2024 Athlone Business Awards
About the Awards
The 2024 Athlone Business Awards, hosted by Athlone Chamber of Commerce and supported by key sponsors, recognised the outstanding achievements of locally and regionally based companies. Held on 9th November at the Athlone Springs Hotel, the event celebrated success across all sectors and business sizes, from emerging startups and SMEs to large indigenous and multinational organisations.
The awards were open to all businesses, with Chamber membership not required to apply. Companies were evaluated on critical factors such as innovation, growth strategies, and financial stability. Additionally, the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award honoured exceptional contributions to areas such as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and environmental sustainability.
For more information about the event and its impact, contact us at info@athlonechamber.ie.
This elegant black-tie event showcased the best of Athlone’s vibrant business community, highlighting innovation, excellence, and achievement across the region.
The Athlone Business Awards 2024 – Celebrating Excellence in Our Community
The Athlone Business Awards 2024 was a memorable evening, celebrating the outstanding achievements of individuals, businesses, and community groups that make Athlone a vibrant place to live and work. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and nominees, whose dedication and excellence inspire us all.
Award Winners 2024
Bank of Ireland Sponsored Community Group of the Year – Ballinahown Community Group
RBK Sponsored Business Person of the Year – Hannah Kelly
Bus Éireann Sponsored Best Online Presence & Social Media – Destination Athlone
Westmeath Independent Sponsored Professional/Service Provider – Zinkworks
Midlands 103 Sponsored Start-Up/Emerging New Business – Ossark
Grovelands Childcare Sponsored Customer Service of the Year (Medium) – Athlone & Castlerea Credit Union Ltd
Baysports Sponsored Customer Service of the Year (Small) – King of Decor
Tormeys Solicitors Sponsored Excellence in Sustainability – Bus Éireann
Athlone Springs Hotel Sponsored Best Tourism Experience – Glasson Lakehouse
Athlone Extrusions Ltd Sponsored Retailer of the Year – Carraig Donn
Colm Quinn BMW Sponsored Best Large Business – Ericsson
Hodson Bay Group Sponsored Best in Hospitality – Wineport Lodge
PTSB Sponsored Family Business of the Year – Seerys Cash & Carry
TUS Sponsored Diversity, Equality & Inclusion – Waldron Meats
Westmeath Local Enterprise Office Sponsored SME of the Year – TAPiTAG
KO Financial Sponsored Employer of the Year – Tormeys Solicitors LLP Athlone
DPD Sponsored Sustainable Impact by an SME – Waldron Meats
Midland Print Sponsored Community Programme of the Year – Industry Placement, Dept. of Business & Management, Technological University of the Shannon
AIB Sponsored Best Hair & Beauty – Radiant by Hannah Kelly
Oliver Carty and Family Sponsored Best Health & Fitness – Athlone Regional Sports Centre
Thank You to Our Sponsors and Partners
We are incredibly grateful to all our sponsors for making this event possible. A special thanks to Westmeath County Council, whose partnership was crucial to the event’s success.
A warm thank you also goes to Richmond Marketing and Dalcassian for generously sponsoring the drinks reception, creating a wonderful atmosphere for networking and celebration.
Benefits of Applying for the 2025 Athlone Business Awards
Participating in the 2025 Athlone Business Awards offers an array of benefits for local and regional businesses. Throughout the competition, shortlisted companies will gain extensive promotion through radio, newspapers, and digital media, providing invaluable exposure to those looking to grow their brand and enterprise.
This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to acknowledge the hard work of their employees and partners, celebrate milestones, and achieve well-deserved public recognition. Finalists and winners will enjoy significant visibility across social and traditional media, as well as at the prestigious Annual Gala Awards Night, attended by approximately 400 business leaders, including the region’s top business and political figures.
The Athlone Chamber of Commerce encourages all businesses to take advantage of this platform to reflect on their achievements over the past year and submit an application. You can also nominate other businesses that you believe stand out and have that undeniable “wow factor.”
