Ards business awards 2014x

CELEBRATING THE BEST IN BUSINESS

Mayor of Ards Stephen McIlveen presents the Commitment to The Ards Borough Business Community Award to Leslie Hughes, Chairman of Hughes Insurance. B72-8-5-14

12-PAGE SPECIAL ON THE FIRST ARDS BUSINESS AWARDS ORGANISED BY

ARDS BUSINESS AWARDS 2014 PUBLISHED BY THE NEWTOWNARDS CHRONICLE

PRINCIPAL SPONSPOR

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Newtownards Chronicle • Thursday 8th May 2014

ARDS BUSINESS AWARDS 2014

William Stockdale, Hannah Young, Kerry McCaw, Louise Rainey, Laura Magill, Nikki Hunt, Kelly Hinds, Jenni Magill and Len Telford of Optomise.

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Jennifer Dorrian, Store Manager and Pauline Briggs from Menarys Newtownards.

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Holland and Barrett were the winners of the best Multiple Retailer Award sponsored by Ards Shopping Centre. Alan McMaster, assistant manager, is here presenting the award to Michelle Burch and Lara Leckey.

B53-8-5-14 LEFT: New Business of the Year Award was sponsored by Mash Direct, Tracy Hamilton, Director is here presenting the Award to Cara Chandler from Physio Plus, Comber. B47-85-14

RIGHT: Sian Miskelly, Brian Murray and Angela Duncan from the Perfume Shop, Ards Shopping Centre. B26-8-5-14

+ Physio Plus

www.physioplusni.com 5 The Square, Comber

Podiatry • Pilates • Yoga • Tai Chi + Spinal and Sports injuries + Chiropody & Podiatry + Pain management & Acupuncture + Sports rehabilitation and Massage + Pilates, Yoga, Meditation & Tai Chi classes + Counselling and complimentary therapies + Women's Health and Pregnancy Yoga Contact us on: help@physioplusni.com

028 9187 1701

FIRST CLASS RECOVERY THROUGH PHYSIO PLUS Physio Plus, located at No.5 The Square in Comber, offers the highest quality comprehensive physiotherapy service plus other fantastic health care services incorporating Chiropody, Podiatry, Pilates, Yoga, Nutrition, Sports reconditioning and more.

Established in 2013, Physio Plus is owned

by Cara Chandler. Cara is a fully qualified HPCP registered, Chartered Physiotherapist and has previously worked privately for over seven years specialising in spinal conditions and joint and sports injuries.

Cara has been involved in the rehabilitation of high level athletes and those who demand extreme fitness for work for many years.

She works alongside Physiotherapist Louise Williams, who works across a wide range of musculoskeletal specialities including hand therapy, obstetrics and spinal rehabilitation. She has worked in a rehabilitation setting for lower limb injury rehabilitation with patients wishing to return to a variety of sporting settings. Both Cara and Louise are Acupuncture and Pilates trained.

At Physio Plus the aim is to fully explain, treat and rehabilitate all

conditions back to optimal health to help prevent reoccurring injuries and improve quality of life.

Speaking about the practice, Cara says: “At Physio Plus we are passionate, caring and dedicated to achieving the best results for all our patients in the least possible time regardless of age or condition. Our thorough assessments ensure we identify the causes of symptoms. We treat both symptom and cause to minimise the risk of recurrence.

“We know that life is busy and injuries are best treated early so we aim to offer an appointment to suit within 48 hours of contacting us. All staff are registered with the relevant regulatory bodies to their profession.”

The clinic employs 11 staff, from therapists, nutritionists, class instructors and support staff. Pilates, Yoga and Tia Chi classes are run daily. Physio Plus was also named ‘Best New Business Award’ at the recent Ards Borough Council Business Awards 2014.

To book an appointment please call the team on 028 9187 1701 or email help@physioplusni.com.

Thursday 8th May 2014 • Newtownards Chronicle

ARDS BUSINESS AWARDS 2014

Proud to be supporting Newtownards.

