Ballymena Business Centre

26/05/2026

Celebrating 30 Years of Service at Ballymena Business Centre

Ballymena Business Centre marks a significant milestone as Yvonne Marks celebrates 30 years of dedicated service with the organisation.

Joining Ballymena Business Centre a Local Enterprise Agency in 1996 through a Youth Employment Scheme, Yvonne quickly established herself as a valued team member, progressing through the organisation into key roles of bookkeeping and account management.

Over the past three decades, Yvonne has been at the heart of the organisation’s mission to support enterprise and entrepreneurship, helping start-ups, growing businesses, and aspiring entrepreneurs across the Ballymena area. Her professionalism, expertise, and commitment have played an essential role in managing finances that support capital expansion and successful project delivery.

The Board of Directors and Staff Team at Ballymena Business Centre warmly congratulate Yvonne on this outstanding achievement and look forward to many more years of employment as the organisation embarks on their new Ballymena Enterprise Strategy.

Pictured: James Perry MBE DL, Company Chairman and Yvonne Marks, Company Accounts Manager accompanied by Company Directors and Staff Team.

Enterprise NI
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council
Ballymena Guardian Newspaper
Ballymena & Antrim Times
Love Ballymena

23/05/2026

Happy birthday Ballymena 🎊🎉🎈Today we took part in the 400 year Ballymena Celebration Parade. We walked as Ballymena Business Centre and Midtown Makers Gift Shop Team and Members including friends, family and Ballymena Means dinosaurs.


Enterprise NI
Love Ballymena
Ballymena Guardian Newspaper
Ballymena & Antrim Times
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council
Jacque McNeill

19/05/2026

Ballymena Business Centre extends a warm welcome to Ryan Black, Director of Growth and Major Projects at MEA Borough Council

Ballymena Business Centre was delighted to welcome Ryan Black, Director of Growth and Major Projects at MEA Borough Council for a productive discussion focusing on future opportunities within the Ballymena area. Ideas were explored in support of Town Centre Regeneration, Community Wealth Building, and Enterprise Development, highlighting the important role of Ballymena Business Centre as a Local Enterprise Agency and key Local Stakeholders in driving sustainable growth forward. The visit reinforced the value of collaboration across the Ballymena area and recognised the impactful work already being delivered throughout our community. Ballymena Business Centre is set to embark on the development of a new Enterprise Strategy where the emphasis on working together will continue to strengthen our local economy and create lasting opportunities for businesses, residents, and future generations.

Pictured Melanie Christie-Boyle MBE, Chief Executive, Ballymena Business Centre, Ryan Black, Director of Growth and Major Projects, MEA Borough Council and James Perry MBE DL, Chairperson, Ballymena Business Centre.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council
Enterprise NI
Ballymena Guardian Newspaper
Love Ballymena
Ballymena & Antrim Times

10/05/2026

Ballymena Business Centre and 100 delegates from businesses, charities, social enterprises and local government were represented at The Gallaher Trust Ballymena 400 Event.

This celebration event provided opportunities to share ideas about what more can be done to help boost job creation and skills development in Ballymena, to help secure the town’s future economic development.

Representing Ballymena Business Centre - James Perry MBE DL, Chairperson; Lawrence Greer, Business Advisor; and Audrey Wales MBE, Vice Chairperson.

Enterprise NI

08/05/2026

Perfect Town Centre Location for Retail or Office

Affordable and Flexible Tenancy Agreement, Commercial Rates Discount May Apply!!

This modern, high-quality commercial unit located on Henry Street, Ballymena, offers an incredible opportunity to both new and establish businesses. Offering opportunities for a wide range of business activities within a double unit footprint.

Ballymena Guardian Newspaper
Ballymena & Antrim Times
Love Ballymena
Enterprise NI
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council

This Retail Unit (1,063 Sq Ft) Rent Is Located At Salisbury Square, 23 - 25 Henry Street, Ballymena. Find Out More Inside.

21/04/2026

We are pleased to invite you to our Tourism Accommodation Providers Evening at Midtown Makers, Visitor Information Centre, on Thursday 30th April at 7pm.

Midtown Makers Gift Shop on Church Street Ballymena is now the official Visitor Information Centre for the town, and we want to provide the best service possible to both visitors looking for accommodation and to local tourism providers.

This will be an excellent opportunity to network with providers, tour guides and local businesses. Bring along your promotional literature, and take away a goody bag!

Please RSVP to Catriona: [email protected] and include any access and or dietary requirements by 24th April.

Feel free to share this invitation with anyone you feel would benefit attending.

19/03/2026

Ballymena Business Centre set an ambitious course for the future of enterprise and economic development in the town at its 2026 AGM, with a heartfelt tribute paid to the late Honorary Chairman, PJ McAvoy:

Ballymena Business Centre’s 2026 Annual General Meeting has reflected on the organisation’s legacy, while setting an ambitious course for the future of enterprise and economic development in the town centre and across the wider Ballymena area.

03/03/2026

🎉👩🏻‍🎨NOW OPEN - CALL FOR NEW CRAFTERS 🎉👩🏻‍🎨

We are now accepting applications for new members of Midtown Makers Gift Shop!

Applications Now Open for Membership in the following categories:
Metalwork/Blacksmith
Food Products
Leatherwork
Men’s Jewellery
Children’s Books (Author or Illustrator)
Greetings Cards
Wedding Stationary

Apply here: https://form.jotform.com/.../midtown-makers-application-form

Closing Date: 12 noon 31st March 2026

25/02/2026

Thinking about starting a business?
Need to Find the Right Business Idea?

Pop into Midtown Makers Gift Shop
12pm to 2pm Saturday 7th March 2026

 Exclusive access to over 400 Business Ideas
 Right support to help you get started
 Connect with a local Business Advisor

Register for FREE https://form.jotform.com/BallymenaBiz/400BusinessIdeas

20/02/2026

We are deeply saddened to learn today of the passing of our Honorary Chairman and very dear friend PJ McAvoy, a man whose dedication and leadership left a lasting mark on Ballymena Business Centre and the wider community.

As a Founding Company Director in 1990 and later Chairman, PJ was instrumental in the establishment of Ballymena Business Centre. His commitment to supporting local enterprise and fostering growth was evident throughout his many years of voluntary service. As a leader, he brought not only vision and experience, but also warmth, integrity, and a genuine passion for helping others succeed.

PJ's influence helped shape Ballymena Business Centre into a vital support network for countless individuals and businesses from across the Ballymena area. In 2025 PJ was presented with the award of Honorary Chairman by the Directors of Ballymena Business Centre in recognition of his decades of voluntary service to the organisation.

Beyond his commitment to Ballymena Business Centre, PJ will fondly be remembered for his leadership in Politics where kindness, and respect was showed to everyone across our community. His legacy will continue to inspire all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are extended to PJ’s family and friends at this difficult time. He will be greatly missed by everyone at Ballymena Business Centre.