Belfast Telegraph Business Awards 2024: Major NI company named Outstanding Business of the Year

Winners were announced across 19 categories at a glittering awards ceremony on Thursday in Belfast’s Crowne Plaza Hotel. It was attended by around 500 people, including Economy Minister Conor Murphy.

The Minister said the optimism of the ceremony reflected the general mood of the business community here.

"I congratulate all the winners, nominees and all businesses in attendance who are at the forefront of writing a new, more prosperous chapter for our economy,” he added.

Mark Crimmins, head of Northern Ireland for title sponsor Ulster Bank, said: “This year’s Business Awards in partnership with Ulster Bank were a fantastic showcase for the local business community and it was fantastic to see so many industries and business leaders represented on stage.

“Congratulations to all the winners, who exemplify the talent and innovation companies here are so renowned for and rightly deserve to be celebrated for all they have achieved.

“It’s been wonderful to be associated with awards again this year and sincere thanks must go to the team at the Belfast Telegraph for delivering a great event and to all of the judges and other partners who made tonight a success.”

Drug development company Almac Group, which is based in Craigavon and employs around 7,000 people worldwide, was praised by the judging panel, led by Belfast Chamber chief executive Clare Guinness.

They said: “Almac’s turnover has grown significantly year-on-year, but it stands out for its ethos, values and its commitment to Northern Ireland.

"It has also adopted science-based climate targets, including transitioning to renewable energy and zero waste to landfill and has a significant CSR programme, including generous donations to charity."

They said the company was to be commended for expanding in Northern Ireland, adding two new facilities in Craigavon and announcing a centre of excellence at Queen’s University.

Almac Group, a privately-owned business, is regarded by major global biopharma companies as a trusted expert in drug research and development and diagnostic services.

Dame Rotha Johnston was celebrated for a distinguished career spanning textiles, economic development, foodservice, banking, property investment and film.

With her husband Henry, she developed the first all-Ireland foodservice business, selling to Musgrave Foodservices in 2006.

She was chair of Northern Ireland Screen from 2013 to 2021 and is the former chair of NIE Networks. During 2022 she was a member of the Independent Review Panel of Invest NI.

Belfast Telegraph Business Awards 2024

Eoin Brannigan, editor in chief of the Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life, said: “We are delighted to honours the stars and often unsung heroes of Northern Ireland’s economy by holding the Business Awards every year.

"The last two events went ahead when we had no Executive so I was particularly happy to see the Economy Minister in attendance.

"Thank you to Ulster Bank and all our sponsors for their support and well done to all the winners, especially Almac Group and Dame Rotha Johnston, who collected a Lifetime Achievement Award."

Ms Guinness said the awards were a chance to celebrate the vibrant business community.

"Chairing the awards and working with an expert panel of judges is of course a pleasure, but the true enjoyment is drawn from reading the quality applications from businesses of all types, across all sectors and from all parts of Northern Ireland,” she said.

Winners across 19 categories in the 2024 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards in partnership with Ulster Bank:

• Outstanding Business of the Year sponsored by Ulster Bank: Almac Group
• Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by Ulster Bank: Dame Rotha Johnston
• Best Large Company of the Year sponsored by Wilson Nesbitt: Almac Group
• Best Medium Sized Business of the Year sponsored by Ulster University Business School: Grand Opera House
• Best Small Business of the Year sponsored by Down Royal Racecourse: Sensoteq
• Best Start-up or Emerging Business of the Year sponsored by venYou: Nomadic Watches
• Corporate Community Champion sponsored by Belfast City Airport: Musgrave Northern Ireland
• Employer of the Year sponsored by Vickerstock: Musgrave Northern Ireland
• Excellence in Exporting sponsored by Belfast Harbour: The Deluxe Group
• Excellence in Innovation sponsored by Smurfit Kappa: Alternative Heat
• Excellence in Manufacturing sponsored by Invest NI: Elite Electronic Systems
• Excellence in Marketing sponsored by S3 Creative: Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke
• Excellence in the Development of Management & Leadership sponsored by NI Chamber of Commerce & Industry: Kilwaughter Minerals
• Excellence in Workplace Health and Wellbeing sponsored by Kingsbridge Membership Club: Cleaver Fulton Rankin
• Family Business of the Year sponsored by AbbeyAutoline: Cleary Contracting
• Retail Sector Business or Retailer of the Year sponsored by Retail NI: Primacy Meats
• Outstanding Commitment to ESG sponsored by Almac Group: Vyta
• Tourism & Hospitality Company of the Year sponsored by Belfast International Airport: Hillyard House Hotel
• Young Business Person of the Year sponsored by Queen’s University Belfast: Andrew McKee of Start Solar

Here’s how the evening unfolded:

Key updates

Outstanding Business of the Year

Lifetime Achievement Award

Welcome to the 2024 Belfast Telegraph Business Awards

02/05/2024 22:28

Sarah Harford

That's all folks...

