ballymena boroughballymenachamber.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/... · ballymena is widely...

NI Hospice Care is ourchosen charity for 2014

Ballymena Borough Chamber of Commerce and Industry is delighted to presentthe 2014 Ballymena Borough Business Excellence Awards. The awards seek togive recognition to the hard work and dedication of businesses in the Boroughand enable us all to celebrate their success.

Ballymena is widely renowned as the premier shopping town in Northern Ireland,but it is sometimes overlooked that the Borough has a vibrant and successfulindustrial base as well. These awards help to celebrate the huge contributionmade by our business community. The economic environment has been verytough in the last year, and these awards demonstrate the commitment ofindividuals and of the business excellence that exists in the Borough.

There are 21 awards this year so there is a category to suit everyone – large orsmall businesses, retail, hospitality or industrial and individual awards as well.

I would like to thank Ballymena Borough Council for agreeing to be our majorsponsor once again this year. Council has always been a great supporter of both the awards and Chamber in general and the working relationshipbetween Council and Chamber is stronger now than it has ever been.

I would like to thank all other businesses who have sponsored awards or taken an advertisement in the awards brochure.

The judging this year will again be carried out by Insight Mystery Shopping – it isentirely independent of Chamber thereby ensuring the integrity of the awards.

The Gala Awards Evening this year takes place on Thursday 30th October inTullyglass House Hotel. This is now a major event in the Ballymena businessand social calendar, so put the date in your diary now. We promise you anexcellent evening, so come along, renew old acquaintances and make new onesbut most important – help us celebrate and reward all that is best in business inthe Borough.

I wish all entrants every success.

BALLYMENA BOROUGHBUSINESS EXCELLENCEAWARDS 2014

Welcome to the

Alan StewartPresident

Ballymena Borough Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Message from

Ballymena – a great place to do business!

Mayor Cllr. Audrey Wales MBEBallymena Borough Council

BALLYMENA BOROUGH COUNCILBallymena Borough Council is fully committed to our local commercial sector and recognises the significant economic benefits it brings to the area.As a Council we aim to lead the way by working together in partnership withour local businesses to bring mutual benefits to the Borough.

The local economy is at the core of the wellbeing of the citizens and place of Ballymena. The likely challenges over the coming years, includepressures on retaining existing jobs, attracting new investment andsupporting local enterprise.

We as a Council are fully committed to creating the environment thatcommerce can operate in. Ballymena can be a place for business excellence and we are proud to be a home to some great globally recognised organisations. The economic climate only makes us moredetermined to collaborate jointly and dovetail our strategies and plans together for the benefit of our local people. Such partnership working can assist and support the growth and prosperity, both now and in the future, for our people and our place – Ballymena.

We are delighted to sponsor the Commitment to Ballymena Award and tosupport our Chamber of Commerce and Industry whose dedication and hard work bring forward these awards.

BALLYMENA – GREAT PEOPLE – GREAT PLACE

Customer Service Award Retail Sector (Independent Retailer) Customer Service Award Retail Sector (Multiple Retailer)Customer Service Award Convenience StoreBest Eating Establishment Award Best Small Eatery/Coffee Shop Award Customer Service Award Service Sector Customer Service Award Hospitality Sector Business Premises Award Best Business Website Award Excellence in Customer Service Management Award Right Place to Work Award Most Promising New Business Award Best Small Business Award Export Business of the Year Award Innovation Award Involvement in the Community Award Entrepreneur of the Year Award Apprentice of the Year Award Employee of the Year Award Business Growth Award Commitment to Ballymena Award

2014 Awards

Ballymena –a great place todo business!

Shoppers are increasingly looking for aunique shopping experience. This awardrecognises the independent retailer whocan demonstrate individuality, qualityservice and innovative merchandisingbased on a keen understanding of theircustomer base. In particular it rewardsexcellent personable face to face customerservice.

This category will be judged by MysteryShoppers who will be looking for evidence of:

• Delivering excellent customer service• Exceeding customer expectations• Providing insight in product selection • Exhibiting a strong visual impact • Understanding of the local customer base

Independent retailers will be viewed asindependent owners with three or lessstores. Branded retailers, even ifindependently owned, will not be accepted in this category.

First Trust Bank is delighted to sponsor the Customer ServiceAward Retail Sector.

We at First Trust Bank place major emphasis on building strongcustomer relationships and delivering a high quality service. We continue to invest in our people, who are our most importantasset. This investment is by way of ongoing training anddevelopment to ensure that we maintain the high standards ofcustomer service required to grow our business successfully.

