ENTRIES for the fifth annual Women in Business Awards close at noon this Friday - and the Women in Business team is gearing up for the flurry of last-minute submissions that always arrive as the deadline looms.
The organisation's chief executive Roseann Kelly said: “Lots of businesswomen tell me that they spend so much time working in their business that they afford little or no time to work on their business.
“By entering these awards we’re offering them an opportunity to take a few moments to think about the impact they have had on their business and in turn the impact their business has made to the local economy.
“But the clock is ticking and there are just a few days remaining to get your entry in. We fully understand the time pressures business people are under and as such we’ve created a simple and straightforward online application process. You can visit womeninbusinessni for more details.”
The Women in Business Awards, hosted by television presenter Pamela Ballantine, has become a firm fixture in the business calendar and recognises the highest achieving business leaders, entrepreneurs, start-ups, sole traders and managers.
Roseann added: “I would urge anyone who has business successes and achievements to share to get entering. All finalists will join an alumnae of over 100 business women and this year’s finalists will be invited to an exclusive overnight retreat at RBS Gogarburn in Edinburgh in advance of the awards.”
The award categories are: young businesswoman of the year, best in professional services, advancing diversity in the workplace, best new start-up, innovation and entrepreneurship, best marketing campaign, outstanding management/leadership, best customer services, best small business, excellence in IT and best exporter.
Previous winner Johann Muldoon of Manor Architects said: “Winning the award has allowed us to sell ourselves as leaders in our field and we’ve also found that it gives our clients added confidence and the knowledge that they are getting the best that their money can buy.
“It also increases morale and makes you want to continue to ‘do better’, to strive for excellence. It was fantastic to win and be recognised amongst such high achievers and determined businesswomen and it has left a lasting impression on our business as well as me personally.”
The awards are judged by a panel of highly respected individuals in the local business community including Roseann Kelly, Ellvena Graham (NI Economic Advisory Group); Evelyn Collins (Equality Commission for NI); Maureen Murphy (Aurion Learning), Kate Marshall (Women in Business) and Gary McDonald (Irish News).
Sponsors and partners of the Women in Business Awards 2015 include the Irish News, Ulster Bank, Q Radio, Department for Employment & Learning, Equality Commission, JC Decaux, Deloitte, Belfast City Council, John McKee Solicitors and Vistage.
