BOMBARDIER FLIES HIGH IN BUSINESS AWARDS

Bombardier Aerospace has been honoured with a 'commercial achievement' award in recognition of its sustained contribution to the Northern Ireland economy.

The aircraft manufacturer was one of thirteen organisations and individuals to be recognised by Ards Borough Council at a special ceremony held last week (17th April 2008), with innovation in product development, effective exporting, enterprising spirit and contributions to the social economy among the award categories.

"Northern Ireland is justifiably proud of its long association with the aircraft industry, as are we in Ards, where the company has had a base since the 1940s. As 'Shorts' celebrates its 100th year, there is no better time to pay tribute to an organisation which, despite a tough competitive situation, has maintained its position, continued to grow and diversify, providing sustained employment and significant contribution to our local, as well as regional economy along the way," said Councillor Angus Carson, Chairman of the Council's Development Committee. "And as our other business awards winners demonstrate, the entrepreneurship which the Short brothers exhibited back in 1908 when founding their company, is alive and well and living - or more accurately - working in Ards today".

The Ards Business Award winners were:

Innovative Product Development Award - Glastry Farm Ice-cream (sponsored by Lakeland Dairies)

Hospitality and Creative Industries Award - Pure Day Spa (sponsored by Armagh & Down)

Best Export Business - Bridgedale Outdoor Ltd (sponsored by TG Eakin)

Employee Award for Loyalty, Commitment and Endeavour - Joint winners Drew McMinn, Centra, Donaghadee and Roberta Strain, Country Kids Day Nursery, Donaghadee (sponsored by Sharon Malcolm Hairdressers)

Small Business Growth Award - Mash Direct (sponsored by MARM Properties Ltd)

Most Enterprising Business Award - Sparky Pac Ltd (sponsored by Ards Business Centre and South Eastern Regional College)

Ards Borough Council Mayor's Award for Civic Endeavour - Life-Start Mid Ards (sponsored by Ards Borough Council)

Chairman's Award for Long-Term Commercial Achievement in the Ards Borough - Bombardier Aerospace (sponsored by Ards Shopping Centre)

The runners-up in each category were: Mash Direct (Innovative Product Development Award), Eden Pottery (Hospitality and Creative Industries Award), Willowbrook Foods (Best Export Business), McKee Farm Shop (Small Business Growth Award), joint winners Country Kids Day Nursery and Centra Donaghadee, (Most Enterprising Business Award) and Peninsula Healthy Living Partnership (Ards Borough Council Mayor's Award for Civic Endeavour).