We firmly believe that continued good service goes hand-in-handwith continued good business and this award, which will highlightthe best of local business, is an ideal way for Ballmena companiesto gain recognition, and be rewarded, for their best efforts.

To find out what we can do for your business locally please contactJayne Mahon at First Trust Bank, 78 Wellington Street, Ballymena

Good luck with your entry.

CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARDRETAIL SECTOR(Independent Retailer)Sponsored by First Trust Bank

CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD RETAIL SECTOR (Multiple Retailer)Sponsored by Power NI

Shoppers are consistently demanding ahigher level of service from their retailersand expect a sophisticated storeenvironment. To win this award, multipleretailers must prove that they are focusedon their customer’s individual needsthrough their product offering, customerservice and store environment.

This category will be judged by Mystery Shoppers who will be looking for evidence of:

• Excellent one on one service• Exceeding customer expectations• Exceptional design layout and shop format• Innovative product range• Advantageous store facilities and services

Applications are invited from multipleretailing companies. A multiple retailer willbe viewed as a company with four or morebranches throughout Northern Ireland.

Power NI is Northern Ireland’s number one energy supplier with over 35,000 business customers and hundreds more switching back.

Alan Egner, Commercial Sales and Marketing Manager at PowerNI, comments: “We’re delighted once again to support BallymenaChamber and sponsor one of the Customer Service Awards at thisyear’s event.

Good customer service is essential for any business and it issomething we pride ourselves in across our Power NI offices in

Antrim, Belfast and Omagh. Power NI customers are assured of a friendly, local service and independent research released thissummer by the Consumer Council NI showed that Power NIreceived the lowest number of formal complaints per 100,000customers of any other electricity supplier in NI, for the third year running!

We have a long-standing relationship with the Chamber and theirExcellence Awards are one of the highlights in the Northern Irelandbusiness calendar. Good luck to all entries and we look forward to a great evening.”

CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARDCONVENIENCE STORESponsored by K&G McAtamney’s

This category is open to all convenienceand forecourt stores (< 6000 sq ft) in theBallymena Borough area. This awardrecognises the stores that can deliverpersonalised friendly service and candemonstrate a variety of excellent brandvalues, product and store innovation and a breadth of services that suit the needs of the community.


• Delivering excellent customer service• Maintaining the highest store standards• Exceeding customer expectations• Providing insight in product selection • Providing additional services• Exhibiting a strong visual impact • Understanding of the local customer base

At K&G McAtamney Butchery & Deli we offer an extensive range of foodfor all occasions, served by a team of enthusiastic and dedicated staff,whose first priority is to provide excellent customer service. Our exclusiverange of fresh meats salads, sandwiches side orders and desserts arefreshly prepared by qualified chefs and butchers, ensuring all of yourshopping requirements are catered for under one roof.

We have recently opened an 18,500sq ft purpose-built factory supplyingthe leading hotels, restaurants, butcher’s shops and supermarketsthroughout Northern Ireland, Southern Ireland and the UK.

Proud winners of the Northern Ireland Deli of the Year Award 2011,Northern Ireland Butcher’s Shop of the Year Award 2012, UK Butcher’sShop of the Year Award 2013, we have also enjoyed success at theBallymena Business Awards with the coveted Business Growth Awardtwo years running.

K&G McAtamney are delighted to sponsor an award for CustomerService, and we would like to take this opportunity to wish all applicantsevery success on the evening.

The winning establishment will offercustomers an enjoyable eating experiencewhether they are a restaurant, bistro,hotel or bar. Judges will be looking for an industry leader where service andculinary standards are inspiring.

This award will be judged by mysteryshoppers who will be looking for theprovision of:

• Excellent service and rapportwith customers• Tempting food offering• Ambience and atmosphere• Delicious food• Exemplary housekeeping

Marcon Fit-Out is an award winning company that operates across the UK and Ireland specialising in the fit-out of hospitality, commercial,heritage and retail projects.

Within the hospitality sector, Marcon has an enviable reputation for fitting out high end bars, bistros, cafés and restaurants. The company has a long standing relationship with the globalrestaurant chain McDonald’s, which is testament to its ability to deliverprojects to the highest of standards over a wide geographic area.

Marcon Fit-Out prides itself on its client list of local independentbusinesses many of them located in the Ballymena area.

