Reflecting back on our successful regional FSB Awards in January that celebrated some our amazingly talented home-grown small businesses we were delighted to support a number of our finalists at the UK finals in London in early May. Our finalists included:
The categories for community award winners “Connected Talent” (Derry City) and overall regional winner “Stairlift Solutions” (Bangor) did not progress to the London final.
Our Policy Chair, Tina McKenzie; our Regional Chair, Brendan Kearney and our Head of External Affairs, Roger Pollen were all keen to use the opportunity to network and share experiences with their counterparts from other regions and areas, as well as championing the SME sector in NI. The standard of the finalists across the country was awe-inspiring and we were delighted that the first category of the night was won by NI member, Alan Lowry, ESF (Environmental Street Furniture) for “Business & Product Innovation”. ESF is a global designer and supplier of street furniture and site furnishing products, established in 2012 by Alan and his wife Caroline Lowry. One of its innovative designs allows users to recharge their mobile phones from a solar powered bench alongside LED lighting and WiFi. A successful export campaign has resulted in the company supplying to 22 countries, across five continents www.worldofesf.com.
Preparations are underway to plan the 2018 FSB Awards and we look forward to many exciting entries from our membership in NI.