IT was the night of all nights in the plush surroundings ofTitanic Belfast as companies representing sectors from energy to architecture, finance to pharma, and banks to beer, were lauded at the 10th anniversary Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards.
A record-breaking number of entries in this milestone year translated into a record turnout of nearly 600 guests on an evening of glitz and glamour as the awards night honoured a range of organisations from blue chip local companies through to several innovative and emerging, but lesser-known, businesses.
A handful of past victors made it back on to the podium, picking up their distinctive award in a presentation ceremony overseen by BBC journalist Karen Patterson, assisted in a humorous and often irreverent way by top comedian Paddy Kielty, who'd flown in from recording commitments in London to co-host Tuesday night's event.
Among the big-name victors was Newry-based First Derivatives, which provides trading and risk management software systems and consulting services for many of the world's leading financial institutions.
Currently employing 1,600 staff, it won both the Managing Talent and Best Place to Work categories for large firms, and received a rousing ovation from the audience.
There was another double winner from Newry when PKF-FPM topped the same two categories as FD, but for medium-sized organisations, which comes on the back of its recent success in both the UK and Irish Accountancy Awards, where it was named employer of the year.
The night's other multiple winner was CDE Global in Cookstown, which clinched both the Innovative Employer and new Entrepreneurial Spirit awards, and which was described by the judges as "embodying a hard-working attitude backed up by creativity, ambition and a pronounced entrepreneurial spirit".
Among the other household-name companies called forward to the famous Titanic staircase for a Workplace & Employment Award were Allstate Northern Ireland (who'd actually be a winner on year one of the initiative back in 2007 when known as Northbrook Technology) and the Almac Group in Craigavon.
But a clutch of first-time winners, who often don't share in the media spotlight, included Maurice Flynn & Sons, Cavanagh Kelly and Ireland Craft Beers, a company with a staff of just five.
Following a drinks reception courtesy of Diageo, the Titanic formalities commenced with a welcome from Irish News editor Noel Doran, who said: "It's been another tremendous year not only for the numbers entering and attending the dinner, but for the range of sectors represented.
"And we're especially delighted that the Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards continues to uniquely connect with organisations of all sizes and sectors, cutting through from business to health to education," he added.
Senior Stormont politicians Alistair Ross (Junior Minister) and Chris Hazzard (Infrastructure Minister) each delivered keynote addresses.
Mr Ross said: “The Northern Ireland Executive, through the Department for the Economy, is proud to be associated with these awards and the recognition of excellence.
"As an Executive, we want to deliver more and better jobs and attract more investment into Northern Ireland. We want to create a better society for everyone and are determined to deliver on that commitment.
"The Executive has a strong track record of working with business and we want that to continue. By working in partnership with Northern Ireland’s rich talent base, we have a huge opportunity to make a real and positive difference to society.”
Mr Hazzard added: “The Executive is determined that this mandate will be one characterised by delivery for all the people. Under the new Programme for Government framework we are committed to working in partnership with wider society to grow our economy and create a better society for all.”
After dinner, guests were treated to a presentation from Northern Ireland-born entrepreneur Alyson Hogg, founder of Vita Liberata tanning technology, who shared her phenomenal success story - and provided samples of her product which is used by such internationally-recognised stars as Kim Kardashian and Gwyneth Paltrow.
The awards were supported by seven key business partners in Tughans, Kingsbridge Private Hospital, Ulster University, Phoenix Natural Gas, the Department for Employment & Learning (now Department for the Economy), Delta Print & Packaging and Titanic Belfast (venue partner).
:: A full list of winners appears on the page opposite, and they will all be featured in a special 32-page supplement in the Irish News next Thursday.
:: For picture galleries of the 2016 Workplace & Employment Awards click on www.irishnews.com