We are delighted to sponsor the Best Eating Establishment category in the Ballymena Business Excellence Awards and would like to takethis opportunity to wish all the shortlisted entrants the very best of luck.

BEST EATING ESTABLISHMENT AWARDSponsored by Marcon Fit-Out

firmus energy is bringing the cost, space and environmentalbenefits of natural gas to businesses and homes in Ballymena and is proud to sponsor this years ‘Best Small Eatery/Coffee Shop Award’.

With almost 70,000 customers throughout Northern Ireland enjoyingthe convenience and stable pricing that firmus energy natural gasoffers, it has never been a better time to switch. Natural gas is themost environmentally friendly of all fossil fuels, so you can bekinder to the environment as well as saving pounds in your pocket.

It’s clean, versatile and responds instantly which gives the chefcomplete control. It’s piped directly to your home or business, soyou’ll never have to worry about running out, re-fuelling or unsightlystorage containers. With no storage tank you will have additionalspace for alfresco dining and the instant hot water makes washingup much easier too.

See www.firmusenergy.co.uk or call 08456 08 00 88 for moreinformation – we’re happy to help.

BEST SMALL EATERY/COFFEE SHOP AWARD Sponsored by firmus energy

This award is designed to attractapplications from coffee shops, cafes,sandwich bars and fast food outlets from within the area.

The judges will be looking for a businessthat delivers excellent customer service andrapport with customers. They will also wishto see evidence of good atmosphere andambience in attractive premises in additionto a tempting range of food suitable to theneeds of its clientele.

This award will be judged by mysteryshoppers who will be looking for evidence of:

• Excellent service and rapportwith customers• Tempting food and drink offering• Ambience and atmosphere• Delicious food• Exemplary housekeeping and layout

As a winner of the customer service category, Riada Resourcingbelieve in outstanding service and added value for our clients. Our Chamber delivers a similar service and it is for this reason thatwe are delighted to be associated with the Ballymena BusinessExcellence Awards.

Established in 2000, Riada Resourcing's commitment to quality and excellent customer service has been the key to our continuedgrowth and sustained success.

Riada Resourcing supports clients across Northern Ireland in allmajor business sectors, including HR, Accountancy, Engineering,Industrial, Sales, Catering, Care, and Marketing to name but a few.

Our local experience in sourcing high calibre permanent, contractand temporary staff, allied with our management and personnelservices, has enabled Riada to build valuable working relationshipsand work in partnerships with our clients and candidates. We arelarge enough to deliver but small enough to care.

Can we wish all entrants every success and look forward topresenting the award on the Ballymena Chamber's gala evening.

We are experts in recruitment and also specialise in Engineeringand Care. To find out what Riada Resourcing can do for yourbusiness please contact Arlene McConaghie on 028 2563 1555 or e-mail [email protected]

CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARDSERVICE SECTORSponsored by Riada Resourcing

This award will be presented to thebusiness that has best demonstrated theircommitment to delivering exemplarycustomer service that generates positiveand additional business.

This award is open to all servicebusinesses that are committed to offeringthe highest levels of customer care to eachand every customer.


• A warm welcome• Congenial, knowledgeable service• An attractive environment• Going the extra mile• Friendly closure

Autoline Insurance Group is one of the fastest growing financialservices companies offering a broad range of insurance, mortgageand financial products to both personal and business clients acrossNorthern Ireland. Autoline currently employ over 130 staff in 5locations across Northern Ireland with offices based in Ballymena,Coleraine, Downpatrick, Enniskillen and Newry. As a serviceprovider, Autoline understand the importance of excellent customerservice and strive for the highest standard of service in everycustomer interaction.

Michael Blaney, Managing Director of Autoline Insurance Groupsaid, “We are delighted to be supporting the Ballymena BoroughBusiness Excellence Awards once again, by sponsoring the

Customer Service Award for the Hospitality Sector. Support fromlocal customers is essential for business growth and we are reallypleased to see large numbers of local customers enjoying thebenefits of moving to Autoline. We are also proud to be part of theBallymena Business community and in April we celebrated the firstanniversary of our new premises at Broadway Avenue in the centreof the town. We look forward to being involved in recognising andcelebrating the very best example of customer service in thehospitality sector in the Borough.”

For more information about Autoline Insurance Group pleasecontact 028 2565 2424 or email us at [email protected]

CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARDHOSPITALITY SECTORSponsored by Autoline Insurance Group

This award will be presented to a business that has best demonstrated their commitment to delivering exemplarycustomer service that generates positiveand additional business.

