SEVEN companies from across Northern Ireland and the Co-owner of innovative new frozen yogurt bar have been crowned winners of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) Chamber Awards for 2015. The winners will now compete with fellow regional winners from Chambers of Commerce across the UK in the national finals as they seek to win a top UK business accolade.
NI Chamber has announced the seven firms – Concentrix; Henderson Retail; M&M Contractors; Northern Regional College; Selective Travel Management; The Lava Group; Windell and Katie Waddell, Co-owner of ‘Spoon Street’ as the Northern Ireland winners in their respective categories of the awards.
The Chamber Awards is a highlight of the business calendar, showcasing the pivotal role local businesses play in the UK’s continuing growth story. The national winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Chamber Awards Gala Dinner on 26 November 2015 at the Brewery in London.
Ann McGregor, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “The Chamber Awards are the perfect opportunity to take stock of the outstanding performances of businesses over the past year – something made all the more impressive by the continuing global economic headwinds they are facing.
“The creativity and determination that has been shown by each year’s entrants never ceases to impress us, and is a source of encouragement knowing that the Northern Ireland economy is being driven by such hard-working and talented professionals.
“It’s important that we recognise and celebrate these businesses, and ensure that we can provide the support and assistance they need to help them realise their growth ambitions. I wish them well as they go into the UK finals with a sense of pride in what they have achieved to date.”
Commenting on the award, Katie said: “I am delighted to win the Northern Ireland Chamber’s ‘Young Person in Business’ award, and also delighted that Spoon Street has been recognised for its impact on the Northern Ireland business scene. With Spoon Street my Partner and I wanted to create a fun factor and atmosphere around the product and business – something which has been embraced by people from all ages and backgrounds right across the Province.”
Spoon Street was the first self-serve frozen yogurt bar in Northern Ireland and is enjoying great success and popularity amongst both young and old customers. The company has also recently expanded their already successful US-inspired yoghurt concept into Belfast City Centre’s Ann Street.
A full list of winners:
Best use of Technology to Improve Business Performance – Concentrix
Business in the Community – Henderson Retail
Education and Business Partnership – Northern Regional College
Exporting Business of the Year – M&M Contractors
High Growth Business – Selective Travel Management
People Development Award – The Lava Group
Small Business of the Year – Windell
Young Person in Business – Katie Waddell, Spoon Street
Highly Commended awards were also claimed by Agnew Corporate (Best use of Technology to Improve Business Performance); Coca Cola (Business in the Community); Belfast Metropolitan College (Education and Business Partnership); Kitchenmaster (Exporting Business of the Year); Concentrix (High Growth Business); The Henry Group (People Development); Seating Matters (High Growth Business) and Sorcha Lynch from The Present Tree (Young Person in Business).