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Staycation campaign launches
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Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s latest tourism marketing campaign has now launched, aiming to encourage domestic visitors to ‘Find Your Stay’ in this unique part of Northern Ireland.
Featuring a number of tourism and hospitality businesses and amazing outdoor attractions, the campaign provides dedicated itineraries for ‘staycationers’ seeking new experiences.
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From young and adventurous families to couples seeking relaxation and exploration, you’ll discover much more than you expected in Mid and East Antrim. The marketing campaign includes high impact imagery and video content on billboards and digital pulse screens across Northern Ireland, as well as targeted social media advertising. Learn more at shapedbyseaandstone.com/staycation
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Tourism recovery action plan phase 2
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The second phase of Northern Ireland's Tourism Recovery Plan has been launched and is available to download here.
Il brings forward further proposed actions to build on the support which the Northern Ireland Executive has provided to date.
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The phase two actions are broken down into eight themes aimed at assisting in the long-term recovery and sustainable growth of the tourism industry i.e.
- Business continuity;
- Creating consumer confidence;
- Stimulating consumer demand;
- Safeguarding connectivity;
- Enhancing the competitiveness of the region;
- Enhancing the capability of businesses;
- Enhancing the skills of the workforce; and
- Creating a supportive policy environment.
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Ongoing industry guidance
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Industry re-opening guidelines have been published by Tourism NI and are available online here.
Individual publications focus on:
- Tourist accommodation;
- All hospitality;
- Visitor attractions; and
- Outdoor visitor attractions and activities.
There are also useful sectoral webinars worth watching.
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Although many restrictions have eased, some regulations remain in place to help stop the spread of COVID-19. For latest updates follow Coronavirus (COVID-19) regulations guidance: what the restrictions mean for you. More changes proposed for 21 June onwards include live music, concerts, conferences, exhibitions & the re-opening of theatres.
For reference: The Department of Health traffic light system for foreign travel and associated guidance is available here.
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Make sure 'We're Good to Go'
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'We're Good to Go' is the industry standard for tourism and hospitality businesses, providing peace of mind to visitors as they explore Northern Ireland.
When visitors see a business is 'Good to Go', they know you are committed to operating safely so they can enjoy a visit with total confidence. That includes social distancing, following the recommended cleaning processes, and agreeing to undergo spot checks. Once approved, you can display the 'We’re Good to Go' safety mark on your premises and in your communications.
Check out UK scheme participants on this map. You can also view a list of NI 'Good to Go' businesses here.
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Please note: If your 'We're Good to Go' certification expired while you have been closed you will need to reapply here. Without this you will be unable to apply for TNI funding and will not be included in any future promotions.
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Pledge to take care of Northern Ireland
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Make a giant difference to Northern Ireland by signing Tourism NI's pledge. Inspire your family and friends to follow in your footsteps. Take care of each other, take care of the land and take care of local business. #MakeAGiantDifference
Learn more and sign up here. Visitor pledge assets are also available
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Tourism NI industry findings
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Tourism NI commissioned a survey with NI’s tourism industry focusing on the impact of COVID-19 and industry outlook, with particular focus on recovery, the importance of different markets and desired support.
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Fieldwork took place between 26 March and 23 April 2021, with responses received from over 400 tourism businesses. The closer to home markets, especially the domestic market, are considered by survey respondents to be even more important post-COVID, with importance levels dropping (but still remaining high) in 2022 when international travel is expected to recover. The majority (three-fifths) of respondents expect their business to recover financially by the end of 2022.
The full report is available here.
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Gobbins Crafts becomes latest Économusée
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In May, Gobbins Crafts, a jewellery studio owned by goldsmith and designer Heather McFadden, became the 11th business in Northern Ireland to be granted Économusée status. As part of her commitment to the Économusée network Heather offers visitors pre-booked jewellery making classes and tours of her workshop in Islandmagee, where they will see the storyboards which tell the history of the area and her personal journey. Congratulations to both Heather and the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, who are a lead partner for the Économusée Artisan at Work project in Northern Ireland. For full story click here.
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Autism friendly welcome awaits at Council facilities
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Council’s Seven Towers, Carrickfergus Amphitheatre and Larne Leisure Centres, as well as Carnfunnock Country Park, Ballymena’s People’s Park and The Gobbins, have all achieved ‘Autism IMPACT Award’ accreditation from Autism NI, and in partnership with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT).
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Full story here.
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Stand-up paddleboarding arrives in Islandmagee
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Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has been growing in popularity over the past few years here in Northern Ireland.
