Join us for the 2025 NIFDA Annual Dinner!
Held in partnership with Ortus Energy, the NIFDA annual dinner will take place at the Hilton Hotel, Belfast on Thursday 16th October, with Marks and Spencer CEO Stuart Machin as keynote speaker. With over 250 industry representatives and government stakeholders expected to be in attendance, the event is a key fixture in the calendar of Northern Ireland food and drink and the wider business community.
The programme for the evening is as follows:
5:30pm |
Drinks Reception with Industry |
7:10pm |
Introduction and Welcome – Michael Bell OBE, NIFDA Executive Director |
7:15pm |
Sponsor Address – Neil Davidson CBE, Chairman, Ortus Energy |
7:20pm |
Address – Professor Ursula Lavery MBE, NIFDA Chair |
7:35pm |
Keynote Speaker – Stuart Machin, CEO, Marks and Spencer |
7.55pm |
Thank you – Simon Fitzpatrick, NIFDA Vice-Chair |
8:00pm |
Dinner |
10:30pm |
Close |
Dress Code – The attire for the evening will be business dress.
Ticket Prices
To book your tickets and secure your place at this year’s dinner, please click on the link below or contact Anna Monaghan at anna@nifda.co.uk. Ticket prices are as follows:
Keynote Speaker
Stuart became M&S Chief Executive in May 2022, having previously served as Joint Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of the Food business.
Prior to joining M&S in 2018, Stuart held senior operational and commercial roles both in the UK and internationally. His career began at Sainsbury’s and British Home Stores, followed by leadership positions at Tesco and Asda. He then spent a decade in Australia with Wesfarmers, where he served as COO of Coles supermarkets and CEO of Target department stores. Upon returning to the UK, he briefly led Steinhoff UK as CEO.
Stuart has a strong track record in retail transformation and possesses deep expertise in operations, trading, marketing, and online. Stuart was named Retail Leader of the Year in 2023 by The Grocer, and in 2025 by Retail Week.
Stuart Machin
CEO
Marks and Spencer
Event Sponsor
Neil Davidson CBE
Chairman
Ortus Energy
Neil is a highly experienced business leader with a proven track record of success in executive and non-executive roles across a variety of sectors. He brings over 30 years of experience to Ortus Energy, having held leadership positions at FTSE 50 companies and board positions with Arla Foods, Persimmons plc and Wm Morrisons. Neil’s expertise in operational management, strategic planning and corporate governance will be invaluable as Ortus Energy continues its rapid expansion. He is passionate about supporting businesses in their transition to clean energy and is committed to helping Ortus Energy achieve its mission of delivering tangible benefits to its customers.
