Award Categories and Sponsors

There are 6 award categories to choose from and you may enter up to 2.

In addition there will be a special award The Neil O'Neill Lifetime achievement award. This award aims to recognise people who set up businesses in Mayo that flourished into established employers in the county. It recognises the determination of the owners of such businesses and gives them and their teams the recognition they deserve.

The categories to enter are:

Resilience & Innovation

This category aims to recognise businesses that have adapted in the face of challenging circumstances over the last few years and have implemented innovative approaches to business survival & growth.

Evidence of setting clear goals, progress towards the goals and the resulting impact on market / industry presence
Business model changes made in 2020/2021 that positions the business for growth in the coming years
Examples of the success and value of the innovation
Examples of using customer service to ensure the sustainability of the business

Best Digital Presence

This award acknowledges the increase in businesses utilising an online presence and digital tools to enhance their business offering and drive business revenue. It focuses on digital purpose, simplicity, usability, functionality, optimisation, impact on the business model and connection with the brand.

Evidence of using a functional and simple digital process or tool to address a key business goal
Evidence of use of digital to target new markets or launch a new service or product.
Demonstration of an enhanced customer service experience through the implementation of digital practices

Sustainability Initiative Award

The award is designed to recognise products, processes, or policies that support a greener, more sustainable environment.

Evidence of adapting sustainable business practices within the organisation
How the practices benefit the local environment and community
Examples of how the initiatives raises environmental awareness and/or contributes to the achievement of any of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals

Best Emerging Business / Best Start-up

This award aims to acknowledge new & emerging businesses and entrepreneurs that have the potential to grow successful companies which will be innovative, create employment and maximise opportunities in their marketplace.

Your business growth /achievements to date
A clear demonstration of the scalability of the business
Demonstration of an enterprising mindset
Evidence of sustainability of the business model

Accessibility & Inclusion award

This award recognises local businesses that actively promote an accessible environment and inclusivity for employees and customers.

Examples of how your products/services, information and facilities are accessible to all regardless to age, mobility or ability
Examples of initiatives undertaken to understand the user experience of your product/service and how to improve it
Demonstrate how the accessibility culture has been embraced by all in the organisation (both in terms of the product/service provided to clients and the creation of an inclusive work environment for employees.)

Responsible Tourism Award

Responsible Tourism is about "making better places for people to live in and better places for people to visit." This award acknowledges tourism businesses that takes full account of current and future environmental, social and economic impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and communities.

Demonstrate the application of responsible tourism, taking responsibility for making tourism more sustainable by addressing economic, social and environmental issues
Examples of innovative approaches to solving problems in sustainable tourism and unique initiatives that drive the Responsible Tourism agenda
Evidence of creating tourism experiences that make Mayo a better place to visit.

Excellence in Customer Service

This award will be given to the business that can best demonstrate that it consistently delivers superior service to its customers, meeting and exceeding all standards.

Entrants must be able to explain what their service is and demonstrate their commitment to customer service excellence within their particular service provided.

Entries will be judged on:

Exemplary attitudes, efforts and dedication to meeting and exceeding all standards.
The repeat business that your company enjoys and how you value and encourage customer feedback.
Demonstrate examples of practices by your team that always put the customer�s needs first.