Clare based landscaping, nursery and environmental services company, Hawthorn Nurseries & Landscaping, Ltd. have again been awarded the prestigious Landscape Quality Assured Award, and for the sixth year in a row, Hawthorn have previously also won special awards for Continuous Progress in the development of their company and Facilities Management. The awards recognise and promote excellence in the horticultural industry, while celebrating the industry’s dedication to achieving the highest standards of operation. To achieve this award, the company must undergo a thorough audit by Bord Bia, structured around the stringent industry standards, or ‘Code of Practice’.
Seán Tubridy, Hawthorn’s Managing Director, thanked Bord Bia for the award on behalf of the staff of the company. ‘We are very grateful to Bord Bia for the opportunity to participate in the Landscape Quality Assured Programme. Our business has been greatly enriched by our participation in this Quality Assured Programme, particularly during these challenging times as a result of the economy and the effects of extreme weather conditions. We have found the Programme beneficial in streamlining our business practice and assisted us in running a more efficient operation.
Our employees have fully engaged with and exceeded the requirements of the Programme. Our successes due to our employees hard work and enthusiasm. We are fortunate to have such great staff.’ Seán also expressed his thanks to all of the Hawthorn customers, for their continued support.
The adjudicator said: ‘Since joining the quality programme, Hawthorn Landscapes have improved their score year on year. The owner of the company, Seán Tubridy delegates responsibility for various aspects of the programme to key staff who enjoy the challenge of continually making improvements in their processes. This company is an excellent example of how staff engagement can produce positive results.’
Speaking at the event, Aidan Cotter, Chief Executive, Bord Bia stated, “An industry worth some €50 million annually, Ireland’s amenity horticulture sector has come through difficult times and today stands as a determined player in our sustainable economic future. The quality, high standards and dedication shown by this year’s winners displays the strength and determination of this industry in light of the great challenges it currently faces. The commitment to excellence of these award recipients inspires confidence in the future of the sector.”
Mr. Cotter added “We have noted that Quality Award recipients pride themselves on delivering above and beyond consumer expectation. These companies are investing substantially in training, infrastructure and procedures to attain a Bord Bia Quality Award allowing consumers to benefit greatly from them.”
Addressing the audience this evening, Carol Marks, Development and Marketing Specialist, Bord Bia said “The challenges of recent years have inspired the industry to work harder, to work together, and to learn. In doing so, we are shaping an industry ready to make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead
Hawthorn Ltd. was established in 1997 and operate nationwide. They are an important employer in West Clare. Their landscape and maintenance customers include, amongst others, private residences, County Councils, Town Councils, Universities, and commercial property owners. Hawthorn Ltd. were featured in the May 2011 issue of the Irish Garden Magazine, Ireland’s biggest selling garden magazine.