IT WILL be time for local businesses to shine when the prestigious Ards Peninsula Business Awards makes a welcome return next month.
After a six year hiatus, the former Ards Business Awards has expanded across the entire peninsula area including towns such as Newtownards, Comber, Donaghadee and down to Portaferry.
Around 300 guests are expected to attend the gala awards night, hosted by homegrown television presenter Holly Hamilton, at the Clandeboye Lodge Hotel, in Bangor, on Thursday, May 22.
Newtownards Chamber of Trade, in collaboration with Love Comber and Visit Donaghdee has launched this year’s business awards, in association with Ards Business Hub, with the Newtownards Chronicle as the media sponsor.
The awards will celebrate the outstanding achievements, innovation and diversity of local businesses; from manufacturers to retailers, hospitality to technology, they recognise the vital contributions made by local businesses to the community.
The prestigious awards night provides a unique platform for businesses to gain recognition, share their success stories and celebrate the best of the region’s thriving business community.
There are a total of 16 awards categories to enter including Best New Business, Best Company to Work For, Best Employee, Business Growth Award, Best Family Business and Best Sustainability and Environmental Impact.
Derek Wright, president Newtownards Chamber of Trade, has been thrilled by the positive public welcome for the awards return.
“We have been delighted there is so much support from local businesses that has made the event possible.
“The event has doubled in size as we would normally have had about 150 people attending previously. We had previously struggled to get a venue but this year we have chosen the Clandeboye Lodge Hotel and it is a great venue.”
The outbreak of the Covid-19 global health crisis may have delayed the awards night’s return, but Mr Wright said they are looking forward to returning stronger than ever.
“We wanted to get our businesses back stronger and more focused. Covid is well behind us and we want to move forward.”
Turning to the expansion of the awards, Mr Wright said: “We wanted to be more inclusive and bring in other areas. It is also part of the chamber’s strategy to have Newtownards registered as a Gateway Town, which opens up the tourism strategy for the peninsula. We are looking to create more growth and there is such beauty and opportunities in the peninsula.”
Mr Wright encouraged businesses to enter multiple categories. Entries can be submitted by individuals or companies, and self-nominations are also encouraged. To be eligible, individuals and businesses must be based and operational within the Ards Peninsula area.
He welcomed the number of entries already submitted saying: “The entries have been coming in thick and fast. The awards have always been well supported, it is really good to celebrate all the hard work of the local business community.”
All entries must be submitted by noon on Monday, April 28, with the shortlisted entries announced on Friday, May 2, and the award winners announced on the gala night.
