Final chance to nominate Mid-Ulster business heroes

The Mid-Ulster business awards has been launched by The Mid-Ulster Mail and The Tyrone Times to celebrate local success stories.

Ian Frazier, Acting Chief Executive of Dungannon Council said the awards were a chance to highlight the commercial and business achievements of the local community.

“SMEs and family companies are the backbone of the community and we need to support them.

“The council is delighted to be associated with the awards and I would encourage all local companies to enter the competition.”

Shauna Burns, Head of Ulster Bank’s Mid-Ulster Business Centre, said the bank was sponsoring the awards to encourage excellence in local businesses.

“We are delighted to be sponsors of the 2011 Mid Ulster Business Awards, which help recognise the creativity and success of businesses right across Mid-Ulster”, she said.

“Having run our own island wide Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards we know the value of recognition to local companies. It helps motivate staff, spread good news and encourage excellence in business all of which are increasingly important in these challenging economic times.

“These awards are a great opportunity to celebrate all that is great about our local businesses. I would encourage companies and business people from across Mid-Ulster to consider entering, and wish the best of luck to everyone who does.”

Tough economic times have forced businesses to become smarter and leaders to be more decisive. But they have also rewarded innovation and determination, with some companies thriving because of the way they have exploited the opportunities that are out there.

The Business Awards will highlight and reward those companies, large and small, which have prospered in the last 12 months.

They are aimed at recognising the talent, entrepreneurship and excellence that exists across the full range of business and commerce in the area.

The 2011 theme is building towards the future. The twelve award categories cover all aspects of business and industry, giving the opportunity to enter one or main categories, and the judging process will be carried out by an independent judging panel with some awards also going to the public vote via the Mid-Ulster Mail and Tyrone Times.

Awaiting the shortlisted few is a glittering awards ceremony held on Thursday November 10 at the Glenavon House Hotel.