NEWRY accountancy chief Feargal McCormack has been bestowed with a lifetime achievement award.
The FPM Accountants founder and managing partner claimed the coveted gong at the 16th running of the AIB Business Eye Awards at the ICC Belfast, where winners across 19 different categories included the likes of Lidl, FinTrU, Bathshack and Hagan Homes.
Mr McCormack was hand-picked by the judges for the special award, bestowed to an individual who has made a significant and lasting contribution to their own business and sector and also to the north's business community and economy as a whole.
Business Eye Richard Buckley editor said: “This year's recipient is perfect for a lifetime achievement award, and as soon as his name was mentioned by one of our judging panel, we agreed on the spot and ended the discussion . . . we had our winner.
“Feargal is one of the most positive, optimistic, helpful and inspirational people I've ever had the pleasure to meet.”
The winner, accompanied to the awards dinner by his wife Anne, son Ruairi and his FPM business partners, said: “I'm humbled, surprised and honoured to receive this lifetime achievement award.
“I'm aware of the significant contribution Business Eye and its principals Richard and Brenda Buckley are making to the Northern Ireland economy, and on behalf of all tonight's award winners I express sincere thanks to them and the entire Business Eye team and all the award sponsors, especially AIB.
“From a personal perspective, my life has been a journey of learning and leadership experiences. Since I founded FPM over 30 years ago, my motivation in business has been to create a legacy business.
“The recent merger of FPM and the AAB Group will enhance the legacy of the business, by facilitating succession and transition to existing and future generations. From day one, I have been conscious that anything we have been fortunate to achieve, has been the result of a passionate collective TEAM effort, and I express sincere thanks to all current and former FPM/AAB team members, who have helped us along the way.
“I'm grateful that all my fellow FPM partners are here this evening, and our exciting journey together, has been reflected in this recognition tonight.”
Brian Gillan, head of retail & NI at headline sponsors AIB, said: “These awards act as a fantastic showcase of best-practice, leadership and innovation given the challenges currently facing our business community.
“It’s more important than ever that we take a step back and shine a light on the qualities that make our local business community so successful.”
