Terence Donnelly, Executive Chairman of the Donnelly Group, has received the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Mid Ulster Business Excellence Awards.
The Awards took place on 20th November at the Corick House Hotel & Spa where Terence was recognised for his contribution to the business community in Mid Ulster along with his commitment to the local community.
Terence was nominated for the Lifetime Achievement Award by members of the Donnelly Group team who were present on the night to support him.
Dave Sheeran, Managing Director at Donnelly Group said:
“Terence’s award is very well deserved. From humble beginnings in 1947 in Caledon on the border of counties Armagh and Tyrone, the Donnelly Group is now the largest family owned vehicle retailer in Northern Ireland, representing 18 manufacturers with over 700 employees and 9 locations across the province.
“Since joining his father in the family business in 1969, Terence has over the last 50 years led the Donnelly Group through its expansion, with a simple business ethos of ‘keeping the customer central to everything we do’.”
“Terence has always been an innovator, placing Donnelly Group at the centre of change in an ever evolving industry. In 2010 he was one of the founding members of the Northern Ireland e-Car consortium which provided the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, which will be the biggest growth sector in the industry in the coming years.”
Terence has received numerous accolades over the years, having previously been nominated for an Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the year award, and is a recipient of the Volkswagen Diamond pin – the highest individual award from Volkswagen celebrating service to the brand.
He also received a personal thanks from Nobel Peace Prize award-winner Desmond Tutu for the provision of 50 vehicles for an African charity.
Dave continued:
“Terence received this award not only for his business contribution to Mid Ulster but also for his community efforts. The Donnelly Group takes seriously its responsibility to the areas in which we operate and there is a long tradition in investing in the local community.
Over the years Terence has advocated Donnelly Group support for a range of partnerships with GAA, rugby and football clubs, Clogher Valley Show, Omagh Show, and has provided financial support for charities such as the Michaela Foundation, Macmillan, Special Olympics and Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.
This year in memory of his father Peter Donnelly, the Donnelly Group Foundation has been established, to co-ordinate all of the community-based projects across the province.
Dave concluded:
“Terence has also forged a strong relationship with our educational partner South West College which supports the Donnelly Group Apprenticeship Programme. As a result, many talented young people have joined the company in recent years to further their educational and professional development.
“On behalf of the group I would like to extend our congratulations to Terence on receiving this prestigious award.”
For more information on Donnelly Group, visit www.donnellygroup.co.uk.