Thursday 28 May 2026
Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, creator and owner of the easy family of brands including easyJet.com, easyHotel.com and many others (see www.easy.com and www.easyHistory.info) and the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation (see stelios.foundation and stelios.ie) – has today announced the return of the North–South Business Cooperation Awards, a major initiative designed to celebrate and support cross-border entrepreneurship and encourage start-ups on the island of Ireland.
Following the success of the inaugural programme, the Awards will once again provide a total prize fund of €500,000 to entrepreneurs operating across the island of Ireland.
The Awards recognise ambitious businesses that are building commercial links between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and contributing to economic cooperation across the island.
The Awards continue to draw inspiration from similar initiatives supported by the Stelios Foundation in Cyprus, the birthplace of Sir Stelios’ parents, where bi-communal business awards have promoted economic cooperation between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot entrepreneurs for more than 17 years.
Sir Stelios has a long-standing connection with the island of Ireland. In the months following the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, easyJet launched its first route from Luton to Belfast. Today, easyJet remains the market leader amongst airlines in Belfast, with seven in 10 passengers travelling with the airline.
Speaking following the launch of the 2026 Awards, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou said: “These Awards represent more than recognition for ambitious entrepreneurs – they are about encouraging deeper economic cooperation across the island of Ireland.
Businesses working together across borders create jobs, build trust and contribute to stronger and more connected communities.
“The response to the inaugural Awards demonstrated the enormous entrepreneurial talent that exists across the island and the appetite for greater North-South collaboration. I look forward to meeting this year’s finalists and celebrating businesses that are helping to shape a stronger all-island economy.”
The Awards will culminate in a high-profile ceremony at Castle Leslie Estate, Co. Monaghan, on 28th October 2026. The venue, located close to the border, was chosen to reflect the spirit of cross-community partnership and economic cooperation underpinning the initiative. Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou will personally present the awards and meet finalists on the day.
Co-operation Ireland will once again partner on the initiative.
Ian Jeffers, Chief Executive of Co-operation Ireland, said: “Cross-border business partnerships play a hugely important role in supporting peace, prosperity and shared understanding on the island of Ireland. These Awards recognise the real economic and social value that comes from cooperation.
By backing entrepreneurs who are building commercial links across the border, we are helping to strengthen relationships and create lasting opportunities for communities North and South.”
Applications are now open for cross-border business entrepreneurs that meet the criteria. Full details and entry forms are available at www.stelios.ie and www.stelios.foundation.
About the North–South Business Cooperation Awards The North–South Business Cooperation Awards Ireland celebrate outstanding cross-border entrepreneurship on the island of Ireland.
Backed by the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation and inspired by similar award initiatives in Cyprus, Greece and the UK, the Awards recognise entrepreneurs whose ventures bridge the communities of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. With a total prize fund of €500,000, the Awards offer both recognition and tangible support to foster innovation, job creation and lasting cooperation. The initiative is part of the Foundation’s broader mission to give back to society in places where Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou and his family have lived and worked.
About Stelios Foundation The Stelios Philanthropic Foundation was established by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou to support a diverse range of charitable activities, primarily in places where he has lived and worked.
In 2017, Sir Stelios joined the Giving Pledge, the global philanthropic campaign, committing to donate at least half his fortune to charitable causes. To date, Sir Stelios and his for-profit company easyGroup have donated €122 million to the Foundation, ensuring its work can continue in perpetuity.
Essential Details for Applicants:
• Application Deadline: 7 September 2026
• Awards Ceremony: 28 October 2026 at Castle Leslie Estate, Co. Monaghan
• Total Prize Fund: €500,000 in cash prizes
o 1 Gold Award: €150,000
o 2 Silver Awards: €100,000 each
o 6 Bronze Awards: €25,000 each
Eligibility Criteria:
o Each company must be:
▪ The awards are open to businesses registered in the Companies Registration Office (CRO.ie) in Ireland or with Companies House (Belfast) with the registered office being in Northern Ireland.
▪ Companies must be active on both sides of the Irish border and have significant cross-border economic activity including a customer base in both markets.
▪ Preference will be given to entries from two companies working on a joint cross-border business activity on the island of Ireland, across any sector of the economy.
▪ Both companies must be start-ups incorporated in the last five years, 2020 or later.
▪ Each company should have an entrepreneur, founder or shareholder who owns at least 50% of the shares.
▪ Each company must have a minimum annual turnover of €200,000 / £160,000 and must employ at least three other staff members, not including the owner.
▪ Alternatively, companies can apply on their own (without a second team member) if they can demonstrate significant cross-border economic activity, including a customer base in both markets.
▪ Previous Gold and Silver winners are ineligible to apply again, while Bronze winners remain eligible to reapply.
o Other Requirements:
▪ Only applications completed on the official form in typed format will be accepted. Handwritten applications will not be accepted.
▪ Attendance at the Awards Ceremony is required for winners. The winners will be announced by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou at a ceremony at the historic Castle Leslie to be followed by a luncheon on 28th October 2026.
▪ Applicants will be asked about their interest in potentially joining the “easy” family of brands.
▪ Judging decisions are made by Sir Stelios and are final.
ENDS
For media inquiries, please contact:
Aonghus Ó Maicín, Rockwood Public Affairs
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David Cracknell, Tavistock
Lucy Thomas, Tavistock