HLM Architects has been short-listed for recognition in the Employer of the Year category of the National Business Awards for the North of England and Northern Ireland.

The awards are open to any company with an office in the North of England and Northern Ireland, public or private, from any sector and of any size.

Over the last 12 months HLM has received national recognition for its employment policies.

"We're proud to have reached the regional finals for the National Business Awards," said Karl Ruddle, regional director in Belfast.

"This is a competition that pitches all types and sizes of companies against one another and we're hopeful that with our ongoing efforts to make working life more rewarding for our people, we might have what it takes to clinch the national award."

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HLM has opened two new offices in the last two years, bringing the total to seven across the UK, and now employs 175 full-time members of staff (66 in the North of England and Northern Ireland).

The firm said it has recognises the importance of family and personal issues, and its goal is to have staff "live, work and play to their full potential".

Mr Ruddle added: "The fact that we've gone from the 'outstanding' two-star accreditation in the Best Companies List to the three-star 'extraordinary' is a measure of what we are doing to provide the best in personal and professional support and development; in fact we're already excited about the National Business Awards judges' assessments."

The results will be announced on 9 July at an event to be held at the Hilton, Manchester, Deansgate.

Winner from each category will go on to compete in the National Business Awards, which is announced in November.

(PR/JM)