M&S and Electric stay current to net business awards

Marks and Spencer and Electric restaurant and bar on the South Mall were the headline winners at the Cork Business Association’s annual awards and gala dinner, held on Saturday at the Maryborough Hotel and attended by nearly 200 guests.

M&S was named Cork’s large enterprise of the year, while Electric won in the best medium enterprise category — Rory O’Callaghan, general manager of M&S Cork, and Ernest Cantillon of Electric both present to pick up the awards.

Jointly sponsored this year by the Irish Examiner and drink distributor Barry & Fitzwilliam, the CBA Awards are viewed as being one of the most prestigious ceremonies for local businesses.

Awards chairman James O’Sullivan congratulated all winners and noted the achievements of the main recipients, saying that the significant investment by M&S in its St Patrick’s Street store was a testament to the company’s confidence in Cork; while the decision three years ago by Electric’s owners to open such a premises under the weight of the recession was “a confidence boost to everyone in Cork”.

A judging panel, which featured Thomas Crosbie Holdings chairman Alan Crosbie; Brown Thomas general manager Caroline Counihan and city manager Tim Lucey also honoured Newbridge Silverware, Maher’s Golf Emporium, the Soho Bar & Restaurant, O’Herlihy’s SuperValu, Crawford Art Gallery and Port of Cork in the quarterly awards.