DISTRICT BUSINESS AWARDS ARE LAUNCHED

Backed by Banbridge Council and Tesco, the awards are aimed at recognising the talent, entrepreneurship and excellence that exists across the full range of business and commerce in the area.

The 2010 theme 'From Flax to the Future' pays homage to the long history of individual and collective industry upon which our local towns have taken root and flourished and the companies which carry on that tradition today.

The nine award categories cover all aspects of business and industry giving the opportunity to enter one or more categories and the judging process will be carried out by an independent judging panel with some awards also going to a public vote via the Banbridge and Dromore Leader.

Anyone can make a nomination regardless of whether they are an owner, employee or satisfied customer.

The awards will be presented at a glittering dinner and ceremony on Thursday October 14 at the Belmont Hotel.

Speaking at Friday's launch at the FE McWilliam Gallery and on her last day as chairman of Banbridge Council, councillor Liz Ingram said: "On behalf of Banbridge Council I wish to say that we are delighted to be associated with the Banbridge Leader Business Awards.

"We, as a Council, have always had a good working relationship with the Press, especially the Leader and we commend them on taking the initiative to recognise local businesses in this way.

"We very much look forward to October to see who the first recipients of these awards will be and we hope that there is healthy competition for each of the awards."

Leader Editor John Hooks said the newspaper is very proud to be hosting its first business awards in the district.

"I would like to thank our main sponsors, Banbridge Council and Tesco for their kind support," said Mr Hooks.

"We have an excellent working relationship with the council and Tesco have a long tradition of supporting community events here in Banbridge so we are delighted to be working together on the Business Awards.

"I would also like to thank The Outlet for sponsoring two of the award categories. Like Tesco, The Outlet has an excellent tradition of supporting events in Banbridge.

"Another of our sponsors is Invest NI and we are extremely grateful to them for their generous backing of our awards."

For full details of how to enter the Banbridge Business Awards call Leader Editor, John Hooks, in our Banbridge office on 406 62745.