LOCAL businesses look set to shine in this year’s prestigious North Down Business Awards 2014.
Officially launched at the Clandeboye Lodge Hotel recently, local businesses are now encouraged to put themselves forward and be recognised for their hard work, dedication and commitment.
Rebranded this year as the North Down Business Awards, the popular competition’s catchment area has been expanded and now includes Bangor, Cultra, Holywood and Groomsport.
Some of the 18 award categories include Best Coffee Shop, Best Eatery, Best Creative Business, Commitment to the Bangor Business Community and Professional Business Services.
Bangor Chamber of Commerce in association with Bangor Town Centre Management and Holywood Chamber of Commerce continue to organise and deliver the Gala Awards, which will be held on Friday, September 26 in the Clandeboye Lodge Hotel.
Speaking at the launch Kenneth Sharp, President of Bangor Chamber of Commerce and David Sloan Chairman of Bangor and Holywood Town Centres, said that with huge changes afoot within the local council, they felt the time was right to rebrand and continue the amazing legacy of the hugely successful Bangor Business Awards.
They said, ”Every business is a potential award winner. The landscape is changing in our council area and certainly, positivity about the economy is stronger than it has been in years amongst our local businesses.
“These local awards still have a role to play to encourage confidence and to promote excellence in business practice and we are delighted to be able to bring them to you.”
David Menary, President of Holywood Chamber of Commerce, said, ”The 2014 North Down Business Awards are truly reflective of what’s great and good about local enterprise.
“Holywood Chamber of Commerce is delighted that it is part of the premier event that recognises and rewards business excellence throughout the borough of North Down.
“The Gala Awards draws together our local business leaders, entrepreneurs and politicians in celebrating and endorsing individuals’ and organisations’ success.”
He said, ”Join us in September as we come together to network, exchange ideas and celebrate with the innovative strong and thriving businesses that exist here.”
Judging is an impartial process that is undertaken by expert judging panels and mystery shopping visits.
It is a totally independent process which has been worked on over the last 13 years of the Bangor Business Awards to ensure it is as easy and pain-free as possible for local businesses to enter.
The organisers wished all local businessess good luck with their award entry and looked forward to seeing a strong turn out for a celebration of local business excellence later in September.
