28 February 2020
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
Network Ireland West Cork launched their Businesswoman of the Year Awards yesterday in AIB Bandon, entitled ‘How to win business awards‘, and sponsored by AIB. This incredible event was presented to inspire members of Network West Cork to enter the businesswoman 2020 awards. Opening the launch President, Caroline Murphy and Owner of West Cork Eggs, said by entering and winning a National award herself, brought the business to a new level, and to people who never have heard of West Cork Eggs before. It also strengthened the overall brand through the power of the network. She added once you enter the award process the Network will support you every step of the way through mentoring, building your confidence and for you to shine. She encouraged every member to read the award categories as they had nothing to lose and everything to gain!
Also speaking at the launch, Helen Wycherley, Director of Celtic Ross Hotel said entering the awards will show growth and passion in the business and each step of the process acknowledges your achievements and journey along the way. Speaking as the panel facilitator John O’Doherty, Head of AIB Cork acknowledged that he was delighted to be involved with the Network West Cork community as a judge and mentor, highlighted winning an award can bring visibility, financial rewards and business benefits.
The event included advice from the panellists, Avril Allshire Howe, Caherbeg Free Range Pork Ltd, after winning an award herself said entering the awards is a “must do” for every member and added it’s a working 360 review on your business. Helen Walshe, EmployFlex and winner of the Rising Star category in May 2019 advised that you come away with growth, passion and learnings about yourself and your business, and Maria O’Donovan from Maria O’Donovan & Co Solicitors mentioned it upskilled her confidence to enter other law awards where she received great business leverage from them.
All members of Network Ireland West Cork are eligible to enter the regional awards which will take place in May 2020. Winners at that level will be put forward to the National Awards. There are 8 categories small SME (10 employees or less), Large SME (greater than 10 employees), Emerging New Business, Employee – Rising Star, Employee – Shining Star, Arts, STEM and a new category introduced this year, Solo Businesswoman.
LTR: Michelle Howard Ryan, Be Well Hive, Helen Wycherley – Celtic Ross Hotel (2019 Network Ireland President & Awards Advocate) & Sheila McCarthy, AIB Bandon Manager
LTR: Helen Walshe, EmployFlex, Sandy Harrington, Wiz Party and Catering, Avril Alshire, Caherbeg Freerange Pork Ltd, Adrienne Harrington & NIWC President Caroline Murphy.
NIWC event ‘How to Win Awards & Business Launch’, hosted by AIB in Bandon. Left: speakers John O’Doherty – Head of AIB Cork, Helen Walshe, EmployFlex, Kate Ryan, Flavour.ie and NIWC President Caroline Murphy, West Cork Eggs