AHEAD of the culmination of this year's Invent Awards 2016, Newry businessman Martin Naughton has been named as Innovation Founder of the Year.
Each year the award goes to a person who has achieved distinction in founding, leading or building a celebrated local science- or technology-based business.
Mr Naughton will receive the honour at the Invent Award final on Thursday September 29 at the Belfast Waterfront Hall, joining a venerable list of previous recipients including Brian Conlon, Dr William Wright and Prof John Anderson.
After opening a small electrical manufacturing operation in 1973 in Newry, making oil-filled radiators with just seven employees, Mr Naughton went on to acquire Dimplex, Morphy Richards and Bianella to become the world's largest manufacturer of domestic heating appliances.
Glen Dimplex Group now employs more than 10,000 staff across 22 manufacturing facilities spread all over the world and boasts annual sales of around £1.5 billion.
Steve Orr, director at Catalyst's Connect programme and awards organiser, said: "Given the massive impact that our Innovation Founders have had on the local and international economies over the past several decades, this is our most important award each year.
"I'm delighted Martin Naughton is being given a much-deserved accolade for his contribution to Northern Ireland's innovation economy. He’s an inspiration to us all."