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With our fantastic coastline, small harbours and beaches its great to see another new business also set up in the Borough. Islandmagee SUP opened in May and is an accredited ASI Academy of Surfing Instructors SUP school. It is run by Adam Livingstone, a fully qualified and highly experienced SUP instructor operating in Portmuck Harbour, Browns Bay Beach and Whitehead. They offer family sessions, 4 week beginners SUP skills courses, group sessions and there's also some guided SUP tours for more experienced paddlers taking in The Gobbins and Blackhead Lighthouse. Booking is now live on their website.
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Urban market continues in Carrickfergus
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Council are working with Urban Market to bring you a monthly artisan market in Market Place, Carrickfergus. It will run from 11am-3pm on the first Saturday of every month.
Please note the market may be cancelled at short notice due to inclement weather, please check social media for updates.
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Throughout 2021, Council will host various events under the #NI100MEA umbrella for the NI Centennial.
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New maritime exhibition for Carrickfergus
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After months in the making, Carrickfergus Maritime Exhibition - Sails and Tales has opened at the old Kelly's Coal Office, located above Robinson's Shoes, across from the harbour.
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This free exhibit showcases a selection of stories around the maritime history of Carrickfergus from medieval times through to the modern day.
Thanks to £10K of funding from the Community Heritage Fund the exhibition has been developed by the local community, led by Positive Carrickfergus and supported by Robinson's Shoes and Carrickfergus Museum.
It is a semi-permanent exhibition, on display for an initial 5 years, and is open during normal shop hours.
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Mini Land Rover experience now bookable
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On 1 July, Glenarm Castle will be opening Ireland's first ever Mini Land Rover Experience, sponsored by Charles Hurst Land Rover and NFU Mutual.
Children aged 3+ will take to the wheel of a miniature 4x4, for an off-road adventure tackling rough terrain and rumble strips to complete a range of challenges, as they learn to steer and navigate a safe purpose built track. Maximum height limit of 5′ or 150cm applies. The driving experience lasts for 45 minutes which includes a 15-minute safety briefing.
Summer availability is now already extremely limited. Online booking is available here.
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Tourism NI promotes locals with a giant spirit
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Tourism NI recently launched their second Instagram series celebrating the people behind Northern Ireland's Giant Spirit and giving them the recognition they deserve. Great to see Adrian Morrow from Glenarm Castle share his fascinating story. Check out the full story here.
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New Glenarm Welcome Centre & Castle Shop
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Glenarm Castle continues to develop and offer a warm welcome for visitors to the estate with the recent opening of a dedicated Welcome Centre & Castle Shop.
They have a selection of giftware, merchandise, gardening accessories, plants and much more on offer. They also retail award winning Irish produce including Glenarm Organic Salmon and their very own Glenarm Shorthorn beef, produced on the estate. The centre is open 7 days a week from 9am - 5pm.
Please note: Tickets for CAMP DALFEST 2021 (17-18 July) sold out within a few hours of going on sale.
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First five SPROUT places awarded
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Congratulations to Rob Curley from Slemish Market Supper Club on being selected as one of the first local agri-food innovators for the SPROUT programme, Council's new agri-food start-up programme for MEA farm and food innovators.
Rob is on a mission to offer tasty, nutritious food with zero waste by teaming up with Incredible Edibles to launch a new business that uses coffee grounds to grow fabulous fungi locally.
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SPROUT replaces the traditional format of workshops and mentoring with a unique package of expert consultancy and resources to help anyone involved in food production or farming get their fresh ideas to market.
The first 5 places have been awarded to:
* Spear and Arrow Bone Broth
* Slemish Market Supper Club
* The Food Haven
* Glenarm Redspark Lamb
* Carrickfergus Cheese
This is a monthly competition for up to 2 places on the programme, with the next selection date being 30 June 2021.
You can listen to Brendan Digney from Venture Folk discuss grants from Mid and East Antrim Council for on farm ventures for Farm Gate on BBC Radio Ulster here.
To find out more about SPROUT or apply for support to develop your agri-food business click here.
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Community art continues to grow in borough
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Larne's Irish dancer
If you head into Larne town you''ll find another impressive mural created by artist, Visual Waste and Larne Renovation Generation on the side of the Silver Lounge cafe. It depicts an Irish dancer by the Chaine Memorial Tower and was created from a photograph taken by local photographer Bernie McAllister. It celebrates the festival tradition of Irish dancing in the town from 1928 to today.
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The white witch of Islandmagee
A willow 'white' witch has appeared at the entrance to Islandmagee and is a real boost to the Islandmagee Community Development Association’s gardening project. She has been funded by a council grant and was commissioned by the garden volunteer’s. She hints to Islandmagee’s history of witches but with a more positive and forward looking spin and will soon be accompanied by surrounding herbs and wildflowers. 
