BUSINESS advice firm Deloitte has launched the 2017/2018 Best Managed Companies Awards Programme in association with new programme sponsor Bank of Ireland - the 10th year of the initiative.
One of the primary objectives of the programme is to showcase the success of indigenous companies and acknowledge the contribution that this sector makes to the all-island economy.
The 2016/2017 awards saw two Northern Ireland companies awarded Best Managed Company status for the first time - Belfast-based technology training company Neueda Consulting and fellow tech firm Seopa, which specialises in insurance comparison websites.
And Cookstown-based construction machinery manufacturer CDE Global was one of only eight businesses to retain Best Managed status for the ninth consecutive year.
The network of Best Managed Companies developed over the last decade now stands at 127, and nine companies are marking a decade in the programme this year. The closing date to apply for the programme this year is August 6.
Glenn Roberts, partner at Deloitte said: “For 10 years, we have met and worked alongside some of the finest companies across Ireland. Some were established after spotting opportunities during the downturn, others were faced with the task of surviving during a torrid few years for the Irish and global economies. In spite of all the challenges, they have grown and developed and each year they have added to the strength of our Best Managed network.
“We’re particularly proud to recognise those who have been on the programme since 2008, and whose performance across all key functions of the business has excelled. We eagerly anticipate the further growth of this network in the coming awards campaign, and we welcome Bank of Ireland as our partner in this year’s programme.”
The Best Managed Companies judging panel considers companies from every perspective using a wide range of criteria including strategy, capability, commitment, financials and management performance and practices. They also evaluate companies and their performance in relation to their peers, and the industries that they are operating in, to determine management success.
Mark Cunningham, regional business development manager at Bank of Ireland NI, said: “The Deloitte Best Managed Companies Awards recognise and celebrate the contribution that indigenous companies make to the all-island economy and the team at Bank of Ireland are delighted to be associated with this important programme for the first time.
"The Best Managed companies are drawn from a range of sectors which Bank of Ireland is actively supporting and the goals of the programme very much align to our own enterprise initiatives. We look forward to working with the companies who apply as they develop winning business plans.”
Those who are successful and progress through the awards process will receive customised feedback and coaching from Deloitte and Bank of Ireland. Their strategy and capabilities are assessed through the coaching process, with an independent view and validation on their strategic direction provided. Winners also receive national and peer recognition, the opportunity to network at the gala awards ceremony and attend a symposium organised by the IMI.
For further information and details of how to enter the awards, visit www.deloittebestmanaged.ie. Successful companies at the end of this process will be announced next March.
To be eligible for entry, companies must be Irish/Northern Irish-based and substantially privately owned, managed and controlled; have a turnover of €5million (£4 million) or more; be established for at least five years; and can demonstrate superior financial results to their peers over the last three years.
