Northern Ireland’s premier celebration of business excellence, the AIB Business Eye Awards, has officially launched for 2026 at a high-profile networking event hosted at The Merchant Hotel, Belfast.
Now in their 20th year, the AIB Business Eye Awards continue to recognise and celebrate the very best of Northern Ireland’s business community, honouring outstanding achievement, innovation, leadership and entrepreneurial success across a wide range of sectors.
The launch event was led by Richard Buckley, Editor of Business Eye, alongside Karen Kidd, Interim Head of Business Banking, AIB, with category sponsors, and senior business leaders from across Northern Ireland in attendance.
This milestone 20th anniversary year will once again feature a broad range of award categories, including the prestigious Company of the Year, Business Personality of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement Award, alongside categories recognising excellence in innovation, sustainability, leadership, family business and emerging enterprise.
AIB continues its valued partnership with Business Eye as title sponsor, underlining its long-standing commitment to supporting Northern Ireland’s dynamic business community and championing the organisations and individuals driving economic growth across the region.
Richard Buckley, Editor of Business Eye, said:
“The AIB Business Eye Awards have become one of the most respected and anticipated events in the Northern Ireland business calendar, celebrating the ambition, resilience and achievements of our local business community. Reaching our 20th year is a significant milestone, and we look forward to recognising another exceptional group of finalists and winners in 2026.”
Entries for the 2026 AIB Business Eye Awards are now officially open, with the submission deadline set for 25th September. Judging will take place shortly afterwards, culminating in the gala awards evening at ICC Belfast on Thursday 22nd October 2026, when Northern Ireland’s business leaders will come together for another memorable evening of celebration, recognition and networking.