Explore the findings from the NI Enterprise Barometer 2025 Survey.
Explore the findings from the NI Enterprise Barometer 2025 Survey.
Ballymena Business Centre’s 2026 Annual General Meeting reflected on the organisation’s legacy while setting an ambitious course for the future of enterprise and economic development in Ballymena Town Centre and across the wider Ballymena area.
A heartfelt tribute was paid to the late Honorary Chairman PJ McAvoy, whose dedication and vision as a founding director in 1990 played a pivotal role in establishing Ballymena Business Centre as one of Northern Ireland’s leading Local Enterprise Agencies. His long-standing commitment to Ballymena town and its people will long be remembered.
Ballymena Business Centre’s Strategy 2022–2026 remains central to its mission, focusing on collaboration with local and regional economic partners to deliver innovative solutions that support business development and community prosperity. The centre will continue to champion economic growth, enterprise development and regeneration initiatives throughout the region.
In 2025, Ballymena Business Centre undertook a major revamp of the Midtown Makers Gift Shop in Church Street. Established 10 years ago as a town centre regeneration project, this unique retail space supports more than 60 local artisans and provides a home for local regeneration and social enterprise organisations. The refurbishment has refreshed the space while reinforcing its role as a vibrant showcase for locally made products and creative talent.
Alongside the renovation, Ballymena Business Centre launched a new Visitor Information Hub in partnership with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council. The hub strengthens Midtown Makers position as a key tourism destination, offering a welcoming point of information and engagement for both local residents and visitors from across Northern Ireland and overseas.
Looking ahead, Ballymena Business Centre is developing a programme of community initiatives designed to bring even greater activity into the town centre. Plans include a range of creative workshops, health and wellbeing programmes and enterprise support initiatives, helping to build connections within the community while encouraging entrepreneurship and creativity.
Later this month, Ballymena Business Centre will also partner with the Rotary Club of Ballymena to launch the Rotary Rest Space. This peaceful and welcoming area will provide visitors, shoppers and members of the local community with an opportunity to relax, learn about Ballymena’s rich 400-year history, and engage with Midtown Makers staff, artisans and visitors to the town.
In addition to its town centre activity, Ballymena Business Centre continues to look towards future economic development. Options are currently being explored to develop 2.5 acres of grow-on manufacturing land at Woodside Industrial Estate, creating further opportunities for business expansion and supporting the growth of local industry.
Chief Executive Melanie Christie-Boyle MBE and the Executive Team with the voluntary leadership of Charity Trustees continue to drive the organisation forward with a strong focus on its charitable and social objectives. Celebrating 400 years since the founding of Ballymena Town the team are positioning Ballymena Business Centre for an exciting period ahead, reinforcing Ballymena’s reputation as a thriving and entrepreneurial destination for many years to come.
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