DONAGHADEE

NEWTOWNARDS

MILLISLE

CARROWDORE COMBER GREYABBEY

BALLYWALTER

BALLYGOWAN KILLINCHY KIRCUBBIN

BALLYHALBERT

PORTAVOGIE CLOUGHEY

ARDS BUSINESS AWARDS 2014

SHOWCASING BUSINESS EXCELLENCE ACROSS THE ARDS BOROUGH ARDSBUSINESSAWARDS.COM

PORTAFERRY

Organised by

Principal Sponsor

WELCOME TO THE AWARDS

www.ardsbusinessawards.com

CONTENTS

WELCOME TO THE

MAYORS FOREWORD
In a tough and challenging economic climate, the Ards Borough has suffered its share of losses, but equally experienced its share of success in business, with many companies holding their own, others growing despite the downward trends and yet more starting up as entrepreneurs take on the challenges and rewards! - of self-employment. Their commitment, their achievements and their contributions to both the local and regional economies, deserve to be recognised and that is what these awards are all about. Ards Borough Council is delighted to be the awards principal sponsor and I look forward to acknowledging the excellence and celebrating the attainments of our many and varied business sectors. Councillor Stephen McIlveen Mayor of Ards

ARDS BOROUGH BUSINESS AWARDS

Ards is a vibrant Borough with an excellent range of businesses and retailers. The Ards Borough Business Awards will showcase both those individuals and businesses and recognise their hard-work, commitment and excellent levels of service to the business user, customer, shopper, visitor and resident. This is an exciting development and one which we as the event organisers are delighted to bring to fruition. With support from Ards Borough Council as well as many local businesses, we can deliver a credible, relevant, awards process and ensure the delivery of a rst-class Gala celebration evening. We are grateful to those sponsors who have worked with us and supported us in this endeavour. The Awards Gala date is conrmed as Friday 2nd May 2014 and will be held in the Queens Hall. Further details will be available in due course, but highlight the date in your diary! We need YOU, the local businesses to enter the awards and put yourself out there for recognition of your hard work. These are your awards, for you and so your support is critical to their overall success. Judging is an impartial process that is undertaken by expert judging panels and mystery shopping visits. It is a totally independent process. We thank you in advance for supporting the awards. We wish all entrants the very best of luck and we look forward to hearing about the worthy winners on 2nd May!

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Volunteer of the Year Award Best Multiple Retailer Award Best Independent Retailer Award Best Eatery / Coffee Shop Award Best Licensee Award Young Businessperson of the Year Award (U25) Best New Business Award Best Company to work for Award Investment in Health Award Best Family Business Award Best Business Website Award Commitment to the Ards Borough Business Community Award

THE GALA NIGHT

When: Where: Dress code: Time: What: Host: Ticket price: Friday 2nd May 2014 Queens Hall, West Street, Newtownards Dress to impress! Drinks reception from 6:45pm Drinks reception, three course meal, awards presentation, entertainment After-awards party with dancing and late bar Colin Barkley 35 / head

To BOOK YOUR TICKETS: Email: ardsawards@gmail.com

Stuart Kennedy
General Manager Spectator & Chronicle Newspapers Awards organisers

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD

www.ardsbusinessawards.com

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD

SPONSORED BY: SPECSAVERS Judged by: Independent panel of judges This award wants to recognise that one individual within the Ards Borough area who has had an ongoing relationship with the community through their voluntary contribution. The application form for this category will ask for evidence to support: Involvement within the local community Impact and benets this has had on the local community The level of time commitment Strategy for ongoing involvement TO ENTER: Complete the AWARDS APPLICTATION FORM in the back of this brochure and return to the address detailed An application form will be supplied which then must be completed and returned for the judging process.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD SPONSOR: SPECSAVERS

Specsavers Opticians is a locally owned community optician which prides itself on providing the very best professional service for Optical and Auditory healthcare. Since the opening of the Newtownards Specsavers store in 2001 the staff have worked hard to provide the local community with best value products, service and aftercare. The store is proud to be sponsoring the rst ever Volunteer of the Year Award at the Ards Business Awards and is keen to reward a local hero who devotes their time to those in need within our community. The Store Directors and all of the team would like to take this opportunity to wish all of the entrants the very best of luck and look forward to presenting the overall category winner on the Gala night.

