A Monasterevin company has become one of the first businesses in the country to achieve a new quality mark for the highest standards of service and trust.

Angelina’s ArtVentures has been awarded the coveted All-Ireland Business All-Star accreditation – an independently verified standard mark for indigenous businesses, based on rigorous selection criteria.

The accreditation is overseen by the All-Ireland Business Foundation, whose adjudication panel is chaired by Dr. Briga Hynes of the Kemmy Business School at the University of Limerick and Kieran Ring, CEO of the Global Institute of Logistics.

Angelina’s ArtVentures was founded in 2016 by Angelina Foster, to imprint her love of art and travel adventures on a range of coasters, bags, t-shirts, and umbrellas.

The Ballykelly, Monasterevin-based company impressed judges with its “unique and memorable pieces of fun Irish heritage art, on affordable, luxury products,” according to Kieran Ring.

“The company’s commitment to design and its customer base were particularly evident in the judging process,” he said.

“Visitor numbers to Ireland continue to rise, developing a strong market for arts and crafts products, our audit found Angelina’s ArtVentures to be one of the most progressive in the space.”

Angelina’s artwork is inspired by the beauty of the peatlands, Ireland’s rich equine culture, dance and the stories of Ireland’s Ancient East.

From her studio in Ballykelly, Angelina designs unique products which make the Irish heritage story interesting and fun.

“I believe that the Business All-Star accreditation is going to be a true quality mark for indigenous Irish businesses,” said Angelina.

“As a business, I am very concerned with setting standards, but those standards need to be constantly measured.

“I have been looking for something like this – an accreditation process which is tough, externally verified and allows me to constantly measure my performance.

“It is even more relevant when doing business with or through our native language, measuring its value and authenticity.”

Dr. Hynes said the accreditation, which is now held by 170 firms, is needed by the thousands of small and medium firms out there who operate to their own standards but have nothing to measure them by.

“It provides very importantly credible and transparent benchmarking that hasn’t been available up to now, allowing companies to very clearly understand where they are versus their competitors,” she said.

“In a minimum six-week process, we evaluate a company’s background, trustworthiness, and performance, and we speak to customers, employees, and vendors.

“Internally this process gives confidence to the organization, allows them to leverage their advantages and identify areas that they need to improve in, particularly in innovation and product development.”

The All-Ireland Business Foundation will be responsible for identifying and accrediting best-in-class Irish businesses, overseeing both the awards and ongoing accreditation, promoting peer dialogue, in addition to hosting the All-Ireland Business Summit on May 1 and 2 next year.

It will also create an active community of progressive businesses and ambitious business leaders who work together and openly share knowledge.

Further details available at businessallstars.ie

PHOTO CAPTION: Angelina Foster, Angelina’s Artventures, Monasterevin, and All-Ireland Business Foundation Programme Director, Kapil Khanna. PICTURE: CONOR MCCABE