Finalists named for Ballymena Business Excellence Awards

The names of the finalists for the 2025 Ballymena Business Excellence Awards have been revealed.

The awards are organised annually by Ballymena Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry and this year the principal sponsor is Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

Tom Wiggins, Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive said: “We were taken aback to some extent by the number of entries this year with entries up by over 65% from 2022.

“Indeed, we have had to increase the number of finalists this year. This is for two reasons firstly some of the awards attracted as many as fifteen entrants and the standard of entries has been exceptionally high.”

Chamber President, Mark Wiggins added: “Whilst the number and quality of the entries created their own pressures, it is great to see that Ballymena businesses continue to grow and thrive.

“As a Chamber we are delighted that so many local businesses have decided to enter the awards, indeed thirty-two businesses who had never previously entered the awards have applied this year.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mid and East Antrim Borough Council our principal sponsor together with our other sponsors, without their support there would be no awards.

“Last year’s Gala Awards Evening saw 474 guests attending one of the biggest Chamber Award’s Gala ceremonies in Northern Ireland.

“In addition to the 20 awards for excellence in business Ballymena Chamber also sponsor two awards The Special Recognition Award and The Services to the Community Award which acknowledge the contribution made by individuals or organisations to help others within our local community.

This year’s glittering Gala evening will be held in the Tullyglass House Hotel on Thursday 23rd October.

The compere for the evening will be Cool FM’s Pete Snodden.

The entertainment will be provided by ‘New Light’.

Mark added: “We are looking forward to another fabulous evening, showcasing all that is good about business in the local area.

“Tickets are selling well for what is now the leading event in the Ballymena business calendar. I would like to congratulate all the finalists and wish them good luck for the Gala evening where the winners will be announced”.

To purchase tickets, or for more information please contact Tom Wiggins at office@ballymenachamber.co.uk .

Finalists

Business Growth Award

Neo-Environmental

Ross Companies

The JAQ Group

UDS Group

Wrightbus

Best Innovative Small Business

Cooked by Callum

Galgorm Melts

Nourish and Nurture

The Eden Playgroup

We Are Waymaker

Team of the Year

Dougies

Duality Healthcare

MB Motors

McDonalds Ballymena

Newbridge Financial Planning

Most Promising New Business

Flax

Skin & Co

The Dogs Inn

The Groomery

Trilogy Alignment

Best Use of Digital Media

Gibson Paving

MB Motors

Skin & Co

The Dogs Inn

Travelmax

Customer Service/Service Sector

Duality Healthcare

JTEC IT

McCarroll McConnell

Starling Entertainments

Vera McCullough

Employee of the Year

Beth Williams – McDonalds Ballymena

Courtney McAllister - Habitat ReStore

Helena McDonnell – Neo Environmental

Ryan Baird – Eurospar Cullybackey

Tara Cupples – We Are Waymaker

Right Place to Work

McDonalds Ballymena

Norbev

Pilgrims Europe

Start 360

The Adair Arms

Family Business of the Year

Ben Vista Nursery and Garden Centre

BH McKeague Optometrist

Café Sorrento

Fleck Metal Solutions

Gibson Paving

Sustainability Award

AD Sustainability

Galgorm Melts

Norbev

Pilgrims Europe

Wrightbus

Involvement in the Community

Eurospar Cullybackey

McKillops Spar

Ross Companies

Spar Broughshane

The Adair Arms Hotel

Diversity and Inclusion Award

McDonalds Ballymena

Galgorm Resort

Good Morning Ballymena

Habitat ReStore

Triangle Progression to Employment Service

Best Young Person in Business

Callum Irwin – Cooked by Callum

Connor Martin – The JAQ Group

Harry Wylie – Recovery Zone

Lauren Kelso - Illustrator

Skills Development Award

Pilgrims Europe

Spar Ahoghill

We Are Waymaker

Business Premises Award

Alice K Beauty

Dougies Goodies

Eden

Eurospar Doury Road

Grassmen – Tower Centre

Social Enterprise of the Year

Good Morning Ballymena

Habitat ReStore Ballymena

Customer Service Award - Retail

Boots – The Tower Centre

Country Garage BMW

Create and Conquer

Next – Fairhill Shopping Centre

River Island – Fairhill Shopping Centre

Travelmax

Vodafone – Fairhill Shopping Centre

Customer Service Award – Hospitality

Bob and Berts

Gatto’s Ristorante

Rococo’s

Shot

Sunny’s

The Grouse

The Thatch

Best Restaurant Award

Flax

Gatto’s Ristorante

Rococo

The Adair Arms Hotel

The Grouse

The Thatch Inn