Liberty IT sponsors the Irish News Workplace and Employment Awards

April 14, 2008

 Irish News business editor Gary McDonald, third left, at the Waterfront Hall launch of the 2008 Irish News Workplace and Employment Awards with business partner representatives, from left, Barbara Roulston, Royal Mail Group's head of external relations for Northern Ireland; Linda Hutchinson, group human resource director of resource; Anna Beggan, partner at Tughans Solicitors; Jon D'Arcy, managing partner of KPMG; and Sheila Fleming-Mitchell, human resource director at Liberty IT PICTURE: Mal McCann

The Irish News' second annual Workplace and Employment Awards have been expanded for 2008 to include a number of new categories.

Among them is the Right Place to Work category, where the judges will look for socially responsible organisations that can demonstrate close links to charities and have a proven commitment to environmental issues.

Another new section will seek organisations in the north that have a proactive and imaginative approach to talent management in the workplace.

The awards, launched in Belfast's Waterfront Hall, will again recognise excellence in the workplace and reinforce the message that people are by far the region's most important resource.

Overwhelming evidence of that came at the inaugural Irish News Workplace and Employment Awards, when blue-chip companies were honoured alongside many smaller innovative firms which are seldom thrust into the spotlight or recognised.

The 2008 awards will be another celebration of Ireland's best, most creative and most innovative people and businesses, underlining that it is only through their skills and dedication that the economy of this island can prosper and move forward.

In an historic last year, Northern Ireland has put out a beacon to the world to say it has an outstanding infrastructure, a first- class education system and, above all, a highly prized workforce - requirements and qualities which tick all the boxes for a modern vibrant economy.

Department of Employment minister Sir Reg Empey, addressing the inaugural awards ceremony, told 400 guests: "Whether you run a small, medium or large organisation, in the public, private or voluntary sector, people must be at the very heart of what you do."

Irish News editor Noel Doran said: "The aims and objectives of the inaugural Irish News Workplace and Employment Awards were not only met but exceeded.

"They strongly reinforced the message that a fulfilled workforce relates directly to the success of any business, whether that business employs many hundreds of people or just a handful.

"The 2008 awards will again raise the profile of best workplace practices and provide a vital platform for companies and individuals to celebrate their hard work in style."

The recognition of being best in industry will be achieved through a rigorous judging process by a team of industry-related adjudicators.

The Irish News Workplace and Employment Awards are open to all businesses involved in the recruitment and training of staff in any way - as an employer, agency or provider.

The initiative is again endorsed by leading industry bodies the Recruitment and Employment Confederation and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development and is supported by five business partners in KPMG, Liberty IT, resource, Royal Mail and Tughans Solicitors.

The 2008 Workplace and Employment Awards will be presented at a black-tie dinner in the Ramada Hotel on June 19, hosted by BBC presenter Karen Patterson.