PICTURES: County Carlow Digital Awards honour digital champions across the county
Digital champions from across Carlow were acknowledged at the second annual County Carlow Digital Awards on Thursday last.
The Awards were organised by Local Enterprise Office Carlow and Carlow County Council together with their partners SETU, The Business Post and Content Plan. In total there were nine winners who together with the overall winner share a prize fund of €10,000 euros.
The overall winner of the Carlow Digital Awards 2023 was Pro-Tray, a business based in Myshall who manufacture and sell a unique range of electrical containment tools. Pro-Tray were represented at the ceremony by Managing Director Tony Kelly.
The Awards acknowledged and promoted businesses based in County Carlow who have developed their digital and web marketing platforms as part of their product offering. The Awards were open to businesses who were recipients of Trading Online Vouchers with less than 10 full time employees.
All shortlisted finalists were placed in a public competition for an award called the Peoples’ Choice Award. After strong levels of public voting two awards were presented to The Big Idea House and Duffy & Porter.
During the awards ceremony, Cllr. Brian O’Donoghue, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, addressed the finalists saying that the way in which they share their business tory and communicate their key messages online with customers is inspiring. He added “We all know that we are stronger when we listen, and we are smarter when we share. Sharing your business story online communicates that you are an SME who isn’t afraid to pitch your USP to the world and is a testament to your innovative and creative spirit.”
Speaking about the Awards, Jim Woods, Business Advisor, Local Enterprise Office Carlow noted that “the importance of businesses trading online and having an effective digital offering cannot be overstated. Irish consumers now spend an average of €1,700 per annum online, with 84% of the spend going to the top 15% of businesses. Through a smart digital offering small businesses can effectively punch above their weight and compete with bigger businesses. The time has never been better to do so.”
A Special Award was also presented on the night to Carlow Tourism. This award recognised the innovative approach Carlow Tourism have taken over many years to the online promotion of Carlow as a destination for tourists and the benefit this work has brought to all of County Carlow. Carlow Tourism were represented by Chairperson Michael Walsh and CEO Eileen O’Rourke.
The full list of awards winners and finalists were:
Overall Winner
Pro-Tray Electrical Containment Tools
Peoples’ Choice Award Joint Winners
The Big Idea House
Duffy and Porter
Special Award
Carlow Tourism
Digital in Export
Winner - Bodylite
McNally Denture Clinic
Bunbury Boards
Ballyshane
Digital in Professional Services
Winner - Pro-Tray Electrical Containment Tools
The Carlow Academy
Ciaran Smith Heating
Barrow Consultancy and Training
Carroll Estimating
Digital in Consumer Services
Winner - Scats Bouncing Castles
AK Permanent Make Up & Skin Care Clinic
Fawn Laser
Ballybar Ireland
A Touch of Class
Studio Dancewear
Digital in Manufacturing
Winner - Cullen Nurseries
DeBurca Design
Bodylite
Toothwear
Digital in Tourism
Winner - The Lace Gallery
Made in Carlow Gallery ltd
Lisnavagh Farm Partnership
Butlers Organic Eggs
Digital in Retail
Winner - Bramley’s Jewellers
Blake’s Hair Salon
Prettymess.ie
Illuminate by Shauna
MarieSue Lingerie
Salon East