NIO Minister shown Mid and East Antrim ‘open for business'

NIO Minister Robin Walker MP has praised local businesses for their commitment to health and safety measures during a visit to Mid and East Antrim today.

Robin Walker MP, NIO Minister, pictured centre with L-R: Colin Johnston, Galgorm Resort & Spa, Ian Paisley MP, Mayor Cllr Peter Johnston, MEABC Chief Executive Anne Donaghy, and Deputy Mayor Cllr Andrew Wilson

Ahead of the reopening on Friday 24 July of the world-class Galgorm Resort & Spa – which recently announced an investment of over £2million into its luxury facilities – Mr Walker was shown the stringent safety enhancements undertaken by the resort to protect guests and staff alike, while still providing a luxurious experience.

The Mayor of Mid and East, Deputy Mayor, Ian Paisley MP and Council representatives joined NIO Minister Robin Walker on the visit.

The Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort is one of the first hotels in the UK to receive the coveted AA COVID Confident Mark for its commitment to safety.

Minister Walker also visited Moore Concrete, a major construction manufacturing firm in Ballymena, and heard how Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has been providing support to local businesses throughout the Coronavirus pandemic.

Mayor, Cllr Peter Johnston, said afterwards: “Minister Walker was very impressed to see first-hand how our local business community has taken every possible step to ensure the safety of their workforce and customers as we move through the recovery phase of the pandemic.

“This was the ideal opportunity for us to showcase our world-leading tourism and hospitality industry, as Council continues to work closely with them on a new #RediscoverMEA marketing campaign, and to demonstrate that there has never been a better time to enjoy the beauty on our doorstep.”

Deputy Mayor, Councillor Andrew Wilson, added: “Minister Walker was very complimentary of the comprehensive safety measures being undertaken at the Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort, which will open again to the public tomorrow, July24.

“He also spoke highly of the resilience of our manufacturing sector and of the close working relationship between Council and our business community in forging economic recovery in the months and years ahead.”