Parker Green is recognised as "Right place to work' at national awards

19TH June 2009

Parker Green International were among select blue chip companies honoured at the third Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards, in Belfast, on Thursday 18th June.  The Newry based property company scooped two awards on the night, including the ‘Right Place to Work’ award and for the second year in a row, a ‘Highly Commended’ award in the category of ‘Best Place to Work’ at small company level.

A highlight in the Northern Ireland business calendar, this event was again expertly hosted by award-winning BBC journalist, Karen Patterson, who oversaw 17 main awards being presented, alongside 19 commendations.

Department of Employment & Learning Minister Sir Reg Empey addressed a capacity crowd of over 400 attendees, at the Ramada Hotel in Belfast. He congratulated all entrants on their success in placing a solid emphasis on individuals and their positive contribution to the Northern Ireland workplace.  He stated that “people are at the heart of what we do” and that “the skills of a workforce will be a key factor in determining how well Northern Ireland companies will be able to weather the current economic storm.”

Speaking on the Newry company’s success at the awards, Dr. Gerard O’Hare, Managing Director of Parker Green International said:

‘We are delighted to be officially recognised as not only one of the best places to work in Northern Ireland but also the right place to work. These national awards acknowledge our commitment to and success in encouraging a uniquely positive, productive and rewarding environment for not only my workforce but also the wider communities where we operate.’

‘I believe that we received both of these awards in recognition of our commitment to corporate social responsibility and talent management and employee development.  My multi- disciplined, diverse and dynamic team are the company’s greatest asset  and I am extremely proud to share this award with them’.

Guest speaker on the night was Sir Alan Sugar’s original Apprentice winner on the BBC show Tim Campbell, who made an eloquent speech to guests entitled ‘P’s and Q’s’ which focused on the management of individual talent, skills and experience.

The awards were supported by KPMG, Tughans Solicitors, Royal Mail, Firmus energy and Investors In People and have been endorsed by key industry bodies the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD).