Annual awards set to shine spotlight on Cork's vibrant business community 

Applications are now open for the Cork Business Association (CBA) Cork Business of the Year Awards.

Now in its 68th year, the CBA awards are a cornerstone of the Cork city business community, celebrating the exceptional contributions of businesses that define the city’s commercial, cultural, and community spirit.

The awards spotlight innovation, customer service, employee commitment, community engagement, sustainability, and growth, while honouring the owner/managers and teams who make Cork city a dynamic and vibrant hub for business.

Showcase

All city businesses are encouraged to participate and showcase their achievements across 11 award categories: Best Cork Hotel; Best VFI Pub; Sustainable Business Innovation; Best New Business; Best Cork Family Business; Best Cork Restaurant; Best Cork Café; Best Cork Retail Business; Best in Culture, Arts or Tourism; Best Festival or Event, and Best for Professional Services.

Three businesses will be shortlisted in each category, with the overall winners announced at the CBA President’s Dinner and Awards night on March 29 at Cork’s Vienna Woods.

The event, MC’d by Matt Cooper, will also feature a keynote speech from European commissioner Michael McGrath and a charity raffle offering fantastic prizes.

On the evening, two further awards, the Champion of Cork and an Overall Cork Business of the Year award, will be presented to businesses selected by the judging panel.

Honoured

Conor Butler, managing director of McKechnie Cleaning Services, 2024’s overall winner, said: “We were honoured to win the Overall Large Company of the Year Award — many companies and people have got to know who McKechnie are since winning this award.”

CBA president Aaron Mansworth said the awards have “really helped to strengthen our name, brand and reputation in Cork city.”

"With a legacy spanning over six decades, the Cork Business of the Year awards don't just celebrate excellence - they sustain it.

“This event is about recognising the businesses that make Cork city special and ensuring the CBA can continue its vital work to support and promote our incredible city year-round.”

Applications to this year’s awards will be accepted until February 14. Tickets for the President’s Dinner are now available online via: https://corkbusiness.ie/events/.