Athlone's Kilmartin's N6 among contenders for National Q Mark Award

An Athlone business is among the top contenders at this year's National Q Mark Awards. Centra at the Kilmartin N6 Service Station in Athlone are top of the Q, for their nomination for The Q Mark for Hygiene and Food Safety. The star-studded ceremony, which will take place on October 14 at Dublin's Burlington Hotel, will see almost 500 business owners and managers walk the red carpet amongst TV stars and the business elite to compete for the 25 biggest awards in quality and excellence. This nomination is 'two in a row' for Kilmartin's Centra as they were short-listed as a national finalist in last year's Q Mark Awards! Established in 1999 and offering 24 hour service 365-days-a-year the Kilmartin N6 Service Station is located at the N6 roundabout and includes the Centra convenience store, a coffee shop and Texaco Forecourt.On hearing of their nomination, for what are known as the 'Oscars' of business excellence, company director, 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". In a year where local businesses have had one of the toughest trading years ever, Kilmartin's Centra have kept their customers to the fore by insisting that 'Quality Matters' by adhering to The Q Mark for Hygiene and Food Safety criteria which ensures that Kilmartin's Centra have not simply adhered to legal requirements but have actually surpassed them! The Q Mark is now recognised by 87% of Irish consumers, having created standards of the highest quality and excellence in Hygiene and Food Safety, Quality Management Systems, Nursing Homes, Leisure Centres and The Q Mark for Accessibility, ABLE.