Our annual President’s Annual Dinner took place on Friday and what an evening it was! At the White Horse Hotel, we were joined by over 350 business representatives, politicians, dignitaries, and civic leaders, to celebrate our wonderful local business community.

Beginning the evening with a drinks reception, kindly sponsored by JMK Solicitors, attendees quickly filled up the hotel, building the atmosphere for a memorable night!

Addressing the full-capacity room, President Aidan O’Kane began his address by reflecting on what has been a turbulent past year for business. Coming through the challenges of Covid-19 and the current cost of living pressures, Aidan commended the efforts of our local businesses, who have shown leadership, resilience and innovative-thinking throughout.

Aidan made a fresh appeal for the Executive and Assembly to be restored and for there to be political leadership as well as the business leadership we have seen in order to assist local traders through the months ahead.

John Healy, Managing Director of Allstate NI, the main sponsors of the event, then addressed the room paying tribute to the local talent pipeline that have been integral to the success of Allstate since establishing a North West presence almost 25 years ago.

Richard Moore, Founder of Children in Crossfire, our President’s Chosen Charity, then took to the stage to speak about the life-changing work the charity is doing to improve access to water in the developing world – a truly heartening cause.

We were then treated to a fireside chat between our host for the night, broadcaster, Mark Simpson and our special guest, extreme adventurer Hannah Shields.

Hannah’s life lessons from climbing Mount Everest, reaching the North Pole, and overcoming adversity time and time again were truly an inspiration.

An array of fantastic prizes were up for grabs at the raffle, with winners taking home flights to UK destinations, overnight stays, spa breaks and much more, kindly donated by local businesses in support for Children in Crossfire.

Closing out the night, magician Jamie Skelton dazzled us all with card tricks and mind games wowing the 350-strong audience!

It was a privilege as well as great fun to join with you all in celebration of the best of North West business. Thank you all for making it a wonderful evening!