Sign up for localbusiness awards

Organised by Craigavon Borough Council, in association with the Portadown Chamber of Commerce, the awards recognise the vital contribution made by companies throughout the borough to the local economy.

There are 12 award categories in total, which will be presented at a high profile gala ceremony on June 10 in Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre.

Amongst the guests attending the launch of the event were the Mayor of Craigavon, Councillor Mrs Meta Crozier, Chair of the Development Committee, Alderman Sydney Anderson, Lady Heather McClay, and BBC presenter Jim Fitzpatrick, who will be hosting the gala award ceremony in June.

Among the award categories is the Sir Allen McClay Young Business Person of the Year Award which will pay tribute to Sir Allen McClay, the founder of ALMAC, who died earlier this year.

This award aims to recognise an outstanding individual, who has demonstrated exceptional ambition, vision and leadership.

Other award categories include: Most Innovative Business, Best New Business, Best Green Business, Manufacturing Excellence Award, Tourism Business of the Year, Best Retailer (Independent) and Best Retailer (Multiple), Best Business Award (Rural), Best Business Award(Urban), Best Export Initiative Award and Outstanding contribution to the local economy.

Welcoming guests to the launch at Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre Mrs Crozier said: “It is a great honour for me to welcome you all to the first ever Craigavon Borough Council Business Awards.

"The last year has been difficult for businesses across Northern Ireland but we believe the time is right to recognise local companies who have made an outstanding contribution to the local economy.”

Launching the awards, Alderman Sydney Anderson, Chair of the Development Committee, said:

“The Craigavon Business Awards are an excellent opportunity to reward local entrepreneurs with passion and commitment for their role in driving local companies and striving for business excellence.

"I would urge all local companies throughout the borough to enter these awards as winning an award will bring real prestige and has the potential to boost the bottom line for companies involved. Reaching the final will also raise the profile of local companies and help increase their staff morale.

“I am delighted that Lady Heather McClay is here today to launch the Sir Allen McClay Young Business Person of the Year Award. We hope to see entries highlighting the ambition, vision and leadership of young people aged under 30 in this category. Indeed we are looking forward to seeing a high quality of entries from local companies across all the award categories.”

Sponsors for the awards include ALMAC, Craigavon Industrial Development Organisation (CIDO), Portadown Chamber of Commerce, Health and Safety Services, Invest Northern Ireland, ML Design and Management, Ulster Bank and firmus energy.

The deadline for Award entries is Friday, May 7. For more information on entering the awards go to www.craigavonbusinessawards.com or contact Breda Hamill at Stakeholder on 9033 9949 or email [email protected]