The 2010 Ballymena Borough Business Excellence Awards, which are organised by Ballymena Borough Chamber of Commerce and Industry, have been officially launched at a reception held in the Adair Arms Hotel. A large number of Chamber members, sponsors and guests were present.
Chamber president Raymond Ruck welcomed everyone. He said “In today’s challenging economic climate it is very important that we take time to recognise and reward excellence within local businesses. It is clear that despite the current economic environment many businesses are thriving and offer a strong benchmark for other businesses to aspire to. We in the local business community now have the opportunity to applaud these benchmarks at one of the most prestigious business events in Northern Ireland.
I would like to thank all our sponsors and advertisers for their support. Without their support it would be impossible to run the awards. I would like to offer special thanks to Ulster Bank for agreeing to be principal sponsor. Chamber has had an excellent relationship with Ulster Bank for many years and we are proud to have them as principal sponsor for the 2010 awards”.
Raymond then introduced Terry Robb, head of Ulster Bank’s Ballymena Business Centre. Terry said “I have only been in this post for 2 months and I would like to thank the Chamber for the warm welcome they have given me and especially for the opportunity for Ulster Bank to be the major sponsor of this year’s Ballymena Business Awards. This was an invitation we were delighted to accept as we have been associated as a sponsor of the awards since their beginning 8 years ago and we look forward to our year as major sponsor.
I would also like to thank Chris Wales for all the assistance he has given me in recent months and in particular for organsing this morning’s event and being one of the driving forces behind the annual awards.
Ulster Bank first opened a Branch in Ballymena in 1838 and we are very proud of our strong local connections to the Ballymena Borough. We are proud of the part we have played, the part we are playing and the part we will continue to play in the future in partnership with local businesses to help them grow and develop.
Undoubtedly we are in challenging times, but events like the Ballymena Business Awards highlight that this Borough’s strong work ethic is as strong as ever. We can be sure that there are still many businesses who will not just survive the current economic challenges but that will grow and enhance their reputations through the dedication, entrepreneurship and commitment of their owners and staff.
Finally can I say again on behalf of Ulster Bank and all my team in Ballymena Business Centre that we are delighted to be the major sponsor of this year's Ballymena Business Awards. We look forward to a fantastic event on Thursday 28th October and we wish the Chamber of Commerce team best wishes and good luck with their preparations in the months ahead”.
Mayor Maurice Mills said that he was delighted to attend the launch and that the Ballymena Business awards were something he always looked forward to.
Maurice said “The traders and businesses play a vital role in keeping the Borough buoyant. We have survived previous recessions, and whilst this is the worst I have ever experienced, we will steer our way through this one too. There is a need for effective national intervention, and local Government also has an important role to play in policy areas such as transport, planning and regeneration. Effective policies can give companies the confidence to invest, be innovative and profitable.
The business awards are very worthwhile in that they bring businesses together, giving them the opportunity to network and get ideas flowing. Raymond said that these awards are amongst the best in Northern Ireland. He was being modest – they are the best”.
Catherine Scott from Insight Mystery Shopping closed the proceedings by explaining the judging process and offering assistance to any entrants re category selection.
Photographs – Courtesy of John McIlwaine