Ulster Bank Launches its 17th annual ‘Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards’

16th November 2010

Ulster Bank has launched it’s annual ‘Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards’. Businesses across the island of Ireland are invited to enter the 2010 awards, which are in association with the Irish Independent, Enterprise Ireland and InterTradeIreland.

The awards, now in their 17th year, aim to celebrate business success, irrespective of business offering, size, sector or location.

Following the initial judging process at the preliminary stage of the awards, competing businesses are shortlisted for provincial awards. Provincial award winners will then go on to compete for the national title and individual category title at an all-island awards ceremony in April 2011.

Companies will be judged on a variety of merits including sales performance, market share growth, company milestones, innovative new products or services and successful achievements by key personnel.

A new category has been introduced to the 2010 Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards – The Service Business Award. Entrants have a further 7 categories to choose from and businesses can enter up to two categories.

A record number of businesses, North and South, entered the 2009 awards. Renowned project and construction management firm, PM Group, was awarded the International Business Award and crowned ‘Ulster Bank Business Achiever 2009’ at last year’s ceremony.

Entries for the 2010 awards are open to established businesses, start-ups and entrepreneurs whose businesses have achieved significant success, development and growth. Businesses can enter themselves or can be nominated in any number of the following eight categories:

1. Innovation & Emerging Technology Award
2. International Business Award
3. Social Entrepreneurship Award
4. Best Business Start-up Award
5. Family Run Business Award
6. Green Business Award
7. Agriculture, Food & Drink Award
8. Service Business Award

The overall winner will receive a comprehensive prize package including an Executive Education programme at Harvard University Business School, €50,000 worth of advertising space in the Irish Independent, and a one year membership of the Institute of Directors.

Provincial and category winners will receive a number of prizes including entry into the national awards, coverage in the Irish Independent, a dedicated profile page on the awards website, and media opportunities in their local areas. Entries will close on Tuesday, 30th November, and the Provincial Award Winners will be announced at the end of January 2011. The overall Ulster Bank Business Achiever and Category winners will be announced at the national final in April 2011.

Ulster Bank said, “Businesses across Ireland have displayed tremendous resilience and determination during this extensive period of economic difficulty. The Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards is about recognising the continued commitment and success shown by companies who have battled to stay ahead of their competitors. There are businesses all over the country that are making an essential contribution to Ireland’s return to growth. They provide much needed employment and support local commerce. Their achievements should be recognised as an example to others.”

The Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards are open for entry or nomination by individuals or businesses at www.businessachieversaward.com.

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