Eight of Connaught leading businesses were selected as winners at the Connaught final of the Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards which took place last week.

Pictured clockwise from top were: Johnny Donnelly, Arcana Productions, John Concannon, JFC Manufacturing , Eimear O’Carroll, Restored Hearing, Edward Kenny, Caragh Precision, John Power, Aerogen, Petal Pilley, Blue Teapot Theatre Company, Peter Newell Roofing Products, and James McGeough, Connemara Fine Foods.

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Business from across Galway has scooped all but one of the eights accolades in the Connaught division of the Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards.

All eight companies are now going forward to the national stage of the awards, where they will compete against the finalists drawn from the other provinces.

Among the winners from Connaught in the various categories were Caragh Precision, Aerogen, Arcana Production, Newell Roofing Products, Connemara Fine Foods, and Sligo based company Restored hearing.

“Up for grabs is a grand prize that includes a spot on Harvard Business Schools executive education programme, €50,000 worth of advertising space in the Irish Independent and two years membership of the Institute of Directors.

With close to 400 entries across the country this year, the finalists in every region have already beaten off stiff competition just to make it to the nationals of the 16 year old event, which counts the Irish Independent, Enterprise Ireland, and Intertrade Ireland amongst its sponsors. “It is inspiring to see such vibrant success stories stem from business all over the province! Ulster Bank regional Director Brendan McDermott said at last week’s ceremony. “I would like to extend my congratulations to each of the winning companies and wish them the very best of luck at the national final next year!

Among the winners was Tuam based manufacturer JFC Manufacturing who was honoured with the “Green Business” award for Connaught. With its headquarters in Tuam Co Galway, JFC has sales offices in Shropshire and Stratford-Upon-Avon in the UK, and further sites in The Netherlands, South Africa and Poland. The company also has an additional recycling division in Runcorn, Cheshire, called JFC Plastics.

JFC won the accolade for its unique twin wall surface water drainage pipe known as CorriPipe™. JFC's award recognised their achievements in the development of the drainage pipe on its merits as a quality product, successfully used in the Construction Industry, which is environmentally sustainable during its manufacture and end use.

John Concannon, Managing Director JFC Manufacturing Co Ltd and winner of the 2009 Connaught Green Business Category Best Speaking about the awards said; "Winning an Ulster Bank Business Achievers Award at provincial level is a great honor and achievement” The awards celebrate business who are showing leadership, success and contribution to the economy in the face of many challenges and obstacles, regardless of the business offering, service or location.