About the Awards

Aer Lingus has once again joined forces with Business Eye and UTV to celebrate and promote the close business links developed between Northern Ireland and Great Britain over the last 60 years.

Now in their second successive year, the Aer Lingus Viscount Awards in association with Business Eye and UTV are designed to recognise the contributions made by Northern Irish companies to the growth of East West economic cooperation since the establishment of the first London Heathrow air-link from Nutts Corner in 1947.

The Awards lunch will take place on 25th February 2010 in London and nominations are invited in seven new categories – Most Innovative Company, Entrepreneur of the Year, Company of the Year (small, medium and large business categories), Exporter of the Year, and The Aer Lingus Viscount Award for Overall Excellence.

Commenting on the 2010 Awards launch, Aer Lingus Corporate Affairs Director Enda Corneille, said; “We're delighted to be spearheading these very unique awards once again, which have successfully secured the support of Northern Ireland's business community and are now firmly established on the business calendar.

“Collaboration between Northern Ireland and Great Britain is imperative if we are to yield increased opportunities and benefits for all concerned, and despite the tough economic conditions the increasing demand for our Heathrow to Belfast service – we have just launched a fourth daily flight - shows that economic ties between the two have never been stronger.

“The Aer Lingus Viscount Awards recognise and reward, at the highest professional level, those people and businesses that have made this economic relationship strong and sustainable.”

Mr Corneille added; “Last year’s event attracted a huge volume of nominations and this year promises to be even bigger and better. We would encourage as many businesses as possible to enter and given the sheer amount of business talent present in Northern Ireland we expect the competition once again to be fierce. ”