www.ardsbusinessawards.com

BEST MULTIPLE RETAILER AWARD

BEST MULTIPLE RETAILER AWARD

Sponsored by: ARDS

SHOPPING CENTRE

JUDGED BY: MYSTERY SHOPPERS A Multiple Retailer is one which has THREE OR MORE outlets across Northern Ireland. Mystery shoppers will be looking for the multiple retailer who exceeds customer expectations and who can demonstrate their excellent customer service by enhancing the shopping experience. Mystery shoppers will look at: Initial impact of the store Staff interaction and one-on-one service What you do that goes above and beyond the customers expectation How you delight your customers (i.e. those extras; loyalty cards; rewards schemes etc.) TO ENTER: Complete the AWARDS APPLICTATION FORM in the back of this brochure and return to the address detailed (just TICK the correct category on the list) Thats all you have to do!

BEST MULTIPLE RETAILER AWARD SPONSOR: ARDS

SHOPPING CENTRE

Ards Shopping Centre has been a key component in the towns retail offer since opening in 1976. Over the years it has welcomed millions of shoppers and provided employment for thousands of local people. We welcome the Business Awards initiative and are delighted to provide our support as sponsor of the Best Multiple Retailer Award. Appropriately the centre is home to numerous multiple retailers who complement the impressive range of independent retailers trading in the town. A varied and balanced retail line up is essential for the vibrancy and commercial wellbeing of any community. Good customer service is at the heart of any successful business regardless of size or sector and as sponsor we look forward to learning of the exceptional service provided by multiple retailers in the area. Best of luck to all the entrants.

BEST INDEPENDENT RETAILER AWARD

www.ardsbusinessawards.com

BEST INDEPENDENT RETAILER AWARD

SPONSORED BY: NEWTOWNARDS Judged by: Mystery shoppers This award is aimed at those independently owned stores. We still have a good number across our catchment area and we want to recognise and reward the best one! Mystery shoppers will be looking for the independent retailer who provides something a little bit special; who exceeds expectations and who can demonstrate their excellent customer service by enhancing the shopping experience. Mystery shoppers will look at: Initial impact of the store Staff interaction and one-on-one service An understanding of your local customer base How you delight your customers to ensure they come back TO ENTER: Complete the AWARDS APPLICTATION FORM in the back of this brochure and return to the address detailed (just TICK the correct category on the list) Thats all you have to do!

CHAMBER OF TRADE

BEST INDEPENDENT RETAILER AWARD SPONSOR:

NEWTOWNARDS CHAMBER OF TRADE

Newtownards Chamber of Trade is pleased to sponsor the Best Independent Retailer Award in the Ards Business Awards. The Borough of Ards has long been renowned for its unique and diverse locally owned businesses. Many businesses are family owned and run showing true commitment to their local towns and local customers and the reputation for still providing a wide variety of Independent Retailers in an ever more challenging retail arena, is one that the Borough is proud off. We would encourage our Independent Retailers to enter this award and we will be delighted and honoured to present the Award to the winner at the Gala Dinner on Friday 2nd May.

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BEST EATERY / COFFEE SHOP AWARD

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BEST EATERY / COFFEE SHOP AWARD

SPONSORED BY: WORTHINGTONS Judged by: Mystery shoppers This award is open to all sit-down eateries / coffee shops within the Ards Borough. Mystery shoppers will look at: The tempting food on offer Ambience and atmosphere Cleanliness, hygiene and excellent housekeeping Evidence of excellent customer service TO ENTER: Complete the AWARDS APPLICTATION FORM in the back of this brochure and return to the address detailed (just TICK the correct category on the list) Thats all you have to do!

SOLICITORS

BEST EATERY / COFFEE SHOP AWARD SPONSOR: WORTHINGTONS

SOLICITORS

Worthingtons Solicitors

We are delighted to be involved with and support the Ards Borough Business Awards and specically, the BEST EATERY / COFFEE SHOP Award. We know how vital restaurants and coffee shops are to the economy and we are lucky to have so many varied and excellent establishments to choose from. Worthingtons Solicitors is long established in Newtownards at our Court Street ofce and we play an important part in our local business community. Worthingtons provide legal services in all areas with a growing area of expertise in Licensing and Social media legal issues. Visit us at www.worthingtonslaw.co.uk We wish all the entrants the very best of luck and look forward to hearing about the nalists and winners in May.

