Published: Wednesday, 7th July, 2010 4:30pm

Westmeath businesses nominated for Q awards

Three Westmeath businesses have been nominated for this year's National Q Mark Awards.

Top of the list for The Q Mark Award for Quality Management Systems in the category of 'Government Services' is the Westmeath County Enterprise Board (WCEB).

Christine Charlton, CEO of WCEB expressed her delighted at the organisation receiving the nomination and emphasised that "the maintenance of quality systems is of the utmost importance to ensure a quality service is delivered to Board clients."

Two Athlone Centra stores have also been nominated for the national Q mark awards.

The Grove Service Station Centra, Baylough, and Kilmartin's N6 Centra have both been nominated in one of the hardest fought categories which is The Q Mark Award for Hygiene and Food Safety.

The star studded ceremony, which will take place on September 24, will see over 230 companies converge on Dublin's Burlington Hotel to battle it out for the 25 Q Mark Awards, which have been designed by award winning, Irish designer Shane Holland.

Owner of the Grove Service Station Centra, Baylough, Rachel Kilmartin, said: "Being nominated for The Q Mark awards is a huge achievement for the Grove Service Station Centra. Everyone on the team plays a huge part in striving to win this award. It is of great importance to us as this is our first time to be honoured with a nomination."

Kilmartin's N6 Centra was also nominated in the same category and Rachel Kilmartin said: "Being nominated for this award is a great achievement for the store.

Everyone on the team plays a huge part in striving for this accolade each year and the award is the pinnacle of achievement and hard work in ensuring we maintain the highest of standards in everything we do."

The Q Mark is awarded only to companies who achieve the highest standards of quality and excellence, with Q Mark criteria ensuring that clients exceed legal requirements rather than simply adhering to them. This further assures consumers that companies who hold the 'Q' are committed to continuous improvement and best practice.

"It's fantastic to see a local business nominated for The Q Mark Awards!" says Irene Collins, Managing Director, EIQA (Excellence Ireland Quality Association), speaking at the launch of this year's awards. "To be nominated for The Q Mark Awards is an enormous achievement, particularly as this year has seen the highest number of entries in the history of the event." she continued. "Companies who hold The Q Mark demonstrate to their customers that the highest standards of quality and excellence are at the heart of their business and that is something that is really worth celebrating! I wish them the best of luck.''