OMAGH Chamber of Commerce is calling for applications for the inaugural David Prentice BMW, Omagh Business Awards.

Speaking about the awards which were launched last month, Mary McCartan, President of Omagh Chamber of Commerce said, "Much has been achieved in Omagh in a short time - over £100 million has been invested in the town by the private and public sector, up to 500 jobs have been created and retail and commercial space has more than doubled.

"The physical landscape of Omagh town has been transformed and the regeneration process continues. People are again visiting and shopping in Omagh and confidence is returning.

"There is a good positive story to tell, which I am in no doubt that we can enthuse people, in and out of Omagh, that things are happening and real progress is being made to regenerate and revitalise the town.

The Omagh Business Awards are about recognising and celebrating the sucecss of our indigenous business base and the contribution that they make to our local economy."

The Chamber president added, "Omagh has a thriving small business economy, which creates sustainable employment for the people of Omagh and the wider district and also makes a significant contribution to the wealth creation process.

In the past few years we have witnessed the closure of some of our larger, more traditional employers due to difficult trading conditions and global competition but it is our smaller businesses, the backbone of our local economy that have persevered in difficult conditions. In order to succeed and to grow they have had to innovate to remain competitive, identify new market opportunities, adopt new technologies, create new employemnt and many have ventured into new markets.

The Omagh Business Awards are about recognising that hard work, that commitment and loyalty and celebrating the success of our local businesses and employers. Omagh has much to be proud of and the awards will recognise not just the companies that contribute to the energy of the District, but the talented people employed within them across a range of business sectors.

The awards are also not only about celebrating past success; but about setting future aspirations to reach new standards in excellence.

Working together and with others Omagh Chamber of Commerce and Industry is committed to supporting the future devlopment of a sustainable and vibrant economy within the Omagh district."

Over the next few weeks applications are being invited across each of the above categories and businesses and employers are encouraged to apply. Winners will be announced at a gala event in the Mellon Country Hotel on Friday May 11.

Applications from businesses across the Omagh District are welcome.

For further details on the awards contact Omagh Chamber of Commerce office on 028 8225 9595.