New date scheduled for 2020 Larne Business Excellence Awards

Launching the Larne Times Business Excellence Awards at Larne Town Hall are (from left) Dr Norman Apsley, chair, LEDCOM, Anne Donaghy, chief executive, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and Terry Ferry, Larne Times editorial.

The awards have been postponed until later in the year as a result of the current coronavirus lockdown and there is now a new closing date for nominations.

Entries had already been rolling in steadily up until the decision was made to postpone the awards and it is hoped the lockdown will encourage others that there couldn't be a better time to give their favourite local businesses a pat on the back.

The glittering awards night - the most prestigious event in the local business calendar - has been rescheduled for Thursday, September 24. The closing date for nominations is now Monday, June 1.

Launching the Larne Times Business Excellence Awards at Larne Town Hall are: (front) Dr Norman Apsley, chair, LEDCOM, Anne Donaghy, chief executive, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and Lyn Kernohan, sales executive, Larne Times; (centre) Gail Kelly, MEA Council and Niall Curneen, Brighter Futures, general manager, Larne Football Club; (back) Terry Ferry, Larne Times editorial, Judith Tweed, director, Islandmagee Energy and David Gillespie, general manager, LEDCOM.

The awards - hosted by the Larne Times - recognise the talent and entrepreneurship that exists across the full range of business and commerce in the area.

They pay homage to the long history of individual and collective industry upon which local towns have taken root and flourished and the companies which carry on that tradition today.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is once again the headline sponsor for the awards.

Mayor, Councillor Maureen Morrow, said: “I am delighted that Council is once again supporting the Larne Business Excellence Awards, which are the perfect way to showcase your business.

"There are 13 separate categories this year, so every business should find something to suit them.

"I would encourage all our local businesses to promote their good practice and submit their entries as soon as they can.

"This year is the first time online entries can be made, which means it is now even more convenient to enter.

"I would like to thank all the sponsors of the awards again this year for their support. For information and guidance please contact Council’s Amplify Team by emailing [email protected] or telephone 028 2563 3363.”

Entries are now being received for the 13 categories which cover all aspects of business and economic life in the Larne area and everyone is encouraged to get involved. New for this year is Best Health and Wellbeing Initiative.

Judging for 11 categories will be carried out by an independent panel. The winners of two categories - Readers’ Favourite Eating Establishment and Readers’ Favourite Customer Service - will be decided by readers of the Larne Times.

The winners will be announced at a black tie dinner and awards night in Ballygally Castle Hotel.

It couldn’t be easier to enter the awards - simply go to www.larnebusinessawards.co.uk/ and submit your entry before Monday, June 1.

For more details on the awards, please contact Julie Forde at [email protected] or telephone 028 3839 5504