TWO long-established awards schemes have put the pre-summer feelers out for entries ahead of their presentation ceremonies in the autumn.
Business Eye magazine has joined forces with UTV for the ninth consecutive year to launch the UTV Business Eye Awards 2015 alongside its lead sponsors Flybe.
And the Greater Newry Area Business Awards, held biennially in association with Newry Mourne & Down District Council and Newry Chamber of Commerce, are taking place in association with joint principal sponsors B/E Aerospace and Canal Court Hotel.
The Business Eye awards honour the high achievers of the Northern Ireland business community, and as in previous years, both leading individuals and companies will be recognised at a gala bash on Thursday November 26 at the Culloden Estate & Spa.
Hundreds of entries are anticipated across a revised line-up of 16 different categories and the winners in each case will be chosen by a panel of judges including Flybe's regional manager Andrea Hayes, UTV business editor Jamie Delargy, Business Eye editor Richard Buckley and Irish News business editor Gary McDonald.
The closing date for entries is Friday October 23 and companies can enter online by visiting utvawards.businesseye.co.uk
Richard Buckley said: “These awards have grown phenomenally over the past number of years, and now that the economy is clearly on an upwards track, we're expecting an even better year in 2015. We're delighted to be working with UTV and our lead sponsors Flybe.
“There is always a real appetite for celebrating the achievement of our leading companies as well as our top business leaders, and we're confident that this year's entries will once again be very strong right across the 16 different categories.”
There are 19 award categories in the Newry initiative, where organisers say participating businesses will benefit from enhanced community spirit, increased consumer confidence, greater support, networking and PR opportunities within the local business community.
Deadline for entry at www.newrybusinessawards.com is noon on August 7, with the awards taking place in September 24.
