International Focus At Belfast Business Awards

Belfast companies who export their goods abroad are to be celebrated in an awards ceremony this November.

The Best International Trade Award, one of eleven up for grabs at the seventh Belfast Business Awards, is sponsored by Barclays Bank.

It is open to all organisations in the Belfast City Council area, who in the last five years, can demonstrate excellence in selling their products and services outside of the Northern Ireland market.

Adrian Doran, Director, Corporate Banking, Barclays Northern Ireland said: "In the current business environment, a wide range of companies are developing growth strategies which are increasingly focussed on investing in export.

"From Barclays perspective, there is a natural fit with the International Trade category which recognises local businesses that have identified opportunities in export markets and are successfully trading beyond their local market."

The awards, to be hosted by the BBC's Sarah Travers in the City Hall on Thursday November, 8, are organised by Belfast City Council in partnership with Belfast City Centre Management (BCCM).

Other categories include Best New Business, Best Green Business, Best Young Business Person of the Year and Best Business Expansion.

Sponsors include Victoria Square, Power NI, Profile and the University of Ulster.

Alderman Christopher Stalford, Chairman of Belfast City Council's Development Committee, said the awards would give local businesses a "chance to shine" by winning a "mark of quality".

To enter for this award or find out more about the Belfast Business Awards 2012, visit www.belfastbusinessawards.com or ring 028 9027 0482. The closing date for entries is Friday 14 September.

(NE)