The Jaq Group celebrates double Ballymena Business Awards win after reaching £90.1m turnover
The Jaq Group won the Business Growth award at this year’s Ballymena Business Awards. Pictured are, from left, Connor Martin, founder and managing director of The Jaq Group, Julie Kitson from LEAP and Ryan Martin from The Jaq Group.
Monday 26 October 2026
A fragrance business founded just seven years ago has celebrated a double victory at the Ballymena Business Awards 2026, having grown into a global operation employing more than 230 people and recording annual turnover of £90.1 million.
Randalstown-headquartered The Jaq Group, founded by entrepreneur Connor Martin in 2019, secured two awards recognising its business growth and commitment to creating a positive working environment.
The company was honoured at last week's ceremony at Tullyglass House Hotel, organised by Ballymena Chamber of Commerce and Industry and hosted by Cool FM presenter Pete Snodden.
From local start-up to global fragrance business
The Jaq Group is behind three fragrance brands – The Essence Vault, Thomson Carter and Liquid London – and has expanded significantly since its launch, creating hundreds of employment opportunities in the Ballymena area.
Martin established The Essence Vault in 2019 after identifying demand for high-quality, long-lasting fragrances at more affordable prices.
The business has since expanded its product range beyond perfumes to include fragrance oils, diffusers, candles and skincare, while reinvestment has supported the launch of Thomson Carter and Liquid London.
Thomson Carter has also expanded into the United States, supported by a dedicated US website, marking another stage in the group's international development.
With turnover reaching £90.1 million over the past twelve months, the company's growth has made it a significant employer and contributor to the wider Ballymena business economy.
Founder praises team behind double success
The Jaq Group won the Right Place to Work award at this year’s Ballymena Business Awards. Pictured are, from left, Genevieve Martin, from The Jaq Group, Laura Millar, People and Development Associate Director at Galgorm Collection and Connor Martin, founder and managing director of The Jaq Group.
Founder and managing director Connor Martin said the awards recognised the contribution of employees who had helped build the business from its beginnings.
“I’m delighted that The Jaq Group won not one but two awards on the night,” Connor commented.
“In both categories we were shortlisted against some fantastic local businesses who are achieving great success and offering excellent working environments for their employees. I was so pleased to have been shortlisted and to win was just fantastic.
“The last few years have certainly been very exciting for The Jaq Group. We have grown significantly and have introduced new brands and products to our portfolio, which have been very well received.
“Behind all that success and growth, is a brilliant team who have been supporting me every step of the way – I have not achieved this in isolation.”
Investment in employee wellbeing and recognition
Alongside its commercial growth, The Jaq Group has placed an emphasis on staff wellbeing, employee recognition and creating opportunities for its workforce.
Its employee benefits include an Employee Assistance Programme, private medical cover, GP and counselling services, a Simplyhealth cashback scheme, an Employee of the Month programme and a company-wide bonus scheme.
Martin said creating a supportive workplace remained central to the company's approach as it continued to expand.
“As an employer, I’m very people-focused and believe in creating an environment where innovation, collaboration and inclusivity are recognised.”
He added:
“I’m extremely proud of my team – a huge congratulations to them and everyone that was shortlisted.”
Ballymena Chamber welcomes business success
Tom Wiggins, Chief Executive of Ballymena Chamber of Commerce and Industry, praised the company's contribution to local employment and the wider economy.
“The Jaq Group’s success over the last number of years has been truly remarkable,” he commented.
“His innovation, creativity and dedication, have created hundreds of employment opportunities and boosted Ballymena’s wider business economy, all whilst building a reputation as one of the area’s best places to work.
“Connor’s resilience, tenacity and ability to build a multi-million-pound brand with his team at the centre is admirable. Congratulations to Connor, his talented team and all those who were shortlisted.”
The double award win marks another milestone for a business that has grown from a single fragrance brand into an international group in seven years, demonstrating how locally founded companies can develop a global customer base while supporting employment in the Ballymena area.