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Curran Court Hotel invests for success
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During the lockdowns of the last year, The Curran Court Hotel in Larne continued to improve their offering for existing and potential new customers. They created a fantastic new outdoor dining area, complete with awnings and overhead heaters. They also carried out extensive renovations inside the hotel to create a beautiful new public bar that perfectly feeds into the outdoor area. The 2 areas combine to become Katy Jane’s Bar - named after the owners mother and mother-in-law, thus encompassing the family and friends feel that they wished to create. A new bar menu that includes small plates ideal for sharing, makes it the ideal place to meet up and spend time with those people we missed during lockdown. Table reservations are also now available online here.
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Call out for crafters and artists
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In an effort to support the shop local message, Council recently agreed to stock products by Mid and East Antrim based craftspeople, artists and entrepreneurs, within their Visitor Information Centres and Visitor Information Point to encourage tourists to purchase a perfect handmade gift with a local story. Artists and craftspeople who would like to express an interest in having their products displayed should: E: patricia.mceldowney@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
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Coast and Marine expands in Whitehead
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Whitehead based Coast and Marine, is branching out from an online shop to create a new showroom within The Bank House, a beautiful, old Victorian building situated across Edward Road and Kings Road, just a five minute walk from the shoreline. Work is in progress with the showroom due to open in July.
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As a coastal brand designed for coastal living and adventures you can expect products sold on their website but they are also developing their own lines in buoyancy aids and wetsuits, with specially designed Coast and Marine wetsuits available in late July/August.
The majority of their clothing is made from Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) cotton and are thick, cosy and made to last. The GOTS stamp ensures all materials are sustainably sourced and ethically made so you can look good and feel great about your purchase!
Follow on Facebook for more details.
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Get ready for upcoming voucher schemes
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Further details on the stimulus schemes proposed by the Department for the Economy were recently announced:
HIGH STREET VOUCHER SCHEME
• It will be £100 on a pre-paid card;
• Must be over 18;
• Will be issued at the end of the summer (if conditions are right); and
• To get it, you will have to apply online.
You can spend your voucher in almost any bricks and mortar business that takes cards or contactless payments.
It will be open to every person over the age of 18 in Northern Ireland, which is around 1.4 million people, or roughly 80% of the population.
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𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗔𝗧 𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗩𝗢𝗨𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗠𝗘
•Planned for the autumn; and
•Households can claim back 50% off a 2 night stay in certified accommodation, up to £100.
𝟱𝟬% 𝗢𝗙𝗙 𝗩𝗢𝗨𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧 𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦
• Each household can get a voucher for 50% off tourist attractions up to £20; and
• You claim the money back online.
Vouchers will be allocated on a first come first served basis and each household can apply for one of each type of voucher.
The schemes are part of Stormont’s Economic Recovery Action Plan. Further details will be released in due course.
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New pontoon at Glenarm for visiting boats
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Glenarm marina has long been a port of call for sailors and yachtsmen travelling to and from Scotland’s west coast and a welcoming haven to visitors from all over the world. A new 120m fully serviced pontoon was recently installed to accommodate an additional 10-12 vessels and is connected to the existing pontoon network, allowing access to the shore by bridge. The £250k project, led by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has been part-funded through Tourism NI's Experience Development Programme to encourage tourism growth.
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This Blue Flag accredited marina provides facilities for both berth holders and visiting vessels including toilet, shower and laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, a mobile pump out station and a disability hoist, which is due to be installed this summer.
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'Doing business with friends' is worth toasting
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Congratulations to Portia Woods from Toast the Coast Food Tours on being elected as president of Skäl International N. Ireland, along with Vice President Donal Kelly of Belfast Mic Tours.
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One of over 300 clubs globally, Skäl has been established for over 85 years to empower a global network of contacts for the promotion of travel and tourism worldwide. A diverse range of network members providing tours, restaurants, accommodation, attractions and consultancy gives immediate access to a strong business network locally. It automatically lifts Northern Ireland onto the world stage with over 12,600 global Skäl International members to connect with and establish business opportunities.
To find out more about joining the Skäl International Northern Ireland network please contact Portia Woods or Donal Kelly via niskalinfo@gmail.com
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Virtual Open Farm Weekend 2021
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This year’s Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend 2021, which was originally postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions will now become Bank of Ireland Virtual Farm Weekend and be held online from Friday 30 July - Sunday 1 August 2021.
Although visitors cannot physically attend farms, the online activities shown throughout the weekend on Open Farm Weekend’s social media channels and website will still give the public the chance to connect with 20+ farms from across the province.
