The IMAGE Businesswomen of the Year Awards 2011

VICKI O’TOOLE OF PACKAGING COMPANY JJ O’TOOLE LTD SCOOPS THE IMAGE BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD

Limerick woman Vicki O’Toole, MD of packaging company JJ O’Toole Ltd, was named winner of the prestigious IMAGE Businesswoman of the Year Award at a ceremony in The Merrion Hotel on Wednesday, November 30.

Established in 1914, JJ O’Toole is one of Ireland’s leading packaging companies servicing the retail sector, with a client list including Brown Thomas, Selfridges, Newbridge Silverware, Avoca, Arnotts, Louise Kennedy, Meadows & Byrne and Unicare, among others. Vicki joined JJ O’Toole Ltd in 2001 as executive director focussing on sales and business development, taking over the reins as managing director in 2005 with responsibility for the strategic direction of the business and its day-to-day running.

The judging panel, chaired by IMAGE publisher Ann Reihill, which also included The Sunday Business Post deputy editor and Dragons’ Den presenter Richard Curran; Orla Nugent, MBA programme director from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School; Nick Mulcahy, editor of Business Plus; PR Caroline Kennedy; CEO of KBC and incoming President of the Irish Banking Federation Bank, John Reynolds; last year’s winner, Avril Bannerton of Synergy Events; and IMAGE editor Melanie Morris, were very impressed with Vicki’s overall management and leadership style. Particularly impressive was her innovative attitude in the face of adversity. The plastic bag levy, introduced in 2002, effectively reduced the company’s turnover by 40 per cent. But Vicki spearheaded a move to turn this potentially devastating challenge into a new start for JJ O’Toole, in fact returning to its 1914 beginnings as a paper packaging company, capitalising on almost a century of experience in the field. JJ O’Toole now stands at the top of its field, supplying packaging solutions to a diverse range of businesses throughout Ireland and the UK. Runners-up for the title of IMAGE Businesswoman of the Year include Sharon Fitzpatrick of Fitzers Catering and Colette Twomey of Clonakilty Blackpudding Company.

Cork woman and renowned chef and businesswoman, Clodagh McKenna bagged The IMAGE Entrepreneur of the Year Award. With a portfolio of interests including TV, publishing, a cookery school, various restaurants, cafés and retail outlets, the judging panel commended Clodagh on her incredible drive (which she attributes to her mother), ambition and creativity in developing the Clodagh McKenna brand from a love of food into a multi-faceted and highly successful business. Lulu O’Sullivan of Giftsdirect.com and Siopa.com and Francesca Macari of children’s boutique Petit were named as runners-up.

The IMAGE Young Businesswoman of the Year, aimed at inspiring achievers under the age of 35, was awarded to Ciara Troy, CEO of Oishii Foods. From simple beginnings making and selling Japanese food at Greystones Farmers’ Market in 2006, Oishii Sushi is now stocked in 100 independents and supermarkets, including Spar, Eurospar, Dunnes and Tesco. Having recently secured listings with the Musgrave Group, Ciara now employs eight people and plans further expansion of the business in 2012, to include the launch of a range of fresh and healthy Japanese-inspired meal pots. The panel were particularly impressed with Ciara’s resilience in the face of market challenges, along with her innovation and sheer hard work. Runners-up in this category include Dr Katherine Mulrooney, Medical Director of Galway company Seavite and Jane Swarbrigg of Inglot Cosmetics.

CEO of the Irish Internet Association, Joan Mulvihill, scooped The IMAGE Professional Businesswoman of the Year. Joan joined the Irish Internet Association (IIA), a not-for-profit body servicing the needs of Ireland’s technology and online businesses, in 2009. As CEO of the IIA, Joan is effectively the spokesperson for the internet industry. Since she took the helm, the IIA’s offerings have grown hugely — she has overseen the annual conference, Dot.ie Net Visionary Awards, training, July’s successful government lobbying on the Digital Skills Retention Policy, various conferences and events, and the launch of the IIA’s Diploma in Digital Marketing in conjunction with Irish Times Training. Under her leadership, the IIA has attracted new event sponsorship and membership through the delivery of the widest range of internet seminars and conferences, and has collaborated with other organisations to take the lead in championing the Irish Open Data movement. Sharon Fitzpatrick of Fitzers Catering was also named runner-up in this category, as was Gina Quin, CEO of Dublin Chamber of Commerce.

The IMAGE Creative Businesswoman of the Year was introduced this year to recognise women who have forged a successful career from pursuing their creative passions. The inaugural title was awarded to freelance producer and director, Lynda McQuaid, who worked on UK shows like Stars in their Eyes, This Morning and The Sunday Show, before returning to Ireland to work on Popstars, You’re a Star, The Apprentice, and more recently, MasterChef Ireland and The Voice of Ireland. TV is a true passion for Lynda, who has revealed that as a young child she would regularly jot down the credit rollers at the end of TV programmes, and sent questionnaires and letters to RTE. This passion is still evident in all aspects of Lynda’s work and career, garnering her praise from the judging panel for her creativity married with professionalism and sharply-honed business acumen. The panel also recognised Ruth Monahan of Appassionata Flowers and Fashion Designer Heidi Higgins as runners-up for the title. 

Guests who attended the announcement of the winners at The Merrion Hotel included Clodagh McKenna, Triona McCarthy, Caroline Downey, Cathy O’Connor, Rhona Blake, May Frisby, Martha Lynn, Sharon Fitzpatrick, Sonia Reynolds, Catherine Fulvio, Wayne Cronin, Fiona Gratzer and Astrid Brennan.
 
Melanie Morris, editor of IMAGE, was delighted to host the fifth annual IMAGE Businesswomen of the Year Awards at The Merrion Hotel, saying “In a particularly challenging business environment, it’s hugely refreshing to see the enormous contribution of women to Irish business and professional life. The calibre of this year’s winners, and their drive, determination and business sense in tough times make them inspirational ambassadors for all Irish women. We would like to congratulate Vicki, Clodagh, Ciara, Joan and Lynda on their hard-earned and well-deserved accolades.”