Cunningham Higgins in Ballybrit, Galway, was this week presented with the Retail Operation of the Year trophy at the first awards ceremony for the Irish motor industry.
The honour was awarded to the Ballybrit dealership for competitiveness within its market segment, prudent investment in difficult market conditions, and a pro-active, holistic vision of its business.
The awards, backed by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, and sponsored by Castrol Professional, took place at Killashee House Hotel in Naas, Co Kildare.
Niall Cunningham, director at Cunningham Higgins, said: “I was both surprised and delighted to hear our name announced at the awards ceremony and I proudly accepted the award on behalf of everyone in our business. We are a people-centred business and we are delighted to be able to have our efforts recognised in this way. I would like to thank our team and customers for helping us to gain this recognition.”
Alan Nolan, director general of SIMI, said: “I’d like to congratulate Cunningham Higgins. The winners of these inaugural industry awards are very deserving of the recognition they received and they represent the pinnacle of success in what has been a difficult period for the industry. Everyone at Cunningham Higgins should be very proud of their achievements over the last year and of winning this award.”
Head of Castrol Professional in Ireland, Dave Watson, said businesses such as Cunningham Higgins were at the leading edge of the industry’s recovery from the recession.
“Cunningham Higgins is a shining example of the innovation, hard work and quality of service exhibited by those in the motor trade.”
The full list of winners at the inaugural SIMI Irish Motor Industry Awards in association with Castrol Professional are:
• Retail Operation of the Year: Cunningham Higgins, Galway
• Aftersales Operation of the Year: Joe Duffy Motors, Dublin
• Innovation of the Year: Merlin Car Auctions
• Unsung Hero of the Year: The Drogheda SIMI Members
• Franchise Dealer of the Year: Cavanaghs of Charleville