That's it for the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards for another year. Huge congratulations to all tonight's winners.

02/05/2024 22:16

Sarah Harford

Outstanding Business of the Year

Our final award of the night is Outstanding Business of the Year, sponsored by Ulster Bank.

This has been presented to Almac, recognising the NI-headquartered company’s role as a world leader in the drug development lifecycle.

Since its founding by the late Allen McClay, Almac has made a range of strategic acquisitions, broken into new markets and increased its expertise in drug development, clinical trials and more.

Its turnover has grown significantly year on year and it continues to expand its footprint in Northern Ireland. It recently completed two new facilities in Craigavon to expand its manufacturing and packing capabilities, and proposed a new Chemoproteomics Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery with Queen’s University.

02/05/2024 22:13

Sarah Harford

Employer of the Year

Musgrave Northern Ireland has been named winner of the Employer of the Year award, sponsored by Vickerstock.

Retail and wholesale giant Musgrave is a hugely positive force in Northern Ireland both economically and socially, supporting the employment of over 4,750 people across 300 locations.

Congratulations also go to Clearbox for being highly commended in this category.

02/05/2024 22:11

Sarah Harford

Best Large Company of the Year

Almac has been named winner of the Best Large Company of the Year award, sponsored by Wilson Nesbitt.

Working with major biopharma companies across the world to develop vital treatments, Craigavon-headquartered Almac has become a trusted expert in drug research and development and diagnostic services. It employs more than 7,000 people across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Europe, the US and Asia.

Congratulations also go to Fibrus for being highly commended in this category.

02/05/2024 22:08

Sarah Harford

Best Medium Sized Business of the Year

Grand Opera House has been named winner of the Best Medium Sized Business of the Year award, sponsored by Ulster University Business School.

As Northern Ireland’s premier theatre, the Grand Opera House attracts more than 300,000 people each year with its varied programme of drama, dance, opera, comedy, musicals and family shows.

Congratulations also go to Smurfit Kappa for being highly commended in this category.

02/05/2024 22:06

Sarah Harford

Excellence in Innovation

Alternative Heat has been named winner of the Excellence in Innovation award, sponsored by Smurfit Kappa.

Headquartered in Banbridge, Alternative Heat operates at the forefront of offsite prefabrication development and deployment in the mission critical and decarbonisation sectors. It is closing out 2024 with turnover of £60m – set to be £100m next year.

Congratulations also go to Cloudsmith for being highly commended in this category.

02/05/2024 22:03

Sarah Harford

Excellence in Manufacturing

Elite Electronic Systems has been named winner of the Excellence in Manufacturing award, sponsored by Invest NI.

As a supplier of sub-contract electrical components, Elite Electronics Systems’ commitment to cutting-edge electronics across diverse markets has driven sustainable growth and solidified its position as a market leader.

Congratulations also go to Mivan Ltd for being highly commended in this category.

02/05/2024 22:01

Sarah Harford

Excellence in Exporting

The Deluxe Group has been named winner of the Excellence in Exporting award, sponsored by Belfast Harbour.

The Deluxe Group has become a world leader designing and building experiences and interiors in the theme park, luxury hospitality and cruise sectors, working in the US, Europe, Middle East and Japan for clients such as Universal and Disney.

Congratulations also go to Alternative Heat for being highly commended in this category.

02/05/2024 21:59

Sarah Harford

Excellence in Marketing

Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke has been named winner of the Excellence in Marketing award, sponsored by S3 Creative.

The charity organisation was recognised for its vaping awareness marketing campaign targeted at young people and parents, aiming to raise awareness of the dangers and health risks associated with vaping.

Congratulations also go to Grand Opera House and MKB Law for being highly commended in this category. 

02/05/2024 21:56

Sarah Harford

Tourism & Hospitality Company of the Year

Hillyard House Hotel has been named winner of the Tourism & Hospitality Company of the Year award, sponsored by Belfast International Airport.

A wonderful boutique hotel located beside the entrance to Castlewellan Forest Park, Hillyard House has an emphasis on creating memorable guest experiences across its accommodation, restaurant and bar.