Hughes Insurance, Northern Ireland’s largest independent insurance broker, has been based in Newtownards since 1977 when Leslie Hughes, the Chairman of the company, first started operating independently.

Last week at the Ards Business Awards Leslie Hughes was the awarded the ‘Commitment to the Ards Borough Business Community Award’, another milestone in Leslie’s career and a reflection on how the local company, who insure one in every five motorists, has grown to employ over 300 staff throughout Northern Ireland managed and supported from the headquarters situated on Jubilee Road.

The award was received with great pride

by Leslie, whose company also achieved The Aldermanbury Declaration earlier this year, a practical initiative endorsed by The

Chartered Insurance Institute to embed professionalism in the insurance industry.

Hughes Insurance is one of the first insurance brokers in Northern Ireland to receive the Declaration, which is another major accolade according to Leslie: “The Aldermanbury Declaration is the result of three years of dedication by the staff at Hughes Insurance – they have invested time and energy in developing their skills as insurance industry experts. I believe the Declaration tells our customers that their needs are being addressed by the best staff in the business. We are delighted to receive the Declaration and proud that our team, many of whom work in Newtownards, are truly best in class.”

Leslie goes on to add: “Since I started working independently in 1977 I always envisioned the business to be based in Newtownards. It has the infrastructure, but more importantly the people of the area had the attributes to make this

business a success. When other insurance providers outsourced their services I always strived to consolidate ours – here in Ards. This award means a great deal to me – and I would like to dedicate

it to every single person that works at Hughes Insurance.”

For more information visit

www.hughesinsurance.co.uk

Committed to the local community. Pictured at a recent event at Hughes Insurance in Newtownards are The Chairman of Hughes Insurance, Leslie Hughes, with Ulster and Ireland rugby player Stuart Olding. Peter Lowry and Eric Sinnamon from Regent House are also pictured with John Barclay, President of Ards RFC and Phil Pollack from Ulster Rugby. The event celebrated Leslie’s commitment to grass root sports in the community with Hughes Insurance sponsoring the Hughes Insurance Ulster Rugby Academy, Regent House Rugby and Ards RFC. The event, hosted by Leslie, saw Stuart Olding give a talk to young players from Regent House and Ards RFC on his journey from schoolboy rugby at Belfast Royal Academy to his first cap for Ireland.

AT THE HEART OF OUR SUCCESS

At Hughes Insurance we’re delighted that our Chairman, Leslie Hughes, has been awarded the Commitment to the Ards Borough Business Community Award.

customer and we continue to grow year-on-year in Home and Commercial Insurance as well.

With over three hundred staff across our 12 branch office network Hughes Insurance is Northern Ireland’s leading independent insurance broker providing peace of mind for individuals, families and businesses right across the province.

Our “home” has always been Newtownards – right from the very outset when Leslie started the business in his own home. Now 200 of our 300-plus staff work at Head Office and our aim is to continue to contribute to the growth and revitalisation of the economy in Newtownards, County Down and Northern Ireland as a whole.

Our success means that one in five motorists in Northern Ireland is now a Hughes Insurance

Ards is very much at the heart of our business and we will continue to be at the heart of Ards.

Head Office: Strangford House, 4 Jubilee Road, Newtownards, Co Down BT23 4WN Tel: 028 9181 7375, or visit hughesinsurance.co.uk Hughes Insurance is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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Newtownards Chronicle • Thursday 8th May 2014

ARDS BUSINESS AWARDS 2014

Delight as Ray named Volunteer of the Year LOCAL man Ray Garrett says that it came as a complete shock when his name was announced as winner of Volunteer of the Year Award.

Yet for many people in Newtownards, Ray was an obvious choice, given that he has devoted his time to helping others locally and abroad for the past 15 years.

Ray works with The Link Family and Community Centre based in West Street, a charity organisation with a Christian ethos which offers a range of programmes designed to help people of all ages. The Link runs Project23 for young people, MARC for adults struggling with addiction and housing issues, senior citizens (Lunch Club & Drop-In), parents and babies (Tots Time), and classes for those whose first language is not English.

The Link also provides volunteering opportunities for people to come and get involved by helping others.

