Preparations are underway for the 2017 Aer Lingus Viscount Awards - which will showcase inspirational and innovative companies and individuals across Ulster.

Judged by a panel of esteemed business figures, the awards have grown to become one of the premier events on the professional calendar, with entries coming in from the most dynamic and innovative companies in the country.

Viscount Award winners come from a variety of sectors, but they all have one thing in common; they are all truly excellent at what they do.

Winners from last year’s event have urged local businesses and innovators to put themselves forward for recognition. Connaire McGreevy, Managing Director of two businesses, CTS Projects Ltd and Mourne Mountains Brewery said: “We were both proud and delighted to win a Viscount Award last year. For us it was recognition of the company’s achievements over the year and was only made possible by our talented, dedicated team.

He said the competition boosts morale and helps benchmark the businesses.“We’re really proud of our success. It’s a yardstick of how we’re performing
in the wider business landscape and that’s important because it encourages us to remain focused on best practice throughout our business strategies.

“To be honoured amongst the best of NI businesses at such a prestigious ceremony was a great boost for the team.”

Each year the Viscount Awards attracts entries from across the business spectrum from SMEs to large multi-nationals, all of them competing for one of the prestigious trophies up for grabs.

Companies can enter submissions in any number of the nine awards categories, which range from Best Business Start-Up Award, Best SME Award, Business Person of the Year Award, Employee Champion Award, Exporter of the Year Award, Fast Growth Business Award, Innovation of the Year Award, Lifetime Achievement Award and Overall Excellence Award.

Entry forms and criteria can be found at viscountawards.ulsterbusiness.com and all entries must be submitted no later than 5pm on Friday 24th March.

Aer Lingus will fly shortlisted finalists to the prestigious awards ceremony at the IoD Headquarters on Pall Mall on Wednesday, 24th May 2017. Every shortlisted company will be offered one complimentary ticket to the event, which includes a three course meal and return flights with Aer Lingus from George Best Belfast City Airport to London Heathrow.

Guests will also be given access to the state-of-the-art Aer Lingus Business Lounge at London Heathrow.

Business Development Manager of Aer Lingus, Andrea Hunter said: “Time is running out to enter our 9th Aer Lingus Viscount Awards, with the deadline for entry being 24th March 2017 – that’s just a few days away.

“We are inviting nominations from across Northern Ireland to celebrate the very best of business. This is a golden opportunity for us all to show that Northern Ireland is really doing the business.”