'Congratulations to all our winners and finalists': Belfast Harbour boss scoops top honour as city’s business stars shine at awards

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, former chair of both Belfast Harbour and NI Water and 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. Belfast City Airport was named Best Company to Work For (Large).

Now in its 11th year, the awards attracted more than 600 guests and 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 for Vyta, while The Malone Hotel won 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, said: “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 winners, HireIQ took home Best Company to Work For (Small), Axial3D won the Business Innovation Award, Emerald Urgent Care was named Best New Business, and Mammoth received the Digital and Creative Excellence Award.

GLL won the Social Value Award, while Musgrave Northern Ireland was recognised for Excellence in Contribution to the Community.

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 went to Michael Stewart, Belfast City Centre Night Czar.

Gavin North, senior business manager for 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.”

Belfast Business Awards 2026:

=Best Company to Work For – Large – Belfast City Airport

Best Company to Work For – Small – HireIQ

Best New Business – Emerald Urgent Care

Business Innovation Award – Axial3D

Business Leader of the Year – Joe O’Neill, Belfast Harbour

Business Success – Loada Balls

Communication Excellence Award – Victoria Square

Customer Service Excellence – Cathedral Eye Clinic

Digital and Creative Excellence – Mammoth

Employee of the Year – Caitlin Scollan, Artemis Human Capital

Excellence in Contribution to the Community – Musgrave Northern Ireland

Excellence in Sustainability – Vyta

Independent Hospitality Award – The Malone Hotel

Social Value Award – GLL

Spirit of Belfast – Michael Stewart

Team of the Year – CV6 Therapeutics

Young Business Person of the Year (Under 35) – Lucy McMullan, JAM

Lifetime Achievement – Dr Len O’Hagan