Clare woman, and Managing CEO of Centra Ennis, Edwina Donnellan has been awarded the coveted Family Businesswoman of the Year Award at the 2024 Image PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards.
Managing CEO of Centra Ennis store and forecourts, Edwina Donnellan has been involved in the family business for the last 25 years. Employing 30 fulltime staff and 10 part time staff, Centra Ennis is a true asset to the local community providing employment and vital services while continuing to enhance the local community through meaningful supports and sponsorship across Ennis Football Club, St. Flannan’s College, Inch school, Ennis Raptors Basketball Club and Burren Cycling Club.
As CEO of the business Edwina is focused on longevity and future-proofing the business, incorporating a number of upgrades and enhancements to the store, enhancing the overall customer experience. This year Centra Ennis introduced the Donnybrook Fair range in store, alongside Frank and Honest premium coffee all while supporting local Clare food and drink producers.
In addition, sustainability has been a keen focus for the store and through supports from Musgrave, Centra Ennis have implemented a number of cost and energy saving initiatives including the introduction of digi-labels. These digital or e-labels enable the immediate implementation of price changes across the store, with increased efficiency and reduced labour input, enhancing how the store operates. In addition, the store has also integrated a number energy saving refrigeration units across their off-license area, which is reducing the overall energy output of the business.
Luke Hanlon, interim Managing Director, Centra; “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Edwina Donnellan on her win as the 2024 Family Businesswoman of the Year at the Image PwC Businesswoman of the Year awards. This is an incredible achievement and one that is a testament to the calibre of professionalism and customer service excellence that is provided at Centra Ennis. This Award adds to the many other accolades achieved by Edwina and we would like to acknowledge her continued commitment and passion for retail and service.”
Edwina Donnellan, Managing CEO, Centra Ennis; “I am truly honoured to have been awarded the 2024 Family Businesswoman of the Year Award for our Centra store in Ennis, Co. Clare. I have been involved with our family business from the age of 19 and I’ve seen consumer habits, trends and experiences change. One thing that has always remained constant is our connection to the local community and I would like to thank our customers and staff for their continued support. Small businesses are facing a lot of challenges in recent years and we have worked hard to ensure that our business remains an inherent part of the community, retaining employment and catering to consumer needs. To be acknowledged for these efforts is truly special”.