Branding – It’s Our Thing! Be part of BRAND New 2010 Conference & Awards and help grow your business and stay competitive!

Take our 3 minute survey  - 3 Simple Questions about Branding

Make your voice heard by logging on to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PW73NM8 and give us your feedback on 3 simple branding questions. The results from the survey will be addressed at the BRAND New 2010 Conference.

• Do you want to build your company brand and enhance your reputation as an innovative business?
• Do you want to meet branding experts and network with potential new business contacts?
• Do you want practical advice from experienced exporters to help you identify opportunities in new markets?
• Do you want to learn from companies who’ve developed their brand to ensure continued growth?

Can you afford not to be at BRAND New 2010 Conference & Awards?

Book your please online at www.cimireland.net

BRAND New 2010 is fast approaching and the Chartered Institute of Marketing is putting the final plans in place for this highly anticipated conference.

Invest Northern Ireland’s, Dr. Vicky Kell, Director of Trade is one of the dynamic range of speakers at the event. She will be focussing on the importance of getting your marketing strategies right.

Click on the video link below for a sneak preview of what Dr Kell will be addressing on 23rd September. There are only a limited number of delegate places left so do hurry if you want to be part of BRAND New 2010.

Download the BRAND New 2010 Conference & Awards Programme

Venue: Ramada Hotel, Shaw’s Bridge, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Date: Thursday 23rd September 2010
Time: 08.30 – 16.00
Delegate Fee: £130 +VAT per delegate (€160 +VAT), includes full conference & awards programme, workshops and exhibition, delegate pack, CPD accreditation, light breakfast, refreshments and lunch.
Dress Code: Business Attire

Download the BRAND New 2010 Conference & Awards Programme

Workshops

Delegates will choose from a range of subject specific workshops hosted by professional business leaders in their field. The workshops will generate fresh ideas on business repositioning and will provide delegates with an opportunity to network with like minded marketers.

Marketing Exhibition

The Marketing Exhibition will showcase some of Ireland most successful and well known brands, as well as innovative products and media services to inspire business directors and to promote sales and effective marketing in business.

Book an exhibition stand today please contact; info@cimireland.org

Who should attend?

BRAND New 2010 Conference & Awards is aimed at those involved in marketing and sales in today’s competitive environment. Whether you are a marketing or sales director or manager, webmaster or agency, a digital service provider or media and PR executive, this event will offer both a practical and fascinating insight into marketing for success.

Event Details

Venue: Ramada Hotel, Shaw’s Bridge, Belfast, Northern Ireland

Date: Thursday 23rd September 2010

Time: 08.30 – 16.00

Cost: £130 +VAT per delegate, (€160 +VAT), includes full conference & awards programme workshops and exhibition, delegate pack, CPD accreditation, light breakfast, refreshments and lunch.

Contact CIM Ireland

Telephone: Deborah Storey on 028 9033 9949

Email: info@cimireland.org

Karen Patterson pictured at the Launch of The Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards held at W5 in The Odyssey on Tuesday 23rd March.

As the Northern Ireland economy becomes increasingly reliant on knowledge and prepares for the eventual upturn, it’s vital that its workforce is equipped with every necessary skill and the flexibility to compete on the global stage.  That was one of the key messages delivered to guests at the launch of the 2010 Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards. The Employment and Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey also paid a glowing tribute to the past success of the initiative, which is now in its fourth year.  Scores of business “thinkers and doers”, those which are best at managing talent and which can nurture and develop the skills of their employees, are expected to be in the frame again for the highly coveted awards, which take place in Belfast on June 17.

 There will be 15 categories in the 2010 Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards, including four that are new.  The launch in W5 was attended by guests from an array of business organisations, along with representatives of the Workplace & Employment Awards’ five business partners – Tughans Solicitors, KPMG, Firmus Energy, Royal Mail and Investors in People. Also present were Joe Berrisford from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and Peter Aiken representing the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD). Both these leading industry bodies have again endorsed the Irish News initiative, which recognised excellence and underlines the dynamic of people who research, develop, manufacture and market products in Northern Ireland.