And Ray helps the organisation by helping to run Marc-It Furniture, a second-hand furniture shop which helps fund the charity’s work. Ray’s voluntary work is also international, and together with Mission Ministries, he has helped improve the lives of some of the poorest people in Malawi. And to help get a feeding programme in the African country up and running, he dyed his hair blue to raise funds. His eyecatching hair colour raised £2,500.

“The award came as a big surprise,” he told The Chronicle. “I just like to work in the background. I didn’t think I had been noticed.”

Well the judges of the Ards Business Awards certainly have, and it was clear the people of Newtownards have also, as Ray received rapturous applause as he made his way to the stage to collect his award.

BET T

WAY

BAKIN

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Diana and Ray Garrett. B11-8-5-14

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Carol Orr, Specsavers Retail Manager for Newtownards presents the Volunteer of the Year Award to Ray Garrett.

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Specialising in Hot Plate Goods and Freshly Baked Bread Delivering Daily to local shops, hotels and restaurants Quality Service Guaranteed Unit 2, Kiltonga Industrial Estate, Newtownards Tel: 028 9182 8782 www.pattonsbakery.co.uk

Lucy, Warren, Joanne and Junior Patton from Pattonʼs Bakery, Newtownards. B10-8-5-14

Advertising Feature

FINALIST IN BEST FAMILY BUSINESS Established in 2004 the family bakers Pattons has gone from strength to strength in the Ards borough area in their 10 years in business. Pattons employ 35 local people and distribute freshly baked bread, cakes, savouries and pastries to local shops in their fleet of 7 delivery vehicles every morning.

Company owner, Mr Warren Patton said, " We were delighted to be a finalist in this competitive category and would like to thank the people of the Ards Borough for their support over the past 10 years, and the local council for the super night and professionalism on arranging these awards."

John O'Hare, Ards Borough Council Economic Development Officer; Andrea Harbinson, Christopher Cooke, Parlour Bar; Patricia McKeown; and Cecil Ralph.

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Thursday 8th May 2014 • Newtownards Chronicle

ARDS BUSINESS AWARDS 2014

Award win is a ‘Slice of Heaven’ for Emma

EMMA Boyle’s passion for baking was so great that she decided to switch career paths when she joined her mum, Heather, in her business venture, A Slice of Heaven.

The 19 year old told the Chronicle that she had spent time in the kitchen with her mum since she was 13, devoting time after school and during the holidays.

“I’m following in my mum’s footsteps,” she continued. And it is a distinguished path, with Heather herself an award winner having been the recipient of an Ulster Tatler ‘Businesswoman of the Year’ accolade for 2013.

Nominated for the award by fellow A Slice of Heaven colleague, Robert Jenkins, Emma, who specialises in producing wedding cupcakes and traybakes, had no idea that she had been put forward for the award until April 23, when she was found out that she had been shortlisted.

“I just couldn’t believe it,” she says when she heard her name being called out at the gala ceremony held in Queen’s Hall last weekend.

Emma faced off competition from Jonny Steele of Regency Coffee House and Sam Coey of The Courtyard Hair & Beauty to take the award, which was presented

by Gavin Logan, project director of Blue Build Energy.

It was an unexpected but great surprise to receive the accolade, she added.

Gavin Logan, Project Director of Blue Build Energy, award sponsor, presents the Young Person of the Year Award (U25) to Emma Boyle from Slice of Heaven, Newtownards. B46-8-5-14

Ian Alexander, Managing Director of the Newtownards Chronicle, presents the Best Family Business Award to Tracy Hamilton from Mash Direct. B50-8-5-14

Advertising Feature

Mash Direct Win Best New Family Business Award Local Comber based company; Mash Direct recently won ‘Best Family Business’ at the Ards Borough Business Awards, a category sponsored by the Newtownards Chronicle.

This was the first year Ards Borough hosted and celebrated the achievements of local businesses and individuals in the Ards Peninsula area.

Mash Direct were delighted to sponsor the Best New Business Category and presented the award to Cara Chandler from Physio Plus in Comber Square a new company offering high quality physiotherapy and health care services.

