Hopkins Communications handled the public/media relations for the Titanic 100 Cobh commemoration over several months in 2012, securing extensive coverage of the visit to Cobh of The President of...
The Cork Business Person of the Year 2007 is Michael Barry, Managing Director of Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium, whose independent drinks company distributes a wide range of quality wine and beers brands nationwide.
At an awards ceremony attended by Cork’s top business people held in The Maryborough Hotel & Spa, Cork on Saturday last, 2007 Michael Barry was presented with his award by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment Micheál Martin TD. Twelve Cork business people were nominated for the award and the Judges declared Michael Barry the 2007 winner for the following reasons -
Firstly, as an acknowledgment of his significant contribution to Irish business life as an Entrepreneur, marketer and business leader and in particular for his creation and launch of the Barry Fitzwilliam brand in 1982 that now includes Maxxium and which celebrates its 25th anniversary in business this year. The company has grown from a small operation to a company now turning over almost €90 million this year.
Secondly, the award is for the expansion of the company through the years into Ireland’s largest independent drinks distribution company, importing, warehousing, marketing and distributing branded wines, spirits and beers, for which they are agents. The company also wholesales brands of other major distillers and importers, and enjoys the respect of its customers, competitors and those who have looked on and watched the company grow to the extent it has today.
Thirdly, the award recognises the prestigious portfolio of brands that Barry Fitzwilliam Maxxium holds, including: Corona Extra, ABSOLUT Vodka, Remy Martin Cognac, Courvoisier Cognac, The Famous Grouse Finest Scotch Whisky, Teachers Scotch, Jim Beam Bourbon etc. The prestigious range of wine and sherry brands in the portfolio include Mont Gras, McGuigan, Glen Ellen, Michel Lynch and Guigal Wines, and Tip Pepe & Crofts Original sherries, and Piper Heidseick Champagnes and many other popular brands.
Fourthly, the award recognises the exceptional level of support and sponsorship that Michael Barry gives to events, charities and causes. The company has celebrated its 25 years in business by using its market-leading Corona brand to bring the Corona Cork Film Festival to new heights. The 2007 festival was without question the most successful yet, both in terms of filmgoers and the quality of films shown. Corona’s sponsorship was undoubtedly a driving factor in the success of this Festival.
The Cork Business Person of the Year Awards 2007 is a business awards initiative by Business Munster magazine in conjunction with its corporate sponsors for the 2007 awards, Anglo Irish Bank plc, The Fleming Group and The Drive Motor Group. The 2006 winner of the inaugural awards was the Group managing Director of Thomas Crosbie Holdings Limited, Anthony W. Dinan. The awards are in recognition of the achievements of Cork business people and over the twelve months of the awards twelve business people receive monthly awards.
