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Belfast Telegraph
5 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.'
Belfast Telegraph
16-07-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Building Bridges: Ireland can benefit from more cross-border business collaboration
The Stelios Foundation, established by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, creator and owner of the easy family of brands, has a distinguished history in supporting entrepreneurship, education and cross-community cooperation. Its latest initiative, the North-South Business Cooperation Awards, brings that ethos to Ireland with a prize fund of €500,000 to celebrate and support cross-border business collaboration. These new awards came about indirectly from a talk I gave at the Princess Grace Irish Library in Monaco, which is supported by Sir Stelios. During a function attended by His Royal Highness Prince Albert at which I spoke about Irish America, Sir Stelios told me of his desire to expand his philanthropy in Ireland by supporting business development there. That was music to my ears. During my 44 years with Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs, I always attached priority to economic diplomacy. I take the view that prosperity provides communities with the financial wherewithal to give effect to societal goals and ambitions. Sir Stelios and I discussed his idea of boosting entrepreneurship in Ireland through North-South business awards modelled on what the Stelios Foundation already does in Cyprus. I was enthusiastic about his idea because of my long-term interest in strengthening cross-border economic ties. I take the view that both parts of Ireland benefit from economic expansion across the border. Economically, we are in it together and can help each other swim in the increasingly-turbulent tide of today's world. During my time as Ambassador in London and especially in Washington, I cooperated closely with those whose job it was to promote Northern Ireland's economic interests, which overlapped strongly with the interests I was there to advance. I was in Belfast in April 1998 for the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. The most important achievement that day was to provide a framework for a lasting peace and a political process to manage relations within Northern Ireland, on the island of Ireland and between Britain and Ireland. I remember too how an economic dividend was keenly anticipated. Although there have been many ups and downs during the past 27 years, Northern Ireland as a whole has derived significant economic benefit from the coming of peace although that has not been felt by all. Those years have also been exceptional ones for the Irish economy which, international disruptions notwithstanding, has recorded consistently-high growth figures. There is, however, still some way to go before we can confidently say that the economic potential of a peaceful Ireland has been fully realised to the benefit of all communities. Enhanced cross-border flows of trade and investment are important aspects of the Agreement's economic dividend. Proximity is a powerful driver of business activity. All over Europe there are active cross-border connections that help create and sustain jobs and prosperity for border communities. In Ireland, cross-border economic ties were once stunted by political and security barriers, but are now flourishing. Trade has grown strongly, rising from €2 billion in 1999 to €15 billion today, and with exciting potential for further growth. North-South trade has flourished in all major industrial sectors as well as in agriculture and services. It is estimated that some 81% of cross-border trade is accounted for by SMEs. In a world bedeviled by uncertainties affecting international trade, nearby markets assume greater importance. This makes it essential that the full potential of North-South trade be realised to the benefit of employment, prosperity and community cohesion across this island. The aim of the North-South Business Cooperation Awards Ireland is to encourage and reward shining examples of cross-border business collaboration. I have been told by InterTrade Ireland that, in the 25 years since its establishment, it has supported more than 60,000 businesses across the island of Ireland which has contributed to the creation of 23,000 jobs. I hope that innovative companies will apply for these new North-South awards and that the collaborations they carry forward will help underpin peace and prosperity in Ireland in the years and decades ahead. Entries are now invited for the North-South Business Cooperation Awards Ireland from companies engaged in cross-border business collaborations or with a customer base in both parts of Ireland. Entry Conditions: Applicants should preferably comprise of a company registered in the Companies Registration Office ( in Ireland and a company registered with Companies House (Belfast) with the registered office being in Northern Ireland. Both companies must be start-ups incorporated in the last five years, 2019 or later. Each company should have an entrepreneur, founder or shareholder who owns at least 50% of the shares. The two entrepreneurs must be working in a joint business activity on the island of Ireland, across any sector of the economy. Each company must have a minimum annual turnover of €200,000 / £160,000 and must employ at least three other staff members, not including the owner. Alternatively, companies can apply on their own (without a second team member) if they can demonstrate significant cross-border economic activity, including a customer base in both markets.
