Ballyclare Business Awards: Shop's two wins make event a real pleasure

There was a great atmosphere in the Town Hall last Thursday evening as Ballyclare’s best business nominees enjoyed dinner and networking before the awards ceremony.

Pots of Pleasure, a family-run coffee shop and gift shop based in The Square, was the big winner on the night, scooping the Best Food & Drink and Service With a Smile awards. It was also runner up in the Best Kept Shopfront category.

The award winners, which were decided by an online vote, were as follows:

• Best New Business

Winner: The Secret Place

Runner up: Amanda Jane Hair & Nails

• Best Kept Shopfront

Winner: The Cedar Tree

Runner up: Pots of Pleasure

• Service with a Smile

Winner: Pots of Pleasure

Runner up: TDR Academy

• Best Food & Drink

Winner: Pots of Pleasure

Runner up: Little Treats NI

• Tradesperson of the Year

Winner: Lorraine McConnell (Joli)

Runner up: Bert McCormick

• Salon of The Year

Winner: Karma Hair Design

Runner up: Arlene’s Hair & Beauty

• Retailer of the Year

Winner: Joli

Runner up: Naomi Bridal

A council spokesperson congratulated all the businesses on being nominated and shortlisted for this year’s awards, and thanked everyone who went online and voted for their favourites in each of the categories.

“It was fantastic to see so many local business owners at the Ballyclare Business Awards last week. We have a high standard of shopping available for residents and visitors in Ballyclare and the new Ballyclare Loyalty Card scheme will help to ensure this continues,” said Mayor Thomas Hogg.

Speaking at the event, Cllr Hogg said all those shortlisted for awards deserved a pat on the back.

“This is the first time the council and Ballyclare Chamber of Trade have worked together through the Ballyclare Town Team to hold the Business Awards event,” he said. “It is an occasion to celebrate those small businesses in Ballyclare who put their hearts into making Ballyclare a better place.

“The aim of the awards was to give the general public and opportunity to recognise those local businesses which excel in their fields. It has also created a sense of competition and pride among the businesses and community.”

He continued: “I am delighted that the event has been so well supported, and by such a wide and varied selection of businesses of every size and nature.

“I would like to commend all of those businesses who were nominated in the awards and in particular those who were shortlisted.

“Finally, it only remains for me to remind everyone that tonight is not only for celebrating business success but also to relax, enjoy the evening, get to know your fellow businesses and give yourselves a well-deserved pat on the back for all your hard work.”