Business

Free 'Writing a Winning Application' workshop will help guide WEA entrants

Aaron Patton (left) from Calibro Workspace chats to Irish New editor Noel Doran and FinTrU founder Darragh McCarthy at the launch of the Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards. Photos: Declan Roughan
Aaron Patton (left) from Calibro Workspace chats to Irish New editor Noel Doran and FinTrU founder Darragh McCarthy at the launch of the Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards. Photos: Declan Roughan Aaron Patton (left) from Calibro Workspace chats to Irish New editor Noel Doran and FinTrU founder Darragh McCarthy at the launch of the Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards. Photos: Declan Roughan

IS your business, school or organisation intending to be among the hundred-plus who'll be entering the 13th running of the Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards?

Do you need some guidance on how to complete an entry that will wow the judging panel (which will again by chaired by NI Chamber of Commerce immediate past president Ellvena Graham)?

In an innovative addition to this year's initiative, the Irish News has introduced a free 'Writing a Winning Application' workshop, which takes place on Wednesday March 27 (8am-9am) at the Belfast headquarters of KPMG in the Soloist Building, Lanyon Place.

"Basically, we're saying to would-be entrants, 'give us 60 minutes of your time and we'll give you a useful insight into how to construct a potentially award-winning entry'," said Irish News marketing manager John Brolly.

"It will help make sure you make a real impression on the judging panel and give your application the best chance of winning or being highly commended.

"Attendees will hear from a member of the judging panel on what the judges are looking for, and a past winner will guide you through how they wrote their winning entry and offer useful advice on how to make your application stand out from the crowd."

Delegates will be welcomed by John Hansen, managing partner of KPMG, and following short presentations from judges and past winners, there will be a lively question-and-answer session.

"We are constantly refreshing and innovating our awards, which are now established as the most sought-after in the local business sphere," Mr Brolly said.

"This year, for instance, were are introducing an overall Employer of the Year award, which the judges will select from all the entries received.

"As well as the kudos of being named as overall Employer of the Year, the winner will also receive a special engagement workshop from our new well-being partner Ulster Orchestra, which will enable further employee engagement.

"This is a gong that every single entrant will covet, so introducing this workshop is a very timely addition. Make sure you enrol."

The focus of the Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards remains on recognising and rewarding talent, and our 2019 strapline is TALENT EQUALS SUCCESS.

"These awards are unique in the market in that they focus not on profit and loss sheets, but on the positive work companies do in motivating their people and retaining their key talent," Irish News editor Noel Doran said.

"Companies need to engage with the hearts and minds of their employees, who expect workplaces to stand for more than profit alone. And when people are engaged, they work better and feel motivated."

Returning as sponsors for 2019 are Carson McDowell, The Public Health Agency, Henderson Group, Queen's University and venue partner Titanic Belfast, who will join three new business partners in Miller Hospitality, KPMG and Progressive Building Society.

:: Entries for the 2019 Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards will remain open until Friday May 3, with the finalists being announced on Thursday May 16. More details at www.irishnews.com/wea. Follow us on Twitter at @irishnewsWEA

:: To register for the free March 27 'Writing a Winning Application' workshop go to www.irishnews.com/wea