North West Business Award winners are revealed

It was an evening celebrating youth, experience and innovation in the North West with lots of surprises and recognition for local businesses.

The awards were sponsored by Derry City and Strabane District Council and invited nominations from businesses and entrepreneurs operating within the council area.

The award organisers, City Centre Initiative (CCI) thanked everyone who nominated, supported and attended the event this year and said it was an evening of celebration, respect and appreciation for some of the most industrious businesses and entrepreneurs within the region.

Jim Roddy, Chief Executive of CCI said: “I think everyone tonight would agree that we have some of the finest examples of business in the North West here this evening, celebrating everyone from the young and not so young doing their best in enterprise. Our winners and nominees are very deserving of these awards.

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Derry City and Strabane District Council and all our sponsors for supporting local business and their achievements, without them we would not be able to host these awards.

“Selecting winners from the nominations we receive is always very difficult and our panel of judges worked rigorously through the nominations to select very worthy winners for these 2018/19 awards. Not only our winners, but those shortlisted should be very proud to represent the best of the North West this year. To those who didn’t make the shortlist this year, we would encourage you to keep applying, 2020 could be the year for you all!”

The big winner of the evening in the Business/Entrepreneur of the Year category was John Harkin of Alchemy Technology Services. The company is a resourcing operation, that works with Insurance Software Providers and System Integrators to deliver new talent and much needed certified expertise directly into the Insurance market.

Founder and CEO John Harkin launched Alchemy in September 2018, with a vision of creating long lasting, fulfilling careers for the people of the North West by equipping them with the skills and knowledge that are in demand in the marketplace.

Since the launch eight months ago, Alchemy has recruited and provided permanent roles for over 40 local people. By the end of 2019, Alchemy is expected to employ 80 full time, permanent employees.

Congratulating the winners, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Michaela Boyle, said: “I want to extend my congratulations to all who were shortlisted for the NW Business Awards and all who picked up accolades this evening. These businesses are playing a hugely important role in driving the local economy and adding to the diversity of exciting products and services available here in the North West. They are an inspiration to anyone setting out in the business world. This is an exciting time for Derry and Strabane as we look forward to progressing our City Deal, our Strategic Growth Plan, and all the opportunities they will bring for both local business and those who choose to invest in our skilled and talented people.”

Other award winners included; Allstate, who scooped up Large Business of the Year and MPA recruitment who took the Small Business of the Year award.

The 2019 NW Business Award Winners…

Youth 19 Champions Award

Gerard McElwee, Ben Sayers and Adam Beales

Young Business Person of the Year

Gerard McElwee – McElwee Custom Motorcycles

Creative Industries Business of the Year

Fashion and Textile Design Centre

NW Pub of the Year

Guildhall Taphouse

Restaurant of the Year

Soda and Starch

Hotel of the Year

Shipquay Boutique Hotel

Retailer of the Year

Sproules Jewellers

Business Hero of the Year

Sean Dillon

NW Award for Environmental Excellence in Business

Seagate

Contribution to NW Economy

North West Regional College (NWRC)

NW Excellence in Innovation

Joule Group

NW Excellence in Leadership

Garvan O’Doherty

Best use of Marketing, Digital and/or Social Media

North West Regional College (NWRC)

Visit Derry Conference of the Year

Jude Anderson – British Dental Association Conference

Best NW Small Business

MPA Recruitment

Best NW Large Business

Allstate

Overall Business/Entrepreneur of the Year

John Harkin – Alchemy Technology Services

Further information on the awards can be found at the Facebook and Twitter pages @NWBizAwards or via the websites www.cciderry.com.