Mash Direct were recognised at the gala evening for their outstanding commitment to their family run business. Martin, Tracy and their two sons Lance and Jack were praised for developing one of the most dynamic, ambitious and successful food companies in Northern Ireland.

This is a remarkable success story for the family business who recently celebrated their tenth anniversary.

Mash Direct’s success started with a simple idea of how to add value to

their traditional vegetable produce in order to survive in an increasingly competitive market. They now lead the market producing an innovative range of vegetable accompaniments.

They source the majority of the vegetables fresh from the family farm, in addition to buying from other local producers. It is the steam-cooking process and the quality and variety of the vegetables that give Mash Direct products their award-winning taste and texture of homemade food.

This has been an extremely successful year for the local company who have had exceptional business growth in new markets outside Northern Ireland including Europe, the US and the United Arab Emirates. Recent new business and product development has now exceeded the factory’s capacity. A new 25,000 sq. Ft innovative processing facility is currently under construction.

Best Family Business Five Generations of Farming...

We grow, steam cook, gently prepare and pack the vegetables on our family farm.

For more information, visit www.mashdirect.com or visit us on Facebook/mashdirect or Twitter@mashdirect

www.mashdirect.com GB-008

2004-2014

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Newtownards Chronicle • Thursday 8th May 2014

ARDS BUSINESS AWARDS 2014

Business honoured Business Gillian Halliday g.halliday@ardschronicle.co.uk

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Mayor of Ards Stephen McIlveen addressing the audience at Ards Business Awards.

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APTUROUS applause and cheers echoed around the Queen’s Hall in Newtownards as the winners of the inaugural Ards Business Awards took to the stage to accept their accolades on Friday evening.

Guests were welcomed to the event by Ards Mayor, Stephen McIlveen, and who told the audience that the occasion was an opportunity to “celebrate all our achievements and successes”.

Following a speech by general manger of The Chronicle, Mr Stuart Kennedy who thanked everyone for attending, the night’s proceedings were compered by Colin Barkley who welcomed each category winner to the stage to accept their awards.

Each award category recognises the variety of businesses operating in Ards, from independent retailers, to honouring those who help shape the local community. After guests enjoyed a delicious three-course meal prepared by catering

company, Posh Nosh, and finished laughing at Mr Barkley’s jokes, the recipient for the first award of the night was Ray Garrett, whose voluntary work over the years saw him receive the Volunteer of the Year Award, sponsored by Specsavers. Ray - whose voluntary work at The Link Family and Community Centre is just one of the organisations he is involved with - was visibly touched by the cheers and warm applause as he walked to the stage to accept his certificate from by Carol Orr, retail manager of Newtownards.

The Commitment to the Ards Borough Business Community Award, sponsored by Ards Borough Council, was the evening’s final award and also singled out an individual in recognition for their hard work and effort. And the individual who best embodied the spirit of this year’s award was Leslie Hughes, chairman of Hughes Insurance. The audience heard that Mr Hughes had been chosen due to his mentorship of young people, his involvement with schools, sports clubs and charities.

Mr Hughes could not be there on the night to accept the award, and instead Mr Clive O’Neill, the longest-serving member of Newtownards

Here Come The Bears!!

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From Adventure Hire to catering for Weddings for the blushing bride to Corporate and Promotional Events!

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We were delighted to get through to the final of Ards Borough Business Awards 2014, we haven’t even celebrated our first birthday yet and to get through to the final was an awesome achievement. From starting out with one Campervan to now having 3 and plans underway to add to our little fleet at the end of the year we can’t wait to see what the future holds for Logybear!!

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Tel: 07841 674100 Smarter than the average camper van

Mark Logan and Michelle Magee from Logybear Campervan Hire, Newtownards.

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Thursday 8th May 2014 • Newtownards Chronicle

ARDS BUSINESS AWARDS 2014

elite are at Ards Awards Chamber of Commerce, graciously accepted the award on his behalf, telling the audience that Leslie started his company from his Newtownards home, and “the proud Ards man” had grown it into an operation which had put thousands of pounds into the local economy.

