More than 100 attend Ballymena business breakfast as political leaders hear priorities for growth

North Antrim DUP MLA Paul Frew speaking at the local business networking event in Ballymena

More than 100 representatives from businesses and the wider community gathered in Ballymena on Friday morning for a major networking breakfast bringing local industry together with senior political figures.

North Antrim DUP MLA Paul Frew hosted the Business Networking Breakfast at the Adair Arms Hotel, with DUP leader Gavin Robinson MP and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly MLA among the keynote speakers.

The event also featured a panel discussion involving leading business and industry figures from across the Ballymena area, providing an opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the local economy.

Held during the week of Ballymena’s 400th anniversary celebrations, the breakfast placed the future of business, industry and economic growth firmly on the agenda.

Business and political leaders brought together

North Antrim MLA Paul Frew

Mr Frew said the turnout, with more than 100 individuals and businesses represented, demonstrated the strength of interest within the local business community.

Speaking following the event, he said:

“It was great to host a Business Networking Breakfast this morning in the Adair Arms Hotel Ballymena. I want to thank the Adair Arms for facilitating this morning’s breakfast, the event was extremely well attended with over 100 individuals and businesses represented.

“The breakfast saw speeches from myself, DUP Leader the Rt Hon Gavin Robinson MP, deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly and a panel discussion made up of leading business and industry experts from across the Ballymena area.”

Mr Frew said a central message emerging from the morning was the importance businesses place on political leadership and support for economic growth.

“The message at this morning’s breakfast was clear, businesses want to see political leadership that stands up for business and our economy here in North Antrim, and right across Northern Ireland,” he said.

The North Antrim MLA added:

“Only the DUP can offer a confident, sustainable plan for business and economic growth in Northern Ireland.”

Ballymena’s economy in focus during 400th anniversary

The gathering comes during a significant week for the town, with Ballymena marking 400 years since its foundation in 1626.

Ballymena has long been one of Northern Ireland’s important commercial and industrial centres, and Friday’s event provided a forum for businesses and political representatives to discuss how that economic base can be supported and developed in the years ahead.

Mr Frew described the breakfast as a successful opportunity to bring those different voices together.

“It was a hugely successful event which came at a significant time with Ballymena turning 400 years old this week,” he said.

“It was an honour to bring businesses and political leaders together to plan and discuss the future of business and industry here in Ballymena and right across the country.

“I look forward to continuing to engage with and champion our thriving business and industrial community right across North Antrim and will continue to speak up for them both locally and in Stormont.”

With more than 100 people and businesses represented, the breakfast highlighted the continuing importance of Ballymena’s commercial and industrial community — and the focus now turns to how the priorities discussed with political leaders can translate into support for investment, jobs and future economic growth.