Under the motto ‘Dynamic in every spectrum,’ the new networking event highlighted the many faces of entrepreneurship in Ieper. The Ieper Awards are a joint initiative of Stad Ieper, vzw City, UNIZO Ieper & deelgemeenten, Horeca Ieper, Iebeve, and Voka.
During the gala evening, seven entrepreneurs and companies were honored: Capsyra (Starter of the Year), Ariane Hotel-Restaurant (Hospitality Business of the Year), De Kazaar (Retail Trade of the Year), Fijnslijperij Kookshop Degraeve (Craftsman of the Year), Indurra (Company of the Year), Herman D'Hulster (SKT) for Lifetime Achievement, and Hendrik Durnez (Bio Bakkerij De Trog) as Entrepreneur of the Year.
Presenters Evy Gruyaert and Vincenzo Dejonghe hosted the evening. Local culinary talent, including De Lissewal, Woodness, and star chef Michael Vanderhaeghe from Hostellerie Saint-Nicolas, provided the menu.
The initiators of the Ieper Awards aim to recognize the entrepreneurs behind the local economy while fostering meeting and connection. The evening concluded with a networking party featuring music by DJ BoBaLiciouS.
Following the significant interest in the first edition, the initiative will continue. The Ieper Awards will be organized biennially, with the second edition scheduled for October 2028.
