UTV Business Eye Awards enter sixth year

The UTV Business Eye Awards are set to return for a sixth year of honouring the top achievers of the business community in Northern Ireland.

Another star-studded evening is being planned, in association with easyJet, to hand out the awards and celebrate the successes of both leading individuals and companies.

Hundreds of entries are expected across 17 different categories, with the winners to be chosen by a panel of judges - including UTV's Business Editor Jamie Delargy, Business Editor of the Irish News Gary McDonald and Business Editor of the News Letter Adrienne McGill.

"These Awards have grown in stature over the past six years, despite the challenges presented by the economic downturn, and we're delighted to be working with UTV and easyJet once again this year," Business Eye Editor Richard Buckley, who is also on the panel, said at Wednesday's launch.

"There is always an appetite for celebrating the achievement of our leading companies, as well as our top individuals, and we're confident that this year's entries will once again be very strong."

With the economy still firmly at the top of the news agenda, it is now more important than ever to recognise the achievements of local businesses in Northern Ireland - which is exactly what these awards are all about.

Michael Wilson, UTV

Ali Gayward, easyJet Commercial Manager, added that the airline is delighted to again be the lead sponsor.

"These awards have become a major part of business life in Northern Ireland and there is every incentive for companies as well as individuals to win one," she said.

"At easyJet, we are very grateful to the business community here - who have helped us become the region's largest airline."

Last year's awards ceremony saw Hughes Insurance named as Northern Ireland's Company of the Year, with other key winners on the night including Suki Tea (SME Award), Menary's (Retailer of the Year), Norbrook Laboratories (International Award) and Lord Ballyedmond (Lifetime Achievement Award).

This year's UTV Business Eye Awards will be held at the Culloden Estate & Spa on Thursday 4 October 2012.

"UTV is delighted to support these awards for the sixth year running and we look forward to highlighting the major players in the business world on UTV Live, UTV Live Tonight and u.tv," Managing Director Michael Wilson said.

The closing date for entries is Friday 14 September 2012 and judging will take place shortly afterwards. Companies can enter online.