2012 Business Awards are launched

BALLYMENA’S annual Business Excellence Awards have been launched, for the 10th year, with the aim of “championing the best of business within the borough!”.

Details of the 2012 awards were revealed on Wednesday morning at a reception in The Braid.

This year, the awards, which are organised annually by Ballymena Borough Chamber of Commerce and Industry, have Ballymena Borough Council as the major sponsor.

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Welcoming the packed gathering, Chamber President, Thomas McKillen said: “This is the 10th year that the chamber has organised these awards - little did they know when they organised the first in 2003 that they would become such an important and prestigious event.

“Today’s is the biggest attendance I’ve ever seen and it shows that the interest in the awards is bigger than ever,” said Mr McKillen who extended thanks to principal sponsors for 2012, Ballymena Borough Council and to the other businesses who have sponsored awards this year.

Mr McKillen pointed out that the judging will again be carried out entirely independent of Chamber by Insight Mystery Shopping with the 21 awards up for grabs this year being presented on October 11 at a special gala presentation evening in Tullyglass House Hotel.

Also addressing the audience in The Braid, Ballymena Mayor, PJ McAvoy said: “Council are fully committed to creating an environment in which commerce can operate in Ballymena.

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“The economic climate only serves to make us more determined to collaborate jointly and develop strategies and plans together for the benefit of our local people. Such partnership working can assist and support growth and prosperity, both now and in the future, for our people and our place of Ballymena.

“Ballymena Borough Council recently launched their Corporate Plan 2012-2016. This plan focuses on creating jobs, increasing skill and education, growing the local economy, improving the health and wellbeing of out citizens, delivering quality and value for money services and continuing to invest in a strong and shared future for the people and place of Ballymena. This clearly indicates the commitment and belief Council hold within the commercial sector,” said the Mayor.

Businesses in the borough and their customers were encouraged to enter by Catherine Scott of Insight Mystery Shoppers who underlined to those in The Braid that adjudication would once again be both independent and impartial.

The 2012 Awards & Sponsors are...

Customer Service Award Retail Sector (Independent Retailer) – First Trust Bank

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Customer Service Award Retail Sector (Multiple Retailer) – McKillens Footwear

Customer Service Award Convenience Store – Ballymena Borough Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Best Eating Establishment Award – Patton

Best Small Eatery/Coffee Shop Award – firmus energy

Customer Service Award Service Sector – Riada Resourcing

Customer Service Award Hospitality Sector – Autoline Insurance Group

Business Premises Award – Fairhill Shopping Centre

Best Business Website Award – Northern Bank

Excellence in Customer Service Award - JTI

Right Place to Work Award – Black Advertising

Most Promising New Business Award – Into Business Magazine

Best Small Business Award – Michelin Tyre PLC

Export Business of the Year Award – Wrightbus

Environment Award – Power NI

Innovation Award – Invest Northern Ireland

Involvement in the Community Award – Diamond Recruitment

Apprentice of the Year Award – Northern Regional College

Employee of the Year Award – Grafton Recruitment

Business Growth Award – Ulster Bank

Commitment to Ballymena Award – Ballymena Borough Council

A Chamber spokesperson added: “Awards brochures (featuring entry forms) have been distributed around the borough. If you have not received a copy, or if you require more information please contact Chris Wales at [email protected] or tel 07876 758797. You can also download a copy of the brochure and an entry form at www.ballymenachamber.co.uk

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“The Gala evening will be held on Thursday, October 11, in Tullyglass House Hotel where the compere will be the ever popular Gene Fitzpatrick and entertainment will be provided by the James Peake Xperience.

“It will be another superb evening so put the date in your diary now and help celebrate the best in business in the borough”.

Assemblyman David McIlveen, who attended the launch, congratulated local businesses for defying the odds in difficult economic circumstances.

He said: “These awards are designed to commend the very best in their sector and to ensure that all their hard work does not go unnoticed. I know first hand how many long hours, early starts and difficult times are experienced in the life of running a business, so it is only right that we reward those people for all their efforts.

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“It is also important to remember how much these local businesses contribute to our local economy, so it is only fitting that we pay tribute to them in this way. I look forward to the outcome of the Awards and wish all those the best of success throughout the process”.