In between, the award categories represented the myriad of companies and businesses present in Ards; from independent retailers to national brands, to recognising the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders and honouring those who are making strides in the e-commerce arena.

O

ne of the notable winners on the night was Sugarcane Cafe Bistro, Comber which won Best Eatery category and were joint winners, along with The Parlour Bar in the Best Licensee Award sponsored by the PSNI and presented by Chief Superintendent Peter Farrar.

Each winner received a certificate framed by Sheldon Galleries and other winners included Holland & Barrett (Best Multiple Retailer), Sharon Malcolm Hairdressing (Best Independent Retailer), Physio Plus (Best New Business), Optomise (Best Company to Work

For) and Excel (Best Business Website).

Ulster Bank were awarded the Investment in Health category, sponsored by the Public Health Agency and Emma Boyle of A Slice of Heaven, a company which specialises in producing artisan desserts, fought off stiff competition to win the Young Businessperson of the Year (under 25) award.

Elsewhere, Mr Ian Alexander, managing director of The Chronicle presented Mrs Tracy Hamilton of Mash Direct with the Best Family Business Award and Mr Huw Worthington, senior partner of Worthingtons Solicitors congratulated Knotts Bakery for winning the Best Coffee Shop Award.

The event was perhaps best summed up

by Mr Kennedy, who thanked the economic development committee at Ards Borough Council and the Newtownards Chamber of Commerce for supporting the awards, and said The Chronicle was proud to organise the gala ceremony.

“The event showcases what Ards has to offer in the business community,” he said.

Parlour Bar were joint winners of the Best Licensee Award; Chief Superintendent Peter Farrar is presenting the award to Dawn Cook, proprietor.

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2 COURSE FOR £12 STARTER & MAIN COURSE ONLY

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Oldest Bar in Newtownards

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4 Castle Place Newtownards T: 028 9181 4154 Winner of BEST LICENSEE AWARD

SLICED ROAST SIVERSIDE SERVED WITH CHOICE OF POTATOES, SEASONAL VEG & GRAVY

BAKED IRISH HAM LOCAL BAKED HAM SERVED WITH CHOICE OF POTATOES & SEASONAL VEG

CHICKEN FEAST CREAMY MASH TOPPED WITH FRESH BREADED CHICKEN FILLET, BACON & MELTED CHEESE, SERVED WITH PEPPER SAUCE

FISH & CHIPS FRESH BATTERED COD WITH CHIPS, MUSHY PEAS & TATARE SAUCE

CHICKEN SANDWICH GRILLED CHICKEN FILLET ON TOASTED RUSTIC BREAD SERVED WITH SALAD GARNISH & FRENCH FRIES CHOICE OF SWEET CHILLI OR PEPPER SAUCE

STEAK BURGER & CHIPS 4oz BURGER WITH CHEESE & BACON, SERVED WITH CHIPS & SALAD

8OZ SIRLOIN PRIME AGED SIRLOIN SERVED WITH MUSHROOMS, ONIONS , CHOICE OF POTATO & PEPPER SAUCE OR GRAVY £2 SUPPLEMENT

This menu is £12 per person and cannot be split

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Newtownards Chronicle • Thursday 8th May 2014

ARDS BUSINESS AWARDS 2014

Peter and Karen Gay, from the Leather Shop, Newtownards.

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The Best Business Website Award was sponsored by Ulster Bank.

Tracey Morrow, Head of Belfast and North Down Business Centre is presenting to Award to William Gilliland from Excel. B51-8-5-14

Ulster Bank were the winners of the Investment in Health Award.

James Foote, Ulster Bank Business Manager is here receiving the award from Barbara Porter, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Senior Officer.

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William Stockdale and Len Telford and staff from Optomise, Newtownards winners of the Best Company to Work for Award sponsored by Hughes Insurance. B48-8-5-14

Best Business Website Award Winner Excel With shops in both Bangor and Newtownards, Excel has always been one of the few independent clothing companies who have not only survived the recession but grown and progressed.