This award is open to all hospitalitybusinesses that are committed to offeringthe highest levels of customer care to eachand every customer.

This category will be judged by MysteryShoppers who will be looking for evidence of:

• A warm welcome• Congenial, knowledgeable service• An attractive environment• Going the extra mile• Friendly closure

Fairhill Shopping Centre is delighted to sponsor the Business PremisesAward at the 2014 Ballymena Business Awards. This award affords usthe opportunity to recognise business premises, which demonstrateinnovative design & quality finish to ensure shoppers are presented with a unique and enjoyable shopping experience every time.

Fairhill Shopping Centre, with its distinctive mix of high street names, is the ultimate shopping destination for people of all ages, tastes and budgets. It is always easy to find the freshest new looks with aninspirational selection of fashion brands to choose from, as well as agreat choice of restaurants allowing you to take time out from shopping.

The centre offers all that is best about high street shopping with over100,000 visitors per week. Open 7 Days a week, there is parking forover 1,000 cars in our multi-storey car park, with designated spaces for disabled car parking and parent/child parking.

We believe in going the extra mile to maximise added value for our customers and it is for this reason that we are delighted to beassociated with the Best Business Premises Award. We wish all the contestants well and look forward to presenting the award on the evening.

BUSINESS PREMISES AWARDSponsored by Fairhill Shopping Centre

The judges will be looking for a businesspremise design that is fit for purpose,exhibits all-round design and layoutexcellence and matches the requirementsof its customers.

Business premises will be visited byappointment. Plans and/or photographswould assist judges in their decision making process.

Judges will be looking for evidence of:

• Initial visual impact • Use of space• Fit for purpose• Ease of access • Innovation of design• Quality of materials and finish• Use of materials, textures and colour

Danske Bank is pleased to support the Ballymena Borough BusinessAwards. Recognising local success is so important in encouragingbusiness confidence.

Danske Bank’s team of highly experienced Business Banking managers and specialists supports local business through our Finance Centre in Ballymena.

The Best Business Website Award recognises the important role of technology in the modern business world, and so do we.

Alongside relationship banking, our market leading technology supports customers in running their business. Over 14,000 businessesare now actively using our Business eBanking service. Our MobileBusiness App launched this year has been downloaded almost 3,000times and growing weekly – demonstrating the needs of businessmanagers in an increasingly digital world.

Congratulations to all of the shortlisted local businesses playing a vital part in our business community.

Graham Lapsley, Head of Ballymena Finance Centre, 07764 145966

BEST BUSINESS WEBSITE AWARDSponsored by Danske Bank

This award is open to all businesses thathave a website. Judges will be looking fora business website that will successfullyengage and excite, yet usefully inform andpossibly sell to customers.

Judging criteria will take into account easeof navigation, design, accessibility andeffective use of modern media techniques.

Judges will be looking for:

• Accessibility and ease of use • Good use of technology• Content • Design and graphics• Engagement and overall appeal• Use of modern media techniques

Great People

Our Objectives

Helping to Growthe Ballymena Economy

Protecting the People and Placeof Ballymena and Supporting

their Health and Wellbeing

Delivering Quality,Efficient Council Services

Developing a Learning, Growing and Caring Organisation

BALL

YMEN

APrincipal SponsorBallymena BoroughBusiness Excellence

Awards 2014

Great Place

The name of Ballymena translates as, “middletownland” and the Borough has historically been,and still is, the market centre of County Antrim.It is complemented by a strong administrative

and industrial sector and thriving retail hinterlandmaking it the pulse of mid-Antrim. Its eclectic mix

of high street stores and traditional locally runoutlets, is unique and makes Ballymena NorthernIreland’s number one retail town. The Boroughhas a population of over 61,000 and its regionalsignificance is demonstrated in Ballymena being

identified as a key hub in the RegionalDevelopment Strategy.

Principal SponsorBallymena BoroughBusiness Excellence

Awards 2014

BALL

YMEN

A

JTI is delighted to be supporting the “Excellence in Customer ServiceAward” category at the 2014 business awards.

JTI (Japan Tobacco International) acquired Gallaher Ltd in April 2007.JTI is the international division of Japan Tobacco Inc., the third largesttobacco company in the world. JTI is extremely proud of the longassociation of Gallaher in Northern Ireland, over 150 years.

We continue to contribute to the local community supporting localcharitable causes and a number of initiatives to improve the skills, notonly of our employees, but of the local people living in the area. JTI isone of the largest manufacturing companies in Northern Ireland. Themajority of our UK cigarette and tobacco products are manufacturedin Lisnafillan, with around a third of the products produced exported to Europe and further afield.

EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGEMENT AWARDSupported by JTI

This award recognises an organisation thatcan deliver outstanding levels of customerservice management and customer care inall aspects of sales and after care services.Entrants must demonstrate established andmeasurable systems and procedures formonitoring service standards.

The judging panel will be looking for evidence of the following:• Customer service objectivesand strategies• Customer service evaluationand feedback systems• Customer service training

• Delivery of personal service• Evidence of customer loyalty as a result of excellent customer service

Customer testimonials are not arequirement but would be beneficial for the judging panel.

All interviews will be held on Tuesday 7thand Wednesday 8th October 2014 at theAdair Arms Hotel Ballymena. Appointmentdetails will be forwarded on receipt of entry.Entrants will also receive a mystery audit.

At Black Advertising we believe that the way a business projects itself isnot merely based on a logo, a colour palette, a website or any otherstandard branding device. A business is also, and perhaps moresignificantly, defined by the ethics, values and qualities of the peoplewho represent it and those of the business as a whole.

It gives us great pleasure to support the Ballymena Borough BusinessExcellence Awards, and in particular to recognise those companies whounderstand and prioritise these key aspects in the overall developmentof a positive working environment.

RIGHT PLACE TO WORK AWARDSponsored by Black Advertising

Is your company a great place to work?Businesses have to fight hard to recruit and retain people and this award aims to highlight those businesses that havereally put people at the heart of their overall strategy.

This award is open to all businesses,regardless of size or turnover, that arecommitted to supporting employees,enhancing employee satisfactionand have demonstrated an overallcommitment to its employees at all levels.

The judging panel will be looking forevidence of the following:

• Company culture and values• What makes your organisation a better place to work• Commitment to learning and development• Structure for people management• Recognition of skills and achievements• Employee support

All interviews will be held on Tuesday 7thand Wednesday 8th October 2014 at theAdair Arms Hotel Ballymena. Appointmentdetails will be forwarded on receipt of entry.

Ballymena Business Centre is committed to ‘Promoting Enterprise Culture’

• Local Business Advice Centre• Bespoke Business Training and Networking Opportunities• New Town Centre Enterprise Hub• 100 Workspace Units in 5 locations• Hot Desk, Conference and Meeting Rooms

Ballymena Business Centre contact details:

Telephone: 028 2565 8616Email: [email protected]: www.ballymenabusiness.co.uk

MOST PROMISING NEW BUSINESS AWARDSponsored by Ballymena Business CentreHave you started your own business in the last three years? Is it exceedingexpectations? And is it going to be aroundfor a while? Well then why not enter thisaward and tell us about your success to date?

The judging panel will be looking forevidence of the following:• Business profile and objectives• Innovation & individuality• Business structure and management• Business performance to date• Sustainability

All interviews will be held on TuesdayTuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th October2014 at the Adair Arms Hotel Ballymena.Appointment details will be forwarded onreceipt of entry.

Businesses must NOT have been inexistence before 10th October 2011.

Businesses entering Best Small Businesscan NOT enter this category.

Michelin Ballymena, is proud to be associated with the BallymenaBusiness Awards and sponsoring the category for the ‘Best SmallBusiness Award’.

In the current economic environment, when business is facing difficultand challenging times, it is important to support and encourageentrepreneurship and innovation as well as recognise and celebratebusiness achievement.

Michelin, through its subsidiary Michelin Development Ltd, is dedicatedto helping SMEs by providing unsecured competitive loans and

business advice, aiming to help create new employment in the countrieswhere Michelin has manufacturing operations. Over the past 10 years,Michelin Development (Ballymena) has provided financial support andexpertise to more than 100 local businesses, helping to create over 400jobs in the area.

We wish all the entrants good luck in this year’s awards and lookforward to presenting the Best Small Business Award at theGala Evening.

BEST SMALL BUSINESS AWARDSponsored by Michelin Tyre PLC

This award celebrates the small businessand its ability to exploit its size to its bestadvantage. The award will be presented toan organisation that demonstrates bestpractice but is also dynamic and individual.

Businesses should not employee morethan 20 employees.


• Business strategy• Business and growth management

• Innovation & individuality• Business performance• Sustainability


Businesses entering the New Businesscategory can NOT enter this category.

Wrightbus: Engineering excellence for the global bus market.

