1. The overall aim of these awards is to recognise and celebrate the success of individuals and organisations operating within business across Northern Ireland. These awards are designed to be inclusive and accessible and will be presented at a gala dinner to be held in the Ramada Hotel on Thursday, 25th March, 2010.

2. Awards will be available for nine categories as detailed in this brochure.

3. The awards are open to all businesses but with the following restrictions:

? Entries will be confined to organisations which are based in Northern Ireland or have a significant operating base here

? Sponsors cannot enter the category they are sponsoring

4. Entries must be made using the official entry form accompanied only by the information described.

5. The judging panel may rely on published information and facts that are in the public domain when considering entries. Short-listed companies may be asked to provide verification of claims made.

6. The opinion of the judging panel in all matters will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.

7. Organisations may enter as many of the award categories as they wish but they may only make one entry in each category. An official entry form and supporting documentation as outlined in the criteria for each category must accompany each entry. Entries which do not conform to this format may be excluded from the competition.

8. Information supplied may be used in the Belfast Telegraph Northern Ireland Business Awards supplement, edited and published by Independent News and Media Northern Ireland after the event.

9. Entries should relate to business activity falling within either the calendar year 2009 or the most recent trading year.

10. Additional items such as brochures etc should not be included.

11. Entries must be received no later than 12 noon on Thursday, February 11. Nine copies of the entries must be sent to the competition administrators at the address shown on the entry form. The use of couriers or recorded delivery is recommended. No responsibility for non-delivery can be accepted by Independent News and Media Northern Ireland, its agents or servants.