Business Improvement District (BID) is an arrangement whereby businesses get together and decide;
This all goes into a business plan which is voted on by all those who would have to pay. The BID lasts for a maximum of 5 years and must be able to demonstrate how it benefits the businesses that have founded it.
The Ballymena Business Improvement District (BID) was implemented in Ballymena Town Centre following a resounding successful vote by Ballymena town centre businesses.
“No one prepared us for the shock of lockdown and what it would mean to our business and staff”, says Kieran McAtamney.
“Thankfully the butchery remained open and we extended our service and customer base through home deliveries.
With our new restaurant, Graze, due to open in the Autumn, we are very encouraged with there turn of shoppers to the town. It’s important we support the BID re-ballot.”
“Having businesses in other towns, I can honestly say you notice the difference. In Ballymena, the BID is a real support system. If you engage with it, you’ll see the benefits. It’s true what they say: all you have to do is ask. The BID team and board are there to help, and they deliver.”
“I’ll admit I didn’t understand the BID model at first. But after four years of actively working with them, I’ve seen the support they give businesses of every size. As we move into our new premises, that support is even more important. Having a BID behind us means we’re not facing challenges alone.” “
“Ballymena’s strength has always been its people and its proud town centre. As we look ahead, Council’s focus is clear: to work shoulder-to-shoulder with Ballymena BID so our high streets remain vibrant, welcoming places to shop, meet and do business. A thriving town centre creates jobs for local families, attracts new investment and gives visitors a warm Ballymena welcome every day. Our retailers and hospitality businesses have shown resilience and ambition – they deserve a strong partner at their side. Council will continue to back the BID’s efforts to promote the town, enhance safety and cleanliness, as well as showcase the unique mix of independents and household names that sets Ballymena apart. Just as importantly, the BID provides a united voice for traders – championing practical support, lobbying for resources and making sure local needs are heard. Together, we will build momentum, grow employment and ensure Ballymena remains Northern Ireland’s destination of choice.”
The BID gives us leverage we could never achieve as individual businesses. It allows us to speak with one strong voice, and that voice carries weight when it comes to funding, support and recognition. Working together, we achieve so much more than we ever could alone — and that’s what makes Ballymena stand out.”
Roy Smyth, Outdoor Adventure
Ballymena Discount Day Success Sets the Tone for the Season Ahead On Thursday 6 November, Ballymena town centre businesses once again came together for the much loved annual Ballymena Discount Day. The day proved a huge success from early morning right through until stores closed at 9pm. Thousands of visitors travelled from across Northern Ireland…
Businesses Vote in Favour of a Third Term for Ballymena BID The ballot for the renewal of Ballymena Business Improvement District has now concluded. The ballot opened in mid October and closed at 5pm on Thursday 27 November 2025. The Returning Officer, Valerie Watts, Interim Chief Executive of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, formally…
Barr’s Butchers Unveils Major New Store in Ballymena as the Family Marks 147 Years in Business Barr’s Butchers, one of Ballymena’s oldest independent businesses, is proud to announce the opening of its impressive new store on Ballymoney Street today Tuesday 25 November. The expansion marks a significant moment for the fifth-generation family business, which has…
Make Ballymena your place to be this Christmas. From festive shopping to cosy cafés, vibrant bars and delicious restaurants, the town centre has everything you need to enjoy the season. And with a brilliant programme of pop up festive activity, there’s even more reason to visit, explore and celebrate with us. 🎁 Saturday 29th November…
Ballymena Town Centre is getting ready to sparkle as one of the most anticipated events of the year returns on Saturday 15 November, the Ballymena Christmas Light Switch-On. This year’s celebrations promise to be bigger and brighter than ever, led by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, with Downtown Radio and Downtown Christmas once again…