Irish Independent
19-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
EasyJet founder backs cross-border business awards
The inaugural North–South Business Cooperation Awards aim to celebrate and support cross-border entrepreneurship and encourage start-ups on the island of Ireland. A total prize fund of €500,000 will be awarded to 18 entrepreneurs, across nine teams, who have started businesses registered in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland within the past five years and are now trading cross-border. The winner of the largest Gold Award will receive €150,000. The awards are backed by Mr Haji-Ioannou, creator and owner of the 'easy' family of brands, and the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation. The new awards are inspired by similar cross-border business awards run by the Stelios Foundation in Cyprus, birthplace of Stelios Haji-Ioannou's parents, for the last 16 years. The awards in Cyprus reward Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot entrepreneurs who are engaged in joint business on the island. Speaking following the launch of the new Irish awards, Mr Haji-Ioannou said they embody a commitment to building a better, more connected future on the island of Ireland. 'When businesses from both sides of the border collaborate, they do more than drive economic growth; they build trust, create lasting jobs, and strengthen the social and economic fabric of our communities. We are working for lasting peace and economic prosperity on the island of Ireland,' he said. The awards process will culminate in a ceremony at Castle Leslie Estate, Co Monaghan on October 30. Ian Jeffers, chief executive of Co-operation Ireland, which is partnering on the initiative, said cross-border business partnerships can play a powerful role in promoting peace, prosperity and shared understanding. 'These awards recognise that co-operation is not just a shared ideal – it's a powerful driver of real economic progress,' he said. The awards are open to joint applications from a business in the Republic along with a partner in Northern Ireland that are engaged with each other in cross-border trade, or single entrants based in either jurisdiction. Eligible companies must be start-ups incorporated in the last five years, 2019 or later, with an entrepreneur, founder or shareholder who owns at least 50pc of the shares. Each company must have a minimum annual turnover of €200,000 (£160,000) and employ at least three other staff members, not including the owner.
Irish Post
18-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Post
easyJet founder launches €500,000 business awards to promote cross-border entrepreneurship in Ireland
EASYJET founder Stelios Haji-Ioannou has launched an initiative designed to celebrate and support cross-border entrepreneurship and encourage start-ups on the island of Ireland. The North-South Business Cooperation Awards will see a total prize fund of €500,000 awarded to 18 entrepreneurs, across nine teams, who have started businesses registered in Ireland or Northern Ireland within the past five years and who are now trading cross-border. "These awards represent more than just recognition — they embody a commitment to building a better, more connected future on the island of Ireland," said Mr Haji-Ioannou. 'Lasting peace and economic prosperity' The awards were launched today by the Stelios Foundation at the Monaghan Peace Campus. Among those in attendance was Daniel Mulhall, former Irish Ambassador to Britain, the US, Germany and Malaysia, who championed the initiative as a brilliant economic opportunity for all communities. The awards will culminate on Thursday, October 30 this year with a high-profile ceremony at Castle Leslie Estate in Co. Monaghan. The symbolic location close to the border was chosen to honour the spirit of cross-community partnership. Mr Haji-Ioannou — who launched the first flight from Luton Airport to Belfast a few months after the Good Friday agreement in 1998 — will personally present the awards and meet the finalists. "When businesses from both sides of the border collaborate, they do more than drive economic growth; they build trust, create lasting jobs and strengthen the social and economic fabric of our communities," said Mr Haji-Ioannou. "We are working for lasting peace and economic prosperity on the island of Ireland. "Just as easyJet brought people together across Europe, these awards bring businesses together across the island of Ireland — empowering them to grow, hire and contribute to a stronger all-island economy." 'Timely and inspiring' The initiative is being partnered by the charity Co-operation Ireland. Ian Jeffers, the charity's Chief Executive, said the awards would have a lasting economic benefit for all communities. "Cross-border business partnerships can play a powerful role in promoting peace, prosperity and shared understanding," he said. "These awards recognise that co-operation is not just a shared ideal — it's a powerful driver of real economic progress. "Sir Stelios' commitment to backing ambitious entrepreneurs across the island is both timely and inspiring. "By supporting ventures that operate beyond traditional boundaries, we're helping to embed lasting economic ties that benefit communities North and South." Applications are now open for cross-border business entrepreneurs that meet the criteria, with full details and entry forms available for download by clicking here. Applications are to be submitted to [email protected] no later than 5pm Irish time on September 15, 2025. See More: Easyjet, Monaghan, Stelios Haji-Ioannou
Belfast Telegraph
18-06-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Cross-border entrepreneurs now welcome to apply for €500,000 in prizes at new business awards
