Among the new categories in this year’s Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards was Young Business Leader of the Year, which has been supported by Gold category sponsor Queen’s University Belfast
Committed to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship, Queen’s acknowledges the significance of backing the future leaders of Northern Ireland, whose vision and creativity will propel the region’s economic growth.
"According to Joanne Mallon, who leads business engagement at the university, our choice to support this prize demonstrates our dedication to fostering entrepreneurial skills," she stated.
At Queen’s, we provide our students and alumni with the necessary skills, resources, and connections required to start and grow their own enterprises. Known for our expertise in entrepreneurship and innovation, we hold the distinction of being ranked second in the UK for entrepreneurial influence.
“A number of our schemes, including the Dragons' Den challenge and the InQUBate programme, are tailored explicitly to assist budding entrepreneurs in transforming their concepts into successful businesses.”
The "Mystery Shirt In A Box" venture led by Queen's University Belfast finance student Rory McLaughlin exemplifies such achievements. After securing £5,000 at the university's equivalent of Dragons' Den, Rory received ongoing guidance and backing from Queen's to expand his enterprise. Today, he manages a team of six employees and has dispatched over 100,000 shirts globally.
A thriving economy depends on nurturing an environment where emerging leaders can thrive, and the Irish News' Workplace and Employment Awards offer a crucial stage for acknowledging individuals who are leaving their mark at the start of their journeys. This, in turn, motivates others to pursue similar paths.
This acknowledgment holds particular worth in an area where nurturing local entrepreneurial efforts could substantially boost employment, drive sectoral creativity, and enhance enduring economic toughness.
At the vanguard of this initiative, Queen’s is energetically promoting advancement across various fields. The institution is spearheading three local innovation hubs as part of the Belfast Region City Deal, set to deliver significant social and economic benefits to the residents of Northern Ireland.
The Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), iREACH Health, and Momentum One Zero will spearhead groundbreaking developments in advanced manufacturing, clinical studies, and cutting-edge digital technology. This initiative aims to generate as many as 4,000 top-tier job opportunities, enhance productivity, boost local economic influence, and foster skill development.
It is anticipated that Queen’s innovation hubs will generate more than £4 billion in extra GDP for the Northern Ireland economy over the coming three decades. Additionally, these initiatives will serve as a springboard for enterprising individuals looking to establish and expand globally competitive enterprises originating from this region.
Aside from major programmes, Queen’s University has integrated entrepreneurship throughout its curriculum and student activities. The Queen’s Business School provides an entrepreneurial centre along with shared workspace where pupils can work together and hone their commercial concepts. Additionally, InnovateHer, an SU Enterprise programme tailored to equip women with the necessary entrepreneurial abilities to transform their ideas into tangible outcomes, supports this effort. Such schemes guarantee that aspiring entrepreneurs receive the assistance and financing required for success.
The SU Enterprise-led Make It Happen Fund offers grant money without requiring equity, up to £1,500, designed to assist Queen’s University students and alumni in expanding their enterprises. Ruchira Rangaprasad, who is studying Marketing Masters, has taken advantage of this funding for her venture, Balantra, which is transforming digestive wellness through advanced water-soluble fiber powder packs that she helped establish.
Furthermore, the university is turning top-tier research into business achievements via its enterprise division, QUBIS. Since 1984, this entity has generated over 4,500 high-value positions and supported the establishment of thriving offshoot firms like Catagen and Cirdan. This demonstrates that revolutionary research, alongside appropriate backing, can reshape sectors and position Northern Ireland at the cutting edge of development.
"Our alumni network bolsters this entrepreneurial environment even more. Through the InQUBate program, graduates connect with seasoned business leaders who offer both mentoring and investment opportunities, guaranteeing that entrepreneurial skills keep flourishing well beyond their time at Queen’s," Joanne stated.
At Queen’s University Belfast, we feel that backing emerging leaders is key to shaping our future. By funding the Young Business Leader of the Year Award, we underscore our dedication to fostering the trailblazers who will mold the economic landscape of tomorrow.
We eagerly anticipate commemorating their accomplishments and remain committed to contributing towards cultivating a setting where creativity and skill can thrive.