Ballymena Discount Day is back! Join us on Thursday 6th November from 9am to 9pm for a full day of amazing offers across the town and shopping centres. Make a day of it and explore every street, pop into your favourite spots and discover somewhere new along the way. From fashion, home, beauty, wellbeing, toys…
Christmas comes early for Ballymena shoppers: Opening Date Confirmed for New Primark Fairhill Store It’s official – Primark has today announced the opening date of its brand-new Ballymena store, with customers invited to step inside the new location at Fairhill Shopping Centre on Friday 5th December at 10am. The move marks an exciting new chapter…
🎃 Ghostie’s Spooktacular Halloween Trail & Storytime in Ballymena! 👻 FRIDAY 31ST OCTOBER – BALLYMENA TOWN CENTRE This spooky season, Ghostie has returned home to Ballymena! Sharing some fun and spooktacular short stories from his travels, Ghostie is sure to lift your spirits this Halloween. 🕛 1. Halloween Trail Kick off the Halloween fun with…
Ballymena BID Re-ballot 2025 – Your Vote, Your Town, Your Voice Ballymena BID was the first Business Improvement District Established in Northern Ireland and has proudly delivered real, tangible benefits for local businesses since its inception. From major marketing campaigns and town centre events, to safety partnerships and direct business support, the BID has been…
MPA Recruitment Strike Gold Status by Deloitte Recruitment Business receives Best Managed Company Award for the fifth year in a row. MPA Recruitment has been named one of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies at the Deloitte Awards Ceremony in Dublin. The company has now received this prestigious accolade for the fifth year in a row, most…
Ballymena BID Teams Up with Knockdene Healthcare to Strengthen Town Centre Emergency Preparedness Ballymena BID has teamed up with local company Knockdene Healthcare to deliver annual defibrillator and first aid training to local businesses, helping to ensure Ballymena town centre remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone. Staff from Wallaces, Front Page Bar,…
Ballymena Autumn Winter Fashion Show Brings Style, Energy and Community Spirit to The Braid CHECK OUT ALL THE LOOKS AND WERE TO BUY THEM BY CLICKING HERE The Ballymena Autumn Winter Fashion Show brought glamour, fun and community spirit to The Braid on Friday 26th September 2025, as the town came together to celebrate the…
Ballymena is celebrating a huge milestone as the town’s local gift card surpasses a quarter of a million pounds in sales in just over two and a half years. Since its launch in November 2022, The Ballymena Gift Card has quickly become a favourite with shoppers, businesses and organisations. As the card can be spent…
Ballymena Autumn/Winter Fashion Show Returns for a Glamorous Third Year Now in its third year, the Ballymena Autumn Fashion Show has become a standout occasion on the NI events calendar – and this year it returns with a fresh new look, a new venue, and new opportunities to get involved. Taking place on Friday 26th…
TREAT YOUR TEACHER COMPETITION Do you have the BEST TEACHER? At Ballymena BID, we truly appreciate all the amazing teachers and school staff in our local primary schools. It’s been a while since we sat in those primary school seats ourselvesm so we want to hear from you, the students! Tell us why your teacher,…
Around Our Town – Walking & Food Tours Return This May! Alastair Donaghy & Ballymena BID is delighted to bring back our “Around Our Town” Walking & Food Tours, running on the third Saturday of each month from May to September. 📅 Tour Dates: Saturday 17th May Saturday 21st June Saturday 19th July Saturday 16th…
Easter Colouring Competition – A Huge Thank You! We have been absolutely overwhelmed by the response to our Easter Colouring-In Competition with local primary schools! Over a thousand colourful entries were submitted, and they are nothing short of stunning. These bright and joyful creations are now on display in and around Ballymena town centre until…
Hop Into Easter Fun in Ballymena Town Centre! This Good Friday, 18th April, from 12pm – 3pm, Ballymena Town Centre is the place to be for a fun-filled family day out! Join us for an unforgettable Easter Egg Hunt starting in Wellington Court, where the excitement begins! Children can get creative with Easter crafts, enjoy…
