The Centre for Competitiveness (CforC) recently celebrated a major milestone in its journey – marking 25 years of supporting organisations across the Island of Ireland to improve performance, drive innovation, and enhance competitiveness. The celebration brought together members, partners, and friends for an evening of reflection, recognition, and celebration.

Honouring Bob’s Legacy

The event marked one of the final engagement’s of long-standing Chief Executive Bob Barbour, who has led the organisation since it was formed. During his address, Bob reflected on the evolution of the Centre — from its beginnings in 1990 as the Northern Ireland Quality Centre, focused on improving quality standards for industry, through to its transformation into today’s Centre for Competitiveness, leading initiatives across excellence, productivity, sustainability, and innovation.

Bob spoke of the Centre’s journey from introducing the European Framework for Quality Management (EFQM) to Northern Ireland, to developing programmes in energy, sustainability, and digital transformation. He expressed pride in the organisation’s enduring impact and deep gratitude to the many board members, staff, partners, and clients who have supported its work over the years.

“It has been one of the great privileges of my professional life to lead this organisation,” Bob said. “The Centre has never stood still — it has always adapted, innovated, and served. Its best chapters are still to come.”

A Fond Farewell and a Look Ahead

Following Bob’s remarks, tributes were paid by the incoming CEO, Dr Paul Madden, who spoke warmly of Bob’s leadership, vision, and personal dedication to Northern Ireland’s competitiveness agenda.

“Bob has been the driving force behind CforC for so many years. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside him, seeing not only his vision, but his dedication, resilience, and passion for making a difference. He has steered the Centre through challenges, helped it to evolve, and built a reputation for impact that is recognised far beyond Northern Ireland.”

A number of long-standing partners also shared personal reflections, with video messages from international collaborators, including Gianluca Mulé of EFQM, Deborah Wince-Smith of the Global Federation of Competitiveness Councils, and Mark McGranaghan, Chairman of Smart Grid Ireland.

Building for the Future

The evening also provided an opportunity to look ahead to the future of the Centre for Competitiveness. Under its refreshed brand and new website, CforC has repositioned itself to expand its client base and showcase the breadth of value it delivers across multiple sectors — from manufacturing and construction to services, public sector, and beyond. Particular excitement surrounded the Centre’s growing role in facilitating feasibility and R&D projects – collaborations that have the potential to deliver significant environmental, economic, and social impact.

“This is an exciting new chapter for the Centre,” the incoming CEO added. “We are building on a proud history while looking boldly to the future — helping organisations compete and thrive in a fast-changing, digital, and low-carbon world.”