Ballymena 400 event sparks £400,000 push for community-led solutions to economic challenges

The Gallaher Trust’s Board of Trustees are pictured with Ballymena 400 – Building on Partnership and Progress keynote speaker, Declan Lawn, co-writer of BBC drama, Blue Lights, alongside his BAFTA award. 

A major funding opportunity and a clear call for collaboration have been set out in Ballymena, as a high-profile event hosted by the Gallaher Trust brought together business leaders, community organisations and delivery partners to tackle some of the area’s most pressing economic and social challenges.

Around 100 representatives attended the Ballymena 400 - Building on Partnership and Progress event, which organisers say has acted as a “launchpad” for fresh thinking and coordinated action, backed by £400,000 in available funding for projects capable of delivering measurable local impact.

£400,000 funding opportunity focuses minds

The event placed a strong emphasis on practical, community-led solutions, urging stakeholders to work collectively to address complex and longstanding issues affecting Ballymena.

The Gallaher Trust Chairman, Ian Paisley, second from right, is pictured alongside speakers at the Ballymena 400 – Building on Partnership and Progress event, Declan Lawn, centre, co-writer of BBC drama, Blue Lights and some of the pioneers behind the Northern Ireland Hospitality School, Ashley Douglas, Operations Director, Colin Johnston, CEO of Galgorm Collection and Eddie McKeever, Managing Director of McKeever Group and Chairman of the School. 

Ian Paisley, Chairman of the Gallaher Trust, outlined the scale of the challenge and the ambition behind the initiative.

“Ballymena, like many other areas across Northern Ireland is dealing with complex and multifaceted issues - from sustained economic pressures on local businesses to the growing need for community-based solutions for disadvantaged groups, all within a context of limited funding and competing needs.

“The Gallaher Trust has been helping to alleviate these pressures locally for nine years now, but there is more work to be done. Businesses that can identify gaps that need to be bridged in both traditional and emerging commercial sectors with real potential for future growth need assistance in harnessing these opportunities to ensure long-term sustainable programmes that deliver maximum benefit both to participants and to the wider local economy.”

Call for collaboration across sectors

Pictured at The Gallaher Trust’s Ballymena 400 – Building on Partnership and Progress event are, from left, Harriett Roberts, Deputy Lieutenant of County Antrim, Ashley Douglas, Operations Director at the Northern Ireland Hospitality School, Colin Johnston, CEO of Galgorm Collection, Declan Lawn, co-writer of Blue Lights, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Jackson Minford, Ian Paisley, Chairman of The Gallaher Trust, Eddie McKeever, Managing Director of McKeever Group and Chairman of the Northern Ireland Hospitality School and Jo Scott, MC. 

Mr Paisley stressed that meaningful progress depends on strong partnerships between businesses, delivery organisations and grassroots community groups.

“We recognise that real progress will only come through genuine buy-in from businesses and organisations, who are best placed to understand current and future workforce needs and how to equip potential employees with the skills required to thrive in a changing labour market.

“Equally, strong partnerships with delivery partners, alongside the insight of community leaders and grassroots third sector operators who understand the day-to-day pressures at a local level, is critical.

“This event was designed to gain insight drawn directly from those closest to the issues and combine this with a shared commitment to cooperate and work collectively in developing effective, practical and lasting solutions.

“Ultimately, collaboration is what will turn ambition into action and ensure that resources available from The Gallaher Trust, will continue to deliver real, measurable impact for people, businesses and communities alike.”

Learning from successful local initiatives

Pictured at The Gallaher Trust’s Ballymena 400 – Building on Partnership and Progress event are, from left, Ian Paisley, Chairman of the Trust, Declan Lawn, keynote speaker and co-writer of hit BBC drama Blue Lights, alongside his BAFTA award, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Jackson Minford and Eddie McKeever, Managing Director of McKeever Group and Chairman of the Northern Ireland Hospitality School.  

Attendees also heard from key figures behind the Northern Ireland Hospitality School, including Colin Johnston, CEO of Galgorm Resort, Eddie McKeever, Managing Director of McKeever Group, and Ashley Douglas, Operations Director at the School.

The initiative was highlighted as a working example of how collaboration can address skills shortages while building a pipeline of talent for the local hospitality sector.

In addition, a fireside discussion featuring Jo Scott and Blue Lights co-writer Declan Lawn explored how creativity, collaboration and key conversations helped shape his career, offering a broader perspective on innovation and partnership.

Challenge issued to turn ideas into action

Organisers described the event as “laying down a gauntlet” to businesses and delivery partners, with a clear expectation that ideas generated will be developed into practical proposals.

“There was a real sense of positivity in the room and a genuine belief that Ballymena can and will deliver better outcomes as people work together,” Mr Paisley added.

“Hearing about the success of the Northern Ireland Hospitality School really demonstrated what can be achieved when organisations come together with a common goal. The challenge now is to turn that energy and enthusiasm into action to unlock new opportunities for Ballymena and the people who live in the area.”

Applications now open for 2027 projects

Delivery partner applications for 2027 projects are now open, with the Gallaher Trust encouraging organisations and individuals with viable ideas to come forward.

Further information on eligibility criteria is available at www.thegallahertrust.org, while initial project ideas can be discussed by emailing greg@thegallahertrust.org.

With funding now on the table and momentum building, the focus shifts to whether Ballymena’s business and community sectors can convert renewed optimism into tangible projects that deliver lasting economic and social benefit.

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At a glance

• Around 100 stakeholders attended the Ballymena 400 event hosted by the Gallaher Trust

• £400,000 funding available for future community and economic development projects

• Event described as a “launchpad” for collaboration and innovation

• Focus on practical, community-led solutions to local challenges

• Ian Paisley emphasised need for cross-sector partnerships

• Northern Ireland Hospitality School highlighted as a successful model

• Applications for 2027 projects are now open

• Organisations invited to submit ideas and proposals