SME achievements to determine economy's future success
20th Jul 2009
The achievements of small and medium-sized enterprises will be the most important factor in determining the success of the Northern Ireland economy in the years ahead, according to a leading business banker.
Urging SMEs to enter the Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards, in association with the Belfast Telegraph, Henry Elvin, Ulster Bank's head of business banking, said that there are thousands of unsung firms in Northern Ireland whose determination and innovation will see them through the current tough conditions to achieve significant success in the future.
The Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards are supported by Invest Northern Ireland and InterTradeIreland. They aim to reward established businesses across all industry sectors, regardless of size, for their leadership, successes and contribution to the economy in the face of many challenges and obstacles.
Mr Elvin continued: "At Ulster Bank, we work closely with hundreds of SMEs who, with our support, are tackling very difficult conditions through innovation and determination. Whenever the recession passes, we believe that the potential within our SME sector will see it drive the economy to significant success in the future."
He adds: "The Business Achievers Awards provide the opportunity to celebrate the endeavour of our SME sector and we think this is now more important than ever. I look forward to seeing the leadership and innovation of local firms celebrated in these important awards."
Northern Ireland firms can enter the awards until the end of October by logging on to www.businessachieversaward.com. Entrants will compete for eight awards against companies from across Ulster, with the eight winners then going up against businesses from across the island of Ireland.
The Ulster prizes will be presented in Belfast in November, with the all-island prizes presented at a ceremony in Dublin in February 2010.
Supporting the Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards, Invest Northern Ireland Chief Executive, Alastair Hamilton, said: "The Northern Ireland business community has shown great resilience in the face of the significant challenges presented by the global economic downturn. Companies of all sizes and in all sectors have taken the opportunity to think innovatively, re-examine their operations and adapt to the changing climate, with many accessing the range of tailored financial and advisory support available from Invest NI.
"The Business Achievers Awards will recognise local companies that have prospered in recent times thanks to their progressive and creative approach to business and an entrepreneurial spirit that remains as strong as ever."
Entries are open to established businesses, start-ups and entrepreneurs whose businesses have achieved success and have demonstrated innovation and leadership in overcoming the current challenges in the marketplace. Businesses can enter themselves or can be nominated in one or more of eight categories:
The categories are:
- One-to-Watch Award
- International Business Award
- Social Entrepreneurship Award
- Best Business Start-up Award
- Family Run Business Award
- Green Business Award
- Agriculture and Food Award
- Emerging Technology Award
The overall all-island winner will receive a comprehensive prize package including an Executive Education programme at Harvard University Business School and a significant advertising package - an online and print package worth in excess of 10,000 in the Belfast Telegraph if the overall all-island winner is from Northern Ireland.
Provincial winners will receive a number of prizes including entry into the all-island awards, coverage in the Belfast Telegraph and a dedicated profile page on the awards' website.
InterTradeIreland Chief Executive Liam Nellis said: "Recognising and celebrating business success has never been more important with the island North and South facing significant economic challenges. Companies can draw inspiration and ideas from others who have driven their businesses forward, overcome difficult challenges and achieved success through a combination of imagination and energy and a clear focus on customer needs, innovation and excellence. Role models have an important contribution to make to economic recovery and growth."
Companies will be judged on a variety of merits including sales performance, market share growth, company milestones, innovative new products or services and successful achievements by key personnel.
The Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards are open for entry or nomination by individuals or businesses at www.businessachieversaward.com