“As we approach the award season, I thought it might be useful to share my thoughts on the value of a business entering awards. Having helped multiple companies enter awards across Ireland and the UK, there’s definitely a certain skill to getting it right. Being on the outside looking in can be helpful to be objective and give the judges what they actually want. Whether you’re a startup or an established company, the benefits of participating in awards can be substantial – here are my top 5.
1. Enhanced Credibility and Reputation
Winning or even being nominated for a business award can significantly boost your company’s credibility. Awards serve as a third-party endorsement, validating the quality of your products, services, or business practices. This can build trust with potential customers, partners, and investors, who often view award-winning businesses as more reliable and high-quality.
2. Increased Brand Awareness
Award ceremonies and associated media coverage can greatly enhance your brand’s visibility. Being shortlisted or winning an award can attract attention from local and industry-specific media, leading to increased exposure. This heightened awareness can drive more traffic to your website, increase social media followers, generate new business leads and also help you stand out to potential employees.
3. Employee Motivation and Recognition
Awards can serve as a powerful motivator for employees. Recognition of their hard work and achievements fosters a sense of pride and can boost morale and job satisfaction. It also reinforces a positive company culture, encouraging employees to continue striving for excellence. And if you are shortlisted it is a great night out for the whole team to enjoy!
4. Networking Opportunities
Award events often bring together industry leaders, experts, and peers, providing valuable networking opportunities. These events can be a platform to connect with influential figures, potential clients, and collaborators. Building these relationships can lead to new business opportunities, partnerships, and insights into industry trends.
5. Competitive Advantage
In a crowded market, distinguishing your business from competitors is essential. Awards can provide a significant competitive edge by highlighting your unique strengths and accomplishments. This differentiation can be particularly valuable when pitching to potential clients or partners, as it sets your business apart as a leader in your field.
In conclusion, entering awards is more than just a vanity exercise; it’s a strategic move that can bring numerous benefits to your business. From enhancing credibility and increasing brand awareness to motivating employees and gaining a competitive edge, the advantages are multifaceted. While the application process may require effort and resources, the potential rewards make it a worthwhile investment for any business aiming to thrive and grow in today’s competitive landscape.”
If Pulse PR can help with an award entry for your company please get in touch – info@pulseprni.com
The local farming community celebrated another success as almost 15,000 visitors from across Northern Ireland flocked to 18 farms across Friday to Sunday for Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend.
The event, run by the Ulster Farmers’ Union, with the support of title sponsor Bank of Ireland, platinum sponsor NFU Mutual, School’s Day sponsor ASDA and event sponsors Moy Park, the Livestock and Meat Commission NI, Thompsons and the Irish Farmers’ Journal, is one of the biggest awareness initiatives to reconnect consumers with farms and farm producers, as well as showcasing the excellent work farmers do to maintain animal welfare and care for their environment.
Over the course of the event, school children and the general public got to meet friendly and knowledgeable farm hosts, were up close and personal with a variety of animals, and experienced the joys of life on a working farm.
William Irvine, president for the Ulster Farmers’ Union and Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend chairmansaid, “We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the visitors who took part in the Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend, making it an unforgettable experience for all involved. The event’s success would not have been possible without the generous support of the sponsors, whose contribution played a vital role in ensuring its smooth operation. Furthermore, we would like to pass on special thanks to the farm hosts who opened their gates and warmly welcomed guests, sharing their wealth of knowledge and showcasing their passion for farming.”
Richard Primrose, Agri-Business Manager, Bank of Ireland UK said, “Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend has been a real celebration of our farming and food community and we are delighted to have welcomed so many visitors to the participating farms over the weekend. We are proud to help provide a unique experience, through Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend, to bring consumers behind the gate to see the energy and pride behind our thriving agri-food industry. A huge thank you also to each of the farms who so warmly welcomed every visitor to their working farm.”
The Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland (LMC), a sponsor of Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend 2024, is encouraging the public to take the opportunity to try Farm Quality Assured Beef and Lamb when they are visiting farms during the weekend.
Scheduled to take place from Friday 14-Sunday 16 June, the Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend invites schools and the public to explore local farms and gain insight into the agricultural industry.
The LMC in its role as sponsor, will have signature kitchens and demonstrators cooking easy to follow recipes using the best quality lamb and beef on a selection of farms on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 June. There will also be a virtual cookery demonstration showing the ‘farm to fork’ message on Friday 14 June consisting of an LMC cookery demonstration, with a fun and interactive recipe which pupils can make at home.
Through its sponsorship, LMC aims to elevate the profile of Farm Quality Assured beef and lamb, emphasising their superior quality and sustainability. The commission’s involvement in the Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend underscores its commitment to promoting transparency and consumer education within the agricultural sector.
Colin Smith, Chief Executive of the Livestock and Meat Commission, pictured on participating farm, Beatties Glenpark Farm near Omagh, emphasised the significance of this collaboration, stating, “As a champion of the local agri-food industry, LMC is delighted to support the Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend. This event offers a unique opportunity for consumers to connect with farmers and learn about the journey of their food, from farm to fork. By highlighting Farm Quality Assured beef and lamb, we aim to raise awareness of the exceptional standards maintained by Northern Ireland’s farming community.”
Nineteen farms will open their gates to the public this year in a bid to help the public, particularly those from a non-farming background, better understand how our food is produced and to raise awareness of the importance of the local supply chain.
William Irvine, deputy president of the Ulster Farmers’ Union who organise the initiative said “Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend was established to showcase our farming industry and the wonderful work our farmers do. The LMC has supported the initiative for many years and as well as the financial support this year, the organisation has very kindly provided Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assured beef and lamb cookery demonstrations on selected farms and we are looking forward to enjoying this again in June.”
