Go for gold and be the best in your sector was the key message at the launch of the bi-annual Craigavon Business Awards this afternoon at Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre.
This is the second year the Borough has hosted awards to celebrate the best of the local business community. Following the phenomenal success of the 2010 awards Craigavon Borough Council hope to top the number of entries received at the inaugural awards two years ago. Entry for the awards is now open across 13 categories until 15th March with the award ceremony hosted by BBC’s Jim Fitzpatrick taking place on Thursday 24th May 2012.
Mayor of Craigavon, Councillor Alan Carson speaking at the launch said, “We are delighted to once again be hosting Craigavon Business Awards in 2012, this year in association with Lurgan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Portadown Chamber of Commerce. These awards are a tribute to the remarkable achievements of our indigenous businesses and investors in the region. Despite difficult trading conditions and the current economic climate there has been a lot to celebrate in Craigavon since our last awards. We look forward to rewarding the efforts of our local business community in May.”
Kerry Lyle, representative of lead Sponsor Almac added, “As a local employer with our roots firmly embedded in Craigavon we are very proud to once again be the lead sponsor for the Craigavon Business Awards. It is a great boost for any local business to win or be shortlisted for an award in their local area and we would encourage all local businesses to enter. We also look forward to celebrating emerging talent in the business community by once again sponsoring the award in memory of our founder- the Sir Allen McClay Young Business Person of the Year.”
Chair of Development Committee, Councillor Carla Lockhart said, “Craigavon Borough Council is committed to supporting the local business community and is currently working on a number of initiatives which along with the Craigavon Business Awards offer support and recognition for economic development in the area. Projects include the East Border Region (EBR) Life Sciences programme supporting 50 EBR companies and a number of SEED projects covering mentoring, networking, franchising, new business support, making efficiencies, tendering and collaboration as well as supporting export and helping businesses achieve investment. We know the talent is out there in our local community and we look forward to recognising significant achievements at the ceremony.”
With sponsorship opportunities still available there are a number of local organisations to thank for their support to date- Almac, Lurgan Chamber of Trade & Industry, Portadown Chamber of Commerce, Southern Regional College ( SRC), HASS (Health and Safety Services), Invest NI, CIDO (Craigavon Industrial Development Organisation) and Mooney Media.
Entry packs for the awards are now available to download from www.craigavonbusinessawards.net for the 13 categories- The Sir Allen McClay Young Business Person of the Year, Best New Business, Best Bar & Restaurant, Best Retailer Award, Best Retailer Award, Best Green Business, Tourism & Hospitality Business of the Year, Best Business Award – Rural, Best Business Award – Urban, Manufacturing Excellence Award, Best Export Initiative, Outstanding contribution to the local economy and The Most Innovative Business.
For further information about the awards please contact Deborah King, Stakeholder Communications on 028 90339949 or about Craigavon Borough Council Pauline Nixon-Black on 028 38312400