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BEST LICENSEE AWARD

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BEST LICENSEE AWARD

SPONSORED BY: PSNI Judged by: Mystery shoppers This award is designed to attract entries from the licensee, owner or manager who works in a licensed premise, including restaurants. As the licensee, your key objective is to stay ahead of the game and demonstrate entrepreneurial air by placing paramount importance on safety, working in partnership with the local police and other agencies to provide an excellent service and experience for your customers. The winner of this award will uphold best practice standards in all aspects of the business, setting an example to others in the industry. Judges will be looking for: Evidence of robust measures to restrict underage access and promote responsible drinking Evidence of appropriately trained staff including door supervisors and customer care in general Appropriate levels of security Exterior and interior dcor including hygiene and cleanliness Entertainment programme on offer

TO ENTER: Complete the AWARDS APPLICTATION FORM in the back of this brochure and return to the address detailed (just TICK the correct category on the list) Thats all you have to do!

BEST LICENSEE AWARD SPONSOR:

PSNI

The Police Service of Northern Ireland is committed to working in partnership with local business to help make the Borough of Ards a successful, vibrant and safer place. We recognise the importance of the business sector in shaping the overall environment as we work to deliver a Personal, Protective and Professional policing service to our local community. We are delighted to sponsor this award, which recognises the contribution and commitment by local businesses to making the Borough a safe place to live, work and visit through effective partnership working and provision of a high quality experience for customers. We wish all entrants the very best of luck.

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www.ardsbusinessawards.com

YOUNG BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD (U25)

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YOUNG BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD (U25)

SPONSORED BY: BLUE

BUILD ENERGY

Judged by: WRITTEN APPLICATION FORM A Young Businessperson is someone who is aged 25 or under. You may have your own business or you may be a manager in a business. Either way, the winner will be a young leader and play an integral part in the development, management and growth of the business in which they are involved. A specic application form will be sent to all entrants of this category asking for answers to the following questions: What the business is Your role within it and how long you have been involved The impact your role has made on business growth Plans for the future of the business A reference from a fellow business professional who has rst-hand dealings with you in a business environment TO ENTER: Complete the AWARDS APPLICTATION FORM in the back of this brochure and return to the address detailed (just TICK the correct category on the list)

YOUNG BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD (U25) SPONSOR:

BLUE BUILD ENERGY

BlueBuild Energy has become in a short time Northern Irelands largest quality installer of Solar PV panels for the production of electricity for homes and commercial buildings. We employ over 45 full time staff and are pleased to have expanded into larger customised premises in quarry Heights, Newtownards. BlueBuild Energy is the only company in Northern Ireland that can provide a PV system which saves money on both your electricity and heating bills, up to 40% on oil and 23% on gas. The system will generate an index linked tax free income guaranteed for 20 years and protect against inevitable rising electricity costs. We are delighted to sponsor the Young Businessperson of the Year Award (U25).

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TM

Cleaner, greener, safer, stronger:

a vision agreed in 2012 to guide the strategic direction of Ards Borough Councils work, and expressed in a range of objectives, including one to build a stronger economy. Whether by the delivery of direct services in economic development, regeneration, rural development, tourism, arts and crafts, or by ensuring opportunities for funding, attracting investment or promotion are optimised, the Council is committed to working with, supporting and lobbying for local enterprise.

In recent months, 10M in funding has been approved for three public realm schemes, each set to transform the look of Newtownards, Donaghadee and Comber town centres. All three are also to benefit from free Wi-Fi by the end of March this year, and while we continue to work to regenerate the commercial hearts of our towns, derelict sites in both Newtownards and Comber have been earmarked for screening and the introduction of virtual shop fronts, thanks to a grant of more than 100K. Partnership working - with other agencies, other councils and the private sector - means that our economic development resources go further and have greater impact on business growth. Currently, as well as one-to-one contact and support of local businesses, Ards is involved in the delivery of 17 partnership programmes - from digital development, export development, innovation, procurement, encouraging entrepreneurship and family business support - all aimed at ensuring our enterprises have opportunities to grow, to be more competitive and to be more sustainable. Specific elements concentrate on particular business sectors food, is just one example, with the successful Food 2 Follow programme demonstrating how food businesses can develop and market their products more effectively.

