Ballymena 400 – Building on Partnership and Progress, a wide-ranging community and business-focused event recently hosted by the Gallaher Trust, has been described as a “launchpad” for increased local collaboration and innovation to help boost economic development.
With a clear call to action issued to businesses, delivery partners and community stakeholders to collectively devise practical, effective solutions to address complex pressures facing Ballymena, the event brought together approximately 100 representatives to highlight both the scale of opportunity in the area and the £400,000 funding available to support eligible initiatives going forward.
Ian Paisley, Chairman of the Gallaher Trust explains the rationale behind the event saying: “Ballymena, like many other areas across Northern Ireland is dealing with complex and multifaceted issues – from sustained economic pressures on local businesses to the growing need for community-based solutions for disadvantaged groups, all within a context of limited funding and competing needs.
“The Gallaher Trust has been helping to alleviate these pressures locally for nine years now, but there is more work to be done. Businesses that can identify gaps that need to be bridged in both traditional and emerging commercial sectors with real potential for future growth need assistance in harnessing these opportunities to ensure long-term sustainable programmes that deliver maximum benefit both to participants and to the wider local economy.
“We recognise that real progress will only come through genuine buy-in from businesses and organisations, who are best placed to understand current and future workforce needs and how to equip potential employees with the skills required to thrive in a changing labour market. Equally, strong partnerships with delivery partners, alongside the insight of community leaders and grassroots third sector operators who understand the day-to-day pressures at a local level, is critical.
“This event was designed to gain insight drawn directly from those closest to the issues and combine this with a shared commitment to cooperate and work collectively in developing effective, practical and lasting solutions. Ultimately, collaboration is what will turn ambition into action and ensure that resources available from The Gallaher Trust, will continue to deliver real, measurable impact for people, businesses and communities alike.”
Attendees heard from some of the pioneers behind the formation of the Northern Ireland Hospitality School, Colin Johnston, CEO of Galgorm Resort, Eddie McKeever, Managing Director of McKeever Group as well as Ashley Douglas, Operations Director at the School, which was set up as a way to tackle skills shortages and to ensure a pipeline of future talent for the local hospitality sector.
In an inspiring fireside discussion with Jo Scott, and co-writer of the hit BBC drama, Blue Lights, Declan Lawn, attendees learned how creativity, collaboration and key conversations helped shape the course of his career.
Organisers described the event as “laying down a gauntlet” to the business community and current delivery partners, with a clear expectation that the ideas generated will be developed into practical proposals capable of making a measurable difference.
“There was a real sense of positivity in the room and a genuine belief that Ballymena can and will deliver better outcomes as people work together,” Ian continued. “Hearing about the success of the Northern Ireland Hospitality School really demonstrated what can be achieved when organisations come together with a common goal. The challenge now is to turn that energy and enthusiasm into action to unlock new opportunities for Ballymena and the people who live in the area.”
Delivery partner applications for 2027 projects are currently open. Visit the website: www.thegallahertrust.org for more information on the eligibility criteria and how to apply. If you have an idea for a future project that you would like to discuss, email: greg@thegallahertrust.org.