Ballymena Businesses were out in force last Thursday (22nd.October) at the Gala Evening for the Ballymena Borough Business Excellence Awards. This is the seventh year of the awards which are organised by Ballymena Borough Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Jackie Fullerton was the compere for the evening and after welcoming everyone he invited Chamber President Alison Moore to say a few words.

Alison Said that it was great to see so many businesses from across the Borough gathered together.
“This is now the major event in the Ballymena business calendar. The Chamber has been working very hard for several months to organise the awards and it is very gratifying to have almost 450 people here this evening. This demonstrates the resilience of businesses in the Borough during what are undoubtedly tough economic times” she said.

“I would like to thank all our sponsors and advertisers, and especially our principal sponsor, Invest Northern Ireland. Without their support it would be impossible to run the awards. Finally I would like to wish all finalists here this evening the best of luck. The judges were highly impressed by the standard of the entries. There are no losers tonight – everyone here is a winner”.


Chairperson of the Ballymena Chamber of Commerce & Industry Allison Moore is seen here at the annual awards evening in the Tullyglass House Hotel with L-R, Chris Wales (Chamber of Commerce), Jackie Fullerton (Master of Ceremonies), Kevin McCann (Invest N.I.) and Mayor of Ballymena Cllr James Currie.

Kevin McCann, representing principal sponsor Invest NI said  "Invest Northern Ireland is delighted to be the principal sponsor of the 7th Ballymena Borough Business Excellence Awards 2009 and share in the success of local businesses. As the lead delivery agent for economic development, Invest NI aims to provide a comprehensive and individually tailored package of support to enable business owners to realise their ambitions and their growth potential”.

He continued “Congratulations to all the award winners and to the Chamber for organising such a great event. It is important to recognise success and business excellence - this event provides examples of best practice and reminds all companies that success is achievable, even during difficult economic times”.

Tullyglass House Hotel then served an excellent meal, and after the meal came the climax of the evening, the announcement of the winners. The evening concluded with dancing to the Chevys.

A raffle was held during the evening, the proceeds of which will be donated to the NI Hospice and over £3500 was raised. Thank you to everyone for their generosity and to the following who donated prizes for the raffle:

      Galgorm Resort and Spa

      Alexander Bonar and Co. Ltd.

      Michelin Tyre PLC

      Barrs Butchers

      Tullyglass House Hotel

      NI Hospice

      The Thatch Inn, Broughshane

      firmus energy


Dr Ian Paisley MP and his wife Eileen, who were guests at the Ballymena Chamber of Commerce & Industry awards evening in the Tullyglass House Hotel, Ballymena, are seen here with chamber president Allison Moore.


Mary Lawn, Catherine Scott of Insight Mystery Shopping (centre) and Audrey Wales (right).
Tulsk Lodge, Co. Roscommon
Golf Tours Fife Scotland