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Ards: Strength As A Tourism Destination Ards: The Creative Borough

The creative industries, which we recognise as a significant sector for wealth generation and sustainable employment, have benefited from a dedicated programme in Ards to ensure that the wealth of artists and craftspeople who live and work in the area, are in the best positions to develop their businesses. The Creative Peninsula event has been an anchor to this development, showcasing and promoting the arts for a defined period of time each August and bringing thousands of visitors to the area to enjoy the tours, exhibitions, open studios and Craft in the Square day. During the rest of the year, work continues to support the creative industries. Ards Crafts, our retail and design centre, together with Ards Arts Centre are focal points for artistic activity, while training, international exchanges, bursaries and a year-long programme of events contribute to the Ards reputation as a centre of creativity in Northern Ireland.
Promoting Ards as an even stronger tourism destination is also a central focus. Our Visitor Information Centres and tourism development service are at the heart of this work, developing maps, guides, trails, promoting attractions and activities and supporting the tourism trade, while also developing and improving tourism products and infrastructure. Developing and delivering quality events continues to be an integral part of this work and in 2014 a significant event programme includes: a special Ards stage of the Circuit of Ireland Rally on Friday 18 April, harking back to the heady days of the world-famous TT Races. the return of the Borough of Ards Pipe Band Championships with a new venue in Donaghadee and the towns Ulster-Scots Festival over a long weekend from Thursday 15 May to Sunday 18 May. the ever-popular Continental Market in Conway Square, Newtownards on Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 May. the second festival Saturday 7 June - to celebrate the Comber potato, one of only a handful of products to have been awarded special European PGI status. the prestigious Northern Ireland Armed Forces Day, hosted for the first time in Newtownards on Saturday 21 June. For more information about tourism and events in Ards, call 028 9182 6846, email: tourism@ards-council.gov.uk or visit www.ards-council.gov.uk/tourism. To contact us about how we can support your business, call 028 9182 4065, email: ards@ards-council.gov.uk or visit www.ards-council.gov.uk/business.

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Ards Business Centre is an independent, not for prot organisation providing a wide range of property solutions and innovative business development programmes aimed at encouraging business start ups and business investment in the Ards Community. Our property provision comprises of workspace accommodation ranging from 500 sq ft upwards to 1,600 sq ft and small ofces from 60 sq ft to 450 sq ft in Strangford Park site, industrial units from 2,000 sq ft upwards in Nendrum Park site and ofces ranging from 180 sq ft up to 1,800 sq ft in Sketrick House. We offer a selection of managed facilities located within Sketrick House creating a professional and condential location for conferences training and seminars with the use of overhead projectors, wi and catering facilities available upon request. Our seminar rooms can accommodate from 15 to 25 people board style and 25 to 60 people theatre style. We deliver a number of business support programmes in partnership with Ards Borough Council and on behalf of Invest NI. These include Exploring Enterprise 2, Regional Start Initiative, Tradelinks 2, Young Business Clubs, IOTA, Commercial Branding and Business Masterclasses. Information on our property provision can be found on our website www.ardsbusiness.com and call 028 9181 9787 for a free business advice session.

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BEST NEW BUSINESS AWARD

www.ardsbusinessawards.com

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BEST NEW BUSINESS AWARD

SPONSORED BY: MASH

DIRECT

Judged by: WRITTEN APPLICATION FORM This award is aimed at attracting entries from NEW BUSINESSES (those who have opened and began trading within the last 18 months, from 1st August 2012 and are a COMPLETELY NEW business, not just rebranded and opened again). Even though we are in the midst of a difcult economic period, there are still those who are bucking the trend and starting new business ventures and you deserve to be recognised and rewarded. A specic application form will be sent to all entrants of this category asking for answers to the following questions: What the business is How it is trading Plans for growth and sustainability Overcoming challenges A reference from a fellow business professional who has direct experience of dealing with your business

