£10,000 raised by Ballymena businesses to support locally based NI Hospitality School

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

Representatives from several prominent Ballymena businesses, including the McKeever Group, the Galgorm Collection, Tullyglass House Hotel, Britvic, and Smith Engineering, took part in a Dragon Boat Race on the River Lagan in Belfast last week, raising almost £10,000 for the NI Hospitality School.

The funds will help to support skills development, training programmes, and job opportunities within Northern Ireland’s hospitality industry.

Established in 2021 with initial funding from The Gallaher Trust, the NI Hospitality School is a partnership between three Ballymena-based hotels — the Adair Arms Hotel, Galgorm Golf Resort and Spa, and Tullyglass House Hotel — created to improve career prospects and strengthen workforce development across the local hospitality sector.

Now operating as a registered charity, the School has since attracted additional investment from the private sector. It offers a range of specialist academies, including a bar academy, chef academy, and restaurant academy.

Since its establishment, more than 250 bar and restaurant staff have successfully completed training through the School, many securing full-time employment with local hotels. Several graduates have progressed into supervisory and managerial roles, reflecting the School’s growing impact on the region’s hospitality workforce.

“Supporting a pipeline of future talent”

Representatives from Ballymena companies in action during the Dragon Boat Race in aid of the NI Hospitality School

Ashley Douglas, Director of Operations at the NI Hospitality School, said the money raised will help sustain and expand the academies currently on offer.

“The hospitality sector plays a key role in the progress of the local economy, especially here in Ballymena, however over recent years, the sector has faced a number of challenges, including attracting and retaining skilled staff,” Ashley said.

“The NI Hospitality School was created in response to that challenge. Through our academies, we’re giving people practical training, developing their confidence and skills and providing a clear pathway to sustainable employment, while also affording employers access to a pipeline of future talent.

“Since our inception, we have received great support – from The Gallaher Trust initially, through to our private funders currently – and the monies raised from the Dragon Boat Race will enable us to strengthen and expand our academies, ensuring that more people can build rewarding careers and that the sector continues to thrive.”

“Building a stronger future for hospitality”

Ballymena companies going head-to-head as part of the Dragon Boat Race in aid of the NI Hospitality School.

Chairman of the NI Hospitality School, Eddie McKeever, praised the community effort and the enthusiasm shown by local businesses.

“It was brilliant to see so many local companies taking part in the Dragon Boat Race in aid of the NI Hospitality School, which is helping to tackle an industry wide issue of retaining skilled staff and providing sustainable career development opportunities.

“By equipping individuals with the right training and career opportunities, the School is helping to secure the future of our sector and ensuring that Ballymena continues to be recognised for its world-class hospitality.”

For more information about the NI Hospitality School, visit www.nihospitalityschool.com.