From sustainability success to Employee of the Year – double honours for Galgorm Collection at Ballymena Business Awards

Georgie Briota who won the Employee of the Year award is seen here with John McLeister of category sponsors Wright.

Friday 13 November 2026

Galgorm Collection is celebrating a double triumph at the Ballymena Business Awards 2026, with recognition for its environmental initiatives and a prestigious individual honour for an employee who has built a remarkable 19-year career with the local hospitality group.

The Collection secured joint first place in the Sustainability category, while Business Development Manager Georgie Briota was named Employee of the Year, recognising her dedication, professional achievements and contribution to the Ballymena business community.

Hosted by Ballymena Chamber of Commerce and Industry and compered by Cool FM presenter Pete Snodden, the awards celebrated the achievements of businesses and individuals across the local economy.

From restaurant assistant to Employee of the Year

For Georgie Briota, the award marks another milestone in a career that began 19 years ago as a Food and Beverage Assistant at Gillies Restaurant.

She progressed through leadership roles at Fratelli, Parisien and Castle Kitchen and Bar before moving into Business Development in 2024, building on nearly two decades of experience within the organisation.

Today, Georgie manages 32 active sponsorship partnerships and has overseen the distribution of more than 30,000 Galgorm Perks Cards, strengthening relationships with local schools, sports clubs, charities and businesses.

Reacting to her award, Georgie said:

“I was up against some very tough competition, and there were so many worthy winners in this category. I’m delighted and so proud to have been recognised for the work I do.

“I’m really passionate about my role and about making a difference to the business. It’s such a great place to work, and I’m very fortunate to have a team that always champions and encourages me. I’m very grateful to them for the nomination, and I’m truly honoured.”

Environmental initiatives earn top recognition

Laura Hughes (centre) of sponsors Power N.I. presents the Sustainability Award to Johnny McKay and Donna Hughes of joint winners GALGORM.

Alongside Georgie's individual success, Galgorm Collection shared first place in the Sustainability category, recognising efforts to reduce waste, conserve resources and support biodiversity across its hospitality operations.

Among its initiatives, the introduction of filtered still and sparkling water taps in guest rooms has removed the need for more than 289,000 plastic and glass bottles, preventing over 25 tonnes of packaging waste, according to the Collection.

The group has also planted more than 7,500 native trees across its estate, complemented by wildflower areas, bee and bug hotels, and a nature walk designed to help guests learn about local habitats and wildlife.

Other measures include on-site solar technology, improved recycling systems, water conservation and environmentally responsible management practices across its golf courses.

Colin Johnston, CEO of Galgorm Collection, said:

“Sustainability is something we take very seriously, and we believe that securing the future of our planet is a collective responsibility. We’re incredibly proud to be recognised alongside so many fantastic local businesses, and we’re committed to doing everything in our power to better our community.”

Celebrating dedication and local opportunity

Mr Johnston also paid tribute to Georgie's progression through the business, highlighting her willingness to support colleagues beyond her current responsibilities.

“Georgie started with us as a Food and Beverage Assistant and has built her career here through hard work. She’s now a real ambassador for Galgorm Collection and for Ballymena, and she’s also the first to step in and help our restaurant teams when they’re busy, which says everything about her. Congratulations to Georgie, our wider team and everyone who was shortlisted.”

Employing almost 1,400 people across its portfolio of hotels, restaurants and golf experiences, Galgorm Collection is a significant employer in the local hospitality sector.

Its community engagement programme includes partnerships with schools, sporting organisations, charities and educational initiatives, alongside opportunities for staff to develop their careers within the business.

Praise from Ballymena Chamber

Tom Wiggins, Chief Executive of Ballymena Chamber of Commerce and Industry, praised both the group's environmental work and Georgie's individual contribution.

“Galgorm Collection is a mainstay of the Ballymena community, providing high-quality employment opportunities, state-of-the-art facilities and excellent hospitality and leisure experiences.

“The business’s commitment to sustainability thoroughly impressed the judging panel, as did Georgie’s dedication. She was recognised for her strong work ethic and extensive business knowledge.

“Congratulations to Georgie and the entire team at Galgorm Collection, who were very worthy winners against some tough competition.”

The double recognition highlights two important aspects of the hospitality group's contribution to Ballymena: its investment in more sustainable operations and the opportunities it provides for local people to build long-term careers.

For Georgie, who began her journey serving customers at Gillies Restaurant almost two decades ago, the Employee of the Year award is a particularly fitting recognition of how far that career has taken her.