BEST NEW BUSINESS AWARD SPONSOR:

MASH DIRECT

Located in Comber, Mash Direct is a unique Farming Enterprise which produces an innovative range of quickserve mashed root vegetable, potato, cabbage and other quality vegetable products with the taste and texture of homemade food. All vegetables are grown, steam cooked and packaged on the farm using no articial additives, preservatives or colourings. Martin, Tracy and their two sons Lance and Jack have grown Mash Direct into a national household brand and will celebrate their tenth anniversary later this year. The success story is built on a strong agricultural, technical and engineering background. The company has engineered many of its key items of process equipment and has recently achieved its fourth A+ grade BRC from the prestigious SAI Global Organisation. Last year was very much the year of Geographic expansion with a strategy to expand into Southern England, the Middle East and the East Coast of the USA. We are delighted to sponsor the Best New Business Award. We wish all the entrants the very best of luck.

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www.ardsbusinessawards.com

BEST COMPANY TO WORK FOR AWARD

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BEST COMPANY TO WORK FOR AWARD

SPONSORED BY: HUGHES

INSURANCE

Judged by: WRITTEN APPLICATION FORM Good staff are hard to come by and your people are usually your best asset, but frequently, a good employer can be even more difcult to nd and to want to stay loyal to. Its a two-way street but we know that we have some excellent businesses, small and large in our catchment area and we want to nd out more about the best ones and recognise that at the awards. A specic application form will be sent to all entrants of this category asking for answers to the following questions: What and where is your business How many do you employee and years of service details How you appreciate and go that extra mile for your valued employees A reference from a staff member who can tell us a little more about what its like to work for you

BEST COMPANY TO WORK FOR AWARD SPONSOR: HUGHES

INSURANCE

Hughes Insurance has been established for over 35 years and employs over 300 local people. With 12 branches across Northern Ireland, Hughes Insurance offers cover for your personal insurance needs including Car, Home, Travel and GAP Insurance. Our Car Insurance is rated 5 Star by Independent Financial Research Company Defaqto. Customers can transact online, by phone or face to face. We also offer cover for businesses large or small, for all your Commercial Insurance needs including Liability, Indemnity, Shop & Ofce Insurance, Motor Fleet, Motor Trade and Commercial Combined policies as well as Commercial Vehicle and Taxi. We have dedicated local Business Managers across Northern Ireland who can visit you in person to discuss your requirements. As a broker, were able to compare prices from our insurers to ensure our customers get great cover at a competitive price. Thats why over 150,000 people in Northern Ireland insure with us. As an Ards based business we are delighted to see these new awards for 2014 and to sponsor the Best Company to work for award in particular. We wish all entrants the very best of luck and look forward to hearing who wins at the Gala event in May.

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INVESTMENT IN HEALTH AWARD

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INVESTMENT IN HEALTH AWARD

Sponsored by:

PUBLIC HEALTHY AGENCY

Judged by: WRITTEN APPLICATION FORM (plus short interview with panel) This award is specically aimed at recognising businesses in the Ards Borough Council Area that demonstrate a comprehensive committed approach to investing in the health and well-being of their employees. The award encourages practices which promote improvement, and not just minimising absenteeism and injury. Businesses who consider issues such as stress, a sense of worth, safety and morale. The award is about acknowledging business which create opportunities to promote health and well-being contributing to the performance of their people and the success of their business. Your award submission should reect such things as: Health and well-being initiatives bike to work day, healthy choices in canteens, Developing and implementing well-being policies work-life balance, stress management, anti-bullying, equality Management support for healthy environments Tobacco use prevention activities Physical environment; bike racks, showers, gym Opportunities to support managers to lead, manage and develop people Engagement with staff to develop well-being actions Employers commitment: i.e. workplace health steering group, needs survey A specic application form will be sent to all entrants of this category asking for answers to the following questions: To provide evidence existing policies and their implementation Detail health and well-being activities Future actions which are planned

INVESTMENT IN HEALTH AWARD SPONSOR:

PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY

The Public Health Agency (PHA) was established in 2009 with the overall aim of protecting and improving the health and wellbeing of the population and to reduce health inequalities in Northern Ireland. Workplaces represent an important setting that provide not just employment for an individual but one which can also encourage motivation, satisfaction, a sense of pride, purpose and identity, ultimately affecting an individuals health and wellbeing and their quality of life. With the latest gures from the CBI showing that a staggering 172 million working days are lost every year across the UK to sickness absence, costing businesses around 13bn annually, there is good reason to focus on encouraging employers to create a healthy workforce. The Public Health Agency is excited about sponsoring this new Investment in Health award and sees this as an opportunity to engage with local businesses to begin that shift in attitudes which is necessary to ensure that employers and employees recognise not only the importance of preventing ill-health, but also the key role the workplace can play in promoting health and well-being. We have no doubt many of our local workplaces will meet the criteria and come forward to be recognised for the creative work they have done. We would like to wish all the entrants the very best of luck.

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BEST FAMILY BUSINESS AWARD

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BEST FAMILY BUSINESS AWARD

SPONSORED BY: THE

NEWTOWNARDS CHRONICLE

Judged by: WRITTEN APPLICATION FORM We boast many family owned and run businesses along the Ards peninsula area and this award specically wants to reward those businesses. The day-to-day practicalities of running a business can be challenging enough without the added pressures and considerations of family members, but we know that many do it successfully and reap great rewards with a unique style of management and succession planning. A specic application form will be sent to all entrants of this category asking for answers to the following questions: What the business is and how long it has been trading A brief review of the family history What family members are still involved and their roles Plans for the future of the business TO ENTER: Complete the AWARDS APPLICTATION FORM in the back of this brochure and return to the address detailed (just TICK the correct category on the list). The application form will then be emailed to you for completion of the questions.

BEST FAMILY BUSINESS AWARD SPONSOR:

THE NEWTOWNARDS CHRONICLE

As a family business ourselves, we understand more than most about the challenges faced by family businesses as they strive to survive in a different world to that when they were initially formed. As the family business moves through the generations, priorities change and different drivers are at play for the individuals involved. The ultimate goal is to see the business grow and diversify and smoothly pass through the generations, creating a legacy for the family, loyal staff and local community. We watch with interest to see what family businesses are in the running for this award and look forward to presenting the winner on the Gala night. Good luck to all entrants.

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BEST BUSINESS WEBSITE AWARD

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BEST BUSINESS WEBSITE AWARD

Sponsored by: ULSTER

BANK

Judged by: WRITTEN APPLICATION FORM This award is open to all businesses who have a website and specically, the winner will be one that demonstrates how they engage and excite, yet usefully inform and possibly sell to customers, via their website. A specic application form will be sent to all entrants of this category asking for answers to the following questions: What the business is and its website address How you use your website and other tools (e.g. Social media, Facebook & Twitter) to engage with your customers Plans for the future of the website (e.g. to include any apps, downloadable features etc) TO ENTER: Complete the AWARDS APPLICTATION FORM in the back of this brochure and return to the address detailed (just TICK the correct category on the list). The application form will then be emailed to you for completion of the questions.

BEST BUSINESS WEBSITE AWARD SPONSOR:

ULSTER BANK

A successful and thriving business sector is an important driver of economic growth and at Ulster Bank we recognise that we have a key role to play in supporting business development. We believe that recognising business success is very important. As well as providing a platform for businesses to promote their achievements it also motivates staff and encourages excellence. We run our own island wide Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards, and it would be fantastic if we saw some of the Ards Business Award winners going on to become Ulster Bank Business Achievers as well. Ulster Bank is delighted to sponsor for the BEST BUSINESS WEBSITE AWARD in the Ards Business Awards. We look forward to celebrating the successes of the local nalists and ultimate winner. The very best of luck to all entrants and we look forward to revealing the best business website at the Gala Awards night on Friday 2nd May.

