. More information about the project can be found at jcigalway.org Nominations can be submitted via www.jciireland.ie Nominations will also be accepted at Bank of Ireland branches across Galway city and county.
