LORD Ballyedmond OBE, founder of the globally successful Norbrook Laboratories, was posthumously awarded a Special Innovation Founder at a ceremony in the Northern Ireland Science Park.
Richard Milliken, Chairman of NI Science Park and Finance Minister Arlene Foster made the presentation to Lady Ballyedmond in recognition of her husband’s outstanding contribution to the economy of Northern Ireland.
Previous Innovation Founders include the late Professor John Anderson, co-founder of Intelesens and HeartSine Technologies, Dr Hugh Cormican, founder of Andor Technologies and now CEO of Cirdan Imaging, Tom Eakin, founder of TG Eakin, Dr Peter Fitzgerald CBE, founder of Randox and in 2014 Dr William Wright CBE, co-founder of Wright Group.
Explaining why the Innovation Founder Awards are made Richard Milliken said: ‘Role models who have global status are hard to come by but in Northern Ireland, as can be seen from our existing Innovation Founders, we have an embarrassment of riches that must not be forgotten or taken for granted.
“Sadly, the untimely accident last year deprived us of a great business entrepreneur and innovator and the opportunity to directly recognise Lord Ballyedmond’s outstanding contribution.
“However we hope this special award will continue to keep his name alive as an inspiring role model for future generations of entrepreneurs and innovators.’
The citation was delivered by Dr Peter Fitzgerald CBE, Managing Director of Randox Laboratories, to an audience of business leaders and peers of Lord Ballyedmond.
“Edward Haughey was a true entrepreneur and innovator and I regarded him as a friend and mentor,’ he said.
“Identifying an opportunity with the implementation of the Medicines Act 1968, he founded Norbrook and pioneered contract manufacturing of pharmaceuticals in the UK.
“Forty years on, the company is a true innovator in the image of its founder, dedicated to novel research and revolutionary processes and products.
“Therefore it is fitting that we recognise Lord Ballyedmond as one of our inspirational Innovation Founders.’
Those at the ceremony which included Junior Minister Michelle McIlveen also heard a short address from Gerry Mallon, Chief Executive of Danske Bank, who shared his memories of Lord Ballyedmond.
“It is fitting that the NI Science Park has chosen to honour Lord Ballyedmond, who was not only a brilliant entrepreneur but also an innovator who built one of Northern Ireland’s most successful companies,’ said Mr Mallon.
“I am confident that his legacy will live on through the work being done at Norbrook Laboratories and that the company will remain one of the linchpins of the local economy for many years to come.’
Edward Haughey responded on behalf of the family while Lady Ballyedmond received the specially commissioned sculptural award created by local artist Heather Wilson.
Newry Democrat
16 June 2015
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