The Belfast Telegraph Northern Ireland Business Awards in association with bmi have been launched by Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster. The awards, now in their ninth year, attract wide interest from businesses across Northern Ireland.

Launching the 2009 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards, Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said: “Despite the difficult current economic conditions, we continue to have many companies large and small, locally and internationally owned, that are investing and succeeding.

“The Belfast Telegraph Business Awards provide an excellent opportunity to recognise, reward and celebrate that success across all aspects of business excellence in Northern Ireland.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome the ongoing support from bmi as lead sponsor. bmi’s commitment to, and investment in, the Northern Ireland market over the past 25 years has played an important role in supporting both business and leisure passengers. The direct link to Heathrow with its international connectivity has made it easier for tourists and investors to come to Northern Ireland, and for our businesses to access customers on the world stage.”

Chaired by leading Ulster economist, Prof John Simpson OBE, members of the judging panel are Rotha Johnston CBE, Brenda Morgan, Michael Ryan CBE, Prof Ken O’Neill, Joanne Stuart and Ann McGregor.

This year’s category sponsors are Invest Northern Ireland, ParcelForce, Ulster Bank, Investors in People, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, HSBC and Carson McDowell.

Two new categories have been introduced this year. A Special Lifetime Achievement Award (a non-entry category), to coincide with bmi’s 25th anniversary, will recognise an outstanding contribution of an individual in business. Young Businessperson of the Year, open to business professionals 30 years and younger, has also been introduced to recognise the outstanding work of a young professional or manager.

Other categories are Business Team of the Year, Excellence in Marketing Achievement, Exporting Achievement, CSR, People Development, Innovation for Business Improvement, Service to Business and Environmental Achievement.

The Awards gala dinner will take place on Thursday 2nd April at the Ramada Hotel, Shaw’s Bridge. For further information on table bookings telephone event organisers JPR on 028 9076 0066.

Click here for the categories, criteria and entry form (PDF 3.7mb)

Peter Spencer interview

Reporter Symon Ross interviews bmi managing director Peter Spencer on a visit to the Belfast Telegraph offices. bmi are the main sponsors of the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards.

Click here for the Peter Spencer interview