Patrick Haren, chief executive of Belfast-based Viridian Group, highlighted the importance of inspiring staff during the transformation of a business.

Viridian's £1.62bn takeover by Bahrain-based Arcapita, was completed in December.

At the Vision To Reality entrepreneurship event, organised by the Ulster Society of Chartered Accountants, he outlined the strategy which enabled Viridian to break into the all-island energy market prior to the takeover.

He also said: "The Northern Ireland Electricity side of the business has seen significant structural change as we have moved towards a highly commercial culture."

Colin Johnston, USCA chairman, said: "The Viridian Group has for years been one of Northern Ireland's most important business entities. Its success and value has been highlighted by the recent £1.62bn acquisition by Arcapita.

"As the man who has overseen a restructuring of NIE and the development of Viridian, as well as the group's strategy of expansion into the Republic of Ireland, Patrick Haren has been at the forefront of local business life and we welcome his insight into the role of management in steering a course through change and towards growth."

Hugh Donnelly, regional director of event sponsors Bank of Scotland (Ireland), said: "We're delighted to be involved with an initiative such as Vision To Reality because we support the aims of stimulating much higher levels of business creation in Northern Ireland.

"We hope that this series plays some part in helping to create an environment in which our intellectual capital of innovation, inventiveness and entrepreneurial flair can flourish."