UTV BUSINESS EYE AWARDS

The UTV Business Eye Awards 2008 in association with Bank of Scotland (Ireland) were launched today (25 April 2008) at UTV.

The major success story of the awards calendar in Northern Ireland last year, this year's awards will culminate in a gala evening on Thursday, 2 October, 2008, at the Culloden Estate Hotel & Spa.

There will be 14 categories this time around, with categories ranging from Business Personality and Company of the Year through to specialist awards for top retailer, leading international company, best employer and top-performing consultancy.

Last year's key winners included Terence Brannigan, CEO, Resource Group as Business Personality of the Year and Tobermore Concrete Products asCompany of the Year.

Michael Wilson, Managing Director, UTV Television said:

"We're delighted to be associated with these awards once again, which have successfully secured the support of Northern Ireland's business community and are now firmly established on the business calendar.

"UTV is at the forefront of business in Northern Ireland reporting on economic issues at a time when the economy is at the very top of the political agenda and we look forward to recognising the very best companies, organisations and people from these awards later in the year and celebrating their success."

Hugh Donnelly, Head of Northern Ireland for primary sponsors Bank of Scotland (Ireland) said:

"Economic times may be a little tighter this time around, but it is still vitally important that we recognise outstanding performance in both the private and public sectors, and that best practice is highlighted for all to see.

"These awards do exactly that. They are the best of their kind here in Northern Ireland, and they give large organisations, small organisations and public sector organisations as well as leading individuals the chance to shine.

"We want to encourage as many as possible to get their entries in for this year's awards."

If any more encouragement is needed, Brenda Buckley of parent company and organisers Business Eye is promising a star-studded awards ceremony on 2 October. She said:

"Last October's awards night was a success by any standards. But we're convinced already that next October's will be even better....and that the event will outshine other events of its kind around Northern Ireland. So don't miss it."

For details on how to enter the UTV Business eye Awards in association with Bank of Scotland (Ireland), click onto www.businesseye.co.uk/utvawards.

UTV Business Correspondent Jamie Delargy and Hugh Donnelly (left) of Bank of Scotland (Ireland) and Brenda Buckley from Business Eye toast the launch of the UTV Business Eye Awards in association with Bank of Scotland (Ireland) on the balcony at The Residence apartments in Belfast's Victoria Square.