Ballymena BID AGM celebrates business strength and outlines bold vision for the future

Lesley McCaughan, Melissa Shearer, Valerie McLernon, Carleen Smyth.

A vibrant display of partnership, local pride and forward-looking ambition took centre stage at the Ballymena Business Improvement District (BID) Annual General Meeting and Breakfast Morning, held at the Adair Arms Hotel this week.

The well-attended event on Tuesday 3 June 2025, brought together business owners, civic leaders and key stakeholders, united in their shared vision for Ballymena’s economic growth and community wellbeing.

Opening the morning with informal networking over breakfast, guests were welcomed by Interim BID Chair Roy Smyth, who reflected on a year of tangible progress and collaborative success.

“This isn’t just a business network, it’s a movement of people invested in the future of our town. Ballymena has resilience, drive and vision, and we’re proud to stand with our businesses in delivering for the local economy,” said Mr Smyth.

Roy Smyth, Aileen McGarry, Ryan Walker and Thomas McKillen

Interim Vice Chair and Chair of the Marketing Group, Thomas McKillen, delivered his first address in the role, combining humour with heartfelt observations on the challenges businesses face today.

“With recession comes a receding hairline, with inflation comes an increasing waistline, and together they cause a depression,” he quipped, before emphasising the importance of collective support and shared resilience.

McKillen unveiled a packed calendar of upcoming campaigns and initiatives aimed at energising the town centre economy. These include:

• Seasonal promotions such as the Easter Trail, May Day Marketing, and a Summer Hospitality Campaign with digital, radio and influencer components.

• A Treat Your Teacher campaign, as well as first aid and defibrillator training for local traders.

• Two major summer events aligned with The Open and in partnership with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

• A 360-degree Christmas campaign launching in mid-November across all media platforms.

He encouraged all businesses in the town centre to actively engage with BID and benefit from its support services.

Future-proofing Ballymena

A lively panel Q&A session offered key insights into Ballymena’s evolving retail landscape. Ryan Walker, Centre Manager at Fairhill Shopping Centre, discussed transformative redevelopment plans, positioning Fairhill as a revitalised anchor for the town.

“This development is designed to futureproof the centre,” he explained, sharing his pride in contributing to Ballymena’s growth. “It’s about our town, and our team is excited to be part of what’s next.”

Aileen McGarry, Manager of Primark and BID Secretary, highlighted the excitement surrounding the new Primark store — a flagship development and the first new-concept sustainable store in Ireland, north or south.

“What we’re most looking forward to is sharing the opening date with our customers,” she said, underscoring the customer-focused ethos of the project.

Chair Roy Smyth also delivered a message from Carole of The Grouse Complex, who recently invested over £1 million into the local hospitality sector, launching the Eden Rooftop Garden Bar, a Games Room, and the SHOT licensed café, creating 15 new jobs.

Carole expressed her gratitude for the strong network of support provided by BID and the business community.

Celebrating success and looking ahead

Roy Smyth and Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Jackson Minford  

Following a short intermission, the formal AGM commenced, with Roy Smyth presenting the Directors’ Report and thanking BID board members, sub-committee volunteers, and strategic partners, including Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and the Department for Communities.

Highlights from the past year included:

• Over £230,000 in local spending via the Ballymena Gift Card

• Strategic digital marketing campaigns

• Investment in skills and community engagement

• Enhanced retail crime prevention efforts

• A new content creation service for local businesses

Vice Chair Thomas McKillen also acknowledged the collaborative achievements of the BID team and business community over the past 12 months.

The AGM concluded with confirmation of Roy Smyth and Thomas McKillen in their respective roles as Chair and Vice Chair, following interim appointments in October.

Two new directors were also welcomed to the board: Melissa Shearer of Danske Bank and Carleen Smyth of Tower Centre, bringing fresh expertise to the leadership team.

In his closing remarks, Roy Smyth underscored the unifying message of the morning:

“The strength of Ballymena lies in its people, its businesses, its partners and its community. We’re proud of what’s been achieved, and we’re excited for what’s ahead. The BID team is here to listen, support and deliver, and we encourage everyone to stay connected and be part of what comes next.”