Belfast International Homecoming

Working with a range of local and international partners, Ciara leads the NI Connections team which is based in Belfast within Invest NI’s International division. She works closely with well-established diaspora connections in many locations around the world where Invest NI and a wide range of NI Stakeholders are seeking to help attract trade, investment, business tourism and education opportunities that will benefit the Northern Ireland economy.

Ciara is an accomplished leader with an impressive track record in international business and economic development. Her experience spans a diverse range of export markets and sectors and specialisms include strategic exporting initiatives,  local and global start-ups, regional development, and engagement.

Leading NI Connections draws on Ciara’s experience of inspiring collaboration and engaging with local and national government to drive strategy and policy development. The role draws on her strengths of leading and enabling others to deliver consistently strong results and dynamic, innovative solutions in both the public and private sectors.

Ciaran Sheehan is Managing Partner at Clarendon Executive, Northern Ireland’s leading executive search firm. He brings more than three decades of experience in executive search and board advisory, specialising in C-suite and non-executive appointments across the private, public, and third sectors. As a key strand of their executive search focus, Ciaran and the Clarendon Executive team have built deep connections with the Irish diaspora, successfully attracting internationally-based leaders back to Northern Ireland to advance their careers.

Beyond executive recruitment and a range of other business interests, Ciaran is a long-standing champion of youth entrepreneurship. He served as Chair of Young Enterprise Northern Ireland for seven years and now leads a US-based philanthropic foundation – Friends of Young Enterprise Foundation Inc.  The purpose of this Foundation is to raise funds and donations through networks and connections within the Irish Diaspora to help young people, especially those from deprived areas, to get engaged in entrepreneurship and build the confidence and critical skills to become empowered to create their own opportunities. 

A leader in strategy, corporate governance, business development and change / risk management who spent 18 years in Corporate banking as well as senior roles in industry. 

Clare is leading the establishment of an innovation district that will leverage digital, intellectual and real estate assets to grow the Northern Ireland economy.

Clare is passionate about achieving place-based inclusive economic growth aligned with the UN sustainable development goals. 

Claire is from Co. Tyrone, a graduate of English from Trinity College Dublin and holds a Masters with Distinction in Marketing from Ulster University. Claire has over 20 years’ experience in marketing, commercial strategy and business transformation, and her diverse roles include 15 years in FMCG and the drinks industry working for global brand leaders Coca-Cola and Heineken across NI, ROI and GB markets, and the last 7 years in arts leadership. 

Claire is currently Head of Development and Marketing at the Lyric Theatre Belfast. She is also a Board member of the Belfast Chamber of Commerce and co-Chair of Green Arts NI. 

OBE FCIM

Colin Anderson is a focused and driven individual. Having faced many challenges in his life to date, Colin continues to lead people and companies to both self-belief and corporate success. His commitment to his confidence that Northern Ireland should be a centre of excellence in all its commercial and government sectors, providing best-in-class services to the national and global community, is an inborn part of his DNA.

ANDERSON ADVERTISING LTD | FOUNDER, 1982 Colin founded Anderson Advertising Ltd at the age of 27

(now known as ASG & Partners) and is now Chairman of the business which has become one of Northern Ireland’s foremost marketing communications agencies. ASG & Partners employs over 40 staff and it continues to evolve and thrive in the local marketplace and beyond.

B-SECUR LTD | FOUNDER AND SIGNIFICANT SHAREHOLDER Currently leading the way in global ECG biometric recognition

technology. Now FDA approved in the States (2021) it’s HeartKey product is a set of algorithms and analytics for user identification, health and wellness, ready for integration into leading devices and systems. It employs 72 (March 2022 and increasing) people in Catalyst Inc, the former NI Science Park.

BELFAST INTERNATIONAL HOMECOMING | ORGANIZING COMMITTEE & HONORARY CHAIR, 2015 – 2019
This is an annual event to encourage greater investment and partnership into Belfast by bringing “home” diaspora leaders of commerce, community, and culture from around the world to a single event in Belfast culminating in a final dinner in the Belfast City Hall hosted by the Lord Mayor of the City.

HEENAN-ANDERSON COMMISSION | CO-CHAIR, 2015 Asked by Ivan Lewis (the then Labour Shadow Secretary

of State for Northern Ireland), along with Professor Deidre Heenan of Ulster University, to Co-Chair a Commission (the Heenan-Anderson Commission) to produce a report on how to tackle intergenerational poverty and social exclusion in Northern Ireland.

