Belfast City events team awarded top President’s prize

by Ulster Life • July 22, 2015 • belfast, Business, Events • Comments (0) • 1482

Belfast Chamber of Trade & Commerce has today awarded, the events team at Belfast City Council with a highly coveted President’s Recognition Award. The award, which for the first time has gone to the public sector, is for excellence in driving footfall into the city.

The esteemed award has in the past gone solely to retailers but the ten-strong events team headed up by Gerry Copeland, City Events Manager has been recognised for their ongoing dedication and brilliance at showcasing Belfast to its best ability and putting the city on the global map.

The BCTC Award recognises not just work of the BCC’s City Events Unit, but the City Council’s policy of supporting events. It also underscores how the City’s elected Councillors have continued to prioritise projects that provide a significant economic impact for its businesses and citizens.

Hugh Black, President of Belfast Chamber of Trade & Commerce said, “The events team at Belfast City Council is very deserving of this award. They have worked extremely hard over the years to drive footfall and business into Belfast City Centre and it is great to see their work recognised.

“These events have played a huge part in making Belfast, a world class destination for locals, business and tourists a like. Gerry and the team have worked hard at contributing to the good of the city. They are deserving of this award and I would like to personally thank them for their contribution to the city and the wider community in Northern Ireland.

“I have no doubt that the team works tirelessly to ensure that the events are run to the highest quality which firmly places Belfast on the map as a vibrant and happening city where there is always lots going on and plenty to see and do.

“The fact that the award has gone out to the public sector means that local men and women are being celebrated for the work they do and the way they help to promote the city.”

Speaking on receiving the award, Gerry Copeland, City Events Manager, Belfast City Council said, “I am delighted to receive this award on behalf of the events team at Belfast City Council.

“This has been a fantastic year for Belfast and the wider community of Northern Ireland with events such as The Tall Ships, the annual St Patrick’s Day parade and celebrations, Belfast City Marathon and Autumn Fair in Botanic Gardens to name but a few.

“Over the years we have been involved in events such as the Giro d’Italia in 2014, the World Police and Fire Games in 2013, the launch for Titanic Belfast in 2012, the Olympic Torch visiting Belfast celebrations in 2012 and MTV European Music Awards in 2011.

“There are always events in the pipeline and we are working ahead and planning things such as BBC Sports Personality of the year which is being hosted in Belfast in December.

“We are also working on Proms in the Park which will be held in September and we have a round of annual civic events which need worked on and planned.

“Of course there is also the annual fireworks and festivities for Halloween and the Christmas lights switch on, so it is extremely busy all year round.”

Gerry concluded: “I would like to thank Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce for this recognition and for their continued support in all that we do within the events team.”

Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce’s President’s Awards seek to identify a number of different businesses from their membership who have actively contributed to the economy of the country as a whole.

The awards take into consideration a number of factors, from driving footfall to the city to marketing excellence to being an excellent ambassador to visitors. Those eligible for the prestigious recognition, include all Chamber members from all business sectors in a range of categories, from customer service excellence, investment into the city, footfall driver through to marketing excellence.

If you are interested in becoming a member of Belfast Chamber of Trade & Commerce or proposing a member for the President’s Recognition Award, visit www.belfastctc.com or call Martina Connolly on 028 9033 1399