Business

Judges mull over record number of award entries

Judges gathered last week to mull over the record number of entries for the third annual Women in Business NI Awards, in association with Invest NI, and picked their short-list and winners ahead of the gala dinner on Thursday November 21 in the Culloden estate and spa. Finalists were chosen in 11 categories - best new start-up, entrepreneurship/ innovation, outstanding management/ leadership, best marketing campaign, best small business, best customer service, best in professional services, best young business woman of the year, advancing diversity in the work place, best exporter and new to this year's awards - a technology category to recognise those operating in the digital sector. Judging panel chair Roseann Kelly, chief executive of Women in Business NI, said: "This year's submissions show that exceptional women are impacting on the Northern Ireland economy in a variety of sectors and organisations. "It was really tough to short-list such innovative entries and our judges left no stone unturned in their rigorous selection process. "With more entries this year than received in the previous two years, resilience shone through and we got a feel for the real sense of pride Northern Ireland's business women have in the work they do. We were encouraged by the entries to the IT category from those embracing the digital age. "We are looking forward to the awards ceremony next month and the surprises in store for guests who will witness those walking away with a Women in Business NI award." A closely guarded secret, the Outstanding Business Woman of the Year, sponsored by Invest NI, is a judges' choice award. Last year Patricia Clements of Bradfor was awarded the title. Orla Corr of McAvoy group was inaugural winner.

This year's hotlist provided the judges with an unenviable task when choosing just one winner as any of the nominees would be worthy of the title. To book a ticket for the Women in Business NI Awards contact Laura at Women in Business NI (phone 028 9022 4006 or email laura@ womeninbusinessni.com). Tickets are priced at the early bird rate of £85 VAT each until November 1. Women in Business NI membership is a cost-effective way of reaching hundreds of potential new contacts. It is the largest and fastest growing business network for female entrepreneurs and business leaders in Northern Ireland. Established in 2002, the network has 1000 members spread throughout all industry sectors.

* To join Women in Business NI, log onto www.womeninbusinessni.com. Follow Women in Business NI on facebook at www.facebook.com/womeninbusinessNI or on twitter @wibni.