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COMMUNITY TO THE ARDS BOROUGH BUSINESS COMMUNITY AWARD

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COMMITMENT TO THE ARDS BOROUGH BUSINESS COMMUNITY AWARD

SPONSORED BY: ARDS

BOROUGH COUNCIL

Judged by: NOMINATION FORM and decision by a panel of judges The Ards Borough Business Community is a strong, vibrant and engaged community and with the 2014 Ards Business Awards, we wanted to ofcially recognise and reward one individual (or business) for their involvement and years of commitment to the area. We ask local businesses and individuals to NOMINATE the person or business whom you feel is the worthy winner of this award. To NOMINATE. Simply tick the category on the application form and send us a cover letter which MUST address the following points. Letters of recommendation which are not complete, cannot be considered. Tell us who the person / business is What have they done or continue to do which benets the business community What makes them unique The impact they have had on others and / or the business community

COMMITMENT TO THE ARDS BOROUGH BUSINESS COMMUNITY AWARD SPONSOR: ARDS

Ards Borough Council is delighted to sponsor the Commitment to the Ards Business Community Award. This award seeks to recognise and reward a local business or an individual for their outstanding commitment to the business sector in Ards. Whether through their leadership, engagement or partnership with others, through their innovation and initiative, or through their willingness to undertake new projects, the recipient of this award will demonstrate a drive to contribute to the improvement of the Ards business community.

BOROUGH COUNCIL

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APPLICATION FORM
Contact Name: Organisation/Business: Address: Postcode: Telephone: Website:
My NOMINATION for the Commitment to the Ards Borough Business Community Award is:

ARDS BOROUGH BUSINESS AWARDS 2014

ARDS BOROUGH BUSINESS AWARDS 2014

PROCESS and KEY DATES

Read through the brochure Select what categories YOU want to enter YOUR BUSINESS into Complete the Application form Return it to the address as detailed (or scan and email to: ardsawards@gmail.com)

Email:

KEY DATE No.1: You MUST return the Application form by: THURSDAY 20th MARCH 2014 MYSTERY SHOPPING CATEGORIES: The following categories are judged by teams of independent MYSTERY SHOPPERS Best Multiple Retailer Award Best Independent Retailer Award Best Eatery / Coffee Shop Award Best Licensee Award

You MUST remember to include a LETTER OF ENDORSEMENT to support your nomination for this category

2014 ARDS BOROUGH BUSINESS AWARD CATEGORIES

PLEASE TICK THE CATEGORIES WHICH YOU ARE ENTERING

WHAT NEXT?

Please complete the form CLEARLY. Tick the CATEGORIES you are entering (Note that for any WRITTEN CATEGORIES, the specic APPLICATION FORM will be emailed to you for completion) RETURN this form by the CLOSING DATE: Thursday 20th MARCH 2014 POST to: Ards Borough Business Awards, Spectator Newspapers, 91 Main Street, Bangor BT20 4AF OR SCAN and EMAIL TO: ardsawards@gmail.com If you have any QUERIES at all, email: ardsawards@gmail.com

Volunteer of the Year Award Best Multiple Retailer Award Best Independent Retailer Award Best Eatery / Coffee Shop Award Best Licensee Award Young Businessperson of the Year Award (U25) Best New Business Award Best Company to work for Award Investment in Health Award Best Family Business Award Best Business Website Award Commitment to the Ards Borough Business Community Award

WRITTEN CATEGORIES: The following categories are entered via a WRITTEN APPLICATION FORM which will be emailed SEPARATELY to you once your Awards Application form has been revived. EACH category will ask specific questions relevant to the category and MUST BE COMPLETED and sent (or emailed) back by the KEY DATE No.2: WEDNESDAY 2nd APRIL, this is the date when written entries MUST be returned. Volunteer of the Year Award Young Businessperson of the Year Award (U25) Best New Business Award Best Company to work for Award Investment in Health Award Best Family Business Award Best Business Website Award

To Recap on KEY DATES:

APPLICATION FORM to be submitted by THURSDAY 20th MARCH WRITTEN APPLICATION FORMS must be RETURNED BY: WEDNESDAY 2nd APRIL FINALISTS will be informed: Week beginning 14th April GALA NIGHT: Friday 2nd MAY

ANY QUERIES: Email ardsawards@gmail.com

ARDS BUSINESS AWARDS 2014

SHOWCASING BUSINESS EXCELLENCE ACROSS THE ARDS BOROUGH ARDSBUSINESSAWARDS.COM

DESIGNED AND PRINTED BY THE NEWTOWNARDS CHRONICLE

028 9181 3333