Roadbridge has won the overall National Q Mark title for Q Mark Civil Engineering Group of the Year sponsored by Asystec and the Best Food Services team in Ireland for Hygiene & Food Safety, at the National Q Mark Awards 2018. Its nomination put it in the top 6.75 per cent of all audits completed by the Excellence Ireland Quality Association (EIQA) on the island of Ireland and this win means they are at the very top of the Q for highest standards of Quality and Excellence. Speaking shortly after the win, Peter Byrne, quality and environmental manager, said: “These awards are a fantastic validation of the efforts made by our people each and every day. Getting to this level is no accident, it is simply down to the hard work and dedication of people throughout the organisation." Conor  Gilligan, managing  director said: “Having been  successful  in  winning  an  award  in  2014,  we  have  seen  first-hand  the  advantages  it  brings  to  our  dealings  with  potential  customers  and  has  been  a  very  valuable  asset  in  our  tenders. Quite  simply,  it  is  worth  the  time  and  effort,  and  is  excellent  value  for  money.” Siobhan, Ann Marie, Caroline and Stella proudly displaying the awards Caroline  Mulcahy, food  safety  manager, said: “Winning  the  prestigious  Q  Mark  Award  in  Hygiene  &  Food  Safety  validates  our  efforts  to  provide  safe  food  through  an  independent  auditor  who  has  verified  our  commitment  and  has  recognised  our  efforts.  This in  turn  demonstrates  to  our  clients  and customers  our  commitment  to  food hygiene  and  food  safety”. Known as the Oscars of business excellence, the Q Mark Award is the highest accolade an Irish business can achieve, given both the intense competition and the exacting standards required. Speaking at this year’s awards Irene Collins, managing director of EIQA, said: “Collective responsibility for high operational standards has yielded a fantastic result for Peter, Caroline and their teams…increased contracts and a much coveted Q Mark Trophy. A fantastic result.”

EIQA celebrates 50th anniversary

The National Q Mark Awards 2018 were presented by EIQA and officiated by Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD.  This is a very special year for the Q Mark Awards as EIQA celebrates its 50th anniversary. The master of ceremonies on the night was the inimitable broadcaster, Jonathan Healy. Almost 600 people representing 140 companies attended a formal black-tie ceremony in competition for one of only 27 awards presented. Funds were raised on the night for CanTeen Ireland and were much appreciated and celebrations went on into the early hours. EIQA (Excellence Ireland Quality Association) has been the Irish National Quality Association since 1968. It currently audits the standards of thousands of organisations and businesses both in Ireland and Internationally. EIQA is known as the ‘Guardian’ of the Q Mark which identifies its various certifications, namely, the Q Mark for Hygiene & Food Safety; the Q Mark for Quality Management Systems; the Q Mark for Nursing Homes; the Q Mark for Leisure Centres; and the Q Mark for Accessibility (ABLE). Roadbridge  is  one  of  Ireland’s  largest  civil  engineering  contractors,  employing  more than  700  people. It has been  involved  in  some  of  the  country’s  largest  infrastructural  projects  over  its 50-year  history and always  strives  to  excel  on  projects. At  least  70 per cent  of  the  workforce  on  Roadbridge projects  are  employed  directly  rather  than  using  subcontractors,  which  is  the  way  the  majority  of  construction  companies  are  moving. You can find out more at www.roadbridge.ie.