Consulate partners with Irish Business Network Scotland on first anniversary awards dinner
The Consulate General of Ireland was delighted to partner with the Irish Business Network Scotland on its first anniversary awards dinner, which took place at Edinburgh City Chambers on 8 June.
The event marked the first anniversary of the launch of the Irish Business Network Scotland at Edinburgh Castle by Ireland’s Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Pascal Donohoe TD, and Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop MSP, on 8 June 2016.
The awards dinner was attended by 120 representatives of Irish and Scottish businesses, the Scottish and Irish Governments, and representatives of Enterprise Ireland.
Over 120 representatives attended the anniversary awards dinner in Edinburgh City Chambers
The Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development, Joe McHugh TD, travelled from Ireland to attend and address the event as guest of honour.
In his opening remarks, Colm Moloney, Chairperson of the Irish Business Network Scotland, reflected on the many achievements of the organisation over the course of the past year including the delivery of 13 networking events, and the establishment of a strong membership base representing a wide range of sectors from construction and renewables, to life sciences and financial services.
Consul General Mark Hanniffy congratulated the Network on their success, and emphasised the critical role of the network in developing and strengthening trade and investment links between Ireland and Scotland, particularly in the post-Brexit context.
In his keynote address, Minister of State McHugh underscored the continued importance of networking and building personal relationships in order to create business opportunities on both sides of the Irish Sea, and recognised the value of the Irish Business Network Scotland in this context.
Minister of State Joe McHugh TD underscores the value of networking in creating business opportunities
The awards ceremony took place after dinner, with winners announced in four categories:
- UrbanTide – winner of Innovative Start-Up Business Award
- John Dixon, Georgian Antiques – winner of Inspiring Business Leader Award
- Green Tourism – winner of Social Impact Award
- Roadbridge – winner of Ireland Scotland Award
Cathal Doherty and JP Garvan of Roadbridge, winner of the Ireland Scotland Award, pictured with Minister of State McHugh and Kevin Sherry, Executive Director, Enterprise Ireland
A charity raffle also took place after dinner, with all prizes kindly donated by members of the Irish Business Network Scotland, raising £1600 for St. Catharine’s Homeless Project in Edinburgh.
Learn more about the Irish Business Network Scotland.
See more pictures from this event, see the Consulate General of Ireland Facebook page.