THE strength and depth of business talent, diversity and competitiveness in Belfast were recognised at the fifth running of the City Chamber's Belfast Business Awards.
Held at Titanic Belfast, more than 100 short-listed businesses, their staff, family members and local dignitaries attended the prestigious bash,which recognises excellence and celebrates exceptional achievements across a range of industries.
Some 21 businesses won top category awards and four others were highly commended, while the Bank of Ireland UK lifetime achievement award went to pubs entrepreneur Willie Jack.
Among the night's other big winners were iMultiply, who won customer service excellence in professional services; Glandore, who won family business; Gareth Murphy of Vertigo Holdings, who won business person of the year; and Translink Glider, which won best marketing initiative.
Rajesh Rana, president of Belfast Chamber, said: “These awards have demonstrated what a truly exceptional place Belfast is to work, do business in and to share our successes.
“This city is becoming truly a regional powerhouse – each of the winners really showcased the unbelievable talent we have in our country – many of these businesses are trading on a global scale and employing hundreds of people.
“It gives me great pleasure and an immense feeling of pride that we as a Chamber have given the winners this stage to showcase their talents. I congratulate each of the winners and entrants, because even to be short-listed is such a fantastic achievement.”
Paul McClurg, head of Belfast business at banking at Bank of Ireland UK, said: "We are extremely proud to partner for a fifth year as principal sponsor of these awards.
"Having been involved from its inauguration we’ve witnessed first hand the important role the awards play in building confidence and showcasing Belfast as a vibrant commercial city, a destination for business.
“Belfast has once again done itself proud, and with five key branches through the city, we are passionate and committed to enabling businesses, customers and communities to thrive, as together we continue to grow in the months and years to come.
“The Belfast Business Awards is a perfect platform for Belfast businesses to springboard forward in showcasing their staff, talent, expertise, creativity, commercial prowess and to reflect and celebrate on their endeavours.
He added: “We've been blown away by the sheer talent, quality and level of business ambition. I congratulate each and every one of the terrific and inspirational companies and people who have taken home awards tonight. They've raised the bar again, and we look forward to their continued success.”
Full list of winners…
:: Customer service excellence (hospitality sector) sponsored by Power NI - Café Parisien
:: Customer service excellence (independent retailer) sponsored by Andras Hotels - Learning Space
:: Customer service excellence (professional business services) sponsored by Specsavers - iMultiply
:: Best new business sponsored by Fintru - Karcher Centre Belfast. Highly commended - Halo Healthy Kitchen
:: Best social enterprise of the year/co-operative award, sponsored by Belfast City Council Health Development - Trecco Maintenance Service
:: Best family business, sponsored by Value Cabs - Glandore
:: Best business growth, sponsored by Grant Thornton - FinTrU. Highly commended - Mount Charles
:: Best company to work for award, sponsored by Willis Insurance - FinTrU
:: Best marketing initiative sponsored by Downtown/Cool FM/ Downtown Country - Translink Glider. Highly commended - Beyond Skin Clinic
:: Best business premises, sponsored by Belfast One - Instil Software
:: Young business person (under 30), sponsored by Victoria Square - Glen Stewart
:: Employee of the year, sponsored by Castle Court with Kym Horner - Laura Banks. Highly commended - MKB Law
:: Business person of the year, sponsored by Lacuna Developments - Gareth Murphy (Vertigo Holdings Ltd)
:: Best creative business, sponsored by Destination CQ - Cinemagic International Film and Television Festival for Young people
:: Best digital business, sponsored by Exterion Media - Dawson Andrews
:: Best hotel, sponsored by Linen Quarter BID - Holiday Inn, Belfast City Centre
:: Best age-friendly business, sponsored by Belfast City Council Age Charter - Translink
:: Best technology-based business, sponsored by Mills Selig - Icemos Technology
:: Environmental best practice - Ulster Supported Employment Ltd
:: Best eatery/coffee shop, sponsored by Red Box Media - The Bake House
:: Lifetime achievement award sponsored by Bank of Ireland - Willie Jack
:: Best Eatery/Coffee Shop, sponsored by Red Box Media - Fish City, Belfast
