AROUND 40 businesses are included on the short-list following the judging process ahead of the 2017 North West Business Awards, the premier accolade for firms in the region.
Organised by the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce and City Centre Initiative in association with principal sponsor Bank of Ireland UK, the awards - now in their 12th year - will be handed over at an awards ceremony in the Everglades Hotel on Friday May 19.
George Fleming, president of Londonderry Chamber, said: “These awards have earned their central place in the social calendar of Derry and the region. They provide a unique opportunity for local businesses to show themselves and to be recognised for their excellence.
“Strong businesses are the basis of a strong economy – and it is only right that achievement is recognised.”
Eugene Kearney, commercial branch manager at the Bank of Ireland's Strand Road branch, added: “The calibre of the entries is always excellent and the businesses represent the best in business and people within the north west region, from all sectors, at all levels.
Those on the short-list are:
:: Contribution to arts and culture - An Gaelaras, Revolve Comics, Studio 2/Greater Shantallow Community Arts
:: Craft Industry business of the year - O’Neill Bros Master Joiners, Marble Hill, Sass & Halo, Edel MacBride
:: Best tourism event or initiative - Made in Derry Food Tours, DCSDC Year of Food and Drink, DCSDC Foyle Maritime Festival, North West Academy of English
:: Best digital or social media - St Mary’s College, DerryPhoto’s, The Redcastle Oceanfront Golf & Spa Hotel, Taggart Homes
:: North west pub of the year - McGrory’s Hotel, Peadar’s/ Gweedore / 57, Blackbird, An Grianan Hotel
::North west restaurant of the year - The Redcastle Oceanfront Golf & Spa Hotel, Primrose on the Quay, Nonna’s Wood Fired Pizza’s
:: Guest accommodation provider of the year - Drenagh Country House, Redcastle Hotel, Bishop’s Gate Hotel, Everglades
:: Retailer of the year - Dawson Hinds Creative Spaces, Curtis Opticians, Kular Fashions, Angry Cherry
:: Professional services award - MPA Recruitment, North West Regional College, Hamilton Architects
:: Innovation award - AE Global, Dawson Hinds Creative Spaces, Multi Shower GB Ltd, Bloc Blinds
:: Creative industries business of the year - MetaCompliance, SCATTR, Revolve Comics, Manor Architects
:: Growth through export award - Compass Windows and Doors, Kelsius, Aerona Software
:: Business of the year - MPA Recruitment, An Grianan Hotel, MetaCompliance, Click Energy NI
