Larne Business Awards offer a golden opportunity for companies to shine

Organised by the Larne Times and supported by Larne Borough Council, the awards pay homage to the long history of the individual and collective industry upon which the town has taken root and flourished and the companies which carry on those traditions today.

At the awards launch, hosted by Larne Enterprise Development Company Ltd (LEDCOM) at Willowbank, Larne Mayor, Councillor Bobby McKee, welcomed the event as “an opportunity to recognise and celebrate excellence in business”.

The DUP representative added: “Larne Borough Council is appreciative of the contribution that business makes to the borough in terms of employment, opportunity, training provision and community involvement.”

Encouraging firms to enter and the public to vote for companies and individuals, Cllr McKee added that the council itself is delighted that the presentation ceremony is to be held in the newly refurbished Town Hall in October.

“I am looking forward to that event, which will be a milestone for Larne Borough Council,” said the mayor

Larne Times editor, Valerie Martin, said the paper is delighted to be organising the awards for the first time.

“We pride ourselves on being at the heart of the Larne community and that’s why we’re delighted to host these awards as a real celebration of all that’s great in the borough’s business sector,” she said.

“The Larne Business Awards are an excellent way of recognising and rewarding achievement in our area and they are particularly relevant in today’s challenging business environment.

“They aim to celebrate and highlight the outstanding achievements of the borough’s business sector, from the smallest of enterprises to large companies.”

Larne Times’ advertising manager Roy Sharpe explained that the awards present a great opportunity for organisations, agencies and businesses to sponsor the various categories and to help make the awards a real success. Larne Borough Council has already confirmed its support as main sponsor of the awards.

East Antrim Sinn Fein MLA Oliver McMullan, who attended Friday’s launch, urged borough-wide participation in the awards.

He said: “At a time when all we hear about is doom and gloom in the economic sector, it is good to see both the council and the Larne Times promoting what is best about local business and I would encourage anybody who knows of firms or individuals who they think are worthy of recognition to bring forward their nominations. These awards are just for Larne town but for the whole of the borough.”

Larne Alliance councillors and businessmen Deputy Mayor, and former local pharmacist, Michael Lynch and businessman colleague Councillor John Mathews, also gave their support to the awards.

Cllr Lynch said: “These awards will offer a tremendous opportunity to showcase local talent”, whilst Councillor Matthews said: “There may well be a recession, but such trying times often provide an opportunity for those brave entrepreneurs who are confident enough to seize the moment. I wish them well and encourage the business community to participate fully in the awards programme”.