A heating company, which developed a new solar water heating system, has been named as one of the winners at National Enterprise Week.

Willis Heating & Plumbing received the accolade at a Celebration of Enterprise gala dinner last night at which local entrepreneurs were honoured for their contribution to business in Northern Ireland.

The company developed a solar water heating system called the 'Willis SolaSyphon', which won the 'Best New Innovation' award.

Leslie Morrison, of Invest Northern Ireland, which organised the event along with Ulster Bank, said: "This event is an opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate the achievements of local entrepreneurs, both those in the early stages of building their business, and those who have established successful internationally trading businesses.

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"Each of our award winners tonight demonstrates the common entrepreneurial characteristics of being innovative, dynamic, committed and willing to take a calculated risk. These champions of enterprise are excellent role models, particularly for our young people who will be the business leaders of the future."

The keynote speaker at the event, which was attended by over 250 members of Northern Ireland’s business and business support community, was David Taylor, a former European Business Speaker of the Year. David is a leading authority leadership, and author of the global best-selling 'Naked Leader' books.

Commenting on the event, Kevin Kringston, Ulster bank’s Director of Corporate banking, said: "Northern Ireland has a long history of world class entrepreneurial activity and many of our most innovative firms are leaders in their fields. Through our support for Enterprise Week, Ulster Bank is delighted to recognise the contribution that Northern Ireland's most successful entrepreneurs make to the local economy and to encourage potential entrepreneurs and growth businesses to try to follow in their footsteps."

(JM)