Making buses in N Ireland for customers around the world Wrightbusemploys more than 1,200 people at its European manufacturing HQin Ballymena.

The company has earned a reputation for innovative vehicle designs,a large and innovative product portfolio and investment in advancedengineering.

Our recent success is underlined by the contract win for the design and build of the prestigious New Routemaster for London and alsoconsiderable accomplishments in many export markets, includingDublin, Hong Kong, Singapore and Las Vegas.

Based on our experience we are keen to recognise local businesseswho can demonstrate cutting-edge products and/or services recognisedon the world stage and are pleased to sponsor the Export Business of the Year award.

EXPORT BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARDSponsored by Wrightbus

This award recognises the achievement,innovation and excellence of businesses,large and small, in reaching new markets.


• Export/Marketing strategy• Management excellence• International trade growth achieved• Sustainability

The term “export” will include all areasoutside of Northern Ireland. UK andRepublic of Ireland will be consideredas export.


Invest Northern Ireland is delighted to once again sponsor theBallymena Business Awards. The “Invest NI Innovation Award”celebrates the efforts of businesses that have been successful indeveloping new products or services that will help grow their business and enable them to compete internationally.

Invest NI is a dynamic, forward-looking organisation with a highlyexperienced and motivated staff committed to growing the NorthernIreland economy by helping new and existing businesses to competeinternationally, and by attracting new investment to Northern Ireland.

In pursuit of this we support local companies to develop their businessby improving their skills base and increasing their export sales. To helpbusinesses innovate we offer significant support and advice in the areasof research & development and technical knowledge.

To find out what Invest NI can do for your business, visit investni.com or call 0800 181 4422.

INNOVATION AWARDSponsored by Invest Northern Ireland

This Award will be presented to theorganisation that can best demonstrate a proven ability to create, nurture, anddevelop innovations or processes thatsubstantially improve the commercialperformance of a company.

Tell us about any new product, initiative,service, facility or campaign that hasimproved your overall businessperformance. We want to hear about allinnovations whether they are commercial,marketing, operational or environmental.


• Development, planning & objectives• Implementation• Success of the innovation• Uniqueness• Evaluation


Diamond Recruitment Group have regularly sponsored the BallymenaBorough Business Awards since they were established in 2003, and are delighted to sponsor this event for another year, demonstrating thecontinued importance we place on community involvement.

We pride ourselves on our long standing successful relationships withbusinesses, allowing us the privilege of providing local people withemployment and local employers with the skills required to meet today’sbusiness needs. Through our sponsorship we are delighted to be part ofvarious local events and projects, supporting the endeavours of thosestriving to improve our local community.

We would like to thank all participants in this award category for theirinvaluable contribution to the community and look forward to presentingthis award to the winner. Good Luck!

For further information on Diamond Recruitment Group please contact Eunice Campbell, Area Manager, on 028 2563 2223 or visit www.diamondrg.com

INVOLVEMENT IN THE COMMUNITY AWARD Sponsored by Diamond Recruitment

This award acknowledges individuals orbusinesses that have had an ongoingrelationship with the community throughtheir voluntary contribution.


• Initiation and involvement with thelocal community• Impact and benefits to thelocal community

• Level of commitment of timeand resources• Strategy for ongoing involvementwith the community


Bank of Ireland UK is delighted to be working in partnership withBallymena Borough Chamber of Commerce and Industry, contributingto the overall success of these Awards.

In supporting the “Entrepreneur of The Year” Award we understand the importance of the SME and the wider business market to the local economy, and the Awards will highlight and reward the quality of local businesses and the individuals who strive for excellence within this environment.

Our involvement in these awards reflects our drive and commitment for continuous improvement in setting new and higher standards inbusiness, playing our part in the success of our local businesses. We take this opportunity to congratulate all those nominated for anAward and thank you for your contribution to the local community.

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARDSponsored by Bank of Ireland

This award will go to an exceptionalindividual with drive, vision and dynamism.The winner will have a proven record of financial success and commercial innovation within their own business. The judging panel will be looking forevidence of the following:

• Track record in starting and running a business• Financial and growth performance

• Innovative and lateral thinking• Motivation and dynamism • Vision and leadership• Sustainability and plans for the future


APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR AWARDSponsored by Northern Regional College

This award celebrates those apprenticeswho have committed themselves to gainingqualifications that recognise their skillswhile in paid employment. The role ofapprentices, who have taken the step toinvest time and effort in their own training,is just as important now as it ever was forthe Northern Ireland economy. (The judgeswill base their decision on the Apprentice’scontribution to the company they work in,coupled with their dedication to exceed inachieving relevant qualifications).