Congratulations also go to Hastings Hotels for being highly commended in this category.

02/05/2024 21:54

Sarah Harford

Retail Sector Business or Retailer of the Year

Primacy Meats has been named winner of the Retail Sector Business or Retailer of the Year award, sponsored by Retail NI.

This is a family-owned farm shop offering a traditional butchers, greengrocers, deli, fish counter, coffee shop and more. Championing local producers and suppliers, offering quality products, excellent customer service and a hub for the local community.

Congratulations also go to Musgrave NI and Stairlift Solutions for being highly commended in this category.

02/05/2024 21:51

Sarah Harford

Excellence in the Development of Management & Leadership

Kilwaughter Minerals has been named winner of the Excellence in the Development of Management & Leadership award, sponsored by Northern Ireland Chamber.

A manufacturer of products for the construction and agri sectors, Kilwaughter’s excellence in the development of management and leadership is evident through its sustained growth, impact on shareholders and the wider economy.

Congratulations also go to Irwin M&E for being highly commended in this category.

02/05/2024 21:49

Sarah Harford

Excellence in Workplace Health and Wellbeing

Cleaver Fulton Rankin has been named winner of the Excellence in Workplace Health and Wellbeing award, sponsored by Kingsbridge Membership Club.

The commercial law firm is committed to prioritising the health and wellbeing of its team, introducing forward-thinking policies and initiatives to support employee mental and physical wellbeing, and facilitating an open and inclusive environment for employees to participate in the implementation of its plans.

Congratulations also go to Smurfit Kappa for being highly commended in this category.

02/05/2024 21:47

Sarah Harford

Corporate Community Champion

Musgrave Northern Ireland has been named winner of the Corporate Community Champion award, sponsored by Belfast City Airport.

The food, retail, wholesale and food service company has a focus on building long-term relationships and working to benefit communities. There are few corporate charity partnerships that rival the strength and longevity of that between Musgrave NI and Action Cancer, which has been running for 24 years.

Congratulations also go to Northern Ireland Water for being highly commended in this category.

02/05/2024 21:44

Sarah Harford

Outstanding Commitment to ESG

Vyta has been named winner of the Outstanding Commitment to ESG award, sponsored by Almac.

Vyta is a leader in IT asset disposition and lifecycle management, helping organisations manage redundant IT equipment responsibly. Not only is the company’s core service the provision of sustainable disposal, but its operation is built upon a sustainable ethos.

Congratulations also go to Wilson’s Country for being highly commended in this category.

02/05/2024 21:42

Sarah Harford

Young Business Person of the Year

Andrew McKee of Start Solar has been named winner of the Young Business Person of the Year award, sponsored by Queen’s University Belfast.

Since establishing Start Solar in 2021, Andrew has grown it into a business turning over more than £15m. Specialising in commercial and residential solar systems as well as battery storage, EV charging points and energy auditing, the company now has six offices across the UK and Ireland and more than 100 staff.

Congratulations also go to Louise McLaughlin of Home Instead for being highly commended in this category.

02/05/2024 21:39

Sarah Harford

Family Business of the Year

Cleary Contracting has been named winner of the Family Business of the Year award, sponsored by AbbeyAutoline.

From humble beginnings 40 years ago, the Cleary family has developed a construction business with a focus on sustainability, employee development and community commitment.

Congratulations also go to Feedwell Dog Food for being highly commended in this category.

02/05/2024 21:37

Sarah Harford

Best Start-up or Emerging Business of the Year

Nomadic Watches has been named winner of the Best Start-up or Emerging Business of the Year award, sponsored by venYou.

Founded in 2021, Nomadic has become one of the fastest-growing luxury watch brands in the UK. Exporting to 39 countries, the company is on a mission to put Belfast on the watchmaking map.

Congratulations also go to Weev for being highly commended in this category.

02/05/2024 21:36

Sarah Harford

Best Small Business of the Year

Sensoteq has been named winner of the Best Small Business of the Year award, sponsored by Down Royal Racecourse.

Sensoteq is a fast-growing Belfast business on a mission to “provide a sustainable future to the industrial world”. Its wireless IoT technology is helping some of the world’s largest companies transition to greener, safer and more responsible production practices.

Congratulations also go to DFI Beds for being highly commended in this category.

02/05/2024 21:34

Sarah Harford

Now we move on to the main awards of the evening, with the winners chosen by our judging panel.

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