There are 15 planned categories for the Awards. Entry information requirements are explained under each category. To enter a category, simply complete the specific online form and submit.
Company of the Year
The Northern Ireland-based private sector company which has made the biggest positive impact across the spectrum over the past 12 month period in the view of the judges….for reasons which may include business and/or employment growth, acquisitions or other deals, export achievement, etc.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Sponsored by Charles Hurst Ltd, a company celebrating its centenary this year (2011), the Lifetime Achievement Award sets out to recognise a high profile Northern Ireland-based businessman or woman who has made a significant impact during his or her lifetime on the business life and wider economy of the region.
A new category for the UTV Business Eye Awards, it will honour a business personality who has left his or her mark on Northern Ireland as a whole, and is set to become an integral part of the Awards over coming years.
International Award
This award is open to organisations trading internationally from Northern Ireland, and will recognise the most important achievement/contribution by such a company outside of Northern Ireland during the period, whether in terms of export sales, overseas expansionm/investment or acquisition.
Business / Education Award
An award which will recognise the best of business education. The award can be for companies or public sector organisations providing education for business programmes, or for private sector organisations forging links with education bodies.
Tourism / Hospitality Project of the Year
The individual project within Northern Ireland which, in the view of the panel, has done most to raise standards in the hospitality industry and to attract more tourists to the region.
Green Company of the Year
This award sets out to recognise achievement by a private sector Northern Ireland organisation towards the wider environmental cause. This may focus on a wide programme of environment measures, or one specific initiative which improves a company’s environmental contribution.
Employer of the Year
The Northern Ireland company or organisation which, in the view of the judges, has done the most to create a balanced, satisfying and fulfilling working environment for its employees.
Fleet Funder of the Year
This new award, sponsored by fleet market leaders Fleet Financial, will recognise an institution bringing innovation and consistency to the asset and vehicle finance markets in Northern Ireland.
Business Consultancy of the Year
Northern Ireland’s leading business consultancy firm, and one which takes an innovative approach to working with its client organisations.
Environmental Project of the Year
Open to private sector companies as well as government departments and local authorities. This category sets out to identify an environment-related project which has made a significant difference in its field, and which has produced clear benefits to the environment around it.
Young Business Personality of the Year
This brand new category sets out to identify the achievements of Northern Ireland’s young (35 years old or under) entrepreneurs and business leaders, with entrants able to demonstrate clear achievement and dynamism in their chosen field.
Business Personality of the Year Award
The Northern-Ireland based business personality who in the opinion of the judging panel has contributed most to the local business sector and the local economy as a whole in the last 12 months.
Retailer of the Year
The retail organisation, ranging from international/national chains through to locally owned groups, which has made the most significant contribution to Northern Ireland, in terms of investment, innovation, expansion or growth.
SME of the Year
The small to medium-sized enterprise (up to 50 employees) which, in the opinion of the judges, can demonstrate significant business growth over the past year to 18 months across any sector of the local economy.
Research & Development Project of the Year
Open to companies and organisations which can show clear evidence of an innovative research and development project either on an in-house basis or on behalf of clients.