Carrying such designer names as Hugo Boss, Ted Baker, Barbour, Armani, Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors, they appeal to all age groups, and carry mens, ladies & childrens clothing, accessories, shoes & handbags.

When the recession started to bite in 2009. Proprietor William Gilliland decided they would have to try something different to stay in the competition. They started their website in 2009 and were delighted to make their first sale that very evening. “We started the website on a shoestring budget” explains William, “within a few weeks we were selling all over Northern Ireland and England. After a year we took the next step and had a new website designed to give us a newer high spec platform, this new professional website gave us more scope to broaden the collection online and our turnover increased from 1% to 25%.

We continued to grow and now sell as far away as China, Australia and the United States. We are now a multi currency and due to launch excelclothing.ie for the Southern market in the next few months.

New brands have been added to satisfy the bigger marketplace including Paul Smith, Canada Goose and Belstaff and they are the only independent retailer in Northern Ireland to stock these brands.

From the first shop in Bangor in 1987, Excel have come a long way - William has no doubt that 27 years on, their success is due to their online market. Looking ahead they now plan to have a video platform where you can view models wearing the clothes, this will also have a link to a YouTube channel. Local telephone helpline numbers are also available for any problem and a new phone service based in Dublin is also up and running. So far this has all been handled instore at their studio in Newtownards and they will continue to take it to the next level. Check out their website at www.excelclothing.com or call into their Bangor or Newtownards shop.

Thursday 8th May 2014 • Newtownards Chronicle

ARDS BUSINESS AWARDS 2014

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Sharon Malcolm with some of her team at Sharon Malcolm Hairdressing, Newtownards, Nikki McGonigal, Lisa Gilmore, Leigh Fergie, Gemma Robinson, Sadie Malcolm, Riki Neill, Lauren Dunn, Natalie Andrews, Judith Gilpin, Rebecca Johnston, Laura Sisk. B28-8-5-14

Huw Worthington from Worthingtons Solicitors presents the Best Coffee Shop award to Andrew Getty from Knotts Bakery, Newtownards.

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Biffy and James Booth from Windwhistle Farm, Killinchy.

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Sharon Malcolm Hairdressing was the winner of the Best Independent Retailer Award. Sharon is delighted to be receiving the award from Clive O'Neill from Newtownards Chamber of Trade, award sponsor. B41-8-5-14

Best Eatery / Coffee Shop Award Winner Knotts Bakery Knotts Bakery was established in 1979 and as a local family owned craft bakery & coffee shop they are delighted to now have another award to add to their collection.

Proprietor Andrew Getty explains the ethos behind this successful company, “At Knotts we believe in making bread and patisserie of the highest quality using only the finest ingredients. All our breads, pastries, pies and cakes are handcrafted and baked in our purpose built ovens in our bakery in Newtownards making Knotts a truly artisan bakery.

KNOTTS K

Award Winning Artisan Bakery

We have huge expertise in creating large volumes of food to the highest standard due to our unique set-up of in-house bakers and cooks. We have recently added a new catering service to suit all our clients individual needs and budgets.

Indulge in a gourmet experience with our delivery service for functions or social gatherings. We deliver a range of delicious food including home baked lasagne, casseroles, stew, sandwich platters, sausage rolls and cakes amongst other delights.

Our coffee shop is based in Newtownards and offers fresh delicious food in comfortable surroundings.

It is our largest store and is located in a splendid 5000 sq ft Victorian building.

We also have two bakeries located in the delightful town of Holywood and our latest store is on the Lisburn Road, Belfast. This store will stock all the delights which Knotts have become renowned for, such as moreish pastries, beautiful cakes and home baked breads, as well as a sandwich bar where you can just pop in and pick up a roll, wrap, soup, stew or healthy salad.

New event catering Give us a call to see how we can make your function run smoothly and hassle free.

Our coffee shop in Newtownards offers fresh delicious food in comfortable surroundings.

We have a team of over 60 staff who passionately prepare all our handcrafted masterpieces everyday ensuring freshness, quality and most importantly taste.

