A SMILE GOES A LONG WAY
A smile goes a long way
NORTHERN Ireland's friendliest businesses have been publicly praised for their courtesy at a recent awards ceremony at the Belfast Hilton.
The 'Friendly Business Awards', a Province-wide competition organised by the Junior Chamber, saw four regional winners in each category of independent and multiple retailer compete for the coveted overall prizes.
The overall winners in the independent category were Curtis Operations from Londonderry and The Body Shop, Donegal Place, Belfast was the Multiple category winners.
They were judged to have excelled in the five criteria of courtesy, product knowledge, staff appearance, internal display and external shop premises to become Northern Ireland Friendliest Businesses in 1998.
The Body Shop's manager, Iris Dunbar, paid tribute to all her staff.
"This is great for morale and gives a sense of satisfaction to our employees - we believe customer service engenders loyalty. It is all part of giving value for money in a highly competitive marketplace."
Derek Curtis, Curtis Operations said: "We are very pleased to win such a prestigious award. We feel that offering a high quality personal service is an essential part of an independent retailers' business.
"As a family business for over 70 years we have always striven to offer a friendly professional service and value for money."
Northern Ireland chairman of Junior Chamber, Stephen Kelly, said the significance of the competition continues to grow as customers become more discerning and place greater emphasis on service and professionalism in the retail sector."
A special award was presented to the Omagh Trader Association in recognition of their leadership in dealing with the aftermath of the bombing on August 15.
The awards were presented in conjunction with Belfast Chamber of Trade, Karl Holdings and Ireland Freight Services.
Plans are already underway to further develop next year's competition to make it one of the key indicators of retail performance in Northern Ireland.
Any retailer who wishes to go forward to next year's competition should contact Gayle Blackburn on 01849 425604 or their local Junior Chamber.
NORTHERN Ireland's friendliest businesses have been publicly praised for their courtesy at a recent awards ceremony at the Belfast Hilton.
The 'Friendly Business Awards', a Province-wide competition organised by the Junior Chamber, saw four regional winners in each category of independent and multiple retailer compete for the coveted overall prizes.
The overall winners in the independent category were Curtis Operations from Londonderry and The Body Shop, Donegal Place, Belfast was the Multiple category winners.
They were judged to have excelled in the five criteria of courtesy, product knowledge, staff appearance, internal display and external shop premises to become Northern Ireland Friendliest Businesses in 1998.
The Body Shop's manager, Iris Dunbar, paid tribute to all her staff.
"This is great for morale and gives a sense of satisfaction to our employees - we believe customer service engenders loyalty. It is all part of giving value for money in a highly competitive marketplace."
Derek Curtis, Curtis Operations said: "We are very pleased to win such a prestigious award. We feel that offering a high quality personal service is an essential part of an independent retailers' business.
"As a family business for over 70 years we have always striven to offer a friendly professional service and value for money."
Northern Ireland chairman of Junior Chamber, Stephen Kelly, said the significance of the competition continues to grow as customers become more discerning and place greater emphasis on service and professionalism in the retail sector."
A special award was presented to the Omagh Trader Association in recognition of their leadership in dealing with the aftermath of the bombing on August 15.
The awards were presented in conjunction with Belfast Chamber of Trade, Karl Holdings and Ireland Freight Services.
Plans are already underway to further develop next year's competition to make it one of the key indicators of retail performance in Northern Ireland.
Any retailer who wishes to go forward to next year's competition should contact Gayle Blackburn on 01849 425604 or their local Junior Chamber.
Further Information
Publisher: NEWS LETTER
Ref: NL/134
Published Date: 01-Dec-98
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