Belfast's 2010 Business Awards Launched

Belfast City Council will host the Belfast Business 'Oscars' in a glittering awards ceremony at the City Hall on Thursday 29 April.

Belfast-born Nicky Kinnaird, founder and creative director of Space NK.apothecary - the UK's 'most luxurious' beauty chain - will be guest speaker at the awards which will celebrate the achievements of local businesses as well as recognise the fine work of business enterprises, retail outlets and businessmen and women from across the city.

They will cover all sections of the business world with awards for the Best New Business; Best Creative Industries; Best Manufacturing Business; Best Bar or Pub; Best Restaurant; Best City Hotel or Guest House and Best Café or Coffee Shop.

The retail sector will be recognised with awards for Customer Service Excellence for the best independent retailer and the best multiple retailer in the city.

Awards will also be bestowed on companies with the Best Business Expansion; the Best Innovative Use of IT; the Best Marketing Initiative and Best International Trade links.

The success of young entrepreneurs in the city will be recognised with the Best Young Person of the Year Award.

The contribution of social enterprise organisations in Belfast trading for social and environmental purposes will be marked by the Best Social Economy Business Award. There will be an award for the Best Green Business in the city which is open to businesses that have a green product development and/or have implemented environmental management policies and principles.

The Best City Regeneration Project Award is open to all organisations in Belfast that have been involved in the development of a regeneration project over the past three years which has significantly improved and revitalised an area in the city.

The Best Corporate Social Responsibility Award is open to organisations which can demonstrate innovative corporate social responsibility strategies that have or are currently making a real difference to people at a local level.

And finally, the Legacy of Belfast Award will honour a building, public art or development project that has made or will endeavour to make a significant contribution to promoting the legacy of Belfast with respect to conservation, urban design and diversity.

The closing date for entries to the Belfast Business Awards 2010 is 25 February 2010. Entry forms can be obtained from Belfast City Council's Economic Development Unit on 028 9027 0736 or Belfast City Centre Management on 028 9024 2111.

See: www.belfastbusinessawards.com

(BMcc/GK)