The awards were launched at Titanic Belfast at a reception attended by a range of business organisations, where two new categories - Employer for the Future and Team of the Year - were announced.

BBC presenter Karen Patterson hosted the event and will also compere the awards ceremony on Thursday 8 June 2017.

The event heard from Claire Colvin, talent & organisational development director at CDE Global, winner of the Managing Talent award and the Entrepreneurial Spirit and Innovative Employer gongs.

Irish News business editor Gary McDonald, speaking at the launch, said: “Technology may have infiltrated every aspect of our business and is front-and-centre in today’s corporate world, the human element remains by far our most important and valuable business resource.

“Every part of our business boils down to people. We need to value and reskill our people and think strategically about how to deploy all that talent. It’s exactly what these unique awards have been all about since 2007, where entries have increased year on year.

“And in the current climate, The Irish News Workplace and Employment Awards - with the straplines of STRIVE, GROW, SUCCEED - have never been more relevant.

“There really is a compelling argument to enter.”

Entries for Workplace and Employment Awards close on Thursday 4 May. The entry pack is available from www.irishnews.com/wea.