The Belfast Business Awards will recognise the various sectors of local business this year with awards for the Best Creative Business, Best Social Economy and Best Green Business.
In their 7th year, these awards are among 11 up for grabs to celebrate the fine work and achievements of the Belfast business community. Organised by the City Council in partnership with Belfast City Centre Management (BCCM), the BBAs will take place in the City Hall on Thursday 8 November, hosted by the BBC`s Sarah Travers.
The Best Creative Business Award is sponsored by Invest NI and will recognise the growing importance of the creative industries to the local economy. This category celebrates those businesses whose skill, creativity and innovation delivers world class products, services and designs for its customer base.
The award is open to businesses from the creative industries sector including film, TV, digital media, music and design who can demonstrate, in the last three years – skill, creativity and innovation in the development of a unique product, service or design
Oonagh Hinds, Invest Northern Ireland’s Eastern Regional Manager said: “Invest NI sees the creative industries as a sector with huge potential for generating both wealth and job creation. Belfast has become a hub for digital media, film and television production, music and design companies. Our sponsorship of the Best Creative Business Award will help demonstrate the strength of the sector in the city and show others how successful businesses can be developed through the exploitation of intellectual property.”
The Best Green Business Award, sponsored by Power NI, will celebrate those businesses that have identified opportunities to minimise their impact upon the environment. It is open to businesses that have developed a green product/service or have implemented environmental management policies or principles.
Alan Egner, Business Sales and Marketing Manager from Power NI, said the company was delighted to sponsor the Best Green Business Award this year.
“Sponsorship of the Best Green Business Award is the perfect match as Power NI pioneered ‘green’ energy in Northern Ireland and has been offering renewable energy options to local businesses since 1999,” he said.
“We continue to provide a full range of products and services including discounted fixed and variable contracts plus energy efficiency grants and special offers to help our customers cut their energy costs. I would like to take this opportunity to wish the category entrants the best of luck and we look forward to the prestigious awards evening on 8 November to celebrate business excellence in the city.”
The Best Social Economy Business Award – sponsored by DETI – is open to all social enterprises in the city that have been trading for social or environmental purposes. The award recognises and champions the outstanding work carried out by social entrepreneurs in Belfast and marks the contributions they have made in positively changing the future of their communities.
To enter for these awards or find out more about the Belfast Business Awards 2012, you can visit the awards official website www.belfastbusinessawards.com or telephone 028 9027 0482. The closing date for entries is Friday 14 September.
The Belfast Business Awards` categories this year are `Best International Trade`, `Best New Business`, `Best Green Business`, `Best Hospitality Business`, ‘Best Creative Business` and ‘Best Social Economy Business`.
There will also be awards for `Best Young Business Person of the Year`, `Best Business Innovation`, `Best Business Expansion`; `Customer Excellence in Retail` and the `Best Business Person of the Year`.
Alderman Christopher Stalford, Chairman of Belfast City Council`s Development Committee, said: “The Belfast Business Awards 2012 will give local businesses a chance to shine by showcasing the excellent contribution they make towards the development of our city.
“Winning an award will be a mark of quality that brings real prestige to any business. I would encourage companies and businessmen and women from across the city to sign up for the awards which are free to enter!”
The council would like to thank our sponsors this year – Victoria Square (Best Young Business Person of the Year); University of Ulster (Best Business Innovation); Profile (Best Business Expansion); DETI (Best Social Economy Business); Northern Ireland Tourist Board (Best Hospitality Business); Firmus Energy (Best New Business); Power NI (Best Green Business); Invest NI (Best Creative Business); Castle Court (Customer Excellence – Retail); DELL (Business Person of the Year) and Barclays Bank (Best International Trade).