The Award is open to anyone (no agerestriction) currently undertaking arecognised apprenticeship or havingcompleted it within the last 12 months.


• Commitment to their own personal development• Excellent work skills and personal qualities• Outstanding contribution to their work and workplace• Training/Qualifications to date

Application forms will be forwarded byemail on receipt of entry. Deadline forreturn of applications is Thursday 25thSeptember 2014.

Northern Regional College is one of the largest recognised trainingorganisations in Northern Ireland with 700 trainees and apprentices who enjoy courses delivered to the highest standards by highly qualified and skilled staff. NRC serves a wide geographical area across the North East of the Province and Mid Ulster and this ensuresthat it is a key driver of economic development in Northern Ireland.

NRC believes that apprenticeships make a major contribution to the economy of Northern Ireland as they provide an opportunity for employees to gain valuable skills and qualifications while in the workplace.

For a full list of Apprenticeships on offer at NRC visit www.nrc.ac.uk

Grafton Recruitment is delighted to sponsor the Employee of the Yearcategory in the 2014 Ballymena Borough Chamber of Commerce and Industry Awards. Grafton Recruitment is proud to have served the town of Ballymena for over twenty years from our offices inWellington Street.

Now more than ever it is paramount that you employ the best people to sustain your business whether it's permanent employees withspecialised skillsets or temporary employees who allow you to manageunpredictable levels of supply and demand in an uncertain market.

Grafton Recruitment has been providing temporary and permanentrecruitment solutions to Private and Public sector clients, for morethan 30 years. We are here to respond quickly to your needs, to give you the best insight into the skills available in the market place and the cost of those skills. We manage the interface betweenyou and the candidate and make your recruitment process as costeffective as possible.

If you'd like to more please visit us at www.graftonrecruitment.com or call 028 2564 2699.

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR AWARD Sponsored by Grafton Recruitment

The hardest award to win and also thehardest category to judge. Has someonegone beyond the call of duty to help thebusiness? Have you observed someoneexcelling in her or his day-to-day duties?Has someone done something particularlynoteworthy? These are just some of thereasons why you might want to nominatean employee for this award.

Judges will be looking for the following:

• How well they have performed at their role

• How they have made a difference to the business• How they are perceived by management, colleagues and customers

Employees must have been in their currentrole for at least one year. Entrants must benominated by their employer.

Application forms will be forwarded byemail on receipt of entry. Deadline forreturn of applications is Thursday 25thSeptember 2014.

Ulster Bank is proud to sponsor the Business Growth Award at thisyear’s Ballymena Business Awards.

As a bank we are delighted to be actively supporting businesses in all sectors and across all sizes. To demonstrate our commitment we have £1bn of funding available for small and medium-sizedbusinesses within Northern Ireland in 2014 and we’re ready to helpeven more local companies achieve their growth ambitions.

At Ulster Bank, we think awards have a really important role to play inencouraging excellence, motivating staff, and spreading good news.We run our own island wide Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards,and we hope that some of the winners of the Ballymena BusinessAwards will go on to become Ulster Bank Business Achievers as well,gaining recognition for their excellence on an even wider scale.

BUSINESS GROWTH AWARDSponsored by Ulster Bank

Despite the current tough economicclimate, is your business bucking thetrend? Are sales up? Has turnoverincreased? Has profitability risen?Whether this is from new sales, new products or improved resourcemanagement we want to hear from you.

The judges are looking for evidence of:• Business and marketing strategy• Financial and growth performance• Improved resource efficiency, reduced costs and minimised waste

• Business and growth management• Future Sustainability

All interviews will be held on Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th October 2014 at the Adair Arms Hotel Ballymena.Appointment details will be forwarded on receipt of entry.

Ballymena Borough Council is delighted to sponsor this award. We work hard with our stakeholders to ensure we maximise thepotential for Ballymena as being a great place to be.

There is no doubt that our commerce, through job creation,innovation, creativity, vision and a determination to succeedcontributes to this ethos.

Ballymena has grown over the years to become a major contributor for the Northern Ireland economy. This growth has not just come about by chance but through drive and dedication of both individualsand their organisations.

It is therefore appropriate that we recognise this dedication and effort through the Commitment to Ballymena Award and we take this opportunity to publicly praise and reward their efforts. We wish all our commerce continued success.

