Belfast City Council will celebrate the achievements of local businesses next year when its hosts the Belfast Business Awards 2010.

The newly refurbished City Hall will be the venue for the coveted ceremony on Thursday 29 April with 18 awards presented in recognition of the fine work of business enterprises, retail outlets and businessmen and women across the city.

Among the awards' categories are 'Best Creative Industries Business', 'Best New Start Business', 'Best Business Growth', 'Excellence in Manufacturing' and 'Customer Service Excellence Awards' for both independent and multiple retailers.

Accolades will also be bestowed on the 'Young Business Person of the Year', the 'Best Regeneration Project' in Belfast, 'Best City Hotel/Guest House' and the 'Best Small Eatery/Coffee Shop' in the city.

A number of sponsors have signed up to support the honours but there is still an opportunity for potential sponsors to come on board and back what are deemed to be the 'Belfast Business Oscars'.

If any company/business would like to sponsor an award, they should contact Belfast City Council’s Economic Development Unit on 028 9027 0736 or email mccartneylisa@belfastcity.gov.uk.