So call in to any of our shops or our restaurant in Newtownards and be assured that Knotts Bakery produce is second to none in County Down and Belfast.

46 High Street, Newtownards Tel. 028 9181 9098

376 Lisburn Road, Belfast Tel. 028 9066 8886

7 Church Road, Holywood Tel. 028 9042 7271

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Newtownards Chronicle • Thursday 8th May 2014

ARDS BUSINESS AWARDS 2014

Alison Reid, Roisin O'Boyle, Paul Black, Ashley Andrews and Gillian Gilliland from Excel Clothing, Newtownards. B19-8-5-14

Councillor David Smyth with James Foote, Ulster Bank Business Manager and Maura Betts, assistant Economic Development Officer, Ards Borough Council.

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ABOVE: Huw Worthington and event MC, Colin Barkley, presenting the Best Eatery Award to Peter and Emma McCleery from Sugarcane Cafe Bistro, Comber.

B43-8-5-14 RIGHT: Sugarcane Cafe Bistro, Comber were joint winners of The Best Licensee Award, sponsored by the PSNI. Chief Superintendent Peter Farrar is here presenting the Award to Peter and Emma McCleery.

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Free bottle of house wine Now we have your attention.

Sugarcane may just be Co. Downʼs best hidden secret!

Our Bistro menu is available from Wednesday to Sunday from 5pm.

As an active Taste of Ulster member we are passionate about produce and only the finest local produce is picked to star in our menus. We have built a reputation of serving great food that is prepared by award winning Head Chef Fritz Machala. We believe we offer an unrivalled casual dining experience and we want you to try our menu.

We are offering a free bottle of our fabulous House wine to readers who simply cut out and present the attached voucher.

Bistro menu only. Available from 5pm Wed to Sunday and booking is required.

1 Voucher per booking (Terms and Conditions Reply)

Come and see why we are Comberʼs No1 Rated Restaurant on Tripadvisor

The Square Comber Tel 02891 873388

DOUBLE DELIGHT FOR SUGARCANE AT BUSINESS AWARDS Sugarcane Café Bistro won two awards at the inaugural Ards Business Awards last Friday night. They won both

Best Eatery and Best Licensed Premises awards.

A fitting reward for a great locally owned and run establishment.

Sugarcane Cafe Bistro is a family run business founded by husband and wife, Peter and Emma McCleery. Neither Peter or Susan had a background in catering but they did have a clear view from the outset of what they wanted their business to represent. Having travelled quite extensively they have been able to pick up little snippets of ideas and write them down. They intensified this approach locally and spend many hours in their favourite and not so favourite places, watching how staff interacted with the customers, how the “opposition” did things and how they felt the customer would feel and react. Having wanted to create a local, friendly establishment based on the European Cafe style. They decided to add a little bit of that style in Comber. Somewhere where you would be comfortable sipping a glass of Sauvignon as you would be sipping their fantastic local Suki tea or Segafredo coffee.

You see, as they always thought that the most important person in their establishment would be the customer. Often taken for granted, the customer is the key to a successful business as truth be told, no business can survive, nor flourish without repeat customers. They treat each and every one like a long lost friend who just happened to walk into their home. Sugarcane is their home from home and they feel that the customer recognises this when they leave them. They have made many new friends on this journey.

Of course customer service is just one thing in a business armoury. The product is also key. That’s why they also sought out and use the best of local produce that they could find. They are passionate about all their products. Where possible using suppliers that can walk the goods to them. Comber has some great Bakers and Butchers and Co. Down is synonymous with great vegetables and free range eggs. They use all this network of people and suppliers to bring great value and great tasting dishes to the table. Peter and Emma truly hope that you too can see what they have tried to achieve and always they do things with a big dollop of Sugarcane love. They feel it’s worked for them as they continue to grow and expand. Once just a simple cafe they are now open 7 days a week, with late opening 6 nights for their Bistro.

Thursday 8th May 2014 • Newtownards Chronicle

ARDS BUSINESS AWARDS 2014

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Molly Brown's staff Chris Telford, manager; Lorraine Ormsby, Rachel McCully, Philip Dobbin and Philip Girvan, supervisor. B31-8-5-14 Samantha Bailie, Alison Coey and Samuel Coey from the Courtyard Hair and Beauty, Comber.

