Young Business Writers Awards Presented - supported by the Irish Times and sponsored by Ericsson

The Minister for Labour Affairs, Mr Tom Kitt, presented the 2001 Young Business Writer Awards to the winning students at a presentation ceremony in Dublin City University today.

The main award was won by first year business studies student, Cormac Finn from Meath.

The awards, first started in 1994, are sponsored by Ericsson, organised by Dublin City University Business School and supported by The Irish Times. The prize fund exceeds £5,500 (?7,000). The competition, with categories in both second and third levels, aims to encourage and develop business-writing skills among students. There were 250 entries from both secondary schools and third level institutions.

Speaking at the awards, Mr. Dermot Kennedy, Communications Manager, Ericsson said, "In a rapidly changing business environment, as now exists in Ireland, information alone is not enough. What is also required is an ability to communicate that information in a precise and convincing manner that builds increased confidence in the company."
"Despite the advent of new and innovative technologies, the winning companies into the future will be those that build the most effective communication processes with their customer bases built on a deep understanding of changing customer demands."
"Ericsson is delighted to play its part in supporting the development of improved business writing skills amongst second and third level students and looks forward to seeing some of today's winners leading the businesses of the future."

Professor Kathy Monks, Dean, Dublin City University Business School, explained the importance of these awards "Like any area of expertise, business has the potential to lapse into jargon that makes it inaccessible to non-experts. Consequently, it is crucial for business students at both school and university levels, to be able to write in a clear, coherent and of course, interesting manner. These awards serve to focus students on the value of good business writing." Recent building projects supported by the Trust include; the John & Aileen O'Reilly Library, the extension to the Computer Applications building, the Invent business incubator centre and the 11,000 square metre Arts Centre, which is due to be completed in the middle of 2002.

The winners: Third Level

First Prize:
Cormac Finn,
1st year Business Studies,
DCU Business School
The Single Currency is not in Ireland's best interest

Second Prize:
Christina Weir,
1st year Business Studies,
DCU Business School
Social Partnership - The Key to the Success of the Celtic Tiger

Runners up:
Jennifer Mary Noone,
1st year Business Studies,
DCU Business School
People, not products, are the key to business success

Caroline Joyce,
1st year Business Studies,
DCU Business School
Why Business Should Support the Arts

Second Level

First Prize:
Kian Pettit,
CBS Highschool,
Clonmel
Entrepreneurs are born not made

Second Prize:

Bernard Hunt,
Sligo Grammar School
In the Internet economy, brand loyalty is a thing of the past

Runners up:

Julie O'Leary,
Presentation Secondary School,
Wexford
The Single Currency is not in Ireland's best interest

Darren Nagle,
St Andrew's College,
Booterstown,
Dublin
In the Internet economy, Brand loyalty is a thing of the past

For further information please contact

Lorraine Gallagher, Brendan Bracken Public Relations: 677 3277

Eileen Colgan, Dublin City University: 700 5656