The search is on to find the top businesses and businessmen and women in Northern Ireland. Belfast Telegraph Northern Ireland Business Awards 2010 in association with bmi have today been launched.

A total of 10 awards, including two new categories — Excellence in Technology and Best Small/Medium Business — are up for grabs.

The nine category winners and overall winner will be revealed at a glittering awards ceremony in the Ramada Hotel in Shaw’s Bridge, Belfast on Thursday, March 25, next year.

Launching the 10th annual awards, Belfast Telegraph editor, Mike Gilson, said: “The Belfast Telegraph Business Awards provide an excellent platform for local businesses, no matter how big or small, to showcase their many achievements.

“Despite the ongoing challenges provided by the recession and global downturn, many Northern Ireland companies have plenty to shout about and are truly leaders in their field not only at a local level but also on the international stage.

“I would encourage companies, locally and internationally owned, to enter these awards which are all about celebrating the best about business in Northern Ireland.”

Bmi, which is the leading carrier from Belfast to London Heathrow from the George Best Belfast City Airport, will once again be endorsing the prestigious Belfast Telegraph Business Awards as overall sponsor.

Brenda Morgan, bmi Northern Ireland sales manager said: “Bmi is delighted to be involved in the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards and to have this exciting and high profile opportunity to put something back into the local business community from which we draw so much of our business.

“This is Northern Ireland's premier business competition and one which attracts entries from the full and diverse spectrum of commerce and industry across the province.

“The economic downturn has made this year a particularly demanding one for many business sectors but, despite all the difficulties, companies have risen to meeting the new |challenges with resolution, |professionalism and innovation.

“I applaud their contribution to the Northern Ireland economy.”

Mrs Morgan, who is also on the judging panel, added: “I would urge businesses, particularly SMEs, to put modesty aside and come forward and enter the competition.

“As previous years' winners will readily testify, there are considerable benefits to be gained from the positive exposure.”

Chaired by economist John Simpson, the judging panel |will include Brian Ambrose, chair of CBI and chief executive |of George Best Belfast City Airport; Alastair Hamilton, chief executive of Invest Northern Ireland; Professor Rodney McAdam, head of Department of Marketing, Entrepreneurship and Strategy at University of Ulster; Ann McGregor, chief executive of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce; Brenda Morgan, head of sales Northern Ireland bmi; Paul Rooney, chair of Business in the Community and partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Joanne Stuart, chair of Institute of Directors (IoD).

Belfast Telegraph Northern Ireland Business Awards 2010 in association with bmi

Categories

1. Business Team of the Year

2. Excellence in Marketing Achievement

3. Excellence in Exporting Achievement

4. Excellence in People Development

5. Excellence in Innovation

6. Excellence in Service to Business

7. Young Businessperson of the Year

8. Excellence in Technology

9. Best Small/Medium Business

10. Business of the Year - The overall winner will be selected by the judges from the winners of all the individual categories

For a full list of the rationale, criteria, rules and conditions for entries go to www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business-awards or telephone Kathryn Kirk of JPR on 028 9076 0066.