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 (18 June) announced the launch of the inaugural North–South Business Cooperation Awards, a major new initiative designed to celebrate and support cross-border entrepreneurship and encourage start-ups on the island of Ireland. A total prize fund of €500,000 will be awarded to 18 entrepreneurs, across nine teams, who have started businesses registered in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland within the past five years and are now trading cross-border.
These new awards are inspired by similar business awards run by the Stelios Foundation in Cyprus, the birthplace of Sir Stelios’ parents, for the last 16 years. The bi-communal awards in Cyprus reward Greek Cypriot entrepreneurs and Turkish Cypriot entrepreneurs who are engaged in joint business on the island. Stelios, as owner of then young start-up airline easyJet, decided to launch the first flight from Luton airport to Belfast a few months after the Good Friday agreement in 1998. Today, easyJet is the market leader amongst airlines in Belfast, with seven in 10 passengers flying with the airline.
Speaking following the launch of the Awards, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou said: “These Awards represent more than just recognition – they embody a commitment to building a better, more connected future on the island of Ireland. When businesses from both sides of the border collaborate, they do more than drive economic growth; they build trust, create lasting jobs, and strengthen the social and economic fabric of our communities. We are working for lasting peace and economic prosperity on the island of Ireland.
Just as easyJet brought people together across Europe, these Awards bring businesses together across the island of Ireland – empowering them to grow, hire and contribute to a stronger all-island economy. I look forward to meeting the finalists and recognising their achievements at Castle Leslie in October 2025.”
The Awards will culminate in a high-profile ceremony at Castle Leslie Estate, Co. Monaghan on Thursday 30th October 2025, a symbolic location close to the border, chosen to honour the spirit of cross-community partnership. Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou will personally present the awards and meet the finalists.
Ian Jeffers, Chief Executive of Co-operation Ireland, which is partnering on the initiative, added: “Cross-border business partnerships can play a powerful role in promoting peace, prosperity and shared understanding. These awards recognise that co-operation is not just a shared ideal – it’s a powerful driver of real economic progress. Sir Stelios’ commitment to backing ambitious entrepreneurs across the island is both timely and inspiring. By supporting ventures that operate beyond traditional boundaries, we’re helping to embed lasting economic ties that benefit communities North and South.”
Applications are now open for cross-border business entrepreneurs that meet the criteria. Full details and entry forms are available to download via this link.
Applications are to be submitted to maya.turnbull@stelios.com no later than 5pm Irish time on 16th September 2025.
