The spirit of enterprise in Lisburn was celebrated as the cream of the city’s business community came together for the fifth biennial Lisburn City Business Awards.
The awards, which recognise excellence in every category from manufacturing and marketing to tourism and hospitality, were announced at a Gala Evening in the Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn.
This year there was a record 15 awards, including three prestigious new categories of Lisburn Business Person of the Year, Best Marketing Initiative and Investment in Health awards.
The Mayor of Lisburn, Alderman William Leathem paid tribute to the hard work and inventiveness that the city’s businesses display on a daily basis to maintain a thriving local economy.
He said: “The winners of these highly competitive awards demonstrate the sheer breadth of business talent that exists in this city. The wider economy may be going through tough times but the sheer industry, imagination and know-how of businesses in Lisburn is continuing to ensure a healthy future for this city.”
Alderman Jim Dillon, Chairman of the Economic Development Committee said this biennial event showcased the commitment and skill of the Lisburn-based companies that contribute so much to the life of the city.
He said: “We have much to celebrate in Lisburn. We have a vibrant, strong business sector and these awards rightly recognise the dedication, drive and spirit of enterprise that they encapsulate.”
Philip McLorinan of Dunmurry Dental Practice, winner of the Lisburn Business Person of the Year said: “I am absolutely delighted to win the award. It was a thrill to win against such stiff competition.”
Photographer Emma Jane Lawther, winner of the Young Entrepreneur Award, said: “I couldn’t believe it when they announced the award. This is my third year in business and hopefully it will help raise my profile.”
The awards were hosted by Lisburn City Council in association with Full Circle Management Solutions and were open to every type of business within Lisburn. The event was compered by comedian, writer and actor William Caulfield.
For more information go to www.lisburncitybusinessawards.co.uk
The full list of winners is:
Lisburn Business Person of the Year (sponsored by Hanna Thompson Chartered Accountants)
Winner: Philip McLorinan, Dunmurry Dental Practice
Young Entrepreneur Award (sponsored by SERC)
Winner: Emma Jane Lawther, Photography by Emma Jane
Best New Business (sponsored by Lisburn Enterprise Organisation)
Winner: Spirited Drinks Ltd
Best Marketing Initiative (sponsored by Bank of Ireland)
Winner: Decora Blind Systems Ltd
Best Tourism Amenity (sponsored by Lisburn City Council)
Winner: Good Cottages
Excellence in Customer Service (Non Retail) (sponsored by Resource Group)
Winner: Jo Jingles Lisburn
Excellence in Customer Service (Retail) (sponsored by Lisburn City Centre Management)
Winner: John M Hanna Cycles Lisburn
Excellence in Manufacturing (sponsored by Montupet UK Ltd)
Winner: Smiley Monroe Ltd
Best Exporting Business (sponsored by Invest Northern Ireland)
Winner: Brookvent
Best Business Growth (sponsored by First Trust)
Winner: Solmatix Ltd
Best Social Enterprise Business (sponsored by Social Enterprise NI)
Winner: Stepping Stones NI
Best Licensed Eating Establishment (sponsored by Full Circle Management Solutions)
Winner: Del Toro
Best Non-Licensed Eating Establishment (sponsored by Lisburn Chamber of Commerce)
Winner: The Avenue Coffee Shop and Business Venue
Innovation (sponsored by Gravity)
Winner: Presto Clean – The Greener Dry Cleaner
Public Health Agency Investment in Health Award (sponsored by the Public Health Agency).
Winner: Montupet UK Ltd
