BELFAST HARBOUR NAMED NORTHERN IRELAND’S MOST RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS AT THE 2026 RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS AWARDS
Belfast Harbour has been named NI Responsible Company of the Year 2026 at the Business in the Community Responsible Business Awards in Northern Ireland.
This prestigious award is given to the company that best demonstrates a pioneering approach to responsible business, with an established commitment to making positive impacts across its people, the planet and the places where it operates.
In what was a hugely successful evening for the organisation, Belfast Harbour was also named winner in the Climate Award and Nature & Biodiversity categories, and Highly Commended in the Employer of Choice category.
2026 marks the 21st year of the Awards which are run in partnership with key sponsor Henry Brothers and event partners JP Corry and SPAR NI, drinks reception sponsor EY Northern Ireland, along with media partners Ulster Business and U105.
Belfast Harbour CEO Joe O’Neill said:
“We are honoured to be named BITC Northern Ireland Responsible Company of the Year. This recognition reflects the dedication of our colleagues, who work every day to ensure Belfast Harbour operates responsibly, sustainably and for the long-term benefit of the port and city.
“It is also a testament to the strong partnerships we share with our tenants, customers, stakeholders and community partners, whose support helps us create positive economic, social and environmental impacts across the areas in which we operate.
“As a Trust Port, we reinvest every pound we generate back into the port and estate giving us a unique responsibility to create lasting economic, social and environmental value. That ethos is embedded in every decision we make and underpins our commitment to being a responsible business.
“Our story is one of leadership and legacy. Guided by transparency and a deep sense of responsibility, we strive to use our influence to create opportunities, strengthen communities and leave a positive legacy that will benefit Northern Ireland for years to come. This recognition belongs to everyone who shares in that journey and helps turn ambition into meaningful, lasting impact.”
Rob Heron, Chair of BITC’s Northern Ireland Advisory Board and Managing Partner of EY Northern Ireland, said: “The Responsible Business Awards continue to shine a spotlight on organisations that are leading the way in creating positive change across Northern Ireland.
“It is inspiring to see businesses demonstrating how commercial success can go hand in hand with delivering meaningful social and environmental impact. This recognition is all the more significant given the number and strength of the entries and the robust, independent judging process behind the Awards.
“Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and highly commended organisations for their commitment, innovation and leadership in responsible business. Their achievements set a powerful example and help to drive progress across our business community.”
For more information on each of the winners and the event, visit www.bitcni.org.uk/awards.
