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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.”