We are delighted that our own Aidan Flynn is one of 9 Northern Ireland Directors shortlisted to go through to the UK finals this autumn. Aidan was awarded the Young Director of the Year Award by the Institute of Directors in NI towards the end of last year and will now represent NI in the UK finals in London in October. FLYNN have undergone dramatic growth and diversification within the past 24months and Aidan has overseen the corporate restructuring and increased strategic focus on the business emerging from the recent economic downturn as a class leader in NI property maintenance services.

Also shortlisted for the National awards are:

• Simon Campbell of Portview Fit-Out,shortlisted for the New Chartered Director of the Year Award.
• Michelle Hatfield of George Best Belfast City Airport, has made the shortlist for the Leader inCorporate Responsibility
•  Mark Hutchinson, of SJC Hutchinson Engineering, for the Family Business Director of the Yearcategory· Jim Dobson, of food processing company Dunbia, for the Large Company Director category· Gordon Milligan of Translink–for the Public/Third Sector category·
• Ian Jeffers from the Prince’s Trust–for the Public/Third Sector category· Tracy Hamilton of Mash Direct–for the Mid-Market Company Director category· Brandan Mullan of Bryson Charitable Group–for the Mid-Market Company Director category

IoD NI Chairman, Paul Terrington, congratulated each of the finalists:

“It’s a delight to see so many inspiring business leaders, who represent such a vast range of local industries and sectors, shortlisted for the UK finals of the Director of the Year Awards. “The number of local Directors short listed for these awards is almost double that of last year, which is hugely encouraging in that more and more of our home-grown, local directors are of high enough calibre to rival their counterparts across the water. “I wish each and every one of the shortlisted candidate’s success at the ceremony in October .”Broadcaster and former high-profile politician Michael Portillo will host the Awards on Friday 24October at the Lancaster London Hotel.