Oslo Business for Peace Award for Dundalk native Martin Naughton
DUNDALK native Martin Naughton has been awarded the 2018 Oslo Business for Peace Award, in recognition of his efforts to promote the role of the private sector in contributing to peace and environmental sustainability.
The billionaire founder of Glen Dimplex is the first Irish person to be honoured with the Oslo Business for Peace Award, with previous honorees including Tesla’s Elon Musk and Virgin’s Sir Richard Branson.
He was nominated for the award by Chambers Ireland, supported by the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, South Dublin Chamber and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Dundalk Chamber of Commerce issued a statement congratulating Martin Naughton and his wife Carmel ‘on this well-deserved award.’
A spokesman said: ‘By creating and maintaining employment both North and south since the early 1970’S he has contributed both to the stability and prosperity of the region.’
‘At a time when there were few people or businesses prepared to support this region his leadership stood out.’
The Oslo Business For Peace Award is given out annually to ‘exemplary business leaders who apply their business energy ethically and responsibly, creating economic and societal value”.’
Responding to the award Martin Naughton said: ‘I am honoured and humbled to have been recognised by Business for Peace for this award. Throughout my life in business as founder of Glen Dimplex Group, I have been fortunate to have been able to play my part in effecting positive societal change. As we approach the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, I am reminded that we must continue to work to maintain peace on both sides of the Irish border. Similarly, we must redouble our efforts to tackle climate change and promote environmental sustainability.’
Naughton was praised by the Oslo Foundation for his ‘exceptional contributions to peacebuilding through business, including creating economic opportunities both sides of the Irish border,’
During the turbulent years of the Northern Ireland conflict, Naughton was lauded for promoting and supporting business on both sides of the border, including negotiating cross-border trade.
Having grown his business from humble roots in Newry, County Down to become the global leader in electric heating, Glen Dimplex now provides employment for more than 10,000 employees worldwide with extensive state of the art research and development facilities based in Dunleer, County Louth.
It has grown to become one of Ireland’s largest privately-owned manufacturing businesses, with a turnover of some €1.5 billion, and one of the world’s largest manufacturers of domestic appliances.
Martin Naughton is one of three winners will receive their award at a formal ceremony which will take place in Oslo City Hall on May 16th.