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Showcasing the Best in Business

13/06/2011

Coleraine Borough Business Awards in partnership with Ulster Bank was held Friday 10th June at the Diamond University of Ulster. The gala ceremony not only celebrated the success of the companies and organisations that contribute to the energy of the Borough but the talented people employed within them across the wide range of Business Sectors.

This year there was 14 awards comprising of many categories and even some new awards. All finalists exceeded the expectations of the judging panels and have excelled within their category. The winners on the night were:

Best New Business - Sponsored by Causeway Enterprise Agency

This exciting new business with an innovative approach to a very competitive sector, using smart technology has achieved a customer base that would be the envy of many established businesses with a client list including Asda, Spar and Sliderobes. The judges were particularly impressed by the strong customer testimonials which provided evidence to the long term sustainability of this new enterprise. The winner was…….. Epitome

Best In Tourism – Sponsored by Tourism Ireland

The winner of this award has staff to be proud of. They provide a relaxed friendly atmosphere yet still manage to retain a professional approach, a difficult balance to achieve. Feedback showed that their visitors rated this winner very highly. Quoting one of the customers "Carlsberg don't do hotels, but is they did, Bayview Hotel would be number one."

Customer Service Retail Award (Independent) Sponsored by Coleraine Town Partnership

This was a hotly contested award with entries right across the independent retail spectrum including department stores, opticians, building suppliers and fashion retailers. This company takes great pride in its workforce insisting that they are knowledgeable about the products they sell therefore making sure it is just right for the customer. No matter where you want to refurbish weather in the home or office the place to visit for all your tiling needs is Hutchinson Tiles.

Entrepreneur of the Year – Sponsored by Ulster Bank

The winner of this category really impressed the judges with tte passion for the organisation. Keeping strong connections with the local community and retaining the values of the partner organisation this entrepreneur has successfully branded himself in growing retail business throughout the Borough. The winner was….. Kenny Bradley.

Training and Development Award – Sponsored by Provost's Office, University of Ulster

This company which is privately and locally owned have experience of managing numerous large volume contracts throughout Northern Ireland. Having undertaken a complete 360 degree feedback of its entire organisation they have put in place a robust training and development program for everyone in their business. The winner was…… MPA Recruitment.

Best Young Person In Business – Sponsored by Kenny's

The winner of this award is an energetic young man who has demonstrated a passion for his field of work. He has taken Strand Media Group from a wedding video company to a well known and successful film company throughout Northern Ireland. The winner was….. Stuart Cullen.

Business Growth – Sponsored by Northern Bank

This company showed clear strategic vision, a huge degree of innovation and has solid growth for more than two years, not only in a recession but in a crowded market full of strong multinationals. This family business recognises the need for investment in staff and training as well as new products, services, innovation and demonstrated a clear strategic plan for sustainable future growth. The winner has created a niche and developed a new brand to Northern Ireland in a very competitive sector in an economic downturn. The winner was….. Ground Espresso Bars.

Customer Service Hospitality – Sponsored by Redback Creations

The winner of this award showed a flare for hospitality across all departments and this was evidenced in the continuous positive feedback from delighted customers verbally. Drawing customers regionally, nationally and internationally, set in a wonderful location the winner of the customer service hospitality award was….. Bayview Hotel.

Involvement in the Community – Sponsored by Diamond Recruitment

This winner clearly demonstrated amplified community enterprise to the judges. They provided a far reached range of support from the ground up drawing out community links. This organisation supplied measured benefits to individuals and groups show casing their strong links to the youth through schools and community groups. The winner is….. Causeway Enterprise Agency.

Best New Product/Service of the Year – sponsored by SJC Hutchinson Engineering Ltd

This company has established a unique opportunity in the market place. The judges were impressed that the service offering received recent approval by leading agencies in the sector. Legislation soon to be introduced will further enhance the requirements of this niche product providing confidence for the future, sustainability of their future and potential to be recognised globally. The winner was….. ATG Group Environmental and Waste Solutions.

