Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and the British Chambers of Commerce officially launched the Chamber Awards 2012 today by inviting firms to showcase their talents and achievements to be in with a chance of winning a £25,000 cash prize.
Open to all businesses, the competition is designed to recognise and promote the best businesses in Northern Ireland through a series of regional heats followed by the National Final, which will be held in London on 29 November.
There are nine categories to choose from which cover:
n Achievement in International Business
n Award for Commitment to People Development
n Award for Excellence in Innovation
n Award for Excellence in Customer Service
n Business of the Year Award
n Entrepreneur of the Year Award
n Marketing Campaign of the Year (new to 2012)
n Most Promising New Business Award
n The Sustainability Award
The Awards, which are now in their ninth year, highlight the role of business as a positive force for the UK recovery and the success of local communities and individuals.
Ann McGregor, chief executive of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, urged businesses to enter.
She said: “This year we want everyone to understand the contribution business makes to the economy and to society as a whole. Businesses will be at the forefront of the recovery, providing jobs, and creating wealth.
“Every day we hear amazing stories from Northern Ireland companies that are innovative, successful in international markets, and create new products. It is stories like these that we are looking to find and recognise through the Chamber Awards. Last year, over 600 firms took part and 2012 promises to be even bigger.’”
Closing date for entries is 29 June, with companies assessed at a regional level first, with the winners going through to compete in the National Final in November.
At this stage, a high-profile judging panel of business leaders and entrepreneurs assesses contenders, before the overall winners are announced in each category with one company winning the £25,000 cash prize and the Outstanding Business Achievement title.
Last year’s Northern Ireland winners included Almac, Autoline Insurance, Clarehill Plastics, Envirogreen, FPM Chartered Accountants, Managemint and Lagan Construction.
The Chamber Awards 2012 are supported by BT Business, Westfield Health, Qdos Consulting and Composite Legal Expenses.
To enter online go to www.chamberawards.co.uk or for further information you can contact the Chamber Awards Team on 02476 472593, email awards@chamberawards.co.uk or follow @chamberawards