WEBRECRUIT IRELAND | FOUNDER, 2010 Along with entrepreneur and Dragon’s Den star,

James Caan Colin established one of Northern Ireland’s most innovative recruitment companies, which won the Irish News ‘Recruitment Innovators of the Year’ award in 2012 and continued its award winning success until he sold his company’s equity stake in January 2019.

NORTHERN IRELAND SCREEN | CHAIR, 2001 – 2008 He implemented for the first time ever, a strategy to firmly establish the film and television industry in Northern Ireland as a centre of excellence. He pushed for proper funding for the industry from Government and was eventually awarded £9.9 million for investment into the sector which established the foundation for steering it into its most successful era ever

THE INTERNET BUSINESS LTD (TIBUS) | FOUNDER, 1996 | SOLD TO UTV MEDIA IN 2008.

ACTIVITYBREAKS.COM | FOUNDER

Online travel company founded early in the new millennium and sold it in 2009 to its current Italian owners.

NORTHERN IRELAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY | PRESIDENT, 1996/1997 AND 1997/1998 Holding this position for two consecutive terms. As Chamber President, created the “Political Lunch Series” over consecutive weeks where the then political leaders spoke to outline their party’s economic policy should a peace settlement be agreed.

AWARDED THE OBE | 1997
For services to the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER | VISITING PROFESSOR, 1993 To the University of Ulster, Department of Communication, Faculty of Social and Health Sciences in October 1993. His Lecture was reported by the then Vice Chancellor Trevor Smith as an example of best practice.

NORTHERN IRELAND TOURIST BOARD | MEMBER OF THE BOARD, 1988 – 1994.

DIRECTOR OF THE NORTHERN IRELAND QUALITY CENTRE, 1993 – 1996.

FIRST PURPOSE-BUILT ADVERTISING AGENCY | 1988 Built the first ever purpose-built Advertising Agency in Northern Ireland on the Holywood Road.

HOLYWOOD HOUSE | EARLY NINETIES
Built in Holywood to house the expansion of the company. This became the headquarters of TIBUS.

VARIOUS CHARITY COMMITTEES

Has helped to raise funds for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme in NI and The Wooden Spoon Society, of which he is an Honorary Life Member.

CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF MARKETING

A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and is also a member of the Institute of Directors, and The Royal Television Society.

Colleen Murray is a Marketing Executive at Options IT, where she has worked since June 2016. An alumna of Queen’s University Belfast, she holds a degree in Business Information Technology and a Master’s in Marketing. Now as a Marketing Executive, Colleen develops and implements innovative marketing strategies and oversees global events. She also has international experience from her work in New York City. Colleen is a leading member of the Options Belfast Women in Tech committee, advocating for greater representation and support for women in the tech industry. As an Honorary Chair at the Belfast Homecoming, she fosters global Irish connections and promotes Belfast’s vibrant business culture.

Declan works with government agencies and businesses across the UK, Ireland, Switzerland and the United States to responsibly and sustainably promote economic development. Outside of the day job, he is also chairman of Antrim Enterprise Agency and a Director of the Bridges Beyond Boxing charity. Declan’s work blends strategic insight with a deep commitment to social mobility, inclusive entrepreneurship, and creating real opportunities that lift communities. 

Declan helps companies and places grow by connecting them to new markets and investment. He works with governments and businesses to build strong local economies, support entrepreneurs, and bring good ideas to life on a global stage, often supporting the process of creating the right team around the table to make it happen.

Emer is a recognised leader in business start-up, growth and development, with deep expertise in building organisational capability, leadership and engagement. 

She heads the AAB People business unit across the island of Ireland for AAB Group, a market-leading accounting and professional services firm backed by Goldman Sachs’ private equity arm. Previously she co-founded and served as CEO of Think People Consulting, an award-winning people and culture consultancy she built and successfully sold to AAB.

Emer is passionate about fostering effective organisations (and sports teams!) and contributing to the building local economy and communities. She is a Chartered Member of the CIPD, sits on the Institute of Directors NI committee and the board of Ortus, and has previously served on the Central Procurement Department advisory committee and the board of Positive Life.

Gareth has been a property developer for over three decades.  He has developed numerous schemes and has a wealth of experience in relation to funding/financing.

He is the Managing Director of Oakland Holdings, the development company behind Belfast’s most exciting commercial development, Merchant Square. The project was completed in Q1 2021, the 9 storey commercial building has transformed the centre of Belfast and is now let entirely to PwC in what will be the Firm’s largest premises in the UK outside London. 

