Women dominate as winners of the 2017 IoD First Trust Bank Director of the Year Awards are announced
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leven local business leaders from across Northern Ireland have been recognised for leadership excellence at this year ’ s prestigious Institute of Directors ( IoD ) NI First Trust Bank Director of the Year Awards .
Female leaders dominated the awards , winning over half of the titles available for the first time in the event ’ s history .
Coming from the public , private and third sectors and across a range of industries including communications , construction and manufacturing , the award winners were acknowledged for their proactive approach towards business growth , corporate governance and responsible leadership .
Moy Park Chief Executive Janet McCollum was named ‘ Large Company Director of the Year ’ while Belfast City Council ’ s Chief Executive Suzanne Wylie received the ‘ Public Sector Director of the Year ’ accolade .
Along with the other categories winners , they join an illustrious list of former recipients of IoD Director of the Year Awards and now also have the chance to be shortlisted for the overall UK ‘ Director of the Year Awards ’, which take place in London later this year .
The IoD NI First Trust Bank Director of the Year Award winners were announced at a special lunchtime awards ceremony hosted by wellknown broadcaster Barra Best at the Merchant Hotel , Belfast .
IoD NI Director Linda Brown said the
Belfast City Airport announces shortlist for marketing prize
eorge Best Belfast City Airport has announced the food and drink products
Gfrom across Northern Ireland that have been shortlisted in a competition offering producers the chance to win £ 30,000 of marketing support and brand visibility at the airport .
Launched in partnership with Food NI and local councils in January to find the ‘ Best ’ local food and drink product , the prize includes £ 20,000 of branding on site at Belfast City Airport and £ 10,000 of online support through the airport ’ s digital channels .
The shortlist includes a wide range of products , such as Ewing ’ s Seafood Irish Organic Smoked Salmon , En Place Foods ’ Blackberry & Hawthorn Vinegar , Pop Notch Popcorn , ShortCross Gin and Long Meadow Craft Cider .
Local councils across Northern Ireland judged the entries and put forward their shortlisted products . These are now featured on the airport ’ s Facebook page and the product image from each council area which receives the most ‘ likes ’ on the airport ’ s Facebook page will progress to the final .
calibre of this year ’ s winners was a testament to quality of leadership in Northern Ireland business .
“ We were delighted to once again partner with First Trust Bank for the Director of the Year Awards which provides a platform on which to showcase the wealth of talent among Northern Ireland ’ s business leaders . “ This was demonstrated last year when Northern Ireland directors enjoyed a record year at the national IoD Director of the Year Awards winning five titles including Overall Director of the Year while five were highly
The final will take the form of a tasting session judged by a panel of food and drink experts .
Katy Best , Commercial and Marketing Director at Belfast City Airport , said : commended . “ At the IoD , we value high levels of corporate governance and continual learning among directors . Each of this year ’ s winning directors demonstrated these qualities and showed that the future of their companies and the Northern Ireland economy is in good hands .
“ We would like to congratulate all successful directors and those who were shortlisted and wish them all continued success in the future , and to thank all our category sponsors .”
Michele Shirlow , CEO Food NI with Katy Best Commercial and Marketing Director at Belfast City Airport
“ We would like to congratulate those producers who have been selected to progress to the next stage of the competition . The standard of entries received has been fantastic .”
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