IN A departure from their normal celebrations, Causeway: Ireland Scotland Business Exchange hosted their annual awards online in a virtual ceremony—but it didn’t stop the organisation honouring those who have distinguished themselves in the past 12 months.
Among the prize-winners was Noreen Hughes (above), Managing Director of Rainbow International in Glasgow, who was presented with the award for Inspirational Business Leader of the Year for 2020.
Aimed at recognising an inspirational business leader that excelled in business in the last year within the Causeway regions of Scotland, Ireland or Northern Ireland, the award also honours the links and collaborations which help Causeway meet their goals of facilitating and encouraging business exchanges.
Causeway Chair, David Greenlees, who on presenting the Awards spoke about the elements that marked Noreen out as the outstanding nominee in this year’s category.
“I’m delighted to present this award to Noreen Hughes, not only because of her business commitment and success, but also for her exceptional team leadership during the Covid-19 crisis, and for her other endeavours to further Irish culture in Scotland,” he said. “Noreen has led her franchise Rainbow Glasgow East to become one of the most experienced and successful in the Rainbow Network and has won many national and local business awards. The additional challenging work Noreen and her team have undertaken this year in response to the Covid-19 crisis has been truly remarkable and very worthy of commendation.
“Not only has Noreen demonstrated great leadership in running a successful business, her passion for the Gaelic Games has led to an active involvement in the GAA Scotland, where she sits on the County Board. Her commitment to Irish culture is such that she also somehow finds the time to be Secretary of the thriving St Patrick’s Comhaltas Ceilteórí Eireann (CCE) branch in Coatbridge, as well as Treasurer on the CCE Scottish Regional Committee.
“On behalf of Causeway, we are extremely proud to have Noreen part of our network and delighted to honour her with this very deserving Award.”
A well-known face in the Irish community due to her efforts in a range of cultural endeavours, Noreen spoke about the challenges of the last year reminding her of the need for co-operation—both in business, through Causeway, and in the wider Irish community.
“I am very surprised and delighted to receive this award amongst such a wonderful panel of nominees,” she said. “It has been a very tough year for everyone with Covid-19 still very much around and part of our everyday lives.
“If I take one thing that this virus has reinforced to me, it is that we must be there for each other and stick together to get through it, whether in business or in the wider community. Thanks to everyone involved with Causeway in all their efforts to do this.”
dan@theirishvoice.com