Gareth lives in Belfast and is a former pupil of St Malachys college. He is committed to the ongoing development of Belfast and to ensuring that the city meets its full potential.  Oakland is cuurently developing Northern Ireland’s first Aparthotel at the junction of Queen Street and College Street in the city centre. The ApartHotel  will  feature 189 apartments, a bar and restaurant, gymnasium, meetings rooms and event space. 

Gareth has a young family and he enjoys a range of sports including gaelic football where he is an under age coach with with his local club St Brigids 

Laura Leonard is Belfast City Council’s European and International Relations Manager, based in the Place and Economy Department.

Laura has led Northern Ireland’s only dedicated European and International local government team since it was established in September 2003.  

Over the last two decades, Laura and her team have developed and delivered Belfast City Council’s first ever International Relations Framework and Action Plan and is currently managing projects with Chinese, European and North American markets, as well as fostering Belfast’s Sister City relationships with Boston, Nashville, and Shenyang. 

Belfast’s International Relations Framework aims, in partnership to promote the city internationally, with a focus on attracting international students and building education partnerships, securing business and investment, and attracting both business and leisure tourism. 

Over the past two years, Laura has also worked closely with the City Regeneration and Development team; co-managing the City Marketing programme to position the city to secure real estate investment. This work is delivered through the ‘Renewed Ambition’ public-private city partnership.

Laura also supports the promotion of international investment opportunities within the priority areas of Innovation City Belfast, Resilience and Enterprise for council, in partnership with key city players.

I am the founder and CEO of TeamFeePay and I’m obsessed with making a difference to the grassroots football club customers that we have. As employee number 1, I’ve worked hard to build a team of motivated, football centric staff, and the culture that has been created at our Belfast HQ is one of the key reasons we are winning in this space. I pride myself on recruiting top talent and over the last 3 years I have head hunted an added value

team of shareholders and investors that play a role in moving the company forward every day.

Career Highlights

• Former head of sport at Belfast City Council Sport Belfast Partnership). 
• Founded Northern Irelands biggest teamwear company ClubSport NI before successful exit.
• Founded Irelands leading sports development consulting company Copius Consulting before exiting in 2020.
• Also founded and exited additional companies, B4B Telecoms, Sector 3 Solutions and the Football Management Company. 
• Liam has 25 years experience in business development and setting up / scaling business.
• Over the period 2005 – 2020, Liam successfully supported Football Clubs with the development of their pitch and stadia projects, with direct grant funding success of over £500 million.
• Liam is also Head of Player Recruitment at NIFL Championship Football Club Ballyclare Comrades.

Linus Murray is a Partner at Belfast-based commercial law firm McKees. With over 20 years’ experience, Linus specialises in liquor licensing and has a strong track record in helping clients grow their businesses. His experience within the hospitality and leisure sector has been well documented, having acted for notable hoteliers, publicans, off-trade, restaurateurs in the acquisition, disposal, transfer and lease of all types of licensed premises.

Louise McQuillan is a Business Development Manager at Visit Belfast, where she leads efforts to attract strategic business events to Belfast and Northern Ireland. With a strong background in business development, events and destination marketing, she works closely with industry stakeholders to position the city as a premier location for conferences and meetings.

Louise also manages Northern Ireland’s Ambassador Circle programme, a key initiative that engages local academics, medical professionals and business leaders, as well as the global Northern Irish diaspora, to champion the city as a world-class conference destination. Her work supports long-term growth in business tourism and fosters international collaboration.

Her focus on partnership, innovation, and client support plays a vital role in driving economic impact across the region. 

Professor Malachy Ó Néill is Director of Regional Engagement at Ulster University (since August 2021), taking responsibility for relationships with key stakeholders including governmental agencies, councils, trusts and other relevant authorities on behalf of the institution. He was awarded a Personal Chair in Irish (2020) and was Provost of the Magee Campus in Derry (2016-21) and Head of the School of Irish Language and Literature (2012-17). He has played a central role in a range of strategic initiatives for the University including City and Growth Deals (UK Government), Shared Island (Irish Government), the inception of a School of Medicine (opened 2021), the development of the North West Cross-border Tertiary Cluster (with FE/HE partners) and the accreditation of Derry/Strabane as a UNESCO Learning City Region.

