THE BIGGEST date in North Down’s business calendar got under way this week with the launch of the area’s Business Awards.
Taking place in October, the glitzy gala event in the Clandeboye Lodge will be hosted by Bangor’s own superstar DJ Pete Snodden and recognises the success of local businesses big and small.
It’s always a glamorous affair, a night for local entrepreneurs and their staff to get their gladrags on - and of course each award gives the winner something to boast about, recognition of all their hard work over the last 12 months.
The awards were formally launched by mayor Alan Graham at Bangor’s Signal Business Centre this week. And that means stores, cafes, offices, eateries and shops throughout the North Down region can now enter any of 16 categories. Brochures with details on each category and how to enter are now being distributed across the area.
Organised by Bangor Chamber of Commerce with support from Holywood Chamber of Commerce, the 2015 awards are this year welcoming Ards and North Down Borough Council as the principal sponsor while continuing their collaboration with design, media and print partner Spectator Newspapers.
Speaking at the awards launch, Bangor Chamber of Commerce president Thomas Fegan said, “We are really looking forward to celebrating the many successes of our local businesses in October and to build on the legacy that the last 14 years of business awards have generated.
“Without exception the awards have rewarded excellence within business, inspired others to follow suit and they have always offered a glitzy and glamorous platform for genuine business competition.”
Speaking on behalf of Ards and North Down Borough Council, Mr Graham said, “We are especially pleased to support awards that recognise excellence in businesses and reflect the hard work and creativity of our local firms.”
And Holywood Chamber of Commerce president David Menary added, “We are delighted to play a role in this important local business competition and look forward to hearing all about the winners in October.” The awards website is now up and running at www.northdownbusinessawards.com with details of how to enter online.
The closing date for award entries is August 7, with all judging and mystery shopping taking place during the month of August.
Finalists will be informed in September and the awards take place on October 8.
This is second year of the North Down Business Awards, which were expanded from the old Bangor Business Awards to celebrate the achievements of entrepreneurs across the entire region.