Innovation, Technology & Creativity Award – Sponsored by Invest NI

The winner of this award is a technically innovative spin out from the University of Ulster, Coleraine. Supported by Invest NI and Business Angels this company has continued to develop the market in the United States. Clearly demonstrating that a creative IT solution has transformed the way the property business is handled internationally and certainly transforming the status of a locally owned start up company which owes its origins and continued success to creativity, innovation and technology. The winner was….. Geopii.

Customer Service Award (Multiple Retailer) – Sponsored by First Trust

This company provided an excellent example of a local and a smaller multiple retailer providing relevant and consistently high customer service. The winning company recognises the need to instil customer service as the essential ingredient to ensure a positive shopping experience. The winner of this category really does know the ABC and D of customer service by operating Above and Beyond the Call of Duty. The award went to DV8.

Good Food Award – Sponsored by Firmus Energy

Our winner has brought a truly unique offer to the Borough and has raised the bar in customer expectation. This good food provider makes excellent use of the fantastic ingredients available locally and serves an impressive menu in a premises buzzing with clients from all ages and sectors. So weather you fancy a lazy breakfast, fast working lunch or a leisurely coffee break our winner is the place to go….. New Society, Coleraine.

The final award Commitment to the Borough Award – Sponsored by Coleraine Borough Council was a very strong category and nominations were received for a number of small, medium and large businesses across a wide range of business sectors. It was so hotly contested that this year the judges decided that we should have two awards in this category – Business Commitment and Individual Commitment to the Borough.

Business Commitment to the Borough

This was a very strong category and nominations were received for a number of small, medium and large companies across a wide range of business sectors. The commitment to the Borough Award aims to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contribution made by either an individual or an organisation to the enhancement of business life within the Borough.

It was so hotly contested that this year the judges decided that we should have two awards in this category – Business Commitment and Individual Commitment to the Borough.

When the judging criteria was applied one company clearly emerged as the strongest candidate for Business Commitment displaying a level of commitment over and above expectations. This company has displayed exceptional commitment to the Coleraine Borough over an extensive period of time. That commitment has brought benefits not just to the local economy via employment, supporting local suppliers and an extensive customer network but also to the wider business community focusing on tourism, sponsoring major local events contributing to local charities and of course being the place to go for a Saturday night out for past, present and future generations. This family run business is diverse with a holiday park, night clubs, restaurants and recently displayed exceptional commitment to this area through a £4m refurbishment of a boutique style hotel. In recognition of their outstanding contribution, the winner of the 2011 Business Commitment to the Borough wnet to Mr. Peter Wilson representing Kellys Portrush, Atlantis Hotel Bar & Grill, Golf Links Holiday Park and Lush.

Individual Commitment to the Borough Award

Whilst it was clear that all the main contenders were making a commitment over and above normal expectations, the level, breadth and longevity of one individual's commitment was felt to be most worthy of recognition.

In addition to their business commitments within the Coleraine Borough, with an established multi million pound industry providing for chemistry, biology, biomedical sciences and challenging the new owners to continue to develop in this Borough this individual has worked tirelessly and voluntarily within a number of different organisations.

In recognition of an exceptional level of commitment to the Coleraine Borough as evidenced through the key roles he has played within Coleraine College, First Coleraine Scout Group Executive Committee, working alongside University of Ulster to help develop the concept of technology transfer resulting in the formation of Northern Ireland Science Parks, Riding for the Disabled – All this in addition to his daily commitment as managing Director of Nicobrand Ltd. --------the winner of Individual Commitment to the Borough went to Mr. Rex Humphrey.