 Speaking at the launch, Sir Reg – who has supported our competition from its inception in 2007 – said it was “wonderful” to see the Workplace & Employment Awards going from strength to strength. “These Awards recognise excellence in the workplace and reinforce the message that our people are our most important asset.   ”It’s great to see that more and more businesses and organisations are recognising this and the need to upskill their existing workforce so that they can make the most of new opportunities.” “The aims of the Irish News Workplace and Awards go hand in hand with much of the skills work being taken forward through my Department,” said Sir Reg. “Many employers in Northern Ireland recognise that people are key to the success of their organisation. “Indeed the high volume and standard of entries consistently received for the Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards are proof of the numbers that already reap the benefits of investing in their workforce. “I’m sure the calibre of entries this year will be no different and I would encourage all eligible businesses and organisations to submit an entry form and showcase what they do.”

 Irish News editor Noel Doran said: “The incontrovertible message in this year’s awards is that, in Northern Ireland, people represent our most prized competitive advantage.  “At a time when minds are focused on a return to economic growth and the need to restore business confidence, the 2010 Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards will put the spotlight on a formidable array of exceptional organisations and workforces.”

The Belfast Business ‘Oscars’ will take place in the newly refurbished City Hall on Thursday 29 April with 19 awards presented in recognition of the fine work of business enterprises, retail outlets and businessmen and women across the city.

There has been a phenomenal response for entries to the awards so far but there is still a little time left for businesses to get their entries in before the closing date for applications on Thursday 25 February 2010.

Nicky who was born in South Belfast and educated at Victoria College before going on to revolutionise the face of the UK beauty industry with the success of her luxurious beauty venture Space NK.apothecary gave an interview with Belfast City Council’s residents’ magazine City Matters out next month.

She said: “I am thrilled to be involved with the Belfast Business Awards – it means such a lot as it takes me back to where an important part of my story began. I’m a huge supporter of local businesses and entrepreneurs, from start-ups to success stories, and it’s great to be witnessing the positive growth and success of others.”

The retail guru opened her first store in London’s Covent Garden in 1993 at the age of 29. Today Space NK has 63 outlets across the UK with 4 stores in New York and 9 shops in the Bloomingdales chain across the US. Closer to home, there are two Space NK stores in Belfast – in Donegall Square North and on the Lisburn Road.

“Belfast has been the only city in the UK where we decided to open two Space NK stores from the get-go,” Nicky said.

“The Lisburn Road offers an unparalleled variety of speciality stores in an affluent suburban environment so is a natural fit for our brand whilst the Donegall Square North store services the city centre shopper and the business community.

“Belfast has changed dramatically for the better over the past ten years. We have finally caught up with the likes of Glasgow, Manchester and Newcastle in terms of urban regeneration within the UK and the peace process was really the catalyst for the increased pace of development. We now have a retail and recreational offer to rival other comparable cities in the UK.”

As for offering valuable business advice to young entrepreneurs in Belfast as well as businesses coping in the current economic climate, she said:

“Passion and focus go a long way to make something happen. It is astounding just how often something you wish for and work determinedly towards comes to fruition. In my opinion, it is important to always be true to yourself and your beliefs despite the difficulties you may face.

“Remember that ‘no’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘no’. You should always develop a compelling argument for why someone should say ‘yes’. ”

The full interview with the MBE award winner is out in the next edition of City Matters on 15 March.

Nicky will host the awards in the City Hall on 29 April joined by co-host Marc Mallett from UTV. Tickets are now on sale for table bookings at the gala dinner and anyone wishing to attend is advised to book early to avoid disappointment. They can contact the enquiry line 028 9024 2111.

With less than 3 weeks to enter the awards, businesses are also being urged to get their applications in as soon as they can. They should get their entries in (which are free) for coveted awards like the Best Manufacturing Business; Best International Trade; Best City Regeneration Project; Best Green Business and Best Business Expansion; Best City Hotel/Guest House and Best Restaurant by the closing date – Thursday 25 February 2010.

Entry forms can be obtained from Belfast City Council’s Economic Development Unit on 028 9027 0736 or Belfast City Centre Management on 028 9024 2111. More information on the Belfast Business Awards can be found on the website www.belfastbusinessawards.com

The Belfast Business Awards are organised by Belfast City Council with support from Belfast City Centre Management (BCCM). Principal awards’ sponsors are the Arts Council for Northern Ireland and the DSD who are also sponsoring two individual awards’ categories for Best Creative Industries (Arts Council) and the DSD (Best City Regeneration Project).

