Now open for online entry under the watchful eye of East Belfast's CS Lewis, the second Eastside Awards in association with George Best Belfast City Airport, celebrates the best of East Belfast.
Thirteen awards categories recognise the best in business, food, independent retail, sport and volunteering in an area of the city already renowned for some of the country’s best footballers, best writers, best business leaders and best shipbuilders. Last year’s inaugural awards culminated in a glittering celebration at Hastings Stormont Hotel which will again be the venue for the awards ceremony in January 2018.
Jonathan McAlpin of East Belfast Enterprise is the brain behind the Eastside Awards. Launching the awards he said: “Eastside Awards recognises everything that is the best about East Belfast. From celebrating the achievements of our young people to those who are contributing to the economic impact of the area, to inspirational residents who volunteer their time to helping others and those who entertain or who are committed to our next generation.”
Open for entry until 20 November, Eastside Awards in association with George Best Belfast City Airport categories are: Eastside Award for Business Start Up; Eastside Award for SME Business Growth; Eastside Award for Independent Retailer; Eastside Award for Contribution to the Community; Eastside Award for Educator of the Year; Eastside Award for Tourism; Eastside Award for Foodie Destination; Eastside Award for Community Project; Eastside Award for Contribution to Sport; Eastside Award for Contribution to the Arts; Eastside Award for Business Employer of the Year; Eastside Award for Young Person of the Year and Eastside Award for Volunteer of the Year.
Stephen Patton, Human Resources and Corporate Responsibility Manager at George Best Belfast City Airport, said: “We are delighted to once again partner with the Eastside Awards for the initiative’s second year. The event was extremely successful last year, and the response from the local community, businesses and residents was fantastic.
“As one of the biggest employers in east Belfast, the airport understands the importance of building strong and sustainable partnerships within our local community, and the Eastside Awards are an excellent opportunity to do that.
“Belfast City Airport has a dedicated Community Commitment Plan which focuses on People, Education, Environment and Community. Over the years we have built extremely close relationships with our local community through a variety of initiatives, including our Adopted Schools programme, High Flyers Apprenticeship scheme and our Community Fund.
“We are delighted to partner with the Awards, which are developed to recognise and reward the achievements which make east Belfast an even better place for all to enjoy.”
East Belfast TV presenter Tara Mills will host the awards at an evening of celebration on Thursday 25 January 2018 in Hastings Stormont Hotel.
To enter Eastside Awards in association with George Best Belfast City Airport by 20 November, log onto www.eastsideawards.org.
The free to enter awards are being supported by George Best Belfast City Airport, Phoenix Energy, Belfast City Council, Belfast Harbour, Bravehearts NI, East Belfast Enterprise, Fleet Financial, Millar McCall Wylie, Rodgers and Finney, Solv Group, Titanic Foundation, Titanic Quarter, Ulster Bank and Wolseley UK.