Entries for the North West Business Awards will open on Monday 24th February 2025! Categories available for entry are below:
Young Business Person of The Year is sponsored by Alchemy Technology Services
This award recognises young business people who have demonstrated remarkable innovation, leadership, and success in their endeavours, setting a new standard for excellence and inspiring others with their vision and drive.
From pioneering startups to innovative ventures within established companies, these young business leaders exemplify the next generation of trailblazers, pushing boundaries, and reshaping industries. Their passion, resilience, and dedication to excellence serve as a testament to their ability to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and make a positive impact on the business landscape.
This category is open NOW to any young person under the age of 22 years of age.
This award is sponsored by Loganair
The Educational Partnership Award recognises innovative partnerships and collaborative efforts that enhance education and empower learners. This award celebrates individuals, organisations, and initiatives that exemplify the transformative impact of collaboration in advancing educational outcomes, fostering creativity, and promoting lifelong learning.
From cross-sector partnerships to community-driven initiatives, the Educational Partnership Award honours those who harness the power of collaboration to break down barriers, expand access to education, and drive positive change in classrooms and beyond.
This category is open NOW!
This award is sponsored by U105 Radio
The Restaurant of the Year Award is a recognition of culinary excellence, exceptional dining experiences, and gastronomic innovation within the vibrant culinary scene of the North West region. This award celebrates the finest restaurants that tantalise taste buds, captivate diners, and showcase the rich diversity of flavours, ingredients, and culinary traditions of the region.
From cosy bistros to fine dining establishments, the North West Restaurant of the Year Award honours those who excel in delivering outstanding cuisine, impeccable service, and memorable dining experiences. These culinary gems combine creativity, passion, and a commitment to quality to create unforgettable moments that linger long after the last bite.
This category is open NOW!
This category is sponsored by Smart Pay NI
This award recognises excellence, innovation, and outstanding customer service in the retail industry, and celebrates the top-performing retailers who go above and beyond to delight customers, enhance shopping experiences, and set new standards of excellence in the ever-evolving world of retail.
From the high street to unique boutiques, the Retailer of the Year Award honours those that excel in delivering exceptional products, personalised service, and seamless shopping experiences. These trailblazing retailers leverage creativity, technology, and a deep understanding of consumer needs to create memorable interactions and foster lasting connections with their customers.
The Hotel of The Year Award is an esteemed recognition of excellence in hospitality, service, and innovation within the North West's hotel industry. This award celebrates the exceptional establishments that redefine luxury, comfort, and guest experience, setting the standard for hospitality excellence within the North West region.
From iconic landmarks to boutique retreats, the Hotel of The Year Award honours those that excel in providing guests with unforgettable experiences, personalised service, and exceptional amenities. These distinguished hotels embody the essence of hospitality, creating memorable moments that linger long after check-out.
This category is open NOW!
This category is sponsored by Toast
This prestigious accolade honours visionary companies and innovative enterprises that drive excellence and creativity across a spectrum of industries. From entertainment and media to design, fashion, and beyond, this award celebrates the transformative impact of creativity on business success.
With a focus on innovation, originality, and artistic integrity, the Creative Industries Business of the Year Award recognises organisations that harness the power of imagination to inspire, entertain, and engage. Whether through groundbreaking productions, cutting-edge designs, or immersive experiences, these businesses exemplify the intersection of artistry and entrepreneurship, setting new standards of excellence in their respective fields.
Entries are open NOW!
This category is sponsored by City of Derry Airport
The Contribution to the North West Economy Award recognises outstanding dedication and impactful initiatives that drive economic growth, prosperity, and development in the vibrant region of the North West.
This category celebrates everything from businesses, people, events, and tourism initiatives that have helped to develop the North West economy or enhanced the image and profile of the North West over the past year. These trailblazers inspire others with their unwavering dedication to advancing the economic wellbeing of the North West community.
Entries are open NOW!
This award is sponsored by Allstate NI
The Innovation & Technology Award celebrates groundbreaking achievements and transformative advancements in the realm of technology and innovation. This award celebrates individuals, teams, and organisations that are pushing the boundaries of possibility, driving progress, and revolutionising industries through their pioneering ideas, inventions, and solutions.
From cutting-edge startups to established tech giants, the Innovation & Technology Award honours those who harness the power of innovation to solve complex challenges, and enhance efficiency. Whether it's revolutionising healthcare, advancing sustainable technologies, or reshaping the way we communicate and connect, these innovators inspire us with their creativity, vision, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
This category is open NOW!
This year's Pub of The Year is to be decided by public vote!
Sponsored by Derry Journal, the North West Pub of the Year Award is a prestigious recognition of excellence, hospitality, and community spirit within the vibrant pub scene of the North West region.
From historic bars to contemporary gastropubs, the North West Pub of the Year Award honours those establishments that excel in providing exceptional service, quality beverages, and a welcoming atmosphere. These beloved pubs are more than just places to grab a drink; they are hubs of social interaction, cultural exchange, and community connection.
