New All-Island Business Achievers Awards launched by Ulster Bank
23rd June, 2008
Celebrating business success, regardless of business offering, service, or location, is the theme of the newly expanded Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards, launched today in association with the Irish Independent and Enterprise Ireland. The Business Achievers Awards, now in its 15th year, aims to reward success at a provincial level before finalists go forward to an all-island awards ceremony where the overall winner is announced.
Entries are open to both established businesses and entrepreneurs who feel their business has achieved significant success and growth. Nominations can be made in one or more of seven categories:
- Environmental / Sustainability Award
- Community / Social Entrepreneurship Award (including Arts & Crafts)
- Ethnic Entrepreneurship Award
- Business Going International Award
- Family Run Business Award
- 'One to Watch' Award
- Best Business Start Up Award
The National winner will receive a comprehensive prize package including an Executive Education programme at Harvard University Business School, €50,000 worth of advertising space in the Irish Independent and two years membership of the Institute of Directors. Provincial and Category winners will receive a number of prizes including entry into the national awards, coverage in the Irish Independent and a dedicated profile page on the awards website.
Robert Gallagher, Chief Executive of Ulster Bank Corporate Markets says the Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards have a track record in recognising the contribution made by businesses, both to their local communities and the economy as a whole, as well as the challenges faced in achieving this success.
"Over the past 15 years the Business Achievers Awards has gone from strength to strength to become an established and successful programme. It makes sense to build on this success and expand the reach of the awards further to provincial and local community level. Since the awards began, many of our winners have gone on to become household names and leaders in business development. Many others continue to make a significant contribution to their local economy, through provision of services and products, employment and acting as inspiration to others. By introducing new categories, we aim to expand the recognition of the role played by these businesses in creating a dynamic and entrepreneurial economy."
Tom McEnaney, Business Editor of the Irish Independent says it has also significantly increased its support for the Business Achievers Awards. "Our aim is to provide a platform for companies to showcase their success, to share the issues they have overcome in their journey and to provide inspiration to many other businesses out there that face similar challenges. We also intend to provide practical editorial and advertising support to the winning company, allowing it to reach a wide audience of potential customers and business investors."
Pat Maher, Executive Director, Enterprise Ireland says that it is extremely important that local Irish businesses are recognised as the bedrock of our future economic success. "In an increasingly tough climate, it is vital that we use already successful businesses as inspiration to those starting out and that we recognise the achievements made by so many unsung entrepreneurs across Ireland."
The Business Achievers Awards are open to nominations by individuals or businesses at www.businessachieversaward.com or contact (01) 6084030. All entries must be submitted by 31st October 2008, with judging by awards panels and provincial awards ceremonies taking place in November 2008. Winners from these four events will then compete at national level for the overall category prizes in March 2009.
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.