Belfast City Council would like to thank all the sponsors for their support with the Belfast Business Awards: – Belfast City Centre Management, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Department for Social Development, Miller Hospitality, Federation of Small Businesses, Flamegreen, FireIMC, Social Economy Network, Westfield Castlecourt, Leaf Consultancy, World Trade Centre Belfast, Invest Northern Ireland, HARTE, Firmus Energy, Victoria Square, Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce, University of Ulster and Boyd Partnership.

Belfast City Council will host the Belfast Business ‘Oscars’ in a glittering awards ceremony at the City Hall on Thursday 29 April. The awards will celebrate the achievements of local businesses as well as recognise the fine work of business enterprises, retail outlets and businessmen and women from across the city.

They will cover all sections of the business world with awards for the Best New Business; Best Creative Industries; Best Manufacturing Business; Best Bar or Pub; Best Restaurant; Best City Hotel or Guest House and Best Café or Coffee Shop.

The retail sector will be recognised with awards for Customer Service Excellence for the best independent retailer and the best multiple retailer in the city.

Awards will also be bestowed on companies with the Best Business Expansion; the Best Innovative Use of IT; the Best Marketing Initiative and Best International Trade links.

The success of young entrepreneurs in the city will be recognised with the Best Young Person of the Year Award. The contribution of social enterprise organisations in Belfast trading for social and environmental purposes will be marked by the Best Social Economy Business Award. There will be an award for the Best Green Business in the city which is open to businesses that have a green product development and/or have implemented environmental management policies and principles.

The Best City Regeneration Project Award is open to all organisations in Belfast that have been involved in the development of a regeneration project over the past three years which has significantly improved and revitalised an area in the city.

The Best Corporate Social Responsibility Award is open to organisations which can demonstrate innovative corporate social responsibility strategies that have or are currently making a real difference to people at a local level. And finally, the Legacy of Belfast Award will honour a building, public art or development project that has made or will endeavour to make a significant contribution to promoting the legacy of Belfast with respect to conservation, urban design and diversity.

The closing date for entries to the Belfast Business Awards 2010 is 25 February 2010. Entry forms can be obtained from Belfast City Council’s Economic Development Unit on 028 9027 0736 or Belfast City Centre Management on 028 9024 2111.

You can also complete an application form online by going to www.belfastbusinessawards.com  Further information on the awards can also be obtained by clicking on the website as well as going to  www.belfastcity.gov.uk/economicdevelopment/belfastbusinessawards.asp

Belfast-born Nicky Kinnaird, founder and creative director of Space NK.apothecary – the UK’s most luxurious beauty chain – will be guest speaker at the Belfast Business Awards 2010 in April. The retail guru opened her first store in London’s Covent Garden in 1993.  Today Space NK has 63 outlets across the UK, 4 stores in New York and stores in Bloomingdale’s across the US. Nicky will be joined as MC for the evening by UTV presenter, Marc Mallett.

The Belfast Business Awards 2010 is hosted by Belfast City Council in partnership with Belfast City Centre Management. Principal awards sponsors of the awards are the DSD (Department for Social Development) and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Councillor William Humphrey, Chairman of Belfast City Council’s Development Committee, said: “The Belfast Business Awards will give local businesses a unique opportunity to gain recognition for the excellent contribution they make towards the overall development of our city.

“I would call on businesses from across the city to get their entries in for the awards as soon as they possibly can. Simply getting through to the final will raise an organisation’s profile amongst its peers but just as important is the huge boost it will give to internal morale. To win an award will be a mark of quality that will bring real prestige to that individual business.”

The Belfast Business ‘Oscars’ will take place in the newly refurbished City Hall on Thursday 29 April with 19 awards presented in recognition of the fine work of business enterprises, retail outlets and businessmen and women across Belfast.

The event will be hosted by Belfast-born Nicky Kinnaird, founder and creative director of  Space NK.apothecary – the UK’s most luxurious beauty chain and UTV personality Marc Mallett.

Among the coveted awards categories are the Customer Service Excellence Awards for Best Independent Retailer and Multiple Retailer. Awards will also be presented for the Best Café or Coffee Shop in Belfast and the Best Green Business.

For any retailer in the city planning to enter the awards, entry forms can be obtained from Belfast City Council’s Economic Development Unit on 028 9027 0736 or Belfast City Centre Management on 028 9024 2111.

