The 2015 Ballymena Business Excellence Awards were launched at a reception in the Braid on Tuesday 28th July. This is the 13th year of the awards which are organised annually by Ballymena Borough Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is the principal sponsor for this year’s awards.

L-R: Anne Donaghy (Chief Executive Mid and East Antrim Borough Council), Cllr. Billy Ashe (Mayor), Alan Stewart (Chamber President) and Cllr. Timothy Gaston (Deputy Mayor)

Chamber President Alan Stewart welcomed everyone to the reception.

He said “Little did we think that when we organised the first awards in 2003 that they would become such an important and prestigious event. Just looking around this morning, this is the largest attendance I remember at an awards launch – this demonstrates that the interest in the Business awards is stronger than ever.  These awards help to celebrate the huge contribution made by our business community. The economic environment has been very tough in the last year, and these awards show the commitment of individuals and the business excellence that exists in the Borough.

I would like to thank Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for agreeing to be principal sponsor this year. The former Ballymena Borough Council was always a great supporter of both the awards and Chamber in general and I assure you that Chamber will do everything to make this year’s awards the most successful yet. I would like to thank all other businesses who have sponsored awards or taken an advertisement in the awards brochure – without your support there would be no awards.

The judging this year will again be carried out by Insight Mystery Shopping – it is entirely independent of Chamber thereby ensuring the integrity of the awards.

The awards brochure will be circulated throughout the Ballymena area and I would also ask everyone here this morning to encourage your customers and business contacts to enter the awards. There are 21 awards this year so there is a category to suit everyone – large or small businesses, retail, hospitality or industrial and individual awards as well. I look forward to the Gala Evening on Thursday 1st October”.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Councillor Billy Ashe said “Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is delighted to sponsor the Ballymena Business Awards. 

We work hard with our stakeholders to ensure we maximise the potential for all the Borough and our sponsorship of the Ballymena Business Awards – and specific support for the Commitment to Ballymena Award category – recognises Ballymena Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s dedication and hard work. 

The Awards symbolise Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s close working relationship with the Chamber and recognises the achievements of our local businesses and business people in working towards building a strong economy for the benefit of all”.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Cllr. Billy Ashe and Chamber President Alan Stewart with special guests and the sponsors at the launch of the 2015 Ballymena Business Excellence Awards

The Gala Awards Evening this year takes place on Thursday 1st October in Tullyglass House Hotel. This is now a major event in the Ballymena business and social calendar, so put the date in your diary now. Gene Fitzpatrick will be the compere this year and the entertainment will be provided by the fabulous Ritchie Remo and his band. Last year over 400 guests attended the Gala Evening and this year will be another great evening.

Awards brochures are now being distributed around the Ballymena area. If you have not yet received a brochure, you can view the brochure and download an entry form by clicking here. If you have any queries, or to book your tickets for the Gala Evening, please contact Chris Wales at office@ballymenachamber.co.uk or by telephone 07876 758797.

Ballymena Borough Chamber of Commerce and Industry would once again like to thank our sponsors for their help in making the 2015 Ballymena Business Excellence Awards possible.