Ballymena BID Thanks Local Community for Supporting the Digg Deep for Kids Christmas Campaign Ballymena BID extends a heartfelt thank you to the incredible Ballymena community and local businesses for their outstanding support of the Digg Deep for Kids Christmas campaign. Together, we have made a significant difference in the lives of children in need…
Festive Fun in Ballymena Town Centre Experience the magic of Christmas in Ballymena Town Centre, where the festive spirit comes alive every Saturday from 30th November to 21st December. With a wonderful mix of entertainment, delicious food, and unique shopping opportunities, Ballymena is the perfect place to soak up the Christmas atmosphere this season. Stroll…
Give the Gift of Ballymena This Christmas! 🎄 Searching for the perfect Christmas present? The Ballymena Gift Card offers choice, convenience, and the joy of supporting local businesses. Spend it at over 110 locations, including High Street favourites such as Primark, Dunnes, Marks & Spencer, Next, and a wide range of independent stores and businesses…
Join Us This Thursday for Ballymena’s 2024 Discount Day—A Shopping Event Not to Be Missed! This Thursday, 7th November, from 9 AM to 9 PM, Ballymena will host its Annual Discount Day, organised by the Ballymena Business Improvement District (BID). Shoppers can enjoy fantastic savings across the vibrant town centre, as local boutiques and national…
This Halloween, Ballymena’s Trick or Treat Trail brought thousands to our town centre for a day filled with thrills, fun, and community spirit. With an amazing turnout and incredible costumes, the atmosphere was nothing short of electric! From the start at Fairhill Shopping Centre, where we hosted free face painting and our Best Dressed competition,…
The Ballymena Autumn/Winter Fashion Show made a grand return on Friday, 18th October, delighting hundreds of fashion enthusiasts with a glamorous night of style and community spirit at the Tullyglass Hotel. Jointly organised by Ballymena BID and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, the event was hosted by Cool FM’s Melissa Riddell and curated by…
Join Us for the Ballymena Trick or Treat Trail! 🎃👻 Date: Thursday, 31st October Start Time: 2 PM Winners Announced: 5 PM Get ready for a spooktacular day of family fun at the Ballymena Trick or Treat Trail! This Halloween, we invite you to don your best costumes and embark on an exciting adventure filled…
On Saturday, 17th August, Ballymena’s Greenvale Street was the vibrant heart of a grand celebration as thousands of attendees gathered to enjoy a day filled with fun, wellness, and community spirit. The event, organised by Ballymena BID and kindly supported by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and the Department for Communities, marked a spectacular…
Ballymena Autumn/Winter Fashion Show Returns for a Glamorous Second Year CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS Following the overwhelming success of last year’s debut event, the Ballymena Autumn Fashion Show is back for its highly anticipated second year. On Friday, 18th October, doors open at 6pm, show from 7-9pm, fashion enthusiasts from across Northern Ireland will gather at the…
Ballymena BID Limited is thrilled to announce the winners of our “Treat Your Teacher” competition! Yesterday, we visited local schools to celebrate and honour the exceptional educators who make a significant difference in our children’s lives. The winning teachers and school staff were delighted with fabulous flowers generously provided by Milson & Berry on Greenvale…
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Ballymena BID Limited will take place on Tuesday 18th June at 3pm. Venue: Adair Arms Hotel Confirmation of attendance is required, please RSVP to bidsmanager@ballymenabid.com If you are interested in joining the board or any of our sub-groups please CLICK HERE DOWNLOAD the application form…
Unlock the Power of Social Media Marketing: Join Our Master Class in Ballymena! Are you ready to take your business to new heights on social? We’re thrilled to invite you to our upcoming Social Media Master Class for Businesses with renowned influencers and content creators, Abigail Parkinson & Emma Jane Mooney. Date: Tuesday 14th May…