Ireland’s premier ecommerce event, eComm Live returned on Wednesday 1 and Thursday 2 May, 2024, at Assembly Buildings, Belfast.
Recognised as the largest gathering of ecommerce professionals on the island of Ireland, eComm Live offered attendees two days of engaging keynote sessions, panel discussions, training, and networking opportunities designed to empower businesses and individuals to thrive in the digital marketplace.
Kevin Traynor, founder of eComm Live, expressed his excitement about this year’s event, stating, “We’re thrilled to unveil the full lineup of speakers for eComm Live 2024. With ecommerce and retail leaders sharing their insights and expertise, attendees can expect a wealth of inspiration and practical advice to propel their online retail endeavours forward.”
Speakers at the event on May 2 at Assembly Buildings in Belfast include Jamie Laing, co-founder of Candy Kittens, Daniel Green, head of digital marketing at global fitness apparel giant Gymshark, Aimee Connolly, founder & CEO of Irish cosmetics powerhouse Sculpted by Aimee, and Carrie Rose, founder of digital PR agency, Rise at Seven.
Clearer Twist, the premium mixer with a twist, chose Belfast to launch three new products from its latest range, and set an ambitious target of bottling 10 million units of the drinks this year.
The three mixers – Clearer Twist Premium Tonic, Clearer Twist French Pink and Clearer Twist Ginger Ale, came straight from the production line after almost two years in the making and well-known faces from the world of sport, media and hospitality were among the first to try the hotly anticipated drinks.
Developed by the same company that introduced Clearer Water, a social impact company that champions a diverse and inclusive workforce, Clearer Twist is ready to hit hotels, bars and restaurants across Northern Ireland, Cyprus and Turkey this summer, allowing customers the chance to experience the unique flavours first-hand.
Crafted with high Alkaline water boasting a pH of 9.4, Clearer Twist stands out in the market by offering reduced sugar and calories without compromising on the pure, refreshing, and delightful taste it delivers, just “Twist Pour Enjoy”.
Founder, global CEO/co-chairman, Ross Lazaroo-Hood and founder, co-chairman Sitki Gelmen, spearheaded the creation of Clearer Twist. Drawing from their deep knowledge of the beverage industry, they recognised the need for the ultimate mixer and invested heavily in product development and marketing to bring their vision to life.
Inspired by their respective cultures, they designed Clearer Twist in Northern Ireland and springs from Turkey, resulting in a mixer that can be enjoyed on its own or combined with premium spirits to create a naturally sweet alcoholic beverage.
Ross Lazaroo-Hood, speaking on behalf of Clearer Twist, expressed his excitement about the company’s future: “We know the premium mixer industry is a busy market, but our significant investment in product development and marketing represents our unwavering commitment to revolutionise the drinking experience for consumers in Ireland, GB and now into Europe.
“Clearer Twist is poised to set new standards with its exquisite taste, reduced sugar content, and dedication to uncompromising quality. We are proud to introduce a mixer that surpasses expectations and delivers pure enjoyment. As we at Clearer Twist say, “Twist Pour Enjoy” .”
Clearer Twist offers a range of flavours, including:
Clearer Twist Premium Tonic: Elevate your drinking experience with the great taste of our premium tonic. Expertly balanced and naturally sweet, it is the perfect companion for top-shelf gins. Whether used as a mixer or enjoyed over crushed ice, our Premium Tonic will invigorate and delight your taste buds. It is a classic for a reason.
Clearer Twist French Pink: Transport yourself to the sun-soaked Côte d’Azur with Clearer Twist French Pink. Indulge in the sweet essence of raspberry infused with a hint of rose, creating a vibrant and refreshing profile. With fewer calories and less sugar, Clearer Twist French Pink offers a guilt-free alternative to pink gin or vodka cocktails, providing all the great taste you desire.
Clearer Twist Ginger Ale: Embark on a flavour journey of fiery and sweet sensations with Clearer Twist Ginger Ale. Effervescent and bursting with incredible taste, our Ginger Ale strikes the perfect balance between zest and sweetness. Crafted with high alkaline water, it retains the perfect balance between zest and sweetness. The beloved flavour that makes Ginger Ale so popular today from its creation in Belfast back in 1851 is found perfectly here in Clearer Twist.
IRP V9 launches new technology to fill a critical accounting gap in e-commerce
Pulse PR was delighted to support Belfast-based e-commerce platform provider IRP Commerce when it launched the latest version of its successful Commerce Cloud technology.
“IRP Version 9 is designed for a time where e-commerce success simply means merchant profits”, says Dan Loughlin, Chief Executive Officer for IRP Commerce.
IRP continues its investment in the Northern Ireland e-commerce economy. With over £2 billion in sales for local companies to 170 countries, IRP is a home-grown success story. IRP continues to believe that Northern Ireland can become an e-commerce powerhouse.
Some of Ireland’s well-known brands run their online businesses on IRP technology. Household names such as Argento, Newbridge Silverware, Belleek, DV8, Evolve, Best Menswear, Magee 1866 and Old Mill Saddlery.
Speaking at the product launch event in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, where IRP are based, Dan Loughlin, commented, “IRP technology has filled a critical accounting gap in e-commerce. This innovation means that net profits are predictable in real time. eGross Profit becomes a new real time number that signals profitable trading.
Pictured is IRP Commerce chief executive officer and founder Daniel Loughlin.
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