The best of Belfast recognised at Belfast Chamber Business Awards

Over the past eight years the awards have become renowned for being the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the pride that organisations and individuals have for the city’s business community, and for celebrating the excellence and achievements of Belfast businesses delivering an exceptional impact on the local economy and beyond.

At the glittering awards ceremony, Ellvena Graham OBE was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award recognising all that she has accomplished in her forward thinking, commitment and dedication to business life in Belfast.

Speaking of receiving the Belfast Chamber Awards Lifetime Achievement Award, Ellvena said: “I am absolutely delighted to receive this Award. To be honest, lifetime achievement sounds strange as I certainly feel I have more to give! Belfast has come a long way in my lifetime and more particularly in the last 25 years since the signing of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement. Our economy is transformed and we now have a thriving city - an attractive place to invest, live, work and visit. Just ask the students who now inhabit state of the art accommodation in our city centre, or the multinationals who occupy many of our newest buildings, and the international visitors who spend time in our hotels, pubs, and restaurants in record numbers.

“Commerce has always been in my blood, and I’m delighted to see the progress and to maybe have helped in some small way along the journey. Of course we still face some big challenges but we have momentum, and that’s a good thing.

“It’s really pleasing to get an award like this so close to home. To win this award from Belfast Chamber means so much more than awards and accolades from people who don’t know me! So, thank you. And thank you to all those who have encouraged and supported (and challenged!) me along the way. It’s been a fabulous journey so far.”

Gavin Annon, president of Belfast Chamber, said: “It is truly heartening to witness the impact that the Belfast Chamber Business Awards winners and nominees have made to the broader business community and I am thrilled to see so many businesses recognised for their hard work and tenacity.

“Presenting Ellvena Graham OBE with the Lifetime Achievement Award recognises her extraordinary contribution to the business landscape of our city and I know her leadership has inspired countless others to excel in their own business endeavours.

“We are proud of all the winners and extend our congratulations to them. The Belfast Chamber Business Awards is a reflection of Belfast’s vibrant and thriving business environment and we have celebrated almost 200 business leaders, individuals and businesses since these awards began.”

Paul McClurg, head of Belfast Business Banking, Bank of Ireland, principal sponsor of the Belfast Chamber Awards, said: “Bank of Ireland is delighted to work alongside the Belfast Chamber for the 2023 Business Awards, marking eight years of partnership for this important awards programme.

“Business and enterprise play a vital role in the growth of the economy and we are delighted to have the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements and success of so many businesses and business leaders.

“Bank of Ireland first opened its Belfast branch almost 200 years ago, and while there have been lots of changes in both business and banking over that time, our commitment to supporting enterprise, entrepreneurship and innovation remains unchanged as we continue to help our customers achieve their financial ambitions.

“We are proud to support the Belfast Chamber Business Awards which shine a light on the excellence, ambition and imagination demonstrated by businesses across Belfast, and congratulate each of the inspiring and deserving winners and shortlisted finalists of the 2023 Business Awards.”

Belfast Chamber Business Awards winners 2023:

Business Innovation Award sponsored by Belfast Harbour: B-Secur

Customer Service Excellence Award sponsored by Belfast One: ICC Belfast / Waterfront Hall / Ulster Hall

Excellence in Contribution to the Community Award sponsored by Ulster University: Musgrave Northern Ireland

Best New Business Award sponsored by Belfast City Council: Nomadic Watches Ltd

Social Enterprise of the Year Award sponsored by CGI: Belfast FM Ltd

Business Premises of the Year Award sponsored by Linen Quarter BID: Custom House Managed Offices Ltd

Diversity and Inclusion Award sponsored by Equality Commission for Northern Ireland: FinTrU

Family Business of the Year Award sponsored by Value Car Parks: Openfolde Ltd

Best Company To Work For Award (Large) sponsored by Bauer Media: FinTrU

Best Company To Work For Award (Small) sponsored by Bauer Media: Catalyst

Business Success Award sponsored by Grant Thornton: Bathshack

Communication Excellence Award sponsored by Global: Brown O’Connor Communications

Young Business Person of the Year Award sponsored by Victoria Square: Catherine Ashman, Castlecourt Shopping Centre

Team of the Year Award sponsored by Castlecourt: PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC)

Business Leader of the Year Award sponsored by Wilson Nesbitt: Dr Sara Venning, Northern Ireland Water

Best Digital Business Award sponsored by Eir Evo: Used Cars NI

Best Eatery Award sponsored by Belfast Chamber: Nu Delhi Lounge Belfast

Best Coffee Shop Award sponsored by Belfast Chamber: The Pocket

Best Creative Business Award sponsored by Destination CQ: Rapid Agency

Employee of the Year Award sponsored by Abacus: James Dougal, Precept IT

International Business Award sponsored by Department for Business and Trade: International Business Centre Ltd

Green Champion Award sponsored by Power NI: Musgrave Northern Ireland

Technology Business of the Year Award sponsored by Brewin Dolphin: Artemis Technologies Ltd

Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by Bank of Ireland: Ellvena Graham OBE

For further information, please visit: www.belfastchamber.com

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