'Unique opportunity to engage with global leader': Northern Ireland represented in major Irish trade and leadership mission to Toronto
Seven business leaders are among a 150-strong Irish delegation taking part in the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year CEO Retreat, designed to build global connections, explore new markets and support business growth
Seven Northern Ireland entrepreneurs are among a 150-strong delegation travelling to Toronto this week as part of the annual EY Entrepreneur Of The Year CEO Retreat.
Representing a range of sectors from retail and manufacturing to technology and sustainability, the local business leaders taking part are John Lunn of Lunn’s; Paul Vallely and Clare Walsh of Kukoon; Brian Moloney of StormHarvester; Maire Claire Reid of TST Group; and Paul, Gary and Mike Martin of Martin Group.
The retreat, which runs until Saturday, is a key part of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year programme and is designed to support entrepreneurs as they scale their businesses, develop leadership skills and explore international growth opportunities.
This year’s delegation includes the 24 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year finalists alongside alumni from across the island of Ireland, with support from Enterprise Ireland, Invest Northern Ireland and Julius Baer International.
Participants will take part in a week-long programme of executive education, leadership workshops and networking events, while also engaging with some of Canada’s leading business and innovation organisations.
Toronto was selected as this year’s host city due to its reputation as a global hub for financial services, technology and innovation, offering entrepreneurs exposure to one of North America’s fastest-growing business ecosystems.
The programme includes visits to Microsoft Canada, EY Canada, the Toronto Stock Exchange and the MaRS Discovery District, alongside leadership sessions at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto.
Rob Heron, EY Northern Ireland managing partner said: “The CEO Retreat is one of the most important and impactful elements of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year programme.
"Each year, we bring together a group of exceptional entrepreneurs and provide them with the opportunity to step away from their day-to-day businesses, broaden their perspective and build meaningful, lasting connections.
“Toronto is a world-class business city, known for its leadership in financial services, technology and innovation. It offers our entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to engage with global leaders, explore new markets and deepen their understanding of one of the most dynamic economies in North America.
“Beyond the business programme, the retreat is also about connection. It is a time for our entrepreneurs to learn from one another, challenge their thinking and develop relationships that often translate into long-term collaboration. We hope this experience will inspire new ideas, partnerships and ambition for this outstanding group of entrepreneurs.”
He added that the retreat also plays an important role in building long-term relationships between entrepreneurs across sectors and regions.
The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Ireland community now includes more than 680 alumni businesses, generating combined revenues of more than €28bn and employing over 275,000 people across the island of Ireland.