The eager wait is finally over…today the shortlist for the Belfast Business Awards 2019 has been revealed…
Organised and hosted by Belfast Chamber with Principal Sponsor, Bank of Ireland UK, the annual, highly-coveted ceremony have become synonymous with recognising, promoting and rewarding the excellence of Belfast-based companies.
Over 100 of Belfast’s top businesses have made the shortlist spanning 21 categories, from customer service, creative, community, digital marketing, age-friendly to food and drink. The gala ceremony will take place on Friday 10th May 2019 at Titanic, Belfast.
The diverse 21 categories span from Best Technology Based Business, Environmental Best Practice, Best Company to Work for, and Young Business Person of the Year (under30) to the Bank of Ireland UK Lifetime Achievement award.
Commenting on this year’s shortlist Paul McClurg, Head of Business Banking Belfast from partner Bank of Ireland UK said: “We were absolutely delighted see such fantastic strength and quality across the breadth of businesses entries for this year’s awards.
“In successfully meeting the brief for boosting business it’s making the selection process an interesting one which will positively challenge the judges.
Paul concluded: “At Bank of Ireland we are delighted to be part of these local business “Begin” journeys, supporting them as they progress towards achieving their ambition to be recognised as well as sharing and celebrating their talent and success, as an important part of a strong, vibrant and diverse business community in Belfast.”
Rajesh Rana, President of Belfast Chamber commented: “Once again we are truly astounded at the sheer level of excellent entries who have taken the time to showcase their business for these awards.
“Over the next couple of weeks, a series of interviews will take place with a panel of judges to decide the overall winners in each category.
“There will also be extensive mystery shopping for the customer service and hospitality-based categories, so I encourage everyone to go the extra mile and showcase their business and staff to their absolute best ability.
“The awards night is a real highlight in the Belfast Chamber calendar. It’s a night to celebrate, to showcase your excellence, to network with your peers and to give yourself and team a well-deserved pat on the back.
“This year’s event will be held in the fantastic Titanic Belfast, the World’s Number One tourist destination and will be hosted once-again by Sarah Travers and Pete Snodden. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased by contacting Belfast Chamber.”
Rajesh concluded: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the entrants for the time and effort that has gone into the entries and to congratulate those shortlisted.”
The Belfast Business Awards will take place on Friday 10th May 2019 at Titanic Belfast. For tickets visit www.belfastchamber.com.
Picture caption: Clodagh Rice, Business Reporter at BBC Radio Ulster is pictured with Rajesh Rana, President of Belfast Chamber and Paul McClurg, Head of Business Banking Belfast from partner Bank of Ireland UK.
Full list of shortlisted finalists …
*Customer Service Excellence, Hospitality Sector sponsored by Power NI
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Customer Service Excellence, Independent Retailer sponsored by Andras Hotels
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Customer Service Excellence, Professional Business Services sponsored by Specsavers
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Best New Business sponsored by Fintru
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Social Enterprise of the Year sponsored by Belfast City Council, Health Development
|
|
|
|
|
*Best Family Business sponsored by Value Cabs
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Business Growth sponsored by Grant Thornton
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Best Company to work for award sponsored by Willis Insurance
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Best Marketing Initiative sponsored by Downtown, Cool FM, Downtown Country
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Best Business Premises sponsored by Belfast One
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Employee of the year sponsored by Castle Court
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Business person of the Year sponsored by Lacuna Developments
|
|
|
|
|
*Creative Business sponsored by Destination CQ
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Best Digital Business sponsored by Exterion Media
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Best Hotel, sponsored by Linen Quarter BID
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Best Age-Friendly Business sponsored by Belfast City Council, Age Charter
|
|
|
|
*Best Technology Based Business sponsored by Mills Selig
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Environmental Best Practice
|
|
|
|
|
|
*Best Eatery/Coffee Shop *COFFEE SHOP* sponsored by Red Box Media
|
|
|
|
*Best Eatery/Coffee Shop *EATERY* sponsored by Red Box Media
|
|
|
|
|