10 Reasons to Explore Ballymena Town Centre Ballymena offers a wealth of experiences for everyone, whether it’s a night out with friends, a shopping spree with the girls, or a family day out. Here are ten compelling reasons to explore this vibrant town: 1. Convenient Location: Situated just a 40-minute drive from both Belfast…
“Discover Ballymena: When Pancake Tuesday, Valentines, and Half Term Collide, there’s no better time to visit Ballymena!” In the heart of Northern Ireland, Ballymena beckons you to experience the delicious delights of Pancake Tuesday, Valentines, and Half Term fun. With something for everyone, the town invites you to unearth the hidden treasures within its vibrant…
Ballymena Gift Card hits £130,000 milestone on first anniversary One year from launch, the initiative has reached £130,000 in sales, with 120 businesses now accepting the card. New Click and Collect service introduced Ballymena businesses are crediting the town’s gift card with bringing in sales, with over £130,000 of cards sold to date and over…
Emma McCrea, Ballymena BID Manager, is on a mission to inspire everyone to embrace the power of local shopping and make use of their Ballymena Gift Card, whether they received it during the holiday season or in the past year. Ballymena has a charm like no other, offering an extraordinary range of shopping opportunities. With…
‘Everything you need for Christmas is right here in Ballymena’: Ballymena mum of four wins Dream Christmas competition A busy Ballymena mum says it’ll be treats all round after winning a £1,000 Ballymena Gift Card to spend on making Christmas magical. Kathy Croskery, 43, scooped the top prize after entering the Win Your Dream Christmas…
Spread festive cheer to your staff and clients with a Ballymena Gift Card this Christmas. All new Click and Collect service is now available. Not only will your business be supporting the local economy of Ballymena Town Centre, but you’ll also be giving your staff, clients, and contractors the gift of Choice this Christmas. The…
Give the Gift of Choice with a Ballymena Gift Card The Ballymena Gift Card makes the perfect gift for any occasion, Christmas, Weddings, Birthdays, Anniversaries and of course, it’s the ultimate Thank You Gift. Weather you are shopping for friends, family, colleagues or clients the Ballymena Gift Card will be a welcome treat. WHAT IS…
It’s the most awaited time of the year in Ballymena Town Centre – BALLYMENA DISCOUNT DAY – Thursday 2nd November 9am-9pm That one day when Ballymena Town Centres Businesses come together to offer visitors fabulous discounts and special deals. Save on fashion, homeware, gifting, beauty, jewellery and more. Explore the town, find your treasures, SHOP…
Ballymena Town Centre is hosting FREE Family Fun Days, kids can enjoy outdoor games, special guest entertainers and face painting in Wellington Court on Friday 28th July and Friday 4th, 11th & 18th August from 12pm-3pm. Check out our entertainers for each Friday: Friday 28th: Mad Hatter & Alice in Wonderland Friday 4th Aug: Spider-Man…
Ballymena Bid’s treat your teacher competition. WINNERS Today Monday 12th June the BID team had the most enjoyable day visiting 5 Primary Schools within the Ballymena District. Six very special teachers were presented with beautiful flowers from Blossom & Birch and a Ballymena Gift Card, which they can use to treat themselves in over 100…
Ballymena Bid Ltd. – Notice of Annual General Meeting Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held in Adair Arms, Ballymena. Wednesday 21st June at 3pm. To allow us to plan refreshments and ensure there’s a sufficient amount of seating for all, please RSVP to info@ballymenabid.com by Noon…
We could go on and on and give you 100 reasons to visit Ballymena this Easter, but today we asked 10 members of the public why they think people should visit Ballymena this Easter, here’s what they said: Kids Eat Free this Easter in M&S, in Fairhill Shopping Centre. Little ones can celebrate the Easter…
EASTER FUN IN BALLYMENA TOWN CENTRE Join us in Ballymena Town Centre this Easter! The Ballymena Business Improvement District (BID) has organised a cracking range of Easter entertainment in the town centre on Friday 7th April to ensure shoppers and visitors enjoy their time in the town. The entertainment will see several Easter Characters, Face Painting,…
