Designed to shape discussions on progressing prosperity whilst forging economic relationships, the fifth annual Belfast International Homecoming took place last week, shaped on the themes of entrepreneurship, regeneration and boosting tourism. Spread across three days, the Homecoming featured a host of international diaspora, including Senator Tim Kennedy of the New York State Assembly and Mary Sugrue, CEO of Irish American Partnership in Boston, joining with local thought leaders and business innovators, all using their influence to push forward the peace through economic progress.
MRP, the largest Irish-owned business in Philadelphia, hosted the delegation during a visit to its new European headquarters, showcasing our Belfast City Centre Investment. Founded in 2002 by Kevin Cunningham and James Regan, both Irish American entrepreneurs, with the initial goal of helping companies expand their sales footprint beyond major enterprises and into the midmarket, MRP’s early success led to the opening of its first office location in Philadelphia and the rapid growth of the U.S. team.
After six strong years of growth and building the brand in America, MRP became part of Newry based First Derivatives, which is a public company traded on the London Stock Exchange and a great success story in its own right across Ireland. Starting out with just 10 team members, today MRP are over 300 strong in Belfast with another 15 based in their Dublin office which opened last year.
Among the highlights of the Homecoming, including a legal symposium for jurists from the Irish and Scots-Irish diaspora, a conference on the city’s next steps, the event concluded with a gala dinner and presentation of the Belfast Ambassador Medal to those who have promoted Belfast globally.
The Belfast Homecoming Ambassador Medal recognized 50 outstanding individuals helping to build a better Belfast: members of a global family who have gone the extra mile for the city as well as the local heroes building international bridges to the diaspora. Among those recognized was Jack Butler, MRP’s CFO and honorary chair of the Homecoming. Commenting on the award Jack said,
“I am honored and immensely proud to receive this award along with this impressive group of leaders who are making fantastic contributions to a city we all love. The people of Belfast have been great friends to us over the years and I am proud to join them in honoring the city’s progress”.
