The annual black tie, Energy Institute of Northern Ireland (EINI) dinner was held on Thursday 23rd March, at the prestigious Belfast Harbour Commissioners Office.
As main sponsors, we invited clients and Board members to attend alongside key representatives from our team including, microgeneration, large scale generation, Consultancy and Business Development. William Deane (Head of Projects with Action Renewables) is a Committee Member of the EINI, and was instrumental in ensuring a successful night with the ‘who’s who’ in the Energy sector of Northern Ireland.
Mark Welsh (Chairman, EINI) provided a welcome speech, followed by key speakers and prize winners, with Action Renewables presenting the student award to Kasia Wrzesinska who completed an MSc in Renewable Energy and Energy Management with Distinction.
During the drinks reception, local tour guide, Mark Doherty provided a brief history of the Commissioners building of which the first section was built in 1854, designed by Harbour engineer George Smith.
An additional, Italian palazzo-inspired extension – the work of renowned Belfast architect William Henry Lynn – was completed in 1895, delivering a striking marble interior and stunningly beautifully ornate rooms.
The Barnett Room, with its curved ceilings, stained glass windows and artwork, depicts the City’s legendary maritime past, while the Heritage Room, which is open to the public, contains exhibits and old uniforms which relay the history of the Harbour Commissioners down through the centuries.
The meal was provided by Yellow Door who advocate for locally sourced food products, with guests enjoying: Young Leek and Comber Potato Soup with Ham Hock Fritters, Lemon Thyme Roast Irish Chicken Breast and Mini Chicken and Leek Pie, Buttery Mash, Buttered Spinach, Orange Glazed Young Carrots, Green Peppercorn Cream, Yellowman Cheesecake with Sweet Mascarpone Cream, Fresh Strawberries, Summer Berry Champagne Sauce, and it was superb.
A fantastic night was had by everyone who attended, new connections made and an opportunity to hear about the generations who went before us, paving the way for innovation, regeneration and collaboration to create the brilliant city that Belfast is today.