NEWS

Ulster Unionist Party Economy Spokesperson Diana Armstrong MLA has criticised the Finance Minister’s latest update on Northern Ireland’s business rates review, warning that the proposals offer “yet more reviews rather than delivering tangible support now” for firms already under intense financial strain. Her comments follow a statement in the Assembly from Finance Minister John O’Dowd , who outlined plans to accelerate the strategic review of business rates, enhance Small B

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Jackson Minford pictured with Ballymena woman Caitriona Lennox FIH, Head of Springboard Northern Ireland The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Jackson Minford , has officially welcomed Ballymena woman Caitriona Lennox FIH , Head of Springboard Northern Ireland , to his parlour at The Braid to celebrate her receiving the Institute of Hospitality’s prestigious Fellows’ Outstanding Contribution Award

Janet Devlin joins Tiarnán O’Neill, Chief Finance Officer at Galgorm Collection, to celebrate the launch of Christmas All Around, the luxury hotel group’s new festive film. Northern Ireland singer-songwriter Janet Devlin is the face – and voice – of Galgorm Collection’s new Christmas campaign, Christmas All Around, an emotive festive film celebrating the meaning of time, connection and togetherness during the holiday season. The Gortin-born artist, known for her distinctive v

Northern Ireland’s hospitality sector is facing a critical moment of reckoning. The latest CGA by NIQ Trade Association Members Survey for Q4 2025 reveals a landscape marked by financial fragility, declining consumer engagement, and urgent calls for government intervention. From pubs and cafés to hotels and restaurants, operators are sounding the alarm: without immediate support, the sector risks widespread collapse. Operator sentiment: Confidence crumbles The report shows a

Iris Houston, General Manager of Adair Arms Hotel (left) and McKeever Hotels Board. The Adair Arms Hotel in Ballymena is set to play a key role in an ambitious new five-year growth strategy launched by McKeever Hotels, as the family-owned hospitality group sets its sights on further expansion across Ireland and beyond. The plan, titled ‘Beyond Now’, was unveiled by Managing Director Eddie McKeever at a stakeholder event, outlining the company’s vision for growth, performance

Gray’s Boutique Hotel & Brasserie in Bushmills Gray’s Boutique Hotel & Brasserie in Bushmills has announced the appointment of Andrew Orr as its new Hotel General Manager, marking an exciting new chapter for the elegant Causeway Coast destination. With more than three decades of experience in hospitality management, operations, and team leadership, Andrew joins Gray’s with a strong track record of success across the hotel and restaurant sectors. In his new role, he will over

Ballymena woman Caitriona Lennox FIH, Head of Springboard Northern Ireland with her award Ballymena woman Caitriona Lennox FIH, Head of Springboard Northern Ireland, has been named winner of the Institute of Hospitality’s prestigious Fellows’ Outstanding Contribution Award 2025 — the first time this esteemed recognition has been bestowed on anyone from Ballymena. The award, presented at the annual Institute of Hospitality (IoH) Fellows’ Dinner held on 27 October at The Waldo

Johnny Hunter, Commercial Director, Dougie’s Goodies and Stella Grant, Group Procurement Manager, McKeever Hotels sample the delicious treats which will be served to customers of McKeever Hotels across Northern Ireland. A Ballymena-based bakery with over 40 years of sweet success has landed its first major food service contract — with one of Northern Ireland’s best-known hotel groups. Dougie’s Goodies, founded in 1983, will now supply its range of handmade traybakes, pastries

Dining at Galgorm Building on its recent triumph at the 2025 AA Hospitality Awards—where it secured AA 5-star status and its Gillies...

Representatives from Ballymena companies who took part in a Dragon Boat Race on the River Lagan in Belfast to raise funds for the NI...

L-R Eddie McKeever, Lindsay Lutton and Bridgene Keeley McKeever Hotels has launched a new charity partnership with Northern Ireland Chest...

At the heart of the estate: Galgorm Castle Set in the rolling landscapes south-west of Ballymena, Galgorm Castle Estate is a timeless...

Pictured (L-R) Constable Donna Tolan, District Licensing Officer, Ryan Rankin, Neighbourhood Engagement Officer at Queen's, Willie Jack,...

In a glittering ceremony at JW Marriott Grosvenor House, London, the Galgorm Collection has solidified its reputation as a cornerstone of...

Pictured are, from left, Lauren McAteer, Trustee at The Gallaher Trust and Caitriona Lennox, Northern Ireland Manager at Springboard UK....

Ballygally Castle has launched a limited edition Ballygally Castle Beer which has been specially brewed in partnership with Whitewater...

Ballymena woman Stella Grant appointed as McKeever Hotels Group Procurement Manager. McKeever Hotels has announced the appointment of...

CGI image of new leisure development on the Apollo Road in the Boucher area. Belfast City Council’s Planning Committee has given the...

Inset: Colin Magee, Non-domestic Consumer Protection Manager at the Utility Regulator A new survey from the Utility Regulator shows...

A planning application to transform the Stormont Hotel in East Belfast into a care home has been described as “tone deaf” and “the...