Celebrate your business success! Calling businesses to enter the 2009 ulster bank business achievers awards
18 June 2009
Businesses across the island of Ireland are invited to enter the 2009 Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards, which officially launched today. The awards, which are in association with the Irish Independent and Enterprise Ireland, aim to reward businesses across all industry sectors and regardless of size, for their leadership, successes and contribution to the economy in the face of many challenges and obstacles.
Shortlisted businesses are rewarded at provincial level before finalists go on to compete for the national title at an all-island awards ceremony in February 2010.
This is the 16th year of the awards, which were revamped and expanded last year. Over 400 businesses North and South entered the 2008 awards, a 400% increase on the previous year.
Entries are open to established businesses, start-ups and entrepreneurs whose businesses 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:
- 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 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. Entries will close on 31st October 2009 and the Provincial Award Winners will be announced in November, with the overall Ulster Bank Business Achiever and Category winners announced in February.
Speaking at the launch of the awards Robert Gallagher, Chief Executive, Ulster Bank Corporate Markets said; "Now more than ever, it is essential that the business community celebrates and rewards entrepreneurship and business success. The resilience and determination of Irish businesses, particularly in the current environment, is hugely encouraging and the Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards is about recognising that. Businesses operating in communities across the island are making a valuable contribution to their local economies – providing much needed employment and supporting local commerce. Their achievements should be highlighted as an example to others."
Pat Maher, Executive Director, Enterprise Ireland commented on the benefits of winning a Business Achievers Award, saying; "Over the past 16 years many previous winners have grown to become well known brands and services. Winning an award can help a business attract new clients, showcase successes and generate publicity. The inclusivity of the awards scheme differentiates it from other programmes – the fact it is both all-island and cross-sectoral means a huge diversity of businesses can enter. We are very proud to be involved in this initiative would strongly recommend businesses consider entering – the benefits speak for themselves."
Maeve Dineen, Irish Independent Business Editor commented; "In current times it is important we continue to highlight the success stories and achievements of Irish businesses that are growing and developing their businesses despite adverse conditions. Our role is to provide a platform to share these stories and support the winning business through advertising, helping them to reach an audience of both customers and potential investors."
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 or contact (01) 6084030.
Notes to Editor:
2008 Business Achievers Award Winners
Overall Winner
Ulster Bank Business Achiever 2008: Mcor Technologies
Category Winners
Ethnic Entrepreneurship Award 2008: Jaipur Group
Environmental / Sustainability Award 2008: Ecocem Materials Ltd
Community/Social Entrepreneurship Award 2008: CEOL Ireland
Business Going International 2008: The Gift Voucher Shop
Family Run Business 2008: Mash Direct Ltd
Best Business Start Up 2008: Almotech Ltd
One To Watch 2008: Mcor Technologies
For further information please contact:
Sophie Clare, Fleishman-Hillard, 01 6188 438 / 087 645 6243
Debbie McCaughey, Ulster Bank, 01 608 4344 / 087 654 9480
About Ulster Bank Group
Ulster Bank Group is part of The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) Group. For more information, visit
http://www.ulsterbank.ie
http://www.ulsterbank.co.uk