AN area synonymous with entrepreneurship, innovation, excellence and creativity has begun the search for its current business best.
The Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade, which will later this year celebrate its 125th anniversary, has launched its biennial Greater Newry Area Business Awards (www.newrybusinessawards.com).
"The awards are designed to recognise and reward the very best that this region's business community has to offer," Chamber president Michael McKeown told a sponsors' launch event at Bellini's in Newry.
"Whether you are trading as a local independent, large multi-national, or are a manufacturer, retailer or service provider, this an opportunity to showcase business excellence and show confidence in the future of this area."
There are 21 categories within the initiative, including a special Diaspora Award for an individual who has gone abroad in their chosen field of business and has made a significant contribution overseas.
The deadline for entry is Friday August 11, and their awards themselves take place in the city's Canal Court Hotel on Thursday September 28.
Gold sponsors of this biennial business awards competition are Bank of Ireland, Flogas Natural Gas and Newry Mourne & Down District Council, while more than a dozen individual category sponsors include the Irish News.
Council chair Cllr Roisin Mulgrew said: “We are delighted to again endorse the Greater Newry Area Business Awards, which support our new Council’s strategic objective of attracting investment and creating jobs by recognising business excellence, entrepreneurship and celebrate all that is good within the local business community.”
Geraldine O’Hagan, senior branch manager at gold sponsor Bank of Ireland welcomed the search to identify, recognise and reward the region’s top businesses.
She said: “Banking lies at the heart of business activity and our involvement in these awards reflects our continued drive and commitment in supporting the local business community in their continuous improvement.”
Paul Crosbie of Flogas added: “With the availability of natural gas to businesses throughout the Greater Newry area, we are delighted to be a gold sponsor of these awards. We pride ourselves on quality customer service and similarly look forward to rewarding business excellence across the area.”
For more information or to request a brochure contact Newry Chamber office on (028) 30250303 or email admin@newrychamber.com. Organisations can also enter online at www.newrybusinessawards.com
