Minister Launches Search for the Spirit of Enterprise

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster today launched business awards that will recognise Northern Ireland’s most innovative and entrepreneurial companies.

The Spirit of Enterprise Awards, organised by the Ulster Society of Chartered Accountants (USCA) in association with Northern Bank, aim to identify and reward ten of the most ambitious local companies and celebrate the best of Northern Ireland’s business successes.

The Spirit of Enterprise Awards are open to any privately owned indigenous company based in Northern Ireland. One winner will be named each month, with each receiving a Spirit of Enterprise Award trophy, created by renowned local designer Kate Oram, as well as a free full day cash management consultation provided by Northern Bank.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister said: “The Spirit of Enterprise Awards will recognise excellence across all areas of local industry. There are many locally owned firms which are actively seeking business opportunities and sustaining growth, despite the current difficulties, so it has never been more important to reward and commend such performance.

“Markets are challenging and firms have a number of competing priorities. I hope many find the time to participate and secure an opportunity to demonstrate the enterprising talents which have secured commercial success, and will provide firm foundations for future growth.”

USCA Chairman, Kevin Kingston, said: “In these difficult economic times, it is vital that local businesses strive to innovate and plan ahead towards the period of recovery and growth. We are looking for businesses which have shown innovation, a strategy which changes the playing field, or in short, a clever idea at the heart of the business. At USCA we feel that it’s important to highlight the positive stories that we have in local business and to celebrate some of the examples of innovation and entrepreneurship happening right here in Northern Ireland.”

The Awards series will culminate in Summer 2010, with a ceremony at which an overall winner will be announced.

Gerry Mallon, CEO of Northern Bank added: “I believe that Northern Ireland’s future – like its historic industrial legacy – will be built by its local entrepreneurs developing new ideas and business models.

“In the prevailing economic climate, recognising local businesses that have shown a commitment to new ways of thinking is vital for building future prosperity. We are confident that there are a lot of strong innovative businesses out there and we would urge them to come forward to receive the recognition that they deserve.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Previous winners of the award include: Andor Technology, Lagan, Nitec Solutions, TextHelp, gem, Meridio, Redbay Boats, James Leckey Design, Fish Direct, UPU Industries and Kestrel Foods.

2. Further details and nomination forms for The Spirit of Enterprise Awards are available from Garry Webb at USCA, phone 028 9032 1600 or email garry.webb@icai.ie.

3. For media enquiries please contact the DETI Press Office, telephone 028 9052 9297. Outside office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.