Portadown business shortlisted

Judges get to to work in deliberating over the shortlist for the 2016 Women in Business Awards. From left, Evelyn Collins, Imelda McMillan, Gary McDonald, Roseann Kelly (chairwoman), Hester Larkin and Ellvena Graham.

The ceremony, which will be held on Thursday, November 17 at the Ramada Plaza in Belfast, aims to honour and celebrate the achievements of the many businesswomen who make a valuable contribution to economic life in Northern Ireland.

Women in Business chief executive, Roseann Kelly, said: “Congratulations to all those on the shortlist.

“This has been another exceptional year for the awards with a number of outstanding individuals participating across a range of sectors.

“The shortlist showcases the very best across Northern Ireland and recognises and celebrates entrepreneurs and leaders in all walks of business life,” she said.

“Our judging panel had an unenviable task during the voting process and all commented on the quality of the submissions and the passion, drive and stories behind the individuals who have made it to this stage.”

The six-strong judging panel comprised of Ms Kelly along with Women in Business chair Imelda McMillan, Ellvena Graham (chair of the NI Economic Advisory Group), Evelyn Collins (chief executive of the Equality Commission for NI), Hester Larkin (Global Client Partner at Alexander Mann Solutions), and also Gary McDonald (Irish News business editor).

The shortlisted business women can look forward to an overnight retreat at the four star Corick House Hotel and Spa in County Tyrone on November 7, providing a unique opportunity to network with peers and participate in a variety of mentoring sessions and workshops all designed to enhance personal development and business learning.

The category winners, along with the 2016 Outstanding Business Woman of the Year as voted for by the judges, will be announced at the gala awards ceremony and in a special in-paper supplement following the event.

Tickets are currently available for the Women in Business Awards gala priced at £100, with discount available for members.

Visit womeninbusinessni.com for more information and to book online.

Sponsors and partners of the Women in Business Awards 2016 include Alexander Mann Solutions, Department for the Economy, the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, The Pierce Partnership, Danske Bank, Go For It, Diamond Recruitment, QA Travel, Belfast City Council and the Irish News.