Belfast’s Diaceutics and its founder Peter Keeling, along with Weev co-founder Thomas O’Hagan, were among the major winners as Belfast Chamber celebrated the city’s business success stories at its prestigious Belfast Business Awards.
Hosted by Belfast Chamber in partnership with Bank of Ireland, the Belfast Business Awards recognise the exceptional achievements and contributions of Belfast companies across a range of sectors to the city’s vibrant economy.
Diaceutics, a pharmaceutical technology and solutions provider, was named Best Company To Work For at Friday night’s ceremony at Titanic Belfast, with Peter Keeling, the company founder who stepped down as CEO earlier this year, winning the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Thomas O’Hagan, chief commercial officer of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure firm Weev, won the Business Leader of the Year accolade while Artemis Technologies claimed the Business Innovation Award.
Other notable winners included Rebecca Jama of HireIQ (Employee of the Year), McAdam Design (Excellence in Contribution to the Community), Macklin Group (Family Business of the Year), McConnell’s Distillery (Best New Business) and Arup (Green Champion).
The evening also celebrated emerging talent, with the Young Business Person Award going to Matthew Nesbitt from HALO, while a special moment on the night saw the Spirit of Belfast Award presented to Gerry Blain.
Gavin Annon, Belfast Chamber President, said: “These awards, now in their ninth year, are testament to the resilience, innovation and dedication of Belfast’s business community. It is inspiring to see how businesses have overcome challenges and contributed to the city’s growth.
“This year’s awards ceremony featured a diverse range of nominees, showcasing the depth and breadth of the talent in Belfast.
“On behalf of Belfast Chamber, I would like to extend our congratulations to all of the nominees and winners. Their success is reflective of the thriving business community in our city, and we look forward to seeing them continue to grow.”
Paul McClurg, head of Belfast Business Banking at Bank of Ireland, added: “Business and enterprise play a vital role in the growth of the economy and we are proud to support the Belfast Chamber Business Awards which shine a light on the excellence, ambition and imagination of Belfast businesses.
“At Bank of Ireland we have been supporting customers in Belfast and beyond for almost 200 years, and we remain fully committed to providing the right products, services and supports to enable our customers to meet their financial ambitions and thrive.
“It’s a fantastic achievement to have been shortlisted for these competitive awards, and huge congratulations to each of this evening’s inspiring and deserving winners.”
The full list of winners and highly commended companies and individuals in the Belfast Business Awards:
Best Company to Work For: Diaceutics, Highly commended: FinTrU and NI Water
Best Digital Business: MXB Agency, Highly Commended: Horrible Brands
Best New Business: McConnell’s Distillery
Business Innovation: Artemis Technologies, Highly Commended: Inclutech
Business Leader of the Year: Thomas O’Hagan
Business Premises of the Year: Aflac Northern Ireland, Highly Commended: Custom House Managed Offices
Business Success: LumenStream
Creative Business: Bauer Media Audio NI, Highly Commended: Horrible Brands
Customer Service Excellence: Fratelli Belfast
Communication Excellence: Lyric Belfast’s ’Agreement’ by Owen McCafferty, Highly Commended: Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke Vaping Awareness Campaign
Diversity and Inclusion: Musgrave NI, Highly Commended: FinTrU
Employee of the Year: Rebecca Jama | HireIQ, Highly Commended: Rachael Hewitt, Diaceutics
Excellence in Contribution to the Community: McAdam Design, Highly Commended: OCS in partnership with Prosper Consortium
Family Business of the Year: Macklin Group
Green Champion: Arup
International Business: Sensoteq
Social Enterprise: GLL/Better, Highly Commended: NOW Group
Team of the Year: Selective Travel Management, Highly Commended: ICC Belfast | Waterfront Hall | Ulster Hall
Technology Business: FinTrU, Highly Commended: Analytics Engines
Young Business Person (Under 35): Matthew Nesbitt | HALO, Highly Commended: Jack Duddy | HireIQ
Best Restaurant: 2 Taps Winebar, Highly Commended: Cyprus Avenue
Best Coffee Shop: Bob & Berts
Lifetime Achievement: Peter Keeling
Spirit of Belfast: Gerry Blain

1. Belfast Business Awards
The Artemis Technologies team, honoured with the Business Innovation Award Photo: DARREN KIDD

2. Belfast Business Awards
Diaceutics team members, including founder Peter Keeling, account business analyst Rachael Hewit and VP of human resources Norma Thompson, pictured with their awards Photo: @Matt Mackey

3. Belfast Business Awards
Thomas O’Hagan, chief commercial officer of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure firm Weev, awarded Business Leader of the Year, pictured with Peter McCausland, director at Value Cab Photo: DARREN KIDD

4. Belfast Business Awards
Peter Keeling, Founder of Diaceutics, proudly receives the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award Photo: DARREN KIDD