THE former head of Ulster Bank and the current chair of Tourism NI has been given a Lifetime Achievement accolade by Belfast Chamber of Commerce.
Ellvena Graham was recognised alongside more than 20 other businesses and individuals at the Chamber's annual awards initiative, which celebrated the excellence and achievements of those delivering an exceptional impact on the city's economy and beyond.
One of the best-known female business figures in Northern Ireland, Ellvena is an experienced chair, non-executive director and advisory board member, working across a number of different sectors including Energy, banking, agri-food, tourism, higher education, sport and the arts.
As well as her role with Tourism NI, she is chair of Catalyst and a non-executive director in Dale Farm.
Among a range of other interests, she has chaired the Electricity Supply Board (ESB), one of the major state-owned utilities in Ireland, is a senior independent governor of Queen’s University Belfast, chair of the Belfast Waterfront & Ulster Hall (BWUH) Ltd and a non-executive director of Ulster Bank.
Ellvena also served two terms as president of NI Chamber of Commerce, and in 2018 received an OBE in New Year's Honours list for services to the economy and the advancement of women in business.
“Ellvena has made an extraordinary contribution to the business landscape of our city, and I know her leadership has inspired countless others to excel in their own business endeavours,” said Belfast Chamber president Gavin Annon.
In response, Ellvena told the 500 guests: “To be honest, lifetime achievement sounds strange as I certainly feel I have more to give.
“Belfast has come a long way in my lifetime, and more particularly in the last 25 years since the signing of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement. Our economy is transformed and we now have a thriving city - an attractive place to invest, live, work and visit.
“Commerce has always been in my blood, and I’m delighted to see the progress and to maybe have helped in some small way along the journey. Thank you to all those who have encouraged and supported and challenged me along the way. It’s been a fabulous journey so far.”
Winners at the 2023 Belfast Chamber Business Awards, held in partnership with Bank of Ireland, are:
- Business Innovation - B-Secur
- Customer Service Excellence - ICC Belfast/Waterfront Hal/Ulster Hall
- Excellence in Contribution to the Community - Musgrave Northern Ireland
- Best New Business -Nomadic Watches Ltd
- Social Enterprise of the Year - Belfast FM Ltd
- Business Premises of the Year - Custom House Managed Offices Ltd
- Diversity and Inclusion - FinTrU
- Family Business - Openfolde Ltd
- Best Company To Work For (Large) - FinTrU
- Best Company To Work For (Small) - Catalyst
- Business Success - Bathshack
- Communication Excellence - Brown O’Connor Communications
- Young Business Person of the Year - Catherine Ashman, Castlecourt Shopping Centre
- Team of the Year - PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC)
- Business Leader of the Year - Dr Sara Venning, Northern Ireland Water
- Best Digital Business - Used Cars NI
- Best Eatery - Nu Delhi Lounge Belfast
- Best Coffee Shop - The Pocket
- Best Creative Business - Rapid Agency
- Employee of the Year - Precept IT
- International Business Award - International Business Centre Ltd
- Green Champion Award - Musgrave Northern Ireland
- Technology Business of the Year - Artemis Technologies Ltd
- Lifetime Achievement Award - Ellvena Graham OBE
