Stage one of judging for the 2023 Lisburn & Castlereagh City Business Awards is complete, and a shortlist of more than 72 of the most dynamic and innovative businesses from within the area has been announced.

The awards, which are sponsored by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council in association with South Eastern Regional College, celebrate and reward companies that have made the best contribution to the local economy.

“We are delighted with the calibre of entries that came in from across the whole council area, and each one of our finalists deserves their place on the shortlist,” said Alderman Allan Ewart MBE, Chair of the Development Committee at Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council.

“I believe that the growth of our local businesses and the strength of their performance to date is indicative of just how attractive this area is to do business in and the emphasis we as a Council put on incubating and encouraging entrepreneurial spirit,” he added.

Elaine Flynn, Head of Business & Commercial Contracts at SERC said “South Eastern Regional College is delighted to support the LCCC Business Awards as Associate Sponsor and to help recognise and celebrate the entrepreneurs, businesses, and indeed people, that make our community a vibrant place to live and work. We are delighted that so many incredible local businesses have been shortlisted and we are excited to award the winners on the night.”

The winners will be announced at a glittering black-tie ceremony at the La Mon Hotel & Country Club on Friday 24 February. The event will be hosted by BBC Radio presenter Connor Phillips.

Tables and individual tickets for the event can be purchased by booking online at the awards website www.lcccbusinessawards.com.

The full shortlist is as follows:

Lisburn & Castlereagh Business Person of the Year sponsored by Dalzell Property

  • Lynne McCabe, Arthurs
  • Paula Keane, Ivanhoe Hotel
  • Philip Morrow, PRM
  • Stephen Houston, GMcG Chartered Accountants
  • Stephen Venables, KME Steelworks

Rising Star Award sponsored by McCulla Ireland

  • Dan Allison, KME Steelworks
  • Eimear Gourley, NI Property Girl
  • Gareth Cairns, GDC Fire and Security Limited
  • Jill McDowell, Rose Cottage On The Road
  • Oliver Anderson, Ollies Patisseries

Best Family Business sponsored by Lisburn Enterprise Organisation

  • Ironside Trophies & Engraving
  • Ivanhoe Hotel
  • McCulla Ireland
  • PRM
  • Pure Roast Coffee Limited
  • RARE Grazing NI

Best Licensed Eating Established Award

  • Ivanhoe Hotel
  • Rockmount Golf Club & Restaurant
  • The Cardan Bar and Grill
  • The Stillhouse

Best Non-Licensed Eating Establishment Award sponsored by Pure Roast Coffee

  • Percival
  • St Johns Court Coffee House
  • Stepping Stones NI
  • The Daily Apron Bakery

Best New Business sponsored by Inspire Business Centre

  • Alderwood Studios Ltd
  • Dragonscale Card Gaming
  • Linton Fencing and Sportsgrounds LTD
  • Smooth Communications
  • The Daily Apron Bakery
  • We Eat Local

Best Social Enterprise Business Award sponsored by Social Enterprise NI

  • Habitat for Humanity ReStore
  • Happy Days Lisburn Ltd
  • Lisburn Credit Union
  • Stepping Stones NI

Best Tourism Business Award sponsored by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council

  • Brookhall Cottages and Weddings
  • Down Royal Racecourse
  • Larchfield Estate
  • Walk It Off NI

Business Success Award sponsored by GMcG Chartered Accountants Lisburn

  • Camco UK Ltd
  • Exchange Accountants
  • International Business Centre Ltd
  • PRM
  • Pure Roast Coffee Limited
  • Safety Solutions (NI) Limited

Excellence in Customer Service Award sponsored by Ulster Tatler

  • Hilden Brewery
  • Hydro-ease
  • Larchfield Estate
  • Leckey
  • PRM
  • RARE Grazing NI
  • The Clinic at Vic Ryn

Excellence in Manufacturing Award sponsored by Lisburn Chamber

  • Decora Blind Systems Ltd
  • International Business Centre Ltd
  • KME Steelworks
  • Spanwall Facades Ltd

Innovation Award sponsored by South Eastern Regional College

  • Alderwood Studios Ltd
  • All Active Pilates and Physio
  • Ethelcare
  • Exchange Accountants
  • McCulla Ireland Ltd
  • Pure Roast Coffee Limited
  • Trailblazer BBQ Ltd

Best Company to Work For

  • GMcG Chartered Accountants
  • Home Instead Down and Lisburn
  • Leckey
  • M Squared Accountancy Ltd
  • Stepping Stones NI

Excellence in Contribution to the Community

  • All Active Pilates and Physio
  • Greenview
  • PRM
  • Relatively Ceramics
  • The Quirky Bird Social Enterprise Café