Chamber Operations Manager Annette Deighan said
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our Sponsors of the 2011 Coleraine Borough Business Awards - Principle Sponsor Ulster Bank, our 14 award sponsors, Redback Creations, The University of Ulster, NI Live Vision, Light & Sound FX, Old Bushmills Distillery who have all put in a tremendous amount of effort to make this event possible. I would also like to thank our Corporate Sponsors, The Honourable the Irish Society, Irwin Donaghey Stockman, Riada Resourcing and the Ulster Bank, and our current members who have all continued to support us."

For more information on the Coleraine Borough Chamber of Commerce & Industry the Awards Ceremony and winners visit www.coleraineboroughbusinessawards.com or www.coleraineboroughchamber.co.uk or Contact Annette Deighan Chamber Operations Manager on Tel: 02870343111.

Excitement Builds as Finalists Announced

13/05/2011

Preparations are now in the final stages for Coleraine Borough Chamber's prestigious Business Awards. Poised in the wings, businesses large and small are set to be honoured in this exciting bi-annual Awards ceremony on Friday 10th June 2011 at the University of Ulster.

Judges have spent over 100 hours judging entrants across the fourteen awards categories and we are delighted to announce our finalists:
Alive Surf School
Annie's Traditional Food
ATG Services Ltd
Atlantis Bar & Grill
Bayview Hotel
Big Telly Theatre Company
Bluebird Daycare
Bushtown Hotel
Campbell Autoline
Causeway Coast Vineyard
Causeway Enterprise Agency
Dream Wedding Bridal Boutique
D-Stone
DV8
Epitome
Geopii
Ground Espresso Bars
Heatons
Hutchinson Tiles
Is Consultancy & Training
Kenny's
McDonald's
Maddybenny Leisure
Moores of Coleraine
MPA Recruitment
New Society
Nicobrand
NI Live Vision
Riding for the Disabled
Rutledge Recruitment & Training
S&T Moore
Whoosh Ltd

The winning businesses will be announced at the Gala Awards ceremony on Friday 10th June in the newly refurbished Diamond, University of Ulster, Coleraine. This glamorous black tie dinner and awards ceremony will be hosted by local BBC celebrity Sarah Travers. Sarah commented, "I am absolutely delighted to be involved in the Coleraine Borough Business Awards. It is vitally important to recognise and reward business success in today's difficult trading environment and it is a testament to the vitality of the Coleraine Borough that such a tremendous level of entries were received across all the categories. As a local resident I am looking forward to an evening on home ground presenting the awards and look forward to seeing all the finalists and sponsors there".
Ticket holders will be welcomed to the event with a drinks reception sponsored by Old Bushmills Distillery. Here they will have the chance to meet the sponsors of the awards, Chamber members and successful finalists of the awards categories.

Terry Robb, Head of Ulster Bank's Business Centre said, we are delighted to be principal sponsors of the 2011 Coleraine Borough Business Awards and help mark the creativity and success of Coleraine's local businesses.

"These Awards are a great opportunity to celebrate all that is great about our local businesses and we are proud to be associated with them for the eighth year as an award sponsor and our first as principal sponsor."

Karen Yates, President of Coleraine Borough Chamber commented, "The business awards Gala evening will be a special night for several reasons. This awards ceremony recognises achievement across the diverse sectors of business in the Borough. We want to recognise the achievements of innovation & Technology, professional & financial services, retail and tourism businesses. Every local company and Chamber member has been encouraged to enter the awards process and we have been delighted with the level and quality of entries."

For more information on the Chamber and the Coleraine Borough Business Awards or to reserve tickets for the awards ceremony on Friday 10th June contact the Chamber office on 028 7034 3111.

Coleraine Borough Chamber launches 2011 Business Awards

23/02/2011

Coleraine Borough Chamber is delighted to launch the 2011 Business Awards. Television personality Sarah Travers will compere the Awards ceremony which will be held at the University of Ulster, Coleraine Friday 10th June 2011.

