MEA Council's Amplify network helps local businesses unlock investment, expand and create jobs
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, pictured with members of the Mid and East Antrim Business Stakeholder Network and local business owner, Gina Thompson of Causeway Aromatics, after their recent meeting at Northern Regional College in Ballymena.
Friday 23 October 2026
Businesses across Mid and East Antrim have secured more than £384,600 in additional funding through a council-backed support network, helping local firms invest in growth, develop new products and create employment opportunities.
The funding was secured following 24 successful referrals to partner organisations through Mid and East Antrim Borough Council's Amplify Business Stakeholder Network, which connects businesses with specialist advice, financial support and development opportunities.
The latest figures highlight the role of partnerships between the council, education providers, business support organisations and public sector bodies in helping enterprises across Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne and the wider borough access opportunities for growth.
Eight years of business support
Established in 2018, the Amplify programme has facilitated 678 referrals connecting local businesses with stakeholder organisations over the past eight years.
These connections are designed to help businesses access expertise, funding, resources and professional networks that might otherwise be difficult to secure independently.
The latest £384,600 funding figure relates to 24 successful stakeholder referrals, rather than the total number of businesses supported since the programme began.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, said the relationships developed through the programme had been central to its success.
"At the heart of Amplify's success is the strength of the relationships the Council has built over the past eight years.
“The Stakeholder Network that has developed reflects a shared commitment to supporting businesses and creating opportunities throughout Mid and East Antrim.
“By working collaboratively, we have created a connected ecosystem that helps businesses access the support, expertise and networks they need to succeed."
Local business highlights benefits of support
Among the businesses benefiting from the council's support is Causeway Aromatics, whose founder Gina Thomson credits the programme with helping strengthen the company's operations and identify new opportunities.
The business has expanded its independent retail presence, improved its marketing and wholesale offering, and progressed product development through mentoring and connections with specialist support organisations.
Ms Thomson said:
"The support I have received through Mid & East Antrim Borough Council has been instrumental in the growth of Causeway Aromatics.
“Through a combination of mentoring, business development support and access to valuable connections, I have been able to strengthen key areas of the business, from refining our marketing strategy and enhancing our wholesale offering to accelerating product development and creating new employment opportunities.
“During this time, we welcomed two new independent retail stockists and developed a stronger foundation for future growth through improved marketing materials and customer resources."
The business has also been connected with Invest NI's Female Ambition to Grow programme and Northern Regional College's InnovateUs support, providing access to further expertise and development opportunities.
Ms Thomson added:
“As a business owner, having access to this joined-up ecosystem of support has given me the confidence, knowledge and connections to continue growing Causeway Aromatics and exploring new opportunities. It has shown me the real value of being part of a supportive business community that is invested in helping local businesses succeed."
How local businesses can access support
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is continuing to develop its Business Stakeholder Network as part of the wider Amplify Strategy, with support available to businesses seeking to grow, innovate or access specialist advice.
Business owners and organisations interested in joining the network or learning more about the support available can contact the council's Amplify team by email at amplify@midandeastantrim.gov.uk.
For local businesses, the network offers a route to advice, partnerships and potential funding opportunities, with the latest investment demonstrating how those connections can translate into practical support for growth.
