NEWS

North Antrim MP Jim Allister at the wheel of a Wrightbus electroliner vehicle. North Antrim MP Jim Allister has sharply criticised the decision to award the bulk of a £45 million Scottish Government contract for zero-emission buses and coaches to a Chinese manufacturer, describing the move as “outrageous” and warning it represents a failure to support UK industry. The intervention comes as pressure continues to mount over the allocation of public funding away from domestic ma

Extensive Trust Ford garage proposed by Turkington for Ballee Playing Fields site. Fresh development proposals for the former Ballee Playing Fields have reignited one of Ballymena’s most closely watched local controversies, with local businessman Josh Mulholland issuing a strongly worded open letter warning the town’s future is at stake. The latest plans, now entering pre-application community consultation, outline a mixed-use development including drive-thru restaurants, a

Jo Bamford, Wrightbus The owner of Ballymena-based Wrightbus has launched a sharp attack on the use of taxpayer-funded grants to support overseas manufacturers, branding the move a “national scandal” and warning it risks undermining jobs and investment in Northern Ireland. Jo Bamford, who rescued Wrightbus from administration in 2019 and helped transform it into one of the UK’s leading zero-emission bus manufacturers, spoke out after the Scottish Government allocated the lar

Inset: Independent Councillor Lawrie Philpott An independent councillor has raised sharp concerns over plans to establish a new task force aimed at regenerating Mid and East Antrim’s three main town centres, warning it risks becoming a “costly talking shop” unless it delivers direct support for local businesses. The issue is set to come before a full meeting of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council on Monday evening, when DUP councillors Andrew Clarke (Coast Road) and Gregg Mc

Louise McClelland, CEO of Dowds Group, with members of the team A major Ballymena employer has unveiled what it describes as a best-in-class employee benefits package in a move aimed at tackling the construction industry’s growing talent crisis and setting a new standard for employers across the UK. Dowds Group, the Ballymena-headquartered construction and engineering specialist, today announced a landmark rewards and benefits package designed to support its 230-strong workfo

Marks & Spencer has reaffirmed its long-standing support for Northern Ireland’s farming community, announcing its return as Platinum Sponsor of the Balmoral Show — a move that reinforces the retailer’s deep ties with local producers and the agri-food sector. With more than 25 years of backing behind it, the partnership signals continued investment in an event widely regarded as the heartbeat of rural life in Northern Ireland, bringing together farmers, food producers and thou

A new generation of young entrepreneurs has taken its first bold step into the world of business — selling products, pitching ideas, and impressing judges in a high-stakes, Dragons’ Den-style challenge in Ballymena. Primary school pupils from across Mid and East Antrim swapped classrooms for commerce as they launched their own mini companies, culminating in a lively trading event at the Fairhill Centre and a competitive pitch finale at The Braid. The initiative, part of the B

McKillen’s on Church Street closed its doors earlier this month after 100 years of trading as a family business in Ballymena town centre Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is being urged to establish a taskforce to develop a strategic action plan aimed at supporting the borough’s three main town centres. The proposal is due to be brought before a full meeting of the council at The Braid in Ballymena on Monday evening by Coast Road DUP Councillor Andrew Clarke , seconded by p

Pupils at Harryville Primary School, Ballymena learned how to look after their eyes during a visit from the team at Fitzsimons Opticians A Ballymena optician is taking eye care education straight into the classroom — with a clear goal: make eye tests feel normal, not frightening, for the next generation. Children as young as four at Harryville Primary School were given a hands-on introduction to eye health this week, as local optician John Broderick set out to “take the fear

L-R: Declan McAleer MLA, Deputy Chair of the AERA Committee; Robbie Butler, MLA, Chair of the AERA Committee; Kathleen McBride, CEO of Lough Neagh Fishermen’s Co‑Operative Society; Michelle McIlveen MLA, AERA Committee member and Dr Janice Thompson, Committee Clerk. The scale of the crisis engulfing Lough Neagh was laid bare this week as Stormont committee members heard stark warnings from local fishers who say their industry is “dying” amid environmental decline, collapsing

