Ballymena Business Excellence Awards celebrate record entries as local stars recognised
(Front row): Peter Houston, President Ballymena Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gemma Houston, Wilma Gordon Lady Mayoress, Alderman Thomas Gordon Mayor Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and Adrienne Wiggins.
(Back row): Ryan Black and Ronan Moore, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Carol Wilson, Honorary Secretary Ballymena Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Pete Snodden, Cool FM, Tom Wiggins, Chief Executive, Ballymena Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Alan Stewart, Life Member Ballymena Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Tuesday 27 October 2026
Ballymena’s business community has celebrated a record-breaking year at the 2026 Ballymena Business Excellence Awards, with 436 guests gathering at Tullyglass House Hotel to recognise the businesses and individuals helping the town thrive.
The 24th annual awards, held on Thursday evening, attracted a record number of entries, including applications from 30 businesses taking part for the first time. Several awards also went to businesses that are not members of Ballymena Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Organised by the Chamber, with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council as principal sponsor, the gala was one of the largest events of its kind in Northern Ireland, according to organisers.
Special recognition for community and business champions
Tom Wiggins, Chief Executive, Ballymena Chamber of Commerce and Industry, pictured with wife Adrienne
Among the evening’s honours was the Chamber-sponsored Services to the Community Award, presented to Evolve Credit Union in recognition of its support for families and individuals across the Ballymena area.
The Chamber’s Special Recognition Award went to Melanie Christie-Boyle MBE for her longstanding contribution to supporting and developing local businesses.
It was a particularly personal occasion for Melanie, who was joined by her son Jamie as she accepted the honour.
Chamber Chief Executive Tom Wiggins highlighted both awards as important opportunities to recognise contributions extending beyond commercial success.
£16,000 donation to Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice
Kathleen Anderson, Eileen McBride, Karen Wilson of the Northern Ireland Childrens Hospice receive a cheque for £16,000 from Tom Wiggins and Chamber President Peter Houston at the Ballymena Business Excellence awards in Tullyglass Hotel.
The celebrations also provided an opportunity to recognise the Chamber’s fundraising efforts, with President Peter Houston and Chief Executive Tom Wiggins presenting a cheque for £16,000 to Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.
The money was raised through the Chamber’s sixth annual Charity Golf Day, with the cheque accepted by representatives of the Ballymena Hospice Support Group and Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.
The Chamber reported that its charity golf days have now raised £118,000 over the past five years for hospice causes.
A raffle held during the awards evening raised a further £2,600 for Northern Ireland Hospice and Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.
Prizes were donated by Galgorm Hotel, Ballymena BID, Galgorm Melts, and Tom and Adrienne Wiggins.
Celebrating Ballymena’s 400-year milestone
Addressing the ceremony, Peter Houston, President Ballymena Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Addressing guests, Chamber President Peter Houston reflected on the importance of the awards during a significant anniversary year for Ballymena, which is marking 400 years of its history in 2026.
He said:
“Tonight, is about celebrating the success of the Ballymena Business Community focusing on the huge contribution made by local businesses and to highlight the commitment made by so many individuals.”
Mr Houston spoke of his commitment to helping businesses develop and grow, describing the awards as an opportunity to promote Ballymena across Northern Ireland.
He added:
“We are extremely proud of the fact that over 430 representatives from local businesses are here tonight to prove that business in the Ballymena area is healthy and vibrant and that we are one of the centres of entrepreneurial excellence within the Northern Irish business community.”
He also acknowledged the contribution of local businesses to Ballymena’s development and its reputation as a centre of commerce over the centuries.
Council highlights commitment to local enterprise
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, congratulated the finalists and winners and reaffirmed the council’s support for the local business community.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon
He said:
“Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is proud to continue its role as the main event sponsor for what is undoubtedly a highlight in the local business calendar.
“We remain committed to working together with the Chamber and our local entrepreneurs to ensure that Ballymena remains a successful place to do business, whilst also providing opportunities and support for future growth and prosperity”.
The Mayor added:
“Congratulations to all of the finalists and winners, and to the organisers of the awards, which are a fitting recognition of the innovation, commitment and resilience of our brilliant local business community.”
An evening recognising local achievement
Cool FM presenter Pete Snodden hosted the ceremony, introducing the awards and guiding guests through the presentations.
The judging process was coordinated by Barbara and Russell Campbell of Barbara Campbell Training and Consultancy.
Mr Houston thanked the category sponsors, the team at Tullyglass House Hotel, Gillian McKeown, Festival Productions and the Chamber’s organising team for their contributions.
He also acknowledged the work of Chief Executive Tom Wiggins, his wife Adrienne and Chamber Honorary Secretary Carol Wilson in delivering the awards programme and gala evening.
The celebrations concluded with live entertainment from local band The Resolution, bringing guests onto the dance floor.
With record entries, 30 first-time applicants and hundreds of representatives attending, this year’s awards highlighted the breadth of enterprise across Ballymena, while recognising individuals and organisations whose contributions reach well beyond the business community.
Customer Service (Service Sector) Award Winner Steven Kennedy (left), Alice Kennedy & Grace Kennedy of Alice K Beauty are seen here with Gary Thompson of category sponsors Roads Resourcing
Connor Martin & Ryan Martin of the JAQ Group receive the Business Growth Award from Julie Kitson of category sponsors Leap Software Solutions
Sustainability Award Winners Tony Convey, Laura Mitchell and Chloe Gregg of CLARKE receive the Sustainability Award from Laura Hughes (right) of sponsors Power N.I.