He was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship in 2019, the highest accolade in UK Higher Education and is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Authority.  He was appointed to the Department for Communities’ Irish Language Strategy Expert Advisory Panel in 2021 was a member of the Irish Government’s Review Board of the Official Irish Language Standard (2016). He was editor of An tUltach (2008-10) and his research includes modern Irish pedagogy, the Ó Néill dynasty and Irish language theatre and he is Lead Investigator (Northern Ireland) in the c.€4million Shared Island social capital research initiative with NUI Galway, University of Limerick and Atlantic Technological University. He is a Board member of the Causeway and Derry Chambers of Commerce and Temporary Chair of the Governing Body of North West Regional College. 

Professor Ó Néill enjoys close ties with the Donegal Gaeltacht, having spent many years in Machaire Rabhartaigh and Gaoth Dobhair facilitating courses for teenagers and adult learners of Irish. He resides in his native parish of Ardboe, Co. Tyrone, with his wife Ursula and their three children, Proinsias, Tomás and Sorcha.

Melanie Harrison is the visionary founder behind The Harrison Chambers of Distinction, Belfast’s most eclectic and culturally rich boutique hotel. Located in the Queen’s Quarter, The Harrison occupies a restored 19th-century merchant townhouse, with each of its 30 individually designed rooms paying homage to iconic figures from Northern Ireland’s literary, artistic, and political past.

Originally from Armagh, Melanie brings a diverse background in food technology, international travel, and interior design to her role as hotelier. Her passion for storytelling and local heritage has helped transform The Harrison into a celebrated destination that merges bold aesthetics with warm, personalised hospitality. Melanie champions local artists, female-led crafts, and sustainability in everything from sourcing antique furnishings to curating guest experiences.

Her work has been recognised as part of Belfast’s cultural and tourism renaissance, earning praise from The Irish Times, BBC, and international travel media. With recent expansion and the addition of a piano lounge and curated event spaces, Melanie continues to lead with creativity, integrity, and a deep love for place.

Michael Lagan is Chairman at Lagan Specialist Contracting Group (LSCG). He started his career in 1972 working for his Father (Peter Lagan) in his quarry business as a quarry manager and then moved up the ranks to be Group Managing Director. At that time, the business was operating as a £2m turnover business which the family has successfully grown to a £600m turnover business over the years, now employing 700 direct employees. LSCG is now a third-generation family run business with Michael being the second generation and his son, Kevin Anthony Lagan the current CEO of LSCG the third generation. 

The business started as a two-quarry operation in the mid 70’s and grew to become one of the top two materials businesses in Ireland. Following a number of key acquisitions namely H & J Martin and Charles Brand (these Companies were over 200 years old) this allowed the Company to enter into new markets,  LSCG is now a diverse company working across many different sectors including civil engineering, piling, airport, house building, property development, Fit out, operations and maintenance, traffic management, M&E and asset management,  Water and Airport.  The company works internationally since 1995 particularly in airports starting with Hong Kong and in countries such as Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa, USA, and the Caribbean

The Lagan family supports many charities both locally and abroad and Michael himself donates time and expertise to these charities including travelling to Romania to help build houses for locals.

Michael is passionate about his property at Florida Manor. It is a Seventeenth Century Mansion set in the rural heartland of East Down near Killinchy. It is being restored by Michael using selected new and reclaimed materials to give the building its original appearance as well as bringing it into the 21st Century for use by todays and future generations.

Mike Nesbitt MLA is a four-time member of the Northern Ireland Assembly, first elected in May 2011. He was Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party between 2012 and 2017, during which time the Party retained its seat in the European Parliament, grew its representation in local councils and returned to the green benches at Westminster by winning two seats in the 2015 General Election. Currently, Mike is the Party’s economy spokesperson and representative on the Northern Ireland Policing Board. Mike is a former broadcast journalist and Commissioner for the Victims & Survivors of Northern Ireland’s Troubles. In 2022, he successful introduced a Private Member’s Bill updating Northern Ireland’s laws of defamation.

Roisin has been Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland since 2000, creating successful partnerships with other Government organisations to implement a variety of arts programmes eg. the innovative Arts & Older People Programme in partnership with the Public Health Agency and working with the Education Authority to deliver the Creative Schools initiative. She is a member of the organising committee of the British Irish Association established to promote understanding and dialogue between the governments and peoples of these islands. She was a board member of the UK Creative & Cultural Skills Sector Council for 12 years and Chaired the Women Chief Executives’ Forum for 10 years. She is a Chartered IoD Director and a passionate advocate for the role the arts play in bringing communities together as well as their inherent value to us as individuals.