Ballymena's business community gathered in record numbers for the 2026 Ballymena Business Excellence Awards at Tullyglass House Hotel. The 24th annual event, organised by Ballymena Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry, drew 436 guests to recognise local enterprises.

The awards attracted a record number of entries, including 30 first-time applicants. Several winners were not Chamber members, reflecting wider participation.

Chamber President Peter Houston addressed the audience, noting the awards coincided with Ballymena's 400th anniversary year. He said the evening celebrated the success of the local business community and highlighted individual commitment. Houston stated that the attendance of over 430 business representatives proved the vitality of Ballymena as a centre of entrepreneurial excellence in Northern Ireland.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, congratulated finalists and winners. He said the council was proud to remain principal sponsor and committed to supporting local entrepreneurs to ensure Ballymena remains a successful place to do business.

The Chamber presented a cheque for £16,000 to Northern Ireland Children's Hospice, proceeds from its sixth annual charity golf day. Over five years, the golf events have raised £118,000 for hospice causes. A raffle during the awards evening raised a further £2,600, bringing the evening's total for hospice to £18,600.

Evolve Credit Union received the Services to the Community Award for its support to families and individuals in the Ballymena area. Melanie Christie-Boyle MBE was given the Chamber's Special Recognition Award for her contribution to developing local businesses. She was accompanied by her son Jamie.

Other award winners included Alice K. Beauty for Customer Service (Service Sector), the JAQ Group for Business Growth and Right Place to Work, Smallcost Carpets for Family Business of the Year, Riada Resourcing for Team of the Year, Ben's Ice Cream Studio for Best Young Person in Business, McKillop's Spar for Involvement in the Community, Pilgrims Europe for Diversity and Inclusion, McDonald's Ballymena for Skills Development, Primark Ballymena for Business Premises, Create and Conquer for Customer Service (Retail), Gattos Ristorante for Customer Service (Hospitality), The Carrie for Best Restaurant, Good Morning Ballymena for Social Enterprise of the Year, Grassman for Commitment to Ballymena, and Nourish and Nurture for Best Innovative Small Business.

The event was hosted by Cool FM presenter Pete Snodden. Judging was coordinated by Barbara and Russell Campbell of Barbara Campbell Training and Consultancy. Entertainment was provided by local band The Resolution.