The mission of the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation is to support as diverse a range of charitable activities, primarily in places where the founder, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, and his family have lived and worked, which includes Ireland, the UK, Monaco, France, Greece, and Cyprus. Since 2011, Sir Stelios and easyGroup (his for-profit business) have donated to the Stelios Foundation, a UK-registered charity, more than €110 million. These donations have helped to support those who create a business which has both education and cross-community cooperation at its core, as well as promoting innovation, further job creation, and an enduring cooperation between communities. The Foundation is known for supporting both high-impact charities and grassroots initiatives, with a consistent focus on entrepreneurship, education, disability rights, food security, and cross-community peace. Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, creator and owner of the easy family of brands - including easyJet and easyHotel, (for more info, see and - has launched several awards for entrepreneurs in these countries. Moreover, easyJet in 1998, then a small private airline owned by Stelios, launched its first flights from Luton airport to Belfast just months after the Good Friday Agreement, making the move one of the first tangible peace dividends. EasyJet now holds a 70% market share at Belfast International Airport. These awards are designed to foster entrepreneurship and to show how entrepreneurs can create and support economic opportunities, mutual engagement, and reciprocal success The latest addition to the philanthropic initiatives supported by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou is the North–South Business Cooperation Awards, which has been created specifically to help celebrate and inspire innovative cross-border entrepreneurship on the island of Ireland. These awards are being organised in conjunction with Co-operation Ireland, an all-island peace-building organisation, which has decades of experience in promoting cross-community and cross-border activities in support of peace and reconciliation. These awards will support Co-operation Ireland's work in building a shared and cohesive society by facilitating contact and collaboration between people from different backgrounds across the island of Ireland. The North–South Business Cooperation Awards draw inspiration from a similar initiative long supported by the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation in Cyprus. Since 2009, the Stelios Bi-communal Cyprus Awards have encouraged collaboration between Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot entrepreneurs. 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. With a total prize fund of €500,000, this new awards scheme is looking to reward and nurture entrepreneurs who have developed cross-border business. By promoting entrepreneurial start-ups on the island of Ireland, the Awards aim to fuel job creation and deepen economic interaction across communities to the benefit of all. Speaking following the launch of the Awards, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou said: 'These Awards represent more than just recognition - they embody a commitment to building a better, more connected future on the island of Ireland. When businesses from both sides of the border collaborate, they do more than drive economic growth; they build trust, create lasting jobs, and strengthen the social and economic fabric of our communities. 'Just as easyJet brought people together across Europe, these Awards bring businesses together across the island of Ireland - empowering them to grow, hire and contribute to a stronger all-island economy. I look forward to meeting the finalists and recognising their achievements at Castle Leslie in October 2025.' For those who are interested in entering, the application process is open right now, and the deadline for entering is Tuesday 16 September 2025. The total prize fund of €500,000 in cash prizes will be broken down as follows: the overall Gold winning team will receive €150,000, two Silver winning teams will receive €100,000 per team, and six Bronze winning teams will receive €25,000 per team to invest in their businesses. The prizes can be paid in Sterling or Euro at the exchange rate on the date of the awards ceremony. The awards themselves will be given out on Thursday 30 October 2025, when Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou will personally present the awards and meet the finalists. This ceremony will take place within the historic surroundings of the Castle Leslie Estate, just off the banks of Glaslough Lake in County Monaghan. This location, so close to the border, has been specifically chosen in honour of the cross-community partnership at the core of this new award. More specific details on the criteria and additional requirements for prospective entrants of the inaugural North–South Business Cooperation Awards Ireland, can be found here: Eligibility criteria – Each company must be: Each team should preferably comprise of a company registered in the Companies Registration Office ( in Ireland and a company registered with Companies House (Belfast) with the registered office being in Northern Ireland. Both companies must be start-ups incorporated in the last five years, 2019 or later. Each company should have an entrepreneur, founder, or shareholder who owns at least 50% of the shares. The two entrepreneurs must be working in a joint business activity on the island of Ireland, across any sector of the economy. Each company must have a minimum annual turnover of €200,000 / £160,000 and must employ at least three other staff members, not including the owner. Alternatively, companies can apply on their own (without a second team member) if they can demonstrate significant cross-border economic activity, including a customer base in both markets. Other requirements: Only applications completed on the official form in typed format will be accepted. Handwritten applications will not be accepted. Attendance at the Awards Ceremony is required for winners. The winners will be announced by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou at a ceremony at the historic Castle Leslie to be followed by a luncheon on Thursday 30 October 2025. Applicants will be asked about their interest in potentially joining the 'easy' family of brands Judging decisions are made by Sir Stelios and are final
