Business Leaders and Award-Winning Blue Lights Writer to Feature at Event
DRIVING new ideas to secure Ballymena’s future through additional job creation and skills development will be the focus of an upcoming event hosted by The Gallaher Trust, as funding applications for 2027 projects officially reopened earlier this month.
Taking place on Thursday 30 April at the Adair Arms Hotel, the Ballymena 400 – Building on Partnership and Progress event will mark the town’s 400th anniversary, celebrating its industrial heritage, whilst also looking firmly to the future.
Bringing together business leaders, innovators and third sector representatives, the event will demonstrate how collaboration has already delivered measurable results, including job creation, skills development and securing economic growth, alongside posing vital questions around how different sectors can work together to effect positive change and help secure the town’s future development.
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With a total of £400,000 available for eligible 2027 projects, The Gallaher Trust has committed £3.1 million to delivery partner projects since its inception in 2017, which have helped create 486 new jobs, upskill 1,700 adults and provide support to over 2,100 disadvantaged adults. The Trust’s Chairman, Ian Paisley, said these achievements provide a strong foundation but emphasised the necessity to build further momentum.
“There’s no doubt that the Trust has achieved a great amount of success, thanks to the support and dedication of our delivery partners, but there is so much more to be done,” Ian said.
“We’re keen to celebrate 400 years of Ballymena’s industrial heritage but if we want to secure the town’s future for the next four centuries and beyond, it’s important that we ask what more can be done in terms of collaboration for job creation and skills development.
“Established in 2021 by three local hoteliers who saw a need to solve an industry wide issue of recruiting and retaining highly-skilled staff, the Northern Ireland Hospitality School is a great example of what can be achieved through partnership and ‘outside the box’ thinking. Recently attracting private sector funding, the School has made a huge impact locally so far with 230 students graduating since its inception and we believe this model could be replicated across other sectors as well.”
Attendees will hear from key figures behind the formation of the Northern Ireland Hospitality School, Eddie McKeever, Managing Director of the McKeever Group, Colin Johnston, CEO of Galgorm Collection and Ashley Douglas, Director of Operations at the School.
Declan Lawn, a native of Ballymena and co-writer of hit BBC drama, Blue Lights, will also be taking part in a fireside chat, hosted by journalist, Jo Scott, giving a unique insight into his personal story and sharing his thoughts on Ballymena’s evolution and future potential.
“I would encourage all businesses, social enterprises and charities from across Northern Ireland to attend the Ballymena 400 – Building on Partnership and Progress event,” Ian continued.
“It will be a great opportunity to celebrate how far we’ve come alongside driving thought leadership to help secure the future of our communities and ultimately, our economy. Attendees will also be able to learn more about the funding available for 2027 projects and how to apply. We’re ready to help eligible organisations and projects to bring their ideas to life.”
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The Ballymena 400 – Building on Partnership and Progress event is taking place on Thursday 30th April at the Adair Arms Hotel from 8:30am – 12pm.
Register your attendance on Eventbrite or via the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ballymena-400-building-on-partnership-and-progress-tickets-1985495633889?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Delivery partner applications for 2027 projects are currently open. For more information or to apply, visit the website: www.thegallahertrust.org.
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