Ballymena BID Helps Businesses Enhance Digital Marketing Skills Ballymena Business Improvement District (BID) is celebrating the completion of a hugely successful 8-week business breakfast series designed to help inform, educate and upskill businesses on their digital marketing stills. The weekly morning workshops were delivered by Ballymena-born James Scullion, founder of multi-award-winning Rapid Agency, a creativity-led,…
Talented Local Artist Brings Colour to Ballymena Town Centre Monday 27 March 2023 Leanne McClelland, a talented freelance artist and designer from Ballymena, has recently been commissioned to deliver a mural in the town centre as part of the Covid-19 Recovery Revitalisation Programme. The programme is funded by the Department for Communities, Department for Agriculture, Environment and…
BALLYMENA BID GIVES HEART-FELT THANKS FOR LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT Ballymena Business Improvement District (BID) has given huge thanks to a local shop owner, Sinead Connolly, who has donated a life-saving portable defibrillator to the town centre, following her own need for one a few years ago. Ballymena BID maintains three further defibs in the town (at…
Ballymena Celebrates Biggest Ever Discount Day in History Ballymena Business Improvement District (BID) is celebrating record footfall and sales figures at the recent ‘biggest ever’ Discount Day in history. The annual event saw an increase in footfall of 15.5 per cent compared to the same day last year. And the previous week enjoyed a 161…
Bloomin’ Beautiful Ballymena! Local Artist & Garden Centres Transforms Face of Ballymena Ballymena Business Improvement District (BID) has helped transform the town centre in unique way with the introduction of bespoke Shutter Art and new green planters across a series of businesses. The Shutter Art concept, thought to be the first of its kind in…
Ballymena Monthly Artisan Market will return in Spring 2023. If you are a creator and would like to become one of Ballymena Markets Traders, please email Emma: info@ballymenameans.com
Northern Ireland’s top gardening talent was celebrating at the annual Translink Ulster in Bloom awards presentation on Wednesday 23rd March. Hosted at Cultra Manor, the awards event recognised the community-work carried out by gardening enthusiasts, Councils and other public bodies across Northern Ireland. Emma McCrea & Clare Moore from Bid join Mid and East Antrim…
BALLYMENA IS BOUNCING BACK FOR SPRING SHOPPING TRIPS It has been almost 12 months since businesses in Ballymena voted ‘YES’ to at the re-ballot of Northern Ireland’s first Business Improvement District (BID) and since then the town has recorded positive footfall statistics and has welcomed 8 new independent businesses. Two ladies clothing retailers Zarabella and…
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council have teamed up with Ballymena Business Improvement District to encourage dog owners to take the Green Dog Walkers pledge and ‘leave only paw prints’ on our streets. As restrictions continue to ease, local businesses are enjoying a steady increase in footfall within our town centres, so it is important…
Despite challenging trading conditions throughout 2021, Ballymena has had plenty to celebrate, and it’s been buzzing with positivity and community spirit. That optimism looks set to continue as the festive season gets underway as local businesses come together to celebrate recent successes and announce exciting future plans. This month saw the town come alive with…
This week saw the official launch of the Ballymena Business Improvement District’s (BID’s) five-year business plan, which will see over £1M invested directly into Ballymena town centre. Almost 70 attendees, made up of local business owners, stakeholders, strategic partners and board members were welcomed by local businessman Stephen Reynolds who was re-elected Chairman of Ballymena…
On Wednesday 31st of March, Ballymena received some great news. Stephen Reynolds Chair of Ballymena BID and Emma McCrea Bid Manager break the news and give thanks to the the local business community for voting YES and to our business partners for their continued support. Ballot results released by the independent scrutineer, Civica Election…
The deadline has passed, the votes have all been counted, and today, the fate of Northern Ireland’s first Business Improvement District’s (BID’s) second term has been decided… And…. It’s a resounding YES! Ballymena businesses and organisations have once again voted in favour of retaining the Ballymena BID for a further 5-year term. The support for…