COMMITMENT TO BALLYMENA AWARDSponsored by Ballymena Borough CouncilThe judging panel will be looking for anindividual or individuals who, through continuing endeavour have proventhemselves to be ambassadors forthe entire Borough of Ballymena.Assessment will be based onsubmission by the nominator, of specificactions or activities of the individual(s)nominated which clearly demonstratetheir contribution.

The nominator will therefore be requiredto provide specific evidence to supporttheir nomination. No reference will be made to thenominating party although the judges,to substantiate any statements madewithin the submission, may contact them.

A date for your diary

The judging process is crucial to the awards program as it provides theindependence that is necessary in the overall selection of the awardrecipients. Insight Mystery Shopping will facilitate the adjudication of the awards through mystery shopping visits, on-site visits, judging panelsand face to face interview panels. The judging panel is made up experienced and respected judges from avariety of industry sectors and disciplines. The panel is carefully selectedto ensure the selection process is fair and objective and that each entry isjudged on its merits.The judges are bound by a strict confidentiality agreement and arerequired to declare any conflict of interest in entries over which theydeliberate and to stand aside from deliberations concerning those entries.The Interview Process:A letter will be sent to all entrants in September detailing time, date and venue of their interview and/or on-site visit. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th October 2014 at The Adair Arms Hotel Ballymena. A maximum of two people may represent your organisation at theinterview panel. Interviews will last approximately 15 minutes and it issuggested that you prepare responses to the listed criteria in each awardcategory. During the interview the judges will ask you to describe yourbusiness and state why it should win the award. Although not essential itmay also be beneficial to provide a PowerPoint presentation.The panel of judges will collectively arrive at the decision on the winner of each category. The finalists from each category will be notified byFriday 10th October 2014. The judge’s decision is final. The judgingpanel is not obliged to enter into communication with entrants.Mystery Shopping:All mystery shopping entries will receive two mystery visits by a team of highly trained and experienced mystery shoppers.On-site Visits:All businesses entering the Business Premises category will receive a visit from the judges. A date and time will be arranged in advance. If you have any queries regarding the judging process please contactCatherine Scott, Insight Mystery Shopping [email protected] or on 078 9427 4146.

ABOUT THE JUDGING PROCESS THE AWARDS PROCESSStep 1: Read the awards brochure and decide which categories you would like to enter.

Insight Mystery Shopping is happy to assist you in this decision. YOU MAY ENTER UP TO 2 CATEGORIES and the DEADLINE for Expression of Interest Forms is Thursday 11th September 2014. Entries are welcomed from all businesses in the Borough and from Chamber members. All entries are treated in the strictest confidence.In addition to the 2 categories you may also make nominations for the Employee of the Year, Apprentice of the Year and Commitment to Ballymena Awards.

Step 2: Complete the Expression of Interest Form and return it to [email protected] or: Ballymena Borough Business Excellence Awards, C/o Insight Mystery Shopping, Mallusk Enterprise Park, 2 Mallusk Drive, Newtownabbey, BT36 4GN

Step 3: If you have entered a MYSTERY SHOP category you do not need to do anything else. You will receive confirmation and a mystery visit will be conducted.

Step 4: If you have entered a JUDGING PANEL category, details of interview times will be forwarded. The judging panels will sit on Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th October 2014.

Step 5: If you have entered a NOMINATION category (Apprentice or Employee of the Year), a brief application form will be forwarded to you requesting details of the apprentice/employee and their contribution to the business.

Step 6: Don’t forget to make nominations for the Commitment to Ballymena Award. A letter of endorsement will be required to assist judges in their decision.

Step 7: Results for all categories will be collated and finalists will be notified on or beforeFriday 10th October 2014. The judges’ decision is final.

Thursday 30th October is the date to put in your diaryNOW, as this is the date for the presentation of the12th Ballymena Borough Business Excellence Awards.

This glittering event will take place in the Conference &Banqueting Suite of the Tullyglass House Hotel, Ballymena commencing at 7.00pm.We promise you a night to remember with good food andsparkling company; great entertainment and excitement;recognition and reward for all our award finalists; fun and networking!The compere for the evening will be Jackie Fullerton.

Entertainment will be provided by The Bizz.Dress: FormalTables of 10 and individual tickets can be obtained by contacting:Rodney KernohanEmail: [email protected]: 07799 797 672.

Organised by

DESI

GN B

Y BL

ACK

Principal Sponsor

UK & IRELAND AWARDWINNING FOOTWEAR RETAILER

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