LORD Ballyedmond, the late founder and head of the globally successful Norbrook Laboratories in Newry, has been posthumously awarded a Special Innovation Founder by the Northern Ireland Science Park.
Richard Milliken, chair of theScience Park, and Finance Minister Arlene Foster made the presentation to Lady Ballyedmond in recognition of her husband’s outstanding contribution to the economy of Northern Ireland.
He joins previous Innovation Founders include the late Professor John Anderson, co-founder of Intelesens and HeartSine Technologies; Dr Hugh Cormican, founder of Andor Technologies and now CEO of Cirdan Imaging; Tom Eakin, founder of TG Eakin; Dr Peter Fitzgerald CBE, founder of Randox, and in 2014 Dr William Wright CBE, co-founder of Wright Group.
Mr Richard Milliken said: “Role models who have global status are hard to come by, but in Northern Ireland we have an embarrassment of riches that must not be forgotten or taken for granted.
“Sadly, the untimely accident last year deprived us of a great business entrepreneur and innovator and the opportunity to directly recognise Lord Ballyedmond’s outstanding contribution. But we hope this special award will continue to keep his name alive as an inspiring role model for future generations of entrepreneurs and innovators.”
The citation, delivered by Dr Fitzgerald to an audience of business leaders and peers of Lord Ballyedmond: said "Edward Haughey was a true entrepreneur and innovator and I regarded him as a friend and mentor.
“Identifying an opportunity with the implementation of the Medicines Act 1968, he founded Norbrook and pioneered contract manufacturing of pharmaceuticals in the UK. Forty years on, the company is a true innovator in the image of its founder, dedicated to novel research and revolutionary processes and products."
Edward Haughey responded on behalf of the family while Lady Ballyedmond received the specially commissioned sculptural award designed and created by local artist Heather Wilson.
