6 days ago
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
How the North-South Business Cooperation Awards can drive growth across the island of Ireland
The inaugural North-South Business Co-operation Awards Ireland - launched by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, creator and owner of the easy family of brands including and many others (see and and the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation (see and - are more than a symbolic recognition.
They embody a commitment to building a better, more connected future on the island of Ireland. Through this initiative, the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation is providing a platform for businesses to grow, hire employees and contribute meaningfully to the all-island economy.
According to Ian Jeffers, CEO of Co-operation Ireland, the Awards offer practical support for businesses with cross-border ambitions to take their operations to the next stage of growth. With a total prize fund of €500,000, the Awards are designed to celebrate and support entrepreneurs who are building commercial bridges between North and South, helping to fuel job creation and deepen economic integration across communities.
'These Awards are about more than recognition - they offer tangible support to help businesses grow, scale and deepen their cross-border collaborations,' Jeffers explains. 'Whether it's investing in infrastructure, expanding headcount or reaching new markets, this support can make a real difference.'
The Awards align with Co-operation Ireland's mission of promoting peace, prosperity, and shared understanding through practical collaboration.
'Business has a unique ability to transcend boundaries. Entrepreneurs are solutions-focused by nature, and when people work together on shared goals like building a successful company, trust grows organically. That's why these Awards align so closely with our mission at Co-operation Ireland,' he says.
The Awards take inspiration from similar business awards run by the Stelios Foundation in Cyprus, the birthplace of Sir Stelios' parents, for the last 16 years. The bi-communal awards in Cyprus reward Greek Cypriot entrepreneurs and Turkish Cypriot entrepreneurs who are engaged in joint business on the island. The success of this model in Cyprus has demonstrated the power of entrepreneurship in bridging divides and now forms the blueprint for this all-island initiative in Ireland.
The island's prosperity depends on connectivity and collaboration, and these awards support that vision. They highlight real businesses doing real work and succeeding because of cooperation. North-South trade has grown significantly - from €2 billion in 1999 to €15 billion today - yet there remains untapped potential, particularly for SMEs, which account for over 80pc of cross-border trade. These awards seek to harness that potential by supporting businesses already working across the island.
'The prize fund of €500,000 is significant. For businesses that are already demonstrating cross-border success, that next stage of scaling requires investment,' Jeffers explains. 'This initiative is about giving those businesses the means to grow further and faster.'
The prizes will be awarded as follows: the overall Gold-winning team will receive €150,000; two Silver-winning teams will receive €100,000 each; and six Bronze-winning teams will receive €25,000 each. The prizes can be paid in Sterling or Euro.
Moreover, these awards are not about politics - they are about economic partnerships. They celebrate business success stories that happen to cross a geographic line. This aligns with Co-operation Ireland's wider ambition to build a shared and cohesive society through practical cooperation.
The Stelios Foundation has a proven 20-year track record of philanthropy across Europe, with Ireland now a key focus. Its work spans both high-impact charities and grassroots initiatives, with a consistent emphasis on supporting entrepreneurship, education, disability rights, food security, and cross-community peace.
'This isn't just a PR exercise. The Stelios Foundation has consistently provided tangible support in areas where it can make a difference. These awards build on that commitment and bring it to Ireland in a way that aligns with both business needs and social cohesion,' Jeffers says.
The North-South Business Co-operation Awards also reflect the broader history of connection between the Stelios brand and the island of Ireland.
'Just as easyJet brought people together across Europe, these Awards bring together businesses across the island of Ireland, empowering them to grow, hire and contribute to a stronger all-island economy.'
The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, 30th October 2025, at Castle Leslie Estate in County Monaghan, a symbolic location close to the border, chosen to honour the spirit of cross-community partnership. Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou will personally present the awards and meet the finalists.
Looking ahead, Jeffers hopes these Awards will inspire further cooperation: 'These awards are not just about businesses - they're about people. They help entrepreneurs create jobs, build partnerships, and strengthen the social and economic links that connect communities across the island.'
