NI firms praised for 'entrepreneurial flair'

Announcing the winners of the 2005 Spirit of Enterprise Awards, at a ceremony in Belfast Castle Enterprise Minister, Barry Gardiner has praised the companies for their 'entrepreneurial flair'.

West Belfast company, Andor Technology was named the overall winner of the 2005 Spirit of Enterprise Award. Andor, which manufactures scientific imaging instruments, was chosen from among 10 monthly winners of the award.

Organised by the Ulster Society of Chartered Accountants and Invest Northern Ireland in association with the magazine Business Eye, the Spirit of Enterprise Awards recognise local businesses which have been most impressive in combining innovation, enterprise and growth.

Mr Gardiner said: “The growth of enterprise is dependent on the motivation, drive and entrepreneurial flair of individuals such as those here today, who have been awarded the Spirit of Enterprise Awards.

“All the winners have demonstrated innovation, risk taking, courage and commitment to making Northern Ireland a more vibrant and successful economy, and they are to be congratulated.

“The Economic Vision, which will be published next week, sets out the commitment to make Northern Ireland one of the most competitive and productive UK and international regions. Today’s winners exemplify such skills and innovation necessary to make Northern Ireland’s businesses excel globally.”

In addition to winning the overall award, Andor was named as the winning company in the ‘Global Market’ category.

Tyrone company, O&S Doors, was named as the winner of the ‘External Market’ category, and managing director Peter O’Donnell was presented with the award.

Nigel Mulholland and Peter McMahon of Lisburn IT solutions provider, Nitec Solutions, picked up the Award for the ‘Local Market’ category.

Professor Terri Scott, Managing Director of Clients and Entrepreneurship, Invest NI, said: “Entrepreneurship is currently holding the spotlight in the world economic stage. Invest NI is committed to driving the higher levels of entrepreneurship in Northern Ireland, which are essential if we are to achieve a vibrant and balanced economy. The winners of the Spirit of Enterprise Award are great role models for those who striving to achieve excellence and innovation in business."

Tony Nicholl, Chairman of the Ulster Society of Chartered Accountants congratulated all of the winning companies: “The Spirit of Enterprise Awards have highlighted ten excellent companies which have blended commitment to innovation, customer relationships and a strong record of growth. Special congratulations must go to O&S Doors, Nitec Solutions and of course Andor Technology, which have been selected as the best of their category. Every one of these companies is a fantastic entrepreneurial role model for the next generation of business success.”

The ten Spirit of Enterprise Award finalists were: Andor Technology (Belfast); Lagan (Belfast); O&S Doors (Benburb); Williams Industrial Services (Mallusk); Asidua (Belfast); Nitec Solutions (Lisburn); Connect Engineering Attachments (Bellaghy); Micon Distribution (Lisburn); edge innovative learning (Lisburn); and Harco Technology (Belfast).

(SP/MB)