Carrick businessman up for top award

A Carrickfergus businessman who spearheaded a number of charity projects has been named as a finalist in the Ulster Tatler Awards.
Michael (far right) is up for Business Man of the Year.Michael (far right) is up for Business Man of the Year.
Michael (far right) is up for Business Man of the Year.

Michael Kane, director of M J Kane & Co Accountants Ltd, is one of five individuals up for the Business Man of the Year award.

The practice was founded by Michael in 2003, and has rapidly grown in the past three years, expanding from 500 clients to over 2500.

Along with local customers, the firm provides services to clients as far afield as Mexico and Dubai, including a number of British embassies.

The local businessman has taken part in a number of charity events.The local businessman has taken part in a number of charity events.
The local businessman has taken part in a number of charity events.

It also runs free accountancy information nights for the local community, with topics such as payroll advice, pensions, and how to keep accurate records.

While business achievements were central to his nomination, Michael has also been behind a number of other projects, include arranging the NI Open Snooker Championships at the Titanic Centre.

He added: "When Bombardier were having trouble and letting employees go, I arranged for a meeting with Stormont ministers and UK leading aviation companies at Stormont to provide training and jobs for employees that would develop their skills on an international stage."

Charity endeavours are similarly important for the local businessman, who raised over £10k after gathering a group of 20 people to run all of the Parkruns in Northern Ireland. "The whole M J Kane team organise a charity event every month to help the local community and different charities, such as Brainwaves NI and Macmillan NI. Our events include golf events, charity runs, and galas," added Michael, who plans to compete in the 2019 London Marathon in aid of a leukaemia charity.

The winner of Business Man of the Year will be announced at the Ulster Tatler Awards Ceremony on September 6 at Belfast City Hall.