Ian Henry (Windell), Mike Lawler (from sponsor NFU Mutual) and Rodney Hassan (Windell).
Northern Ireland firms in the spotlight at prestigious awards Two Northern Ireland firms took centre stage as the very best of British businesses were celebrated at the British Chambers of Commerce’s annual Chamber Awards ceremony in London recently. Windell Ltd scooped the national award for Small Business of the Year and young entrepreneur Katie Waddell picked up the national Young Person in Business award. The Chamber Awards, is now in its 12th year, is one of the showpiece events in the business calendar, highlighting the role of business in delivering growth and prosperity for the UK and local communities. Businesses from across the country came together at the gala dinner, hosted by BBC Breakfast Presenter Stephen McGovern, to mark the outstanding achievements of both UK firms and Chambers of Commerce. Windell Ltd, a leading manufacturer of high security and commercial glazing systems based in Magherafelt and Katie Waddell, coowner of Northern Ireland’s first self-serve frozen yoghurt bar Spoon Street which has outlets in Belfast, were crowned winners on the night having faced competition from over 70 companies from across the UK.
Windell Director Ian Henry, said: “We are totally delighted about the award win. It is recognition of the fact that we are a leader in our field and we pride ourselves on being able to draw on 30 years of expertise to deliver innovation and value engineering to projects throughout all industry sectors. All our staff work very hard to make the company the success that it is and we look forward to achieving further success in the future.” Windell services regional and global markets and projects have been successfully completed in Great Britain, Ireland, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Sudan and the USA. Nora Senior, President of the British Chambers of Commerce said: “Windell is a fantastic example of British business at its best. This award not only recognises the focus, passion and innovation of the company but also acknowledges the contribution it is making to the local and national economy.” Meanwhile, Katie Waddell of Spoon Street who scooped the Young Person in Business title was rewarded for developing clear growth potential for her self-serve frozen yoghurt business and her staff focused ethos.
Ann McGregor, Chief Executive of NI Chamber said: “The Chamber Awards are considered one of the UK’s most hotly contested and prestigious business awards and provide the perfect platform for local businesses to establish themselves on a local and national stage. “We are delighted that Windell and Spoon Street’s Katie Waddell have received the recognition and profile they deserve by seeing off competition from a number of firms across Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales. “It is companies such as these who will play a crucial role in helping the economy move from being good, to being great, in the months and years ahead.” The 2015 Chamber Awards also presented a runner up honour to Henderson Retail for ‘Business in the Community’ – highlighting the firm’s commitment to corporate responsibility. For more information on the 2016 Chamber Awards (launching in April 2016) email christopher.morrow@ northernirelandchamber.com
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