Businesses across North Antrim showcase ambition as Burrows calls for stronger government support

Ulster Unionist Party Leader and North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows with Deputy Party Leader and Economy Spokesperson Diana Armstrong outside Mr Burrows’ constituency office in Ballymena

The strength and growth ambitions of businesses across North Antrim were brought into sharp focus following a day of constituency engagements led by Ulster Unionist Party Leader and North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows alongside Deputy Party Leader and Economy Spokesperson Diana Armstrong.

The visits, which took in key employers and industry leaders across the area, centred on the opportunities and obstacles facing tourism, agri-tech innovation and the growing demand for skilled workers.

Reflecting on the day, Mr Burrows said the scale of ambition among local firms was unmistakable.

“It was a fantastic and productive day meeting some of the outstanding businesses that are driving our local economy forward. I was delighted to welcome Diana to North Antrim and proud to showcase some of the very best businesses anywhere in Northern Ireland. The level of ambition and innovation on display was clear to see.”

Tourism growth and barriers at Galgorm Resort

Ulster Unionist Party Leader and North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows with Deputy Party Leader and Economy Spokesperson Diana Armstrong with Colin Johnston, Galgorm Resort

At Galgorm Resort, discussions focused on what was described as significant untapped potential within the tourism sector, with particular emphasis on golf tourism.

The visit explored opportunities to strengthen North Antrim’s international tourism offer, a sector already seen as a major economic driver for the wider area.

However, several barriers were raised during the discussions, including air connectivity, VAT competitiveness, business rates and the need for additional events funding.

Mr Burrows said these issues must be addressed if the sector is to realise its full potential.

“There is a real opportunity to grow our international tourism offering, but we must address the barriers that are holding the sector back. Government needs to keep pace with the ambition and investment being shown.”

The comments come amid continuing efforts across Northern Ireland to expand visitor numbers and strengthen the region’s appeal as a destination for both domestic and international tourism.

Innovation and planning concerns at Blaney Agriculture

Visit at Blaney Agriculture

The delegation then visited Blaney Agriculture, where plans for an innovative “Green Tech Farm” were discussed.

The proposed development was presented as a forward-looking example of how the agri-tech sector is evolving, combining productivity with environmental responsibility.

Alongside the vision for the project, concerns were raised over ongoing delays within planning and environmental processes.

Those delays, Mr Burrows said, are directly affecting confidence, investment and the pace of local job creation.

“Blaney Agriculture is a leading example of agri-tech innovation, developing solutions that support both productivity and environmental responsibility. However, unnecessary delays are holding back investment and job creation in the Ballymena area, and that must be addressed.”

The issue of planning delays continues to be a recurring concern for businesses and developers across the region, particularly where expansion and capital investment projects are involved.

Skills pipeline in focus at ETT

Jon and Diana with team members at ETT

The final stop of the visit was ETT, where attention turned to the growing demand for skilled electricians and the pressures facing the electrical sector.

Discussions centred on workforce development and the need to ensure training routes are in place for younger people entering the industry.

This is particularly relevant as demand continues to rise due to growth in renewable technologies and electric vehicle infrastructure.

Mr Burrows said ensuring the right pathways into the profession will be critical in the years ahead.

“The demand for skilled electricians is growing rapidly. It is vital that young people are supported through the right training pathways and that we maintain the highest standards across the sector.”

Call for government support

Drawing together the themes from the day, Mr Burrows said a consistent message had emerged from each engagement.

“A clear message came through from every engagement - our businesses are ambitious and ready to grow, but they need the right support from government to unlock their full potential. I will continue to work closely with each organisation to help progress the issues raised.”

He also thanked those who took part in the engagements and shared their views on the challenges and opportunities facing the local economy.

The visit placed a spotlight on the breadth of enterprise across North Antrim — from hospitality and tourism to agri-tech and electrical skills — with each sector outlining both growth plans and the practical issues they say now need addressed.

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At a glance:

• Jon Burrows MLA and Diana Armstrong MLA visited businesses across North Antrim

• Stops included Galgorm Resort, Blaney Agriculture and ETT

• Tourism growth, particularly golf, was identified as a major opportunity

• Concerns were raised over air connectivity, VAT, business rates and events funding

• Planning and environmental delays were highlighted as barriers to investment

• Skills development in the electrical sector and support for young people were key discussion points