Pictured at the Company Showcase at Queen’s University Belfast Business School, Cullybackey College ahead of their pitch for Seed the Season to Judging Panel. A team of enterprising students from Cullybackey College is heading to Belfast City Hall with a chance to be crowned Northern Ireland’s top young business — after impressing judges with a sustainability-driven idea that’s already taking root. Their student company, Seed the Season , has been named among just six finalis

Pictured at Simon Community’s Ballymena temporary accommodation service are (left to right): Marianne McCaul, Senior Manager, Simon Community Ballymena; Colin Johnston, CEO, Galgorm Collection; and Harriett Roberts, Director of Growth & Management, Simon Community Northern Ireland. A long-standing partnership rooted in compassion and community impact has reached a powerful milestone, as Galgorm Collection celebrates 15 years of supporting people experiencing homelessness acro

Inset: North Antrim MP Jim Allister A renewed push to improve safety and cleanliness in Ballymena town centre is underway, as North Antrim MP Jim Allister steps up efforts to support local businesses and restore confidence among shoppers and visitors. Working alongside Ballymena Chamber of Commerce and Ballymena BID, the TUV leader has led a series of interventions aimed at tackling two of the most visible concerns in the town: police presence and street standards. Focus on s

Gillian Matthews marking 10 years in business with Willow Beauty A Ballymena beauty salon born out of uncertainty is now celebrating a decade of success, resilience, and community support. Willow Beauty marks its 10th anniversary this month, reflecting on a journey that began with a leap of faith and has grown into one of the town’s most recognised and award-winning salons. From uncertainty to opportunity Founded by local business owner Gillian Matthews , the salon first open

(L&R) Trevor McCrum, General Manager Hovis; Kevin Duffy, Chief Commercial Officer, Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland. The unmistakable arrival of hot cross buns on supermarket shelves has been given a distinctly local flavour this Easter, as Lidl Northern Ireland and Belfast-based Hovis celebrate a £7 million partnership that has quietly shaped breakfast tables for more than a quarter of a century. At the heart of the deal is a long-standing relationship that stretches back t

Twilight Coffee & Bunkhouse, Carnlough A Carnlough couple behind a popular coffee shop and bunkhouse have issued a stark warning about the future of Northern Ireland’s hospitality industry, saying rising costs and a 20% VAT rate are pushing independent businesses to the brink. Robert and Tiffany McKay, owners of Twilight Coffee & Bunkhouse on the Antrim Coast , say many cafés, restaurants and pubs are now operating with “practically non-existent” margins — forcing difficult d

Leighinmohr House Hotel Planning permission has been granted by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for a rooftop spa and a new bridal cottage at the Leighinmohr House Hotel in Ballymena. A development management officer’s report said the proposed spa will be located on the first floor, with alterations at ground-floor level to accommodate a lift at the Leighinmohr Avenue premises. Planners received eight objections raising concerns about potential noise pollution, external

A newly refurbished luxury bathroom showroom has opened its doors in Antrim, offering homeowners and trade professionals a fresh wave of inspiration — and time-limited deals to match. Watershed, part of leading builders’ merchant MacBlair, has officially unveiled its upgraded showroom within the MacBlair Antrim branch, showcasing modern design trends and practical solutions for bathroom projects of all sizes. To mark the relaunch, customers can take advantage of exclusive in-

The new Northern Quarter officially opens after a £1 million investment at Belfast International Airport A major transformation of the passenger experience at Belfast International Airport has been unveiled, with the official opening of the new Northern Quarter following a £1 million investment that has also created 40 new jobs. The new Northern Quarter Bar & Kitchen replaces the airport’s former food court with a modern, single 180-seat restaurant and bar, alongside a dedica

On Your Marks… launching the 2026 Larne AC 10 Mile Race is Kathryn Douglas of headline sponsor Saint-Gobain Exterior Solutions alongside Larne AC Co-Chairs Paul Tilson and Diane Hawthorne, and Larne AC athlete Jordan Heron. The much-loved Larne 10 Mile Race is set to make a powerful return this spring, with a new sponsor and growing momentum cementing its place as one of Northern Ireland’s standout road running events. Organised by Larne Athletic Club, the race will take plac