THE head of one of Britain and Ireland's leading food-to-go manufacturers has been chosen as Herbert Smith Freehill's Young Leader of the Year.
Gareth Chambers, CEO of Newry sandwich firm Around Noon Ltd was recognised with the annual award for overseeing an exponential growth of the food business over the past five years.
The accolade comes just days after the company collected an unprecedented three awards at the Sammies – organised by the British Sandwich Association and the leading accolades of their kind in the UK.
Around Noon employs more than 200 people at Greenbank industrial estate and boasting clients including Starbucks and Henderson Group, is on course to increase its turnover by nearly a third from £14 million last year to around £20 million in 2017.
Mr Chambers has a vision for Around Noon to be the UK and Ireland’s leading manufacturer of 'food on the move' and has developed a five year plan, 'To the Moon 2021', with the aim of growing turnover to £100 million.
Lisa McLaughlin, director of Herbert Smith Freehills' Belfast office said the 32-year-old was a worthy winner.
"Our award winner Gareth has demonstrated his commitment to delivering outstanding service in his sector, and exhibited exceptional leadership qualities, including technical excellence and the commitment to nurturing and developing his team, which are at the core of Herbert Smith Freehills' values. Gareth will receive a place on one of the executive courses at The William J Clinton Leadership Institute at Queen's University which will present a fantastic opportunity for him to continue to enhance his skills and inspire others to become young leaders."
The announcement of this year's winner was made at the Young Leaders' Northern Ireland Conference, organised by Young Leaders NI.
