The Irish News is hosting its second annual Workplace & Employment Awards in Belfast’s Ramada Hotel on Thursday June 19.
The initiative was launched yesterday at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall in a ceremony bringing together representatives from the awards’ business partners and The Irish News.
Our picture shows BBC presenter Karen Patterson – who will preside over the gala awards dinner – with Irish News editor Noel Doran, right, and the paper’s business editor, Gary McDonald.
The awards, which proved a resounding success in their inaugural running, will again recognise excellence in the workplace and reinforce the message that people remain Ireland’s most important resource.
Speaking at the launch Mr Doran said: “Northern Ireland has put out a beacon to the world saying that it has an outstanding infrastructure, a first-class education system and, above all, a highly-prized workforce, requirements and qualities which are vital to a modern vibrant economy.”
PICTURE: Mal McCann

The Irish News has launched its second annual Workplace & Employment Awards, which will again recognise excellence in the workplace and reinforce the message that people are by far Northern Ireland’s most important resource.
Corporate Northern Ireland continues to be fuelled by the dynamism of those who research, develop, manufacture and market our products, people running businesses and factories and those dedicated to the fields of health, education and the voluntary sector.
Evidence that people are Ireland’s most precious asset came at the inaugural Workplace & Employment Awards, when a number of blue chip companies were honoured alongside many smaller innovative firms.
The 2008 awards, launched yesterday at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall, will be another celebration of Ireland’s most creative and most innovative people and businesses, underlining that it is only through their skills and dedication that our economy can prosper and move forward.
Irish News editor Noel Doran said: “In an historic last year Northern Ireland has put out a beacon to the world to boast that it has an outstanding infrastructure, a first-class education system and, above all, a highly-prized workforce – requirements and qualities which tick all the boxes of a modern vibrant economy.
“The aims and objectives of the inaugural Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards strongly reinforced the message that a fulfilled workforce relates directly to the success of all businesses and this year we’ve added a number of new categories to further seek out the best of the best.”
The recognition of being best in industry will be achieved through a rigorous judging process by a team of industry-related adjudicators.
The awards are endorsed by industry bodies the Recruitment and Employment Confederation and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development and are supported by business partners KPMG, Liberty IT, resource, Royal Mail and Tughans Solicitors.
The 2008 Workplace & Employment Awards will be presented at a black-tie dinner in the Ramada Hotel on June 19, hosted by BBC presenter Karen Patterson.