You can also complete an application form online by going to www.belfastbusinessawards.com The deadline for receipt of completed entry forms is 25 February 2010.

The Belfast Business Awards 2010 is hosted by Belfast City Council in partnership with Belfast City Centre Management. Principal awards sponsors of the awards are the DSD (Department for Social Development) and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Councillor William Humphrey, Chairman of Belfast City Council’s Development Committee, said: “The Belfast Business Awards will give local businesses a unique opportunity to gain recognition for the excellent contribution they make towards the overall development of our city.

“I would call on all businesses from the retail sector to enter the awards. Simply getting through to the final will raise an organisation’s profile amongst its peers but just as important is the huge boost it will give to internal morale. To win an award will be a mark of quality that will bring real prestige to that individual business.”

Pictured L-R are: Lorraine McDowell, Director of Operations, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Jackie Johnston, Department for Social Development, Councillor William Humphrey, Chairman, Belfast City Council's Development Committee and Andrew Irvine, Belfast City Centre Management, at the launch of the Belfast Business Awards 2010 which took place on 10th November in the Ulster Hall.

Belfast City Council is to celebrate the achievements of local businesses next year when it hosts the Belfast Business Awards 2010.

The Belfast Business ‘Oscars’ will take place in the newly refurbished City Hall on Thursday 29 April with 19 awards presented in recognition of the fine work of business enterprises, retail outlets and businessmen and women across the city.

Belfast-born Nicky Kinnaird -founder and creative director of Space NK.apothecary – the UK’s most luxurious beauty chain, will be guest speaker at the coveted awards ceremony. The retail guru, Nicky Kinnaird, opened her first store in London’s Covent Garden in 1993.  Today Space NK has 63 outlets across the UK, 4 stores in New York and stores in Bloomingdale’s across the US. Nicky will be joined as MC for the evening by UTV presenter, Marc Mallett.

The awards were launched today at a special ceremony in the Ulster Hall attended by representatives from Belfast City Council, Belfast City Centre Management (awards partner) and principal awards’ sponsors’ the DSD (Department for Social Development) and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

As well as sponsoring the overall awards, the DSD and the Arts Council will also be sponsoring two individual awards’ categories for Best Creative Industries (Arts Council) and Best City Regeneration Project (DSD).

The other 17 awards are for Best New Business; Best Business Expansion; Best Innovative Use of IT; Best Marketing Initiative; Best Social Economy Business; Best Young Person of the Year; Legacy to Belfast; Best Green Business; Best International Trade; Best Manufacturing Business; Customer Service Excellence – Independent Retailer; Customer Service Excellence – Multiple Retailer; Best Bar or Pub; Best Restaurant; Best Café or Coffee Shop; Best City Hotel or Guest House and Best Corporate Social Responsibility.

Councillor William Humphrey, Chairman of Belfast City Council’s Development Committee, said: “It’s an absolute honour to announce that the Belfast Business Awards 2010 are now open for entries. These awards will give local businesses a unique opportunity to gain recognition for the excellent contribution they make towards the overall development of our city.

“I would call on businesses from all sectors across the city to enter the awards. Simply getting through to the final will raise an organisation’s profile amongst its peers but just as important is the huge boost it will give to internal morale. To win an award will be a mark of quality that will bring real prestige to that individual business.”

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said: “The Department for Social Development is delighted to be co-sponsor for the 2010 Belfast Business Awards. These awards invite individual businesses to demonstrate excellence in their field and their contribution to the economic development of the city. I encourage all businesses to enter these awards to avail of the opportunity to highlight the performance of their company and employees.”

Lorraine McDowell, Director of Operations, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “The Arts Council is delighted to be principal sponsor of the Belfast Business Awards 2010. The arts are steadily moving to the frontline of our cultural tourism and economic success therefore we are particularly excited to be supporting the Best Creative Industries Business category. This award is a valuable acknowledgement of how Northern Ireland businesses have embraced the arts to help them deliver their corporate objectives.”

A number of business partners have signed up to support the Belfast Business Awards 2010 but there is still an opportunity for other partners to come on board and back what are deemed to be the ‘Belfast Business Oscars’.

