Belfast Harbour has been crowned Winner of Winners at the British Chambers of Commerce Chamber Business Awards 2026, after also picking up the Connecting Places Award.
The Chamber Business Awards recognise and celebrate business excellence through the successes and achievements of members of the Chamber of Commerce network.
Belfast Harbour, a member of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, was named the overall standout business from the five national category winners. It was recognised for the scale of its contribution to Northern Ireland’s trade, infrastructure, communities and long-term prosperity.
As Northern Ireland’s principal maritime gateway, Belfast Harbour facilitates £26.7 billion in trade each year, supports more than 15% of the region’s economic output and underpins over 155,000 jobs. It handles more than 70% of Northern Ireland’s seaborne trade, while over 700 organisations on the Harbour Estate support more than 20,000 jobs and generate £1.8 billion in Gross Value Added.
The Harbour reinvests 1% of its operating profit, annually, in communities and has contributed more than £3.5 million to over 60 organisations and 75 projects in the past decade.
Its 2025-2029 strategy commits more than £300 million in capital investment, while its longer-term masterplan sets out a £1.3 billion programme to expand capacity, integrate logistics and clean energy, and regenerate the waterfront.
Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:
“Belfast Harbour is an outstanding example of business success creating wider prosperity. Its impact reaches far beyond the movement of goods, connecting companies to global markets, supporting thousands of jobs and investing for the long-term future of communities across Northern Ireland. Winning both its category and the overall award is fitting recognition of the ambition, scale and shared value at the heart of its work.”
Jenni Barkley, Communications and Community Engagement Manager at Belfast Harbour, said:
“We are honoured to be named Winner of Winners and to receive the Connecting Places Award. Belfast Harbour exists to advance regional prosperity, and this recognition reflects the commitment of our colleagues and partners in connecting trade, businesses and communities. We will continue investing in the infrastructure, people and places that can deliver lasting opportunity for Northern Ireland.”