IT'S down to just a matter of hours now until businesses and organisations must submit their applications for the 2023 Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards (WEA), an initiative which has become a staple in the north's awards calendar.
The judging process, which will be chaired by the soon-to-retire chief executive of the NI Chamber of Commerce Ann McGregor, is due to take place next week.
And then the winners and highly commended businesses come together on Thursday June 8 at a gala awards bash in Titanic Belfast, hosted by comedy star Neil Delamere.
Among the awards' business partners this year is Belfast-based Options Technology, founded two decades ago as a hedge fund technology services provider.
"We are delighted to again come on board to support an event that celebrates organisations and employees who are driving the economy forward," said Option Technology's marketing director Niall McAleer.
"The WEA awards are highly respected in the business community and provide an excellent opportunity for sponsors to showcase their brand and values.
"At Options we are strong advocates in recognising our employees for their outstanding performance, innovation, and expertise, and we believe it is the people who drive and add value to our organisation, which has enabled us to deliver exceptional service to our clients.
"And by celebrating the exceptional standards and achievements of others in our industry, we can continue to motivate and inspire our own team and create a positive environment for the next generation of home-grown talent."
The Options team was thrilled a year ago to win the Best Employee Development Programme (SME) award at the WEAs.
Niall added: "This was a particularly welcome award as it recognises our efforts in championing the professional development of our team and creating a lifelong learning culture across the company.
"We encourage companies to enter the awards categories which align with their core values and objectives, and to use this opportunity to celebrate excellence in their workplace, drive brand recognition and build valuable relationships while demonstrating your commitment to making a positive impact on the ever-evolving business landscape.
"And we look forward to attending the awards ceremony on June 8 at the iconic Titanic Belfast, and joining everyone in celebrating the achievements of our local business community."
Among other partner sponsors this year is the north’s largest independent law firm Carson McDowell, which employs more than 200 people across Belfast and Dublin.
Established in 1852 by William H. Carson and Alexander McDowell and today jointly led by managing partner Roger McMillan and senior partner Neasa Quigley, the firm has a considerable amount of heritage yet is passionate about creating a modern, dynamic, progressive law firm with people and clients firmly at its centre.
Based at Murray House, next to the Royal Belfast Academical Institution, Carson McDowell represents around 50 per cent of Northern Ireland’s top 100 companies and is renowned for having more experts working across more specialist areas than any other law firm in the north.
There are 10 key categories this year (full details and criteria at irishnews.com/wea), each of which will be split into small/medium or medium/large sub-sectors.
Alongside Options Technology and Carson McDowell, this year’s other partner sponsors for Workplace & Employment Awards are Errigal Group and Queen’s University, while category sponsors include NI Chamber, NI Job Finder, Glandore, FScom, Galgorm and Titanic Belfast.
:: For more information visit https://wea.irishnews.com/