Nominations are open NOW!
This award is sponsored by Derry City & Strabane District Council
The Sustainability Champions of The Year Award is a prestigious honour celebrating the individuals, organisations, and initiatives that are leading the charge towards a greener, more sustainable future. From groundbreaking innovations to tireless advocacy, these champions are driving positive change in areas such as environmental conservation, renewable energy, waste reduction, and social responsibility.
Whether it's through innovative technology, community engagement or policy advocacy, these champions inspire others to join the movement towards a more sustainable world and contribute towards a circular economy.
The category is open NOW!
This award is sponsored by BHP Security Solutions
The Creative Marketer of the Year Award is a prestigious accolade celebrating the brilliance and ingenuity of individuals, teams, and agencies who redefine the boundaries of marketing excellence. This award recognizes those who leverage creativity, strategy, and innovation to craft unforgettable campaigns, captivate audiences, and drive meaningful impact for brands and businesses.
From captivating storytelling to disruptive campaigns that challenge the status quo, the Creative Marketer of the Year Award honours those who push the envelope, break new ground, and inspire others with their visionary approach to marketing. These trailblazers demonstrate an exceptional ability to connect with consumers, spark conversation, and leave a lasting impression in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Your entry must include:
- A description of organisation including business objectives and how digital/social media is related to these
- Details on impact of marketing/digital/social media on business
- Evidence of public engagement through digital/social media and how this will be maintained
Entries are open NOW!
The Taste of The North West Award is a delectable celebration of culinary excellence, innovation, and local flavours within the diverse and vibrant food scene of the North West region. This award honours the outstanding food outlets, artisans, and food producers that tantalise taste buds and showcase the region's rich gastronomic heritage.
This award recognizes their contribution to making the North West a destination for food lovers and a showcase of the region's culinary prowess and honours the establishments and individuals who embody the spirit of culinary authenticity, and a passion for quality ingredients and unique flavours and ingredients of the North West.
Entries are open NOW!
This award is sponsored by Ulster University Business School Magee
The North West Business Hero Award celebrates the unsung champions of the business world who go above and beyond to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. This award category is open to all individuals, businesses or service providers who have demonstrated that they have dedicated themselves or their business/ organisation to help others or promoted the North West as a great place to do business.
From philanthropic initiatives to innovative solutions that address social and environmental challenges, the North West Business Hero Award recognises those who embody the values of integrity, compassion, and community spirit. These business heroes inspire others with their selflessness, generosity, and commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Nominations for Business Hero are open NOW!
From family-owned enterprises to innovative startups, the Small Business of the Year Award honours those that exemplify the spirit of entrepreneurship, overcoming challenges, and seizing opportunities to thrive and succeed.
This award celebrates the outstanding contributions of small businesses to their communities, economies, and industries, recognizing their innovation, creativity, and dedication to excellence.
This category is open to any business with less than 50 employees.
Category is open for entries NOW!
This award is sponsored by Davy Group
The North West Large Business of the Year Award celebrates the outstanding achievements, innovation, and leadership of large businesses within the dynamic North West region. This award recognizes enterprises that demonstrate excellence in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and making a significant impact on the community and beyond.
From industry giants to multinational corporations, the North West Large Business of the Year Award recognises those organisations that exemplify corporate responsibility, sustainability, and a commitment to excellence in all aspects of their operations.
This category is open to any business with more than 50 employees.
Entries are open NOW!
This is a non-entry award, nominees will be selected by NWRC from their Higher Level Apprenticeship programme
North West Regional College has led the way in developing the Higher Level Apprenticeships framework within Northern Ireland based on strong links with academic partners and business.
A Higher Level Apprenticeship is a unique work-based programme, which enables participants to earn while they learn and gain a nationally recognised higher-level qualification. Successful candidates will be employed in a company relevant to their chosen profession to gain valuable industry experience. This experience will feature a close mentoring relationship and academic support provided by North West Regional College as they progress through the relevant higher-level qualification.
This is a non-entry award – the winner is to be selected by the Strabane BID panel.
First established in 2016 by a majority vote of the businesses within the BID area, Strabane BID is a means of regenerating Strabane town, increasing football, and improving the trading environment.
Set up as an independent, not-for-profit company, the BID board contains representation from businesses and stakeholders in the BID area. Each business within the area contributes by paying an annual Levy, based on the rateable value of their business premises.
Collectively investing in the area gives businesses and stakeholders more control to have their input on what they want to see, and how they can deliver it.
To find out more about Strabane BID, visit www.lovestrabane.com
This is a non-entry award that has been awarded by the judging panel; this company or person will be chosen on the basis of outstanding contribution to business, drive, ambition, vision, tenacity, inspirational leadership, inventiveness and confidence.
The Brilliance In Business Award is a Judge's Choice award and is the most coveted and hotly anticipated presentation of the night.
The award will go to the business or entrepreneur that is representative of all that is positive about the work that takes place in the city on a daily basis.
Thank you to our amazing sponsors!
