Award Categories


Best SME Business Award

This category is aimed at businesses with a turnover of less than £30million which is excelling within their marketplace. The judges will be looking for evidence of sustained business growth, innovation, adaptability and an ongoing commitment/investment in employees to support in driving the business forward. 

Manufacturing Business of the Year

This category recognises manufacturing businesses and the important role these organisations play within the Larne area. The judges will be looking for evidence of business growth, innovation, adaptability and an ongoing commitment/investment in employees to support in driving the business forward. 

Apprentice/Trainee of the Year

The Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Award entry should be completed by either the apprentice or their employer. Apprentices will have been enrolled on an apprenticeship scheme by June 2021. Judges will be looking for an outstanding contribution that the individual has made throughout their apprenticeship showing their commitment to go above and beyond.

Best Large Business

This category seeks to acknowledge a business which is excelling in their field with a turnover in excess of £30million. The judges will be looking for evidence of sustained business growth, innovation, adaptability and an ongoing commitment/investment in employees to support in driving the business forward. 

Best New/Start-Up Business

This category is aimed at new businesses which have started trading in the last 2 years and have already made a significant impact within their market place. The judges will be looking for evidence of business growth, innovation, adaptability and an ongoing commitment/investment in employees to support in driving the business forward. 

Business in the Community

Sponsored by
This award recognises an individual or group from within a business that has made an exceptional contribution in the community in which they operate. Judges are keen to hear about initiatives, fundraising projects and/or collaborations with local sporting clubs, schools, churches, charities which have made a difference. 

Sustainable Business Award

Sponsored by
Sustainable businesses are so important in today’s environment and this category rewards those who are making strides to become more sustainable year on year. Judges are keen to see examples of businesses moving towards net zero and/or existing low impact businesses which are already making an impact.

Business Person of the Year

Sponsored by
Sponsored by
The Business Person of the Year Award is open to individuals who have made a significant difference to the organisation that they work for, the people that work within it and/or the community in which the business operates. Judges are seeking examples of outstanding leadership, innovation and a commitment to positive development of the business, people and/or community.

Innovation Award

Sponsored by
This is a special award to recognise a business or organisation that has transformed the way they do business. It could be the launch of a new product, redesign of production processes, development of an ecommerce platform…whatever the innovation, this is the category to recognise that development and the benefits it has brought to the business. 

Lifetime Achievement Award

Sponsored by
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognises an outstanding and long time commitment to leadership and business through an individual's career. In addition to a significant impact to the sector that they operate, judges will also be keen to see examples of their contribution to staff development and impact on the communities in which they have operated. 

Retail, Leisure & Tourism Business of the Year

This category recognises and awards Retail, Leisure & Tourism businesses and the important role these organisations play within the Larne area. The judges will be looking for evidence of business growth, innovation, customer service and an ongoing commitment/investment in employees to support in driving the business forward. 

Business of the Year

This award is the ultimate accolade for all our entrants and the winner will be chosen from the category winners.