Ireland Fund of Great Britain's London City Lunch makes a welcome return to the Irish business calendar in Britain

ONE of the pinnacle business events in the Irish calendar in Britain is making a welcome return to the City of London next month.

Over 200 people are expected to gather for the return of The Ireland Fund of Great Britain's London City Lunch.

Led by an organising committee including Irish Post publisher Elgin Loane, Confederation of British Industry President Paul Drechsler CBE, Powerscourt Chief Executive Rory Godson and Irish Ambassador to Britain Daniel Mulhall, the event takes place on Friday, May 13.

The prestigious five star venue One Whitehall Place - once the official English residence of Scottish kings - will see leading business figures gather to raise awareness for worthy Irish causes in Britain.

“We are delighted with the response to date and thrilled to bring together so many prominent Irish leaders to raise awareness of the real and pressing needs of marginalised Irish people and communities,” said Ireland Fund of Great Britain Managing Director Mark Carrigan.

“We are anticipating a full house of celebrated guests for what promises to be a sensational event.”

The prestigious One Whitehall Place will host the London City Lunch Picture: iStock

The London City Lunch, the first of its kind in eight years, will begin with a Champagne reception to offer guests and dignitaries an opportunity to catch up with old friends, make new connections and come together on shared interests.

Previous guests of honour have included former Attorney General of Ireland Peter Sutherland KCMG; international businessman and former Unilever and Reuters Chairman Niall Fitzgerald KBE and Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O’Leary.

Among those to attend are renowned Belfast virtuoso flute player Sir James Galway and London Irish Rugby CEO Bob Casey, who will be joined by many well-known names from the worlds of finance and construction.

As a global organisation dedicated to freeing the Irish Diaspora from conflict, suffering and marginalisation, The Ireland Funds bring people together to tackle the biggest challenges facing Ireland communities worldwide.

It has raised over $500 million for worthy causes in Ireland and Irish causes around the world.

It is the largest network of friends of Ireland dedicated to supporting programs of peace and reconciliation, arts and culture, education and community development.

Founded in 1976, The Worldwide Ireland Funds have benefited over 3,000 organisations. Funds raised are contributed by private sources, individuals, corporations and foundations.