The awards which have been running since 2005 are not only about celebrating past success, but is about setting future aspirations to reach new standards of excellence, underpinning the Chamber's message that Coleraine Borough is "A Great Place to do Business" and particularly seeks to highlight and reward excellence across all dimensions of the Borough for those who have continued to build and sustain their businesses in challenging times.

Karen Yates Chamber President commented, "I would like to thank all our sponsors for their support. Without their support it would be impossible to run the awards. I would like to offer special thanks to Ulster Bank for agreeing to be principal sponsor. The Chamber has had an excellent relationship with Ulster Bank for many years as Corporate Sponsors and we are proud to have them as principal sponsor for the 2011 Awards".

Terry Robb, Head of Ulster Bank's Business Centre said, We are delighted to be principal sponsors of the 2011 Coleraine Borough Business Awards and help mark the creativity and success of Coleraine's local businesses.

"At Ulster Bank, we are committed to supporting small businesses where we possibly can by providing a range of funding options. This year alone we have committed to lending £300 million specifically to SME's, and we are keen to support good local businesses.

"These Awards are a great opportunity to celebrate all that is great about our local businesses and we are proud to be associated with them for the eighth year as an award sponsor and our first as principal sponsor."

There are a wide range of categories for new businesses through to larger well established businesses, with awards for individual achievements, excellence, certain key sectors, and also the Commitment to the Borough Award.

This is now a major event in the Chamber's calendar so put the date in your diary now. We promise you an excellent evening, so come along, renew old acquaintances and make new ones but most importantly, help us celebrate and reward all that is best in business within the Borough of Coleraine.

The Awards & Sponsors are:

Retailer of the Year Award (Multiple)	First Trust
Retailer of the Year Award (Independent)
Good Food Award	Firmus Energy
Customer Service - Tourism & Hospitality
Training & Development Award	Provost's Office University of Ulster
Best New Business	Causeway Enterprise Agency
Business Growth Award	Northern Bank
Involvement in the Community	Diamond Recruitment
Best In Tourism	Tourism Ireland
New Product/Service of the Year	SJC Hutchinson Enginnering Ltd
Innovation & Creativity Award	Invest Northern Ireland
Entrepreneur of the Year Award	Ulster Bank
Best Young Person in Business	Kenny's
Commitment to the Borough Award	Coleraine Borough Council

If you require further details about Coleraine Borough Chamber or the Business Awards please contact Annette Deighan on 028 7034 3111 or email info@coleraineboroughchamber.co.uk.

2011 Business Awards – A date for your diary!

18/01/2011

Coleraine Borough Chamber is delighted to announce that their 2011 Business Awards will take place Friday 10th June. The launch is scheduled to take place in the next few weeks so please check out your local press.

The awards which were initially launched in 2005 are not only about celebrating past success, but is about setting future aspirations to reach new standards of excellence, thus implementing the Chamber's theme of "A Great Place to do Business" and particularly seeks to highlight and reward excellence across all dimensions of the Borough for those who have continued to build and sustain their businesses in challenging times.

To give another mention to our 2009 winners:

Retailer of the Year Award	Holley Optometrists
Good Food Award	Preference Brassiere
Training & Development Award	Spar Castlerock Road
Best New Business	Island Enterprises
Green Award	Dairy Produce Packers
Business Growth Award	Armstrong Medical Ltd
Social Enterprise Award	Focus on Family
Best in Tourism	Maddybenny Leisure Portrush
New Product/Service of the Year	Lush Live
Technology & Innovation	Zing Design & Print
Entrepreneur of the Year Award	Kilrea Service Station
Business Commitment to Coleraine Borough	Armstrong Medical Ltd

This is now a major event in the Chamber's calendar so put the date in your diary now. We promise you an excellent evening, so come along, renew old acquaintances and make new ones but most importantantly, help us celebrate and reward all that is best in business within the Borough of Coleraine.

If you require further details about Coleraine Borough Chamber or the Business Awards please contact Annette Deighan on 028 7034 3111 or email info@coleraineboroughchamber.co.uk.