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Brian Dorrian, Ards Borough Council, acting director of Development with Councillors Angus Carson, Alan McDowell and Robert Gibson. B20-8-5-14 Jim, Jonny, Lynn, Diane and James Steele from Regency Restaurant, Newtownards.

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Chris and Kate Speers from Ivory and Pearl Bridal Boutique, Comber. B29-8-5-14

Tracy Fay and Jennifer Kelly from Delicious, Portaferry. B33-8-5-14 Newtownards Chronicle Managing Director Ian Alexander with some of the Chronicle editorial team, Violet Brown, Kim Hamilton, Gillian Halliday and Ismay Woods, deputy editor.

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Clive O'Neill and Carol Orr representing the Chamber of Trade with staff from Specsavers, Newtownards Tasha Lee, Ashlee Murdoch, Patricia Gibson, Andrew Coates, Ross Hughes and Richard Selfridge. B27-8-5-14

Louise Smyth, Chloe Thompson, Paul Dalzell, Rhonda Redpath, Naomi McAlpine and Billy McGregor from The Streat, Newtownards. B34-8-5-14

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Newtownards Chronicle • Thursday 8th May 2014

ARDS BUSINESS AWARDS 2014

Category winners and finalists Volunteer of the Year Award WINNER: Ray Garret Michael McDonald, PSNI area Commander with the Mayor of Ards Councillor Stephen McIlveen and Councillor Trevor Cummings, Chairman of Economic Development Committee. B24-8-5-14

Best Multiple Retailer Award WINNER: Holland & Barrett FINALISTS: Menarys, Perfume Shop, Specsavers Best Independent Retailer Award WINNER: Sharon Malcolm Hairdressing FINALISTS: Roamer, Ards Evangelical Bookshop, Leather

Cara Chandler from Physio Plus, Comber with Ron and Christine Chandler and Stuart Kirkpatrick. B18-8-5-14

Best Eatery WINNER: Sugarcane Cafe Bistro FINALIST: Strangford Arms Best Coffee Shop WINNER: Knotts Bakery FINALISTS: Deli-cious, The Streat Café, Regency Coffee Shop Best Licensee Award JOINT WINNERS: Sugarcane Cafe Bistro, The Parlour Bar FINALISTS: Pier 36, Molly Brown’s Kitchen & Bar Young Businessperson of the Year Award (U25) WINNER: Emma Boyle, Slice of Heaven FINALISTS: Jonny Steele, Regency Coffee House, Sam Coey, The Courtyard Hair & Beauty Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association with Councillor Deborah Girvan and Stuart Kennedy, Newtownards Chronicle General Manager. B25-8-5-14

Best New Business Award WINNER: Physio Plus FINALISTS: Ivory & Pearl Bridal, Logybear Campervan Hire

Newtownards Chronicle General Manager Stuart Kennedy with Tracy Hamilton and Gill Gallagher from Mash Direct. B22-8-5-14

Best Company to Work for Award WINNER: Optomise FINALISTS: Specsavers, Sharon Malcolm Hairdressing Investment in Health Award WINNER: Ulster Bank Best Family Business Award WINNER: Mash Direct FINALISTS: Cafolla's, Windwhistle Farm, Patton’s Bakery Best Business Website Award WINNER: Excel FINALISTS: Slice of Heaven, Specsavers, Sharon Malcolm Hairdressing

Mark Bain (centre) Editor of the Newtownards Chronicle with Councillor Eddie Thompson and deputy Mayor of Ards Philip Smith.

B52-8-5-14

A packed Queenʼs Hall for the Ards Business Awards. B38-8-5-14

Commitment to the Ards Borough Business Community Award WINNER: Leslie Hughes, chairman of Hughes Insurance.

David Alexander jnr, Spectators Newspapers with Nicola Ritchie and Huw Worthington. B32-8-5-14

Event MC Coiln Barkley entertained the audience. B37-8-5-14