Make 2025 the year you celebrate your success with the recognition it deserves!
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we plan for next year’s event, we invite you to consider sponsorship opportunities that will allow us to continue celebrating Athlone’s vibrant business community. For more information, please email us at ceo@athlonechamber.ie.
Together, let us build on this year’s success and keep spotlighting the incredible talent, innovation, and dedication within Athlone.
Award Categories 2024
Business of the Year
SME of the Year
The SME of the Year Award at the 2024 Athlone Business Awards is designed for small and medium-sized enterprises with up to 50 employees. This award recognises businesses that have demonstrated remarkable success in business growth and a strong commitment to research and development within their industry.
To qualify, nominees must illustrate their vision for sustainable growth and the positive impact they have made on the wider community. This award celebrates SMEs that excel in innovation, operational excellence, and contribute significantly to both their sector and local area.
Best Online Presence & Social Media
The Best Online Presence and Social Media Award at the 2024 Athlone Business Awards recognises businesses that excel in creating an exceptional online presence and leveraging social media to engage and connect with their audience. This award is open to all businesses that effectively utilise digital platforms to enhance their brand visibility and interaction.
To be considered, businesses must demonstrate innovative digital strategies, a strong and engaging social media presence, and an ability to deliver consistent and impactful online content. Nominees should also show how their online efforts contribute to customer engagement, brand growth, and overall digital success.
Best Health & Fitness
To be eligible, businesses must showcase their commitment to delivering innovative health and fitness solutions, maintaining high-quality service, and positively impacting their community. Nominees should also demonstrate effective engagement in promoting healthy lifestyles and delivering exceptional customer experiences.
Best Hair & Beauty Provider
The Best Hair & Beauty Provider Award at the 2024 Athlone Business Awards celebrates excellence in the hair and beauty industry. This award is open to all hair salons, beauty parlours, and wellness centres that deliver outstanding hair and beauty services.
To qualify, businesses must demonstrate exceptional service quality, innovation in treatments and techniques, and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. Nominees should also show dedication to creating a welcoming environment and engaging positively with their local community.
Sustainable Impact by a Small or Medium Business Award
Sustainable Impact by a Small or Medium Business Award Criteria for the 2024 Athlone Business Awards
The Sustainable Impact by a Small or Medium Business Award at the 2024 Athlone Business Awards recognises small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that have made significant strides in sustainability and environmental impact. This award is open to all SMEs that have implemented effective sustainable practices and demonstrated a commitment to reducing their environmental footprint.
To be eligible, businesses must showcase their innovative approaches to sustainability, successful environmental initiatives, and overall contribution to sustainable development. Nominees should highlight how their practices positively affect their community and align with broader sustainability goals.
Start Up/Emerging New Business
Community Group of the Year
The Community Group of the Year Award at the 2024 Athlone Business Awards celebrates groups that have dedicated time, resources, and effort to support their communities over the past year. This category is judged based on the positive impact these groups’ activities have had on their community.
Community Programme of the Year Award
The Community Programme of the Year Award at the 2024 Athlone Business Awards honours outstanding community programmes that have made a significant impact on their local area. This award celebrates initiatives that show a strong commitment to community development, effective programme implementation, and a positive social impact.
To be considered, programmes must demonstrate innovation in addressing community needs, successful collaboration with local stakeholders, and measurable outcomes that benefit the community. Nominees should highlight how their programme has fostered community engagement, enhanced social well-being, and contributed to positive change.
Best Retailer
The Best Retailer Award at the 2024 Athlone Business Awards honours businesses that excel in customer service, demonstrate innovation in merchandising, and offer a diverse product range and exceptional services. This award recognises retailers with a deep understanding of customer needs and an outstanding overall customer experience. Nominations will be evaluated based on the following criteria: Customer Care, Merchandising, and Shop Front & Online Presence.
