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Despite difficult and challenging times, local businesses recently came together for the annual Mid Ulster Business Excellence Awards in Corick House Hotel & Spa, Clogher.

The awards recognise the talent, entrepreneurship and excellence that exists across business and commerce in the Mid Ulster area.

This year the awards, organised by the Mid Ulster Mail, celebrated 11 years. Once again thanks is extended to the principal sponsor, Henry Brothers, for their continuing support; also those who kindly sponsored the various categories.

More than 100 guests attended the gala evening which included dinner and entertainment.

The award winners at the Mid-Ulster Business Excellence Awards. Also included are, Cora Corry, front centre, Chair, Mid-Ulster District Council, Ian Henry and Julie McKeown, front left, Mmain sponsors, Henry Brothers, and compere for the event, Adrian Logan, front left. MU46-221.

Master of Ceremonies was once again local man and former television presenter Adrian Logan.

Welcoming guests, Adrian said without doubt the business community plays a critical role in the economic prospersity of Mid Ulster which was why is so important to have a dedicated awards ceremony to celebrate the success of individuals and businesses across the region.

"This evening we well hear about a wide range of businesses from a variety of sectors such as manufacturing, retail, technology, engineering, hospitality to name a few which have all been excelling in their given field," he said.

Principal sponsor Henry Brothers CSR Director Ian Henry also welcomed guests and spoke about the challenges businesses faced.

Chairperson of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Cora Corry praised business owners for their continuing resilience following the hardships that Covid brought and thanked them for their loyalty to the community.

Following dinner, the main business got underway with the announcement of the award winners.

The judging panel had a tough job to whittle down all of the entries and select the finalists.

Adrian said: "Now, of course, there can only be one winner, but it's a special night so let's have everyone cheering, shouting and on your feet if you will, as we go through each award."

In the Best Business Start-up (sponsor Mid Ulster Mail) - winner The Hungry Goat, Dyan.

Best SME Business Award (sponsor Mid Ulster District Council) - winner CavanaghKelly, Dungannon.

Manufacturing Business of the Year - winner Specialist Group, Maghera.

Retail, Leisure & Tourism Business of the Year (sponsor Mid Ulster Mail) - winner The Royal Hotel, Cookstown.

Excellence in Innovation (sponsor InnoTech Centre) - winner The Food Doc, Dungannon.

Business in the Community (sponsor Step) - winner Specialist Group, Maghera.

Business Person of the Year (sponsor Bank of Ireland) - winner Dermot Friel, Friel's Bar and Restaurant, Swatragh.

One of the highlights of the awards ceremony was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Oran McAtamney of long established McAtamney's Butchers.

The prestigious award, sponsored by principal partner Henry Brothers, was presented to Mr McAtamney by the firm's HR Director, Julie McKeown.

Guests heard that Oran started work in his trade at just 11 years old alongside his father and grandfather. He continued to craft his skills before taking over the family business.

He continued to develop the business and its reputation with customers travelling far and wide for their quality products. He went on to open 12 new outlets.

When Covid hit, Mr McAtamney quickly adapted and launched an online ordering app, which he has kept as a convenient shopping tool for customers.

McAtamney's Butchers employs over 190 staff many of which have been with the business for over 25 years.

All the winners at this year’s Mid Ulster Business Excellence Awards