A CO Down entrepreneur, whose company provided the Christmas lights for Harrods in London was among the winners at a regional awards ceremony championing small business.
Declan Murdock of electrical contractor, AJC Group in Newcastle picked up the Young Entrepreneur prize at the regional FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards 2019.
He was one of 11 category winners, who now go forward to the UK finals in May.
Other winners on the night included energy consultancy firm, Instil software, who picked up the Business and Product Innovation award, and the recently refurbished Montalto Estate in Ballynahinch, which won the Family Business of the Year prize.
Independent fit-out specialist Pure Fitout was recognised with the International Business of the Year accolade at the awards ceremony held in Belfast's Crowne Plaze on Thursday night.
FSB Northern Ireland regional chair, Brendan Kearney said the latest winners are reflective of the "vibrancy, innovation and tenacity" that makes up the local small business community.
“While the wider political uncertainty and lack of devolved government continues to present a challenge, it’s been thrilling to see so many successful local businesses doing well and enthusiastically take part in our awards," he said.
The FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards recognise the best small businesses across the UK, offering national recognition for those who have made the biggest impression over the last 12 months. Twelve area awards finals take place between January and March, with the UK finals taking place at a VIP attended awards ceremony in London on May 23.
The FSB regional award winners:
International Business of the Year: Pure Fitout, Belfast
Business & Product Innovation Award: Instil Software, Belfast
Micro Business of the Year and Scale-up Business of the Year: Keenan Healthcare, Belfast
Ethical – Green Business of the Year: MCL Consulting, Belfast
Family Business of the Year: Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch
Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Declan Murdock, AJC Group, Newcastle
Start-up Business of the Year: Groundswell, Belfast
Employer of the Year: The Momentum Group, Bangor
Community Award (joint winners): Kinship Care NI, Derry/Londonderry & Kilcooley Womens’ Centre, Bangor
Digital Innovation: Audit Comply, Belfast