Best Customer Service
The Best Customer Service Award at the 2024 Athlone Business Awards recognises a business that consistently goes above and beyond in serving its customers. The winner will demonstrate exceptional customer service with staff who are attentive, friendly, and prompt in their interactions. Professionalism will be a key attribute, ensuring a superior and memorable customer experience.
Family Business of the Year
The Family Business of the Year Award at the 2024 Athlone Business Awards celebrates the exceptional achievements of family-run businesses. This award is dedicated to recognising businesses that showcase remarkable resilience and adaptability, providing outstanding customer service, and making a notable contribution to the Athlone area.
Best Large Business of the Year
The Best Large Business Award at the 2024 Athlone Business Awards recognises an outstanding enterprise with 51 or more employees that exemplifies exceptional growth, innovation, and a significant community impact. This award honours large companies that set high standards for excellence in operations, leadership, and sustainability within their industry.
The award celebrates businesses that are committed to success, economic development, and contributing to the prosperity of their region. Nominees should demonstrate how their achievements and practices positively influence their industry and local community.
Best Tourism Experience
The Best Tourism Experience Award at the 2024 Athlone Business Awards is open to all tourism and hospitality businesses, including visitor attractions, activity or guided experiences, and hotels or banqueting venues.
To be considered, businesses must demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in all aspects of their operations. This includes adopting sustainable and environmentally sound practices, actively involving and supporting local communities, and offering a range of marketing activities that provide visitors with comprehensive information about the services offered.
Best in Hospitality
The Best in Hospitality Award at the 2024 Athlone Business Awards is open to all hospitality businesses that excel in creating an exceptional guest experience. This award recognises establishments that have successfully developed a welcoming and attractive environment that consistently exceeds guest expectations.
To qualify, businesses must demonstrate superior quality of product and service, showcasing their commitment to guest satisfaction. Evaluation criteria include the overall atmosphere, attention to detail, and the level of customer care provided.
Employer of the year
The Employer of the Year Award at the 2024 Athlone Business Awards celebrates businesses that demonstrate exceptional employee engagement, workplace culture, and human resource practices. This award is open to all companies that excel in creating a positive and supportive work environment for their staff.
To qualify, businesses must showcase outstanding employee benefits, effective career development opportunities, and a strong commitment to work-life balance. Nominees should also highlight their efforts in fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace, promoting staff well-being, and supporting professional growth.
Diversity, Equality & Inclusion
The Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Award celebrates an organisation that champions diversity in its workforce, promotes equality across all levels, and promotes an inclusive environment. This recognition honours a company’s commitment to embracing diverse perspectives, implementing inclusive policies, and creating a culture where everyone feels valued and respected.
Professional/Service Provider
The Professional Service Provider of the Year Award at the 2024 Athlone Business Awards recognises a provider of professional services that has demonstrated exceptional overall performance in the past year. This award highlights achievements in innovation, professional reliability, and efficiency.
Nominees will be evaluated based on their ability to deliver outstanding service, implement innovative solutions, and maintain high standards of professionalism and operational efficiency.
Business Person of the year
The Business Person of the Year Award at the 2024 Athlone Business Awards recognises an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and impact in the business world. Nominations will be considered for those who meet the following criteria:
- Developed and implemented strategic business plans that drive success.
- Executed plans to achieve significant growth and enhance profitability.
- Proactively exceeded customer expectations through exceptional service and innovation.
- Elevated their business profile, enhancing visibility and reputation in their industry.
This award celebrates individuals who excel in strategic planning, business growth, customer satisfaction, and personal brand development.
Excellence in Sustainability and Climate Action
The Excellence in Sustainability and Climate Action Award at the 2024 Athlone Business Awards invites applications from businesses in all sectors that demonstrate a strong commitment to implementing green and sustainable practices. These practices may include energy efficiency, green procurement, cleaner production, and pollution prevention. Applicants must also showcase how these initiatives benefit the local environment and community.
Previous Award Events
2023 Business Awards
2022 Business Awards
