These awards aim to encourage a culture of competitiveness, research and
The closing date for entries for the 2003 All-Island Innovation Awards has been extended from this Friday, to September 26th. The awards, held on an all-Ireland basis, are aimed at encouraging a culture of improved competitive positioning and maximising research and development investment in technology.
The awards are jointly organised in the Republic by Forfás's science, technology and innovation (STI) awareness programme and in Northern Ireland by both InterTradeIreland and Invest Northern Ireland,with sponsorship from The Irish Times and BT.
The award winners will be chosen by an independent panel of judges and will be announced in Belfast on November 25th. Each of four category award winners will receive €5,000 and a trophy, with the overall winner receiving €10,000.
The categories are small business, employing fewer than 50 people; medium business, 50 to 250 employees; large business, over 250 employees and new technology-based businesses, any size. Innovations can cover any business activity including manufacturing, human resources, design management, research and development, information and business systems, sales and marketing, finance and administration and quality and customer care. The overall award in last year's event was won by Ulster Carpet Mills of Craigavon, Co Armagh.
The firm was honoured for its innovation in developing a new form of carpet weaving making custom-made carpets more cost effective and broadening the range of colours and designs. Opening the search for industrial innovators Mr Martin Cronin, chief executive, Forfás, said: "These awards provide an excellent opportunity to highlight the contribution that innovators make in driving competitiveness and creating opportunities for the wider community particularly in terms of employment, new business formation and international reputation. It is only through the creation of a strong innovation culture, in which new thinking and bright ideas prosper, that we can continue to compete in the global economy."
Mr Leslie Morrison, chief executive of Invest NI, said: "The awards recognise the importance of strategic innovation as the engine of long-term economic growth and wealth creation throughout the island of Ireland. Faster economic growth will be achieved by more companies investing continuously in innovation."
Mr Mike Mills, managing director of Ulster Carpet Mills, said: "As well as providing a tremendous boost for everyone within the company, the publicity associated with the award enhanced market awareness of Ulster Carpet Mills as a customer-focused business committed to creativity and service."
The judging panel will be chaired by Ms Mary Cryan, director of technology consultants Prospectus. The other judges are: Mr Finbar Costello, director of Moneymate; Mr Donal O'Connor, senior partner Cruickshank and Company; Mr Michael Ryan, general manager of Bombardier Aerospace; Mr Barry O'Keeffe, business editor, The Irish Times; Mr Alistair Hamilton, director BT Business; Mr Mark Earnshaw, director of Murgitroyd & Co, and Ms Caroline Workman, founder Food Stuff Ireland.
