Shortlisted businesses and judges for this year's MBTAs at the 'Pitch Night' held in AIB Navan last month.

Big night ahead for local entrepreneurs and firms at the 2023 Meath Business and Tourism Awards

The 14th Meath Business & Tourism Awards will be handed over at a glittering ceremony at Knightsbrook Hotel this evening (Friday 17th November)

Held in partnership between Meath Chronicle with Meath Co Council and Boyne Valley Tourism the MBTAs are the highlight of the business social calendar with 31 entrepreneurs, firms and organisations in the running for the coveted titles.

The annual celebration have grown from strength to strength with each year seeing hundreds of entries across categories including Best Family Business and Best Customer Experience which, last year, were the most entered sections.

Last year's Overall Business Award winner was McCormack's Family Farm in Kiltale while the Overall Tourism Award winner was Killeen Castle.

Over 250 people are expected to attend the ceremony which will once again be hosted by RTE broadcaster and Rathcairn native, Blathnaid Ni Chofaigh.

Speaking of their company's victory last year, Stephen McCormack said winning was a "massive surprise and great honour. We are totally shocked considering all the amazing companies involved and it's just brilliant for our amazing staff."

Blathnaid Ni Chofaigh. Photo Kieran Harnett. Photo by Kieran Harnett

Meath Chronicle Editor, Gavan Becton said the awards were a continued celebration of innovation and bravery in the county.

"Companies across Meath continue to show remarkable agility, adaptability and courage in developing and expanding their businesses. The business leaders and entrepreneurs who put themselves forward for an MBTA are already winners, trailblazers and local heroes. These awards allow us to recognise all that they have done to date and are still striving to achieve."

"I would also like to pay tribute to all our sponsors, many of whom have been with us from year one and whom without, these awards would simply not happen.

“Alongside our partners, Meath Co Council and Boyne Valley Tourism - which has just celebrated 30 years promoting our region across the globe - I want to say a big thank you to eCOMM, Alltech, Sheridan Insurances, Dunboyne College of Further Education and AIB Navan and Knightsbrook Hotel, your continued support and enthusiasm is very much appreciated.”

And the nominees are....

Best Family Business:

Harp Renewables / Topline Murtaghs / Brogans Butchers / The Headfort Arms

Sponsored by Alltech

LEO Award

Cuddles Creche / Kells Gin / The Bunnery /

Sponsored by Meath County Council – Local Enterprise Office

Emerging New Business

Elmgrove Farm Flowers / Last Fence / Little Sicily

Sponsored by AIB

Not for Profit

Claremont Stadium / Wilkinstown Community Centre / Clann Mor

Sponsored by Sheridan Insurances

Investment in employee development and training

DBASS / L’Avenue Hair and Beauty / The Zone

Sponsored by Dunboyne College of Further Education

The Digital Trailblazer

The Central / VRXAD / Bellinter House

Sponsored by eComm

Best Customer Experience

Saraden Designs / Johnstown Estate Hotel / Abelle Bridal

Sponsored by Meath Chronicle

Best Small Tourism Business

James Griffin / Newbarn Farm / Zatino Travel / Bective Tea Rooms

Sponsored by Boyne Valley Tourism

Best Tourism Experience

Boyne Boats / Emerald Park / Navan Adventure Centre / Hot Box Sauna

Also sponsored by Boyne Valley Tourism