SMEs in the agri-food sector are being called on to enter the 2014 Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards.
The scheme celebrates the achievements of local companies across a range of sectors, and has a number of categories relevant to agri-food firms, including the ‘Agri-Business’ category and the ‘Food and Drink’ award.
Run in association with Invest NI, InterTradeIreland and SmallBusinessCan.com, entries can be made at BusinessAchieversAward.com before September 26.
Previous Northern Ireland winners include Mash Direct, Avondale Foods and Wilson’s Country.
Judges will shortlist companies for the Ulster provincial stage, and winners will then compete in their respective categories at an all-island awards ceremony in December 2014. One all-island category winner will also be crowned overall Ulster Bank Business Achiever 2014.
This year’s winner will receive a comprehensive prize package including a publishing bursary worth around £40,000, business mentoring from Enterprise Ireland and a full-service communications workshop, as well as media exposure.
Ellvena Graham, Managing Director, SME Banking and Head of Ulster Bank Northern Ireland, said:
“We know how hard our local SMEs are working and how busy they are but we believe it’s important to take stock of how far your business has come and to tell Ulster Bank Business Achievers all about it. The awards are free to enter and time spent on your application could be an investment that really pays off. I look forward to being inspired by the dynamic business and entrepreneurship stories that exist here.
“The benefits of entering are numerous. Winning or being a finalist in a provincial, national or overall award has provided excellent brand exposure for previous entrants and an opportunity for them to highlight and celebrate what they provide in terms of products and services.
“Winning an award results in a feel good factor for all staff, increasing motivation and job satisfaction, obviously key to the continued success and expansion of any business.”
Tracy Hamilton, founder of Mash Direct, says: “The networking opportunities provided by taking part in the competition have been very advantageous. We are now a recognised brand and it is a fantastic accolade for the whole team. The whole process of the competition is very supportive and that support has continued.”
Entries for the 2014 awards are open to SMEs across all sectors and businesses can enter in any two of the categories:
Deadline for submissions is Friday 26 September. You can follow all the action on Twitter throughout the 2014 awards using #UBBAA
