Brian Elwood and David Capper from Elwood and Capper present the Award for Best Community Impact to Giles Conlon from The Iveagh Movie Studios. INBL1214-BUSAWARDS33

“It was like our own mini version of the Oscars” said Giles Conlon, centre manager, speaking of how the team ‘loved the whole idea’ of picking up the award.

“An award is a great benefit for the reputation of any business, but for us it was a lot of fun too.”

Although Iveagh Movie Studios have won other Banbridge and District Business awards in the past, this was Giles first time attending the event.

“We were announced as winners for the first award of the night. It all seemed so sudden and we were really shocked, but it made for a great night for us.”

The Iveagh stood out for ‘Best Community Impact’ award for a number of reasons. Giles said: “We try so much more than the average cinema to make an impact in the community. We work with lots of local groups, schools and charities and as an independent cinema we have so much more free reign to do these things.”

With fun and entertainment at the core of all that is organised at the cinema, Giles said: “we have organised a number of events such as a black tie night for Bond movies and fashion shows which have tied in with Sex in the City showings. Many of these events are charity fundraisers”. Demonstrating its commitment to patrons, the four screen cinema and live theatre venue strives to deliver world class customer service, by ensuring the majority of its 25 plus staff have received WorldHost customer service training.

The Iveagh is currently celebrating its 10th birthday this month, but with many independent cinemas struggling to survive in the current market, Giles is grateful to the loyal customers who support them.

“Many of our customers know us personally and came out of their way to congratulate us. We got all sorts of great messages, saying ‘well done’ and ‘who needs an Omniplex.’”

Giles believes it is the family focus, fun events and commitment to the community that help set them apart.