The hugely popular Eastside Awards is celebrating seven years of recognising all that is good about East Belfast. A voluntary committee makes the awards happen each year and Business First has spoken with founding committee member Stephen Kane of Solv Group about his involvement, ahead of the deadline for entry.
What’s your involvement with the Eastside Awards?
I have sat on the committee panel since the inception of the awards, seven years ago. My company, Solv is also sponsoring one of the public entry categories, Favourite Eatery, where nominations can be submitted via Belfast Live.
How did the idea for the Awards come about?
I was attending the Aisling Awards in West Belfast with Jonathan McAlpin, now Chair of the organising committee and Alastair Pollock, then Sales Director of Phoenix, where the question was asked – why doesn’t East Belfast have something similar? It all came about from there.
There’s now eight people who make up the committee panel from local businesses, and sponsors of the various categories include large household names. The awards celebrate both individuals and SMEs across categories such as Tourism Experience, Contribution to the Arts and Best Organisation to Work For to name a few, with 16 categories in total.
Why do you feel the Awards are so important?
They bring to the fore all the positive stories that were, and still are happening in our local community. The awards ultimately highlight all the good things, that might have otherwise been missed, celebrating those companies and persons who are making a difference.
What has been a highlight for you over the years?
My favourite part of the awards tends to be helping to select the person who will ultimately win the Eastside Award for Outstanding Contribution to East Belfast. This category is a little different in that the winner doesn’t get nominated but is carefully selected by the committee panel. We’ve heard some amazing stories that come from the winners over the years. For example last year, the winner was Eileen Kerr of Care Counselling whose service has been vital for the local community, helping people from all different backgrounds. Her work is inspiring and was definitely worthy of this accolade!
What can we expect from this year’s awards?
This year there is the addition of a brand new category reflecting the efforts organisations are making to environmental sustainability.
At the awards ceremony, we’re hoping for a full house and are really excited to celebrate the best of East Belfast 2022!
Nominations close Friday 28th October with the awards ceremony taking place at Stormont Hotel on 27th January 2023.
To nominate an individual or business from East Belfast, visit: https://www.eastsideawards.org/enter-online.html
What do Solv do?
Solv provide installation, repair and servicing on heating, plumbing, electrical and building works at any type of business or commercial premises including offices, factories, schools, warehouses etc. as well as residential properties.
You need a service you can rely on to be prompt, efficient and good value for money which Solv promise to deliver.
We provide a complete range of Facilities management services necessary to keep your organisation running efficiently and economically.
To avail of any of our services: visit solvgroup.com, Call 028 9045 1010 or email [email protected]
