Testimonials:

“Bid serves as a crucial point of contact for a wide range of issues, making it an invaluable resource for our town. Through collaborative efforts, businesses are uniting to elevate Ballymena’s reputation, cleanliness, friendliness, and safety. With Bid’s support, we are proud to be one the best Independent retail destinations in Northern Ireland. Bid plays a pivotal role in shaping and developing our future plans, offering essential services such as business support, training, and advertising across TV, radio, and social media. Their advocacy efforts with the council, chamber, and government are instrumental in driving positive change. Additionally, the introduction of the Ballymena gift card offers a perfect gifting solution, usable across a majority of stores. Together, with a united voice and collaborative efforts with stakeholders, we strive to make Ballymena the Best of the Best!”
Roy Smyth, Outdoor Adventure

“What a strange period of trading the last 4 months has been! As an essential retailer the store remained open throughout lockdown, continuing to keep key workers operational in the supply of white goods and essential electrical items.” Samuel Moore continues, “Coming out of lockdown has posed some challenges for us but the shop is open and welcoming new and old customers back into Ballymena. More than ever now the town can benefit from BID initiatives.”

Lesley from Follow Coffee says, “A big thank you to the Ballymena coffee drinkers for supporting us during this uncertain period. As a new management team taking over Follow Coffee,

lockdown stopped us dead in our tracks. Thankfully we took the downtime to carry out a refurb and we were able to operate street side coffee sales from outside the business.

” Further, Lesley adds, “Social distancing is now the new norm and our customers really appreciate the steps we have taken to offer a safe café experience. It’s great to see Ballymena getting back to business with the help of the BID.”

“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.”