Joe O’Neill, Chief Executive of Belfast Harbour, has been named Business Leader of the Year at Belfast Chamber’s prestigious Belfast Business Awards, in partnership with Bank of Ireland.
Dr Len O’Hagan, who previously served as Chair of both Belfast Harbour and NI Water and is currently Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Senate at Queen’s University Belfast, received the Lifetime Achievement Award at Friday night’s ceremony at ICC Belfast, with Belfast City Airport winning Best Company to Work For (Large).
In what is the 11th year of the awards programme, more than 600 guests attended the ceremony which recognised achievements across 18 categories spanning business leadership, innovation, customer service, workplace culture and community impact.
Other major honours included the Excellence in Sustainability Award won by Vyta, while The Malone Hotel took home the Independent Hospitality Award. Both categories were introduced this year to recognise the growing importance of sustainability leadership and the contribution of independent hospitality businesses to Belfast’s economy.
Lynsey Mallon, President of Belfast Chamber, commented:
“The Belfast Business Awards are an opportunity to recognise the people and organisations making a real difference to our city’s economy and business community. Congratulations to all our winners and finalists.
“This year’s winners demonstrate the breadth of talent, ambition and commitment across Belfast, from established organisations making a significant contribution to the city to emerging businesses and individuals bringing fresh ideas and energy to the local economy.”
Among the other award recipients, HireIQ won Best Company to Work For (Small), while Axial3D received the Business Innovation Award, Emerald Urgent Care was named Best New Business, and Mammoth won Digital and Creative Excellence.
GLL received the Social Value Award, and Musgrave Northern Ireland was recognised for Excellence in Contribution to the Community.
Additional individual achievements were also celebrated, with Lucy McMullan of JAM named Young Business Person of the Year (Under 35) and Caitlin Scollan of Artemis Human Capital receiving Employee of the Year. The Spirit of Belfast Award was presented to Michael Stewart, Belfast City Centre Night Czar.
Gavin North, Senior Business Manager, Belfast at Bank of Ireland, added:
“Congratulations to all of tonight’s winners and finalists. The calibre of businesses recognised this evening reflects the leadership, innovation and resilience that continues to drive Belfast forward.
“At Bank of Ireland, we see first-hand the ambition that exists across the city’s business community. Our role is to be right there with businesses as they start, grow and invest in their future. That’s why supporting events like the Belfast Chamber Business Awards matters, they celebrate success, inspire confidence and highlight the vital contribution businesses make to jobs, communities and economic growth.”