If any company would like to support an award, they should contact Belfast City Council’s Economic Development Unit on 028 9027 0736 or email mccartneylisa@belfastcity.gov.uk

Entry forms and more information on the Belfast Business Awards 2010 are available on website www.belfastbusinessawards.com, Hard copies of entry forms can also be obtained from Belfast City Council’s Economic Development Unit or Belfast City Centre Management on 028 9024 2111. 

The Belfast Business Awards have been organised in previous years by Belfast City Centre Management (BCCM) and Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce (BCTC) with support from Belfast City Council. They are a highlight of the Belfast business calendar.

Keynote Speaker Mr Charles Nixon pictured with Ms Susie Galbraith, daughter of the late Frank Galbraith outside the Ulster Hall, Belfast with Chair of CIM, Mr Charles Fulton

The Galbraith Lecture which is the keynote event in the Chartered Institute of Marketing’s annual Marketing Week provided guests with many thought-provoking words of wisdom.

Renowned Marketer Charles Nixon MBA FCIM FCAM FRSA was the keynote speaker at the event which took place in the Ulster Hall on Wednesday 21^st October 2009.                                                

Charles Nixon is the Chairman and Director of Cambridge Marketing Colleges and is world renowned for his business and marketing expertise. Charles was joined by brand expert Susie Galbraith, daughter of the late Frank Galbraith.

The Galbraith Lecture honours the memory of the late Frank Galbraith who is remembered for his original thinking and his creativity as well as his unswerving commitment to marketing as a benign driver of society. Frank Galbraith passed away in 2005 following years of commitment to the Chartered Institute of Marketing and marketing as a profession in Northern Ireland.

During the keynote address guest speaker Charles Nixon was very forthcoming in his views that the current recession is over. We cannot be guaranteed that there won’t be a second wave but he stated that history shows that single recessions never last longer than one year. He said the difference in this recession and others is that it is global. Every market has been hit and must take steps towards normality, not as we used to know it but as he called it, ‘the new normal.’

Charles Nixon was also very clear about the role that marketing plays in recovery. He proclaimed that marketing is a fundamental part of everyday life. People expect to be marketed to by companies. In a time of ‘globalism’ where the wider world is becoming more accessible to a greater number of people, there is a better understanding of consumer choice. Companies need to take advantage of what is going on around them and instead of just doing nothing because there is a recession they must seize opportunities.

Charles Nixon also highlighted that 50% of the existing Fortune 500 companies were founded during recessionary times which shows how companies can use the current downturn to acquire other companies or diversify to enable them to flourish when the recovery comes.

The event ended with a lively question and answer suggestion which stimulated debate and discussion among the participants.

Allstate NI were among the high-profile businesses, which scooped the gongs at the Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards in Belfast last week.

A capacity crowd packed into the Ramada Hotel for the gala black-tie dinner, at which Department of Employment & Learning minister Sir Reg Empey congratulated all the winners for their success in placing a firm emphasis on individuals and their positive contribution to the Northern Ireland workplace.

The prestigious event, hosted by award-winning BBC journalist Karen Patterson, saw 17 main awards being presented alongside 19 commendations. Tim Campbell the original Apprentice winner provided whose attending with an insight into the world of Sir Alan Sugar.

And as well as the blue chip companies honoured, the Workplace & Employment Awards also recognised innovative organisations which are seldom thrust into the spotlight, including Legal Island and Malone Lodge.

“The aims and objectives of these indigenous workplace and employment awards in the business calendar have all been met and exceeded,” said Irish News editor Noel Doran. “The awards have strongly reinforced the message that people are our most important resource in what is challenging times.”

Speaking at the awards, the Minister welcomed the initiative, which aims to promote and reward our key resource ­ people. He said:  “Whether you run a small, medium or large organisation, in the public, private or voluntary sector, people are at the heart of what we do. The skills of our workforce will prove to be a key factor in determining how well Northern Ireland businesses will be able to weather the current economic storm and benefit from the opportunities that will arise during the eventual upturn. Now, more than ever, it is important that employers continue to invest in the skills of their employees.” Sir Reg said that the aims of the awards went arm in arm with the work currently being done through the Department’s Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland,  Success through Skills , as both place an emphasis on individuals and their positive contribution to the workplace.

The awards were supported by KPMG, Tughans Solicitors, Royal Mail, firmus energy and Investors in People and have been endorsed by key industry bodies the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD).

For more details visit:: www.irishnews.com/wea