Almost 400 business leaders and political figures gathered at Titanic Belfast on Friday for The WiBGroup 2025 Chair’s Lunch in what was one of the first major business events of the calendar year.
Challenging those in the room to consider inclusion as a catalyst for building a prosperous Northern Ireland economy, The WiB Group Chair Nichola Robinson said: “As business leaders, we can be the architects of a workplace culture that embraces inclusion. Today I call on Northern Ireland’s leaders to be brave and have courage. Don’t blink in the face of challenge. Don’t let your leadership and values wilt to the whims of short-termism, prioritising immediate gains over long-lasting impact.
“Let’s make inclusion the standard for success. Innovation loves company, and 2025 is the chance for businesses to look at the company they keep. To consider carefully how inclusion can unlock a fairer future for all as we begin to navigate this new year that’s in front of us.”
Sponsored by Deloitte alongside associate sponsors Queen's University Belfast, Glandore, Clarke & Co, VANRATH and Translink, the Chair’s Lunch saw leaders and business owners from across a variety of sectors celebrate and support the past and future work of The WiB Group which now impacts more than 250,000 people across Northern Ireland.
The event’s keynote speaker Gillian Harford, Country Executive at 30% Club Ireland, added: “When talent is your nation’s most important natural resource, the inclusion of all voices becomes an imperative part of economic progress within organisations, and for the economy as a whole.”
Pictured from left are keynote speaker Gillian Harford (30% Club), Marie Doyle (Deloitte) WiB Group Chair Nichola Robinson, Group CEO Roseann Kelly and host Donna Traynor.
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