Enter the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards 2024 here as we celebrate the best talent in NI

The awards are open for entries across 17 categories until the closing date on April 3.

An awards ceremony takes place at Belfast’s Crowne Plaza Hotel on May 2.

Mark Crimmins, head of Ulster Bank in Northern Ireland, said: “Once again Ulster Bank is proud to partner with the Belfast Telegraph to deliver these awards, and as we launch the call for entries, we are excited about showcasing the very best of business in Northern Ireland.

“Many firms and individuals here continue to flourish and have demonstrated enormous capabilities in adapting to new challenges, changing working environments, a fast-paced digital landscape, and ever-evolving regulation. Recognising this success is more important than ever, and we look forward to another great event for our local business community and to celebrating with the next cohort of winners on the night.

“In addition to recognising the great work of businesses, a key thing for me is to engage with companies about how Ulster Bank can best help them meet their objectives.

“We have access to a wealth of knowledge and insight through our parent bank NatWest and through our range of products and tools, we can help local businesses with all aspects of their everyday banking, funding, making and receiving payments, trading overseas, and business insurance.

“By taking care of these, we can allow firms the time and space to focus on growth and achieving their goals and to be the best they can be.”

Eoin Brannigan, editor in chief of the Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life, said: “We are delighted to launch the 2024 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards in partnership with Ulster Bank, the most prestigious awards of their kind in Northern Ireland.

“We look forward to celebrating the achievements of firms and businesspeople and wish everyone good luck in their entries.

“The awards ceremony has grown into one of the highlights of the year for business, and we look forward to seeing everyone there.”

Now in their 24th year, the prestigious awards attract entries from all sectors and sizes of company, and are judged by an expert, independent panel.

Clare Guinness, chief executive of Belfast Chamber and chair of the judging panel, said: “I am delighted to be chairing the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards for the second year. The awards give an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate our business community across numerous sectors.

“I am so proud of the entrepreneurial spirit and business success of this city and region. The judges will have some tough decisions to make choosing winners.”

There are 17 categories this year, including new categories Excellence in Manufacturing and Family Business of the Year. There are also non-entry awards for Outstanding Business of the Year and Lifetime Achievement, which are proposed and chosen by the judges.

To enter the Business Awards click on any of the links below. The closing date is Wednesday, April 3 at 12 noon. For queries, contact Karen McGarvey at karen.mcgarvey@mediahuis.co.uk.

Your entry should be no longer than 1,000 words, and you may include up to 4 A4 pages maximum of supporting visuals. See terms and conditions for further information.

1. Best Small Business of the Year
2. Best Medium Sized Business of the Year
3. Best Large Company of the Year
4. Best Start-up or Emerging Business
5. Outstanding Commitment to ESG (Environment, Social and Governance)
6. Retail Sector Business or Retailer of Year
7. Excellence in Marketing
8. Excellence in the Development of Management & Leadership
9. Excellence in Exporting
10. Excellence in Workplace Health & Wellbeing
11. Corporate Community Champion
12. Excellence in Innovation
13. Employer of the Year
14. Young Business Person of the Year
15. Tourism & Hospitality Company of the year
16. Excellence in Manufacturing
17. Family Business of the Year