About the Awards
Now in their third year, The Aer Lingus Viscount Awards in association with UTV Business Eye are once again honouring companies who play a pivotal role in the economic development of Northern Ireland by forging vital economic ties with Great Britain.
Central to the economic success of Northern Ireland has been the Belfast to London Heathrow air-link which began operations from Nutts Corner back in the ‘40’s and which of course is now operated by Aer Lingus from Belfast International Airport.
The Awards lunch will take place on 23rd February 2011 in Harvey Nichol’s renowned ‘Fifth Floor Restaurant’, London and nominations are invited in the following seven award categories; Most Innovative Company, Entrepreneur of the Year, Company of the Year (small, medium and large business categories), Best Exporter of the Year, and The Aer Lingus Viscount Award for Overall Excellence.
Last year’s winners included The Wright Group, Norbrook Laboratories, Kelman, Limavady Gear Company, Mallaghan Engineering and Almac. Brian Conlon, CEO of First Derivatives was recognised as the entrepreneur who had achieved overall excellence and extraordinary success for his business.
This year a seven strong judging panel including Declan Kearney (Aer Lingus), Adrienne McGill (News Letter), James Stinson (Irish News), Richard Buckley (Business Eye), Jamie Delargy (UTV), Tracy Meharg (Invest NI) and Ann McGregor (NI Chamber of Commerce) are searching for companies that have demonstrated a positive impact on the Northern Irish economy and have clearly contributed to the strong commercial relationship between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
Commenting on the 2011 Awards launch, Aer Lingus Communications Director Declan Kearney, said; “We are delighted to be at the helm of these very prestigious business awards again this year.
“The Aer Lingus Viscount Awards recognise and reward, at the highest professional level, those people and businesses that have made the economic relationship between NI and GB strong and sustainable.
“It is heartening to see so many Northern Irish companies braving the economic maelstrom and trail blazing in markets across the Irish sea.”
Mr Kearney added; “Aer Lingus is honoured to provide the gateway for those businesses to connect with their Great British markets and in the last three years we have proved our commitment by delivering value for money fares for our Northern Irish customers. We recognise our Belfast to Heathrow route further strengthens the crucial east-west economic relationship.“
Richard Buckley, Editor of Business Eye said;“Last year's awards were a significant step up from the inaugural event in 2009, and we were really pleased to see so many influential businessmen and women from Northern Ireland at the event in central London.
"We will be working alongside Aer Lingus to ensure that 2011's awards will continue to build on the event's growing reputation."