Francess McDonnell

The Almac Group has scooped two awards including one for overall excellence in the 2014 Aer Lingus Viscount Awards which celebrate Northern Ireland companies who have achieved outstanding business success in the last 12 months.

Among the reasons why Craigavon headquartered Almac won was the fact it grew its turnover last year to £300 million. It also developed a pioneering state of the art diagnostic test to help in the treatment of breast cancer.

The Aer Lingus Viscount Awards, which were supported by The Irish Times, aim to highlight the contribution local businesses have made to the economy and promote the important business links between Northern Ireland and Britain.

Five high achieving local companies and two individuals were recognised for their achievements. Winners in their respective categories included: Andor Technology (Most Innovative Company); Elmgrove Foods (Exporter of the Year); Export Technologies (Best Small Business); Devenish Nutrition (Best Medium Business); Almac Group ( Best Large Business); Colin Williams, Sixteen South Ltd (Entrepreneur of the Year).

Anna Moss, the managing director and general counsel of Citigroup in Belfast, was the recipient of a special award for "outstanding contribution" to the North's economy.

Andrea Hunter, business development manager of Aer Lingus in Northern Ireland, said the airline had been "incredibly impressed" with the level and variety of business success that has been achieved by local companies over the last year.

“The leadership and entrepreneurial spirit that has been demonstrated by each of the winners is to be commended, she said.”