Business Awards Shine In Newtownabbey

Business success in Newtownabbey has been celebrated with the best in innovation, creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and customer care recognised as winning firms and individuals took to the stage for the Newtownabbey Business Awards 2010.

Presented earlier this month by TV stalwart, Pamela Ballentine, the 13 awards, which recognised excellence in a range of categories, were announced at a glittering black tie gala in the new Theatre at the Mill in Mossley.

The coveted award of Business Person of the Year went to Colin McArthur of Asher's Bakery as a prime example of the cream of Northern Ireland's entrepreneurial talent.

The independent judges found that: "Despite the level of growth achieved to date, it is clear that Colin is not planning to slow down any time soon - his drive to launch the Asher's range in both Ireland and across Great Britain highlights his ambition for the business and he therefore stands out as the type of entrepreneur that Northern Ireland quite rightly celebrate."

The Best Creative Business accolade, sponsored by Pierce Communications went to the husband and wife team at Ballyclare-based Kelly PR.

Managing Director, Teri Kelly, originally from Chicago, is a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and has more than 15 years' experience in PR. Co Antrim's Gary Kelly is also a qualified and experienced journalist.

The prestigious Employee of the Year award went to Diane Bill from Barnaby's Restaurant 'because of her energy, can-do attitude as well as her positivity in leading her team", the judges said.

The annual awards were open to every type of business in Newtownabbey and the winners ranged from multi-national companies to small family businesses.

The Mayor of Newtownabbey, Alderman Paula Bradley, who attended the gala, said: "These awards show the incredible array of business talent that exists in this borough.

"We know there are going to be tough times ahead but the sheer industry, imagination and know-how of businesses in Newtownabbey will ensure a healthy future for the people of this borough."

The awards were organised by Newtownabbey Borough Council with support from Full Circle Management Solutions and Pierce Communications.

The other winners were Excellence in Customer Service (retail), sponsored by Maxol Card Fuel Services - Naomi Bridal; Excellence in Customer Service (service), sponsored by Ollar Hair Design - Rhyme Thyme and the Best Tourism and Hospitality Business, sponsored by The Big Picture Studio - Oregano Restaurant.

The Best New Business Start-up, sponsored by Royal Mail - was McLorinan Consulting and the Best Manufacturing Business, sponsored by Invest NI was Canyon Europe Ltd

Best Growth Business, sponsored by Northgate Managed Services was Epicure Select Foods and

The Excellence in People award, sponsored by Canyon Europe Ltd went to Rhyme Thyme and the International Trade Growth Award, sponsored by Diageo Baileys Global Supply was Canyon Europe Ltd.

The Best Marketing Initiative, sponsored by Kelly PR was the grocery distributor, Henderson Wholesale while the Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility, sponsored by Newtownabbey Borough Council went to Diageo Baileys Global Supply.

(BMcC/KMcA)