Business

Women in Business to recognise north's top talent at ninth annual awards

Launching the ninth Women in Business Awards, for which entries have now opened, are (from left) John Brolly, marketing manager at awards media partner The Irish News, awards host Pamela Ballantine, Women in Business chief executive Roseann Kelly, and Virgin Media Business Northern Ireland regional director Seamus McCorry
Launching the ninth Women in Business Awards, for which entries have now opened, are (from left) John Brolly, marketing manager at awards media partner The Irish News, awards host Pamela Ballantine, Women in Business chief executive Roseann Kelly, and Vir Launching the ninth Women in Business Awards, for which entries have now opened, are (from left) John Brolly, marketing manager at awards media partner The Irish News, awards host Pamela Ballantine, Women in Business chief executive Roseann Kelly, and Virgin Media Business Northern Ireland regional director Seamus McCorry

THE achievements of Northern Ireland's top businesswomen will again be celebrated at the 2019 Women in Business Awards, which are in their ninth year and for which entries have now opened.

Sponsored by Virgin Media Business, the initiative is a celebration of the outstanding achievements of female business leaders.

The gala evening will be hosted at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Belfast on Thursday November 7, where women from all sectors will come together to acknowledge, reward and celebrate success.

Women in Business chief executive Roseann Kelly said: “The business world is full of talented and dedicated women who not only lead successful businesses but, in many cases, also juggle the needs of their families, and the awards are designed to recognise the achievement of these women across a wide range of business categories.

“As a business community, our aim is to celebrate, encourage and inspire women to achieve greater success, by highlighting the amazing talent of women and showcasing them as role models to future leaders.

“So I now encourage women to nominate themselves, or a colleague, before the deadline of September 20.”

The awards recognise businesswomen from a diverse range of disciplines through 11 categories.

The past eight years have seen winners from a wide range of sectors including tourism, media, technology and the public sector.

The awards boast a number of high profile sponsors including title sponsor Virgin Media Business, media partner the Irish News along with Citi Bank, Kaizen Print, Danske Bank, RSA Insurance and Ulster Bank.

Seamus McCorry, Regional Director for Virgin Media Business in Northern Ireland, said: “We believe in job opportunities for everyone regardless of gender.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Women in Business for the second year in a row to support and empower women across Northern Ireland as we work to create a diverse, balanced and vibrant business community.

“This initiative is just one of the many important investments we’re making in Northern Ireland.”

More than 500 guests attended last year’s gala awards dinner, which brings together business people from a broad range of sectors and industries to recognise the best in home-grown talent and celebrate the success of female entrepreneurs, business leaders and senior managers.

Irish News marketing manager John Brolly said: “Women in Business is a driver of women’s positive contribution to the local economy and society by supporting the development of every member’s professionals, connections and confidence to achieve their ambition.

“We are delighted to support an organisation that promotes the fact that women are an integral and invaluable part of every business, and which celebrates women’s professional achievements.”

As in previous years, all the finalists will join the Women in Business alumnae of nearly 300 women, which offers the opportunity to network and engage with like-minded businesswomen, enhancing both personal and professional development.

:: For a full list of award categories, entry forms and to book a ticket to the event visit www.womeninbusinessni.com