JCI Mayo recently held their annual Friendly Business Awards, recognising businesses that go the extra mile and provide an outstanding service to their customers and their community at large.
A massive 70 nominations were submitted with businesses from various industries all around the county of Mayo. After secret-shopping the nominees and a long judging panel discussion, the winners were announced at the awards night in The Bay Leaf Restaurant. These local winners will now go on to the National finals and you can support them by voting for them until September 16 on the JCI Ireland website - www.jciireland.ie/page-fba-public-vote html
The nominations were judged in seven categories that have the customer at the center of the business and awards were as follows:
Age Friendliness - A brand new category for this year’s Friendly Business Awards that considers if the business make services easily accessible to their targeted ages brackets and consider people of all ages. Multisport Westport came in as the runner up while Goodfellas Barber Shop in Swinford won this award.
Community Impact focusses on businesses that get involved or give something back to the local community through sponsorship, support or organisation of events. McGraths Waste came in as this year’s runner-up with Republic of Fitness crowned the winners.
The Disability Access category looked at businesses that focus on inclusion, making themselves accessible for the abilities of all customers. The Salon, Westport, was runner up as they cater for people with autism with special opening hours and ensure to make it as pleasant an experience as possible, with The Quays Bar Westport winning for their overall access within the bar for everyone.
Digital Experience was assessed on how well the business uses digital avenues to help its customers. There was an impressive standard on offer across the board and it was clear to see the increase in digital platforms across local businesses. Jiving Juniors was announced as the runner up and Bella Beauty scooped up the main award.
Looking after our environment is finally becoming a real priority so the Eco-Friendliness award was judged on how well the businesses serve the environment. There was an increase of nominations for this category. Leafy Greens Cafe were acknowledged as runners up and PAX Wholefoods the winners.
Layout and Design examined how clean, attractive and well-presented every business was. Corrib Oil came in as the runner-up with Westport Country Chalets winning this category for their impressive style and attention to detail.
Customer Care is always the busiest category, and always comes with impressive nominations of caring and understanding around the county. Looking at how helpful and courteous all the businesses were when serving their customers, it was hard to narrow it down to just two in this area. Euro stretcher Westport received the runner-up award and The Movement Castlebar came out as the winners.
The Overall Winner went to Treacy’s Pharmacy in Westport and Castlebar for their outstanding service to all who walk in their door. To many, it is a cornerstone of the community. The staff know and care about every customer, and are known for remembering your stories on return visits. This is more than a business, it’s a community.