Laura Hughes (centre) of sponsors Power N.I. presents the Sustainability Award to Johnny McKay and Donna Hughes of joint winners GALGORM
Sharron and Allen Gibson of Gibson Paving who were Highly Commended in the Best Use of Digital Media award category
Conor Dunlop (right) of category sponsors Bathshack presents the Best Use of Digital Media Award to Malcolm Beattie of MB Motors.
Laura Millar (centre) of sponsors GALGORM presents the Right Place to Work Award to Genevieve Martin and Connor Martin of the JAQ Group
Maxine and Marcus Gracewell of sponsors Travelmax received a Highly Commended award in the Family Business of the Year which was sponsored by Danske Bank
David Small & Erin Small of Smallcost Carpets who won the Family Business of the Year award are seen here with Josh McIlroy of sponsors Danske Bank.
Aileen Mark & Jackie Reid of McDonalds, Ballymena with the Highly Commended Award they received in Team of the Year category which was sponsored by CLARKE.
Tony Convery of category sponsors CLARKE presents the Team of the Year Award to Aileen Mark & Jackie Reid of Riada Resourcing
Chamber President Peter Houston and Chamber's Tom Wiggins presented the Services to the Community Award to Lee-Ann Caldwell, Michelle O’Neill of Evolve Credit Union.
Team MB Motors
Customer Service Award (Service Sector) - B. H. McKeague Opticians
Caroline Pullen, Anthony Pullen of Pilates Refinery received the Most Promising New Business Award from Ian McCann of sponsors Bank of Ireland.
Ryan Ferguson of Eslers Cafe, who was Highly Commended in the Employee of the Year category, is seen here with Ryan Ferguson snr.
Ben Boyd of Ben's Ice Cream Studio received the Best Young Person in Business Award from Valerie McLernon of sponsors Fairhill.
Georgie Briota who won the Employee of the Year award is seen here with John McLeister of category sponsors Wright.
Sharon Gallagher of Pilgrims Europe who received a Highly Commended award in the Involvement in the Community sector which was sponsored by Cranswick Country Foods.
Eamon and Nadelle McKillop of McKillop's Spar, Fry's Road received Involvement in the Community Award from Lee McFarland of Cranswick Country Foods
Colm McGlade and Michael Murray of Cranswick Country Foods who received a Highy Commended award in the Diversity and Inclusion category, which was sponsoroed by Robinson Supermarkets.
Catherine Gawn of Pilgrims Europe receives the Diversity and Inclusion Award from Johnny Olphert of sponsors Robinson's Supermarkets.
Beth Williams and Jake Irvine of NORBEV who received a Highly Commended certificate in the Skills Development Awards category which was sponsored by Gallaher.
William and Nicole Ross of Ross Companies who received a Highly Commended certificate in the Skills and Developement category who was sponsoed by The Gallaher Trust
Jake Irvine and Beth Williams of McDonalds Ballymena receive the Skills Development Award from Roy Douglas of the Gallaher Trust.
Sharron and Allen Gibson of Gibson Paving who were Highly Commended in the Business Premises Award category
Vera McCullough Jewellery named a Finalist in three categories: Best Innovative Small Business, Business Premises Award, and Customer Service Award
William Walker of category sponsors Country Garage BMW presents the Business Premises Award to Ellie Alexander and Aileen McGarry of Primark, Ballymena.
Peter Houston presents the Special recognition Award to Melanie Christie Boyle and her son Jamie
Sheree Dickson & Ellen Thomson of Jack and Jones received a Highly Commended certificate in the Customer Service Award (Retail Sector)
Clive Edgar of sponsors Fuelwise presents the Customer Service Award (Retail Section) to Pamela Gourley of Create and Conquer.
William McBurney, Alli McComb and Kim McDonald of the Thatch, Broughshane who received a Highly Commended award in the Customer Service (Hospitality Sector)
Boyan Baev, George Vasilis and John Adams of Gattos Rissorante received the Customer Service Award (Hospitality Sector) from Michael Hempton (2nd from left) of sponsors Pilgrims Europe.
Iris Houston of the Adair Arms who received a Highly Commended award in the Best Restaurant sector which was sponsored by Pilgrims Europe.
George Sima, Dan Polloboc and Daryl Adams Rococo Kells who were Highly Commended in the Best Restaurant sector which was sponsoroed by Pilgrims Europe
Glen Service, Abbie Service, Anna Service of the Carrie receive the Bust Restaurant Award from Michael Hempton of sponsors Pilgrims Europe.
Debbie Chestnut of Good Morning Ballymena receives the Social Enterprise of the Year Award from James Perry MBE of the Ballymena Business Centre.
Gareth Gault of Grassman receives the Commitment to Ballymena Award from The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Alderman Thomas Gordon at the Ballymena Business Excellence Awards dinner in Tullyglass Hotel.
Team Norbev
EE Fairhill
Team Pilgrims Europe
Team Ross Companies
Winner: Alice K. Beauty
Team Esler’s Cafe
Galgorm Club
Team Clarke
Best Innovative Small Business Award winner Sarah Lacey of Nourish and Nurture receives her award from Stephen Scullion of category sponsor Michelin Development UK
Team Clarke
Illustrator Lauren Kelso
