The Wicklow and District Chamber Awards is an opportunity for local businesses to get together, honour each other’s achievements, reflect on past successes, and plan for the future.

And enjoy a glass of wine or two at the annual gala dinner, of course.

The awards were well-attended as usual and offered a glimpse at the diverse talents and ideas to be found in Wicklow.

President Robin Bradley, in his speech, referred to the progress the Chamber and the Town Team had achieved in the past year including:

Funding for a new town website

Funding for a feasibility study for a Greenway between Wicklow and Greystones

Public Realm funding to backlight major town sites

Updated progress re on the Park and Ride facility in Wicklow town to alleviate traffic congestion on the N11.

The securing of a bus route between Wicklow Town and Glendalough to attract extra visitors to the town.

Completion of a significant survey to present a detailed report to the Wicklow County Council outlining recommendations for the regeneration of Wicklow Town

Agreement of proposals and secured funding to develop Wicklow Port as a business and social amenity

Agreement with the Wicklow County Council that a Rates Incentive Scheme for new business occupiers would be introduced.

Proposals for long term town lighting are being progressed

A blue print for the image of the town is under review.
The Taste of Wicklow Event expanded to a 3 day event this year and was a huge success. This is now the largest food event in Leinster after the Taste of Dublin.
Creation of a Networking group that meets on the first Wednesday morning of each month – all business people in the town can attend. Contact Chamber office for details.

With the year-in-review finished, we then moved on to the awards ceremony, with the winners as follows:

Best Retail Award – Kelly’s Fruit & Veg

Best Eating/Pub/Hospitality Establishment Award– Vital Health Cafe

Best New Business Award – Crazy Glazing

Best Small and Medium Enterprise – Laztech IT

Special Recognition Award: John & Colm Smith, Smiths of Wicklow

Honouring Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Josh McKenna, In Good Company/Workspace

Honouring Excellence in the Community: Wicklow Welcome Committee

€1490 was donated to Wicklow RNLI from the collection held on the night. RNLI is the Chamber’s Charity of Choice for 2019. Chamber President thanked all the businesses that helped to raise the money for this fantastic cause and thanks to the businesses that provided the spot prizes for the evening: Heels & Wardrobe, Connolly Menswear, TJ Gelletlie, Wicklow Wine Company, Butler’s Pharmacy and Byrne’s Gift & Furniture.

Also thanked on the night were sponsors AIB Bank, Allshades Blinds & Furnishings, Bank of Ireland, Burke Oil, Herbst Software, Wicklow Hire & Sales, Wicklow County Council and Wicklow Enterprise Park, Gg8 Events and Wicklow Christmas Market.

And with that, the Business Awards 2019 came to a close with everyone looking forward to what’s in store for 2020.