Cork businessman of the year ‘owes success to family and loyal customers’

Teddy Barry, managing director of the New Furniture Centre, has been honoured as the MSL Cork business person of the year 2012.

Mr Barry was presented with award by Minister of State at the Department of Health and Department of Justice, Equality and Defence, Kathleen Lynch. Mr Barry thanked his family, staff, and, in particular, his loyal customers.

Chairman of the judging panel, James O’Sullivan, said that picking a winner was no easy task.

“Our task was exceptionally difficult this year, as we had 12 dynamic nominees who are all to be congratulated for their endeavours,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

“Our chosen winner, Teddy Barry, has built a family retail business over the past 30 years and experienced the highs and lows of the economic climate. In particular, Teddy had reinvigorated his business after the devastating effects of the Cork floods, with a renewed focus on his two retail businesses in Blackpool and Ballyvolane.”

Ms Lynch said it was vital to recognise the achievement of Cork business community, who she said provided hope for the future.

“It is so important to honour achievement and to recognise the success of our business people — especially in these difficult economic times,” said Ms Lynch. “The wealth of business talent that we see in the nominees for these awards demonstrates something we all know very well — that Cork is a great place to do business.

“In making your business ideas a reality, you make a major investment in your community and in your country, not only in terms of job creation but also in providing positive energy and hope for our future.”