Throughout this year’s event there will be a chance to see specific farm activities such as robotic milking, grain harvesting, sheep shearing, virtual farm tours, wildlife watching and potato harvesting, as well as a special programme of live activities.
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Farms participating in the Mid and East Antrim area include:
- Glenarm Redspark Farm (New for this year), Glenarm;
- Drumrammer Farm, Ahoghill; and
- Hillstown Farm, Ahoghill.
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Granny Annies to open in Ballymena
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The former Spinning Mill in Broughshane Street, Ballymena has been transformed into a brand new Granny Annies, part of a successful Northern Ireland wide chain. Granny Annies Kitchen & Bar Ballymena is planning for great food, tasty cocktails & live music. Behind the scenes they have been busy developing the venue - now tastefully decorated with a revamped beer garden - and are eagerly waiting to reignite the pub and music scene. During lockdown they offered 'Granny's Cocktails' - premium handcrafted cocktails, which were available for collection and delivery. They are currently in the process of finalising their team. Follow them on Facebook for their grand opening, events and special offers.
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Follow Coffee Co. leads the way
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Follow Coffee Co. on Greenvale Street in Ballymena opened under new management, just as lockdown hit last year. At the time they promised lots of changes and despite ups and downs with industry restrictions, they have been true to their word, leading the way with Follow Coffee and Follow Lates.
During the last lockdown they used the MEA Business COVID-19 Revitalisation Recovery Grant to purchase a second canopy outside their premises to allow outside dining and the area to be covered at both sides of the building, with artificial tree containers cordoning it off.
Follow Lates, which began in September have also now returned to make your Friday and Saturday nights even better.
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Follow Lates source fresh pizza produce and ingredients from local suppliers and use seasonal ingredients to ensure you get the best experience. You can enjoy Zak’s Bakehouse authentic sourdough pizzas, burgers, pasta plus other tasty treats. It also operates as a B.Y.O.B. You are welcome to pop in even just for coffee & treats. Upstairs in Follow is also the perfect place for private functions.
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Gearing up for ISPS Handa World Invitational
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Early bird tickets for the ISPS HANDA World Invitational presented by MODEST! Golf Management hosted at Galgorm and Massereene Golf Clubs are now on sale here.
The event will take place from 28 July to 1 August 2021, with the best male and female players in the world competing on the same courses, at the same time, for equal prize funds.
To support our local tourism and hospitality industry a dedicated guide has been produced encouraging participants and spectators to stay and explore Mid and East Antrim. Available to download here.
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A world apart at The Spa in Galgorm
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It's time to start thinking of a staycation so if you haven't been to the Thermal Spa Village in Galgorm Spa and Golf Resort, since its £2m expansion in 2020, then check this out. Feast your eyes on a suite of new additions including a 10 metre infinity pool, Palm House relaxation area, two group hot tubs, and a brand new Salt Room for halotherapy experiences. Whether you're a first time visitor or a seasoned spa-goer, they promise a tranquil spa-cation with an array of new spa experiences situated across their three garden settings - the Alpine, Riverside and Serenity Gardens will guide guests on a journey of rediscovery.
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Invest NI innovation voucher
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What could a £5,000 innovation voucher do for your business? Perhaps:
- Create or improve products, services or processes;
- Access specialist expertise in new materials; or
- Assist companies to tap into research and scientific expertise.
Businesses can apply for a £5K innovation voucher from Invest Northern Ireland
to work with a public sector knowledge provider on an innovation project.
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The latest call for applications is now open and closes at 3pm on Friday 25 June 2021. Details here.
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Latest news from Gobbins Studio
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Audrey Kyle's Art Studio is open again by appointment to peruse her art, prints and cards or discuss a commission. During lockdown Audrey's art and farm kept her busy but thanks to funding from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland she was also able to landscape and develop a new alternative covered, outdoor location for her art workshops.
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Audrey's art workshops are all about the experience, being mindful and you will leave with a little piece of watercolour art, which is mounted & you can frame.
Audrey also now offers guided walking tours around her farm and the Économusée, providing opportunities to hear local stories and historical facts about the area and experience the stunning views across to Scotland.
Dates for watercolour workshops and experience days can now be booked on her website. Audrey can also arrange other dates by appointment, if you have a bubble of at least 4 people. More details available online here.
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Rainbow houses shine at The Bank House
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The Bank House, Whitehead has a special cafe garden, which is home to a willow man and horse with a plough that takes pride of place. However, thanks to the MEA Business COVID-19 Revitalisation Recovery Grant there is now the addition of four new bookable covered garden gazebos, painted like the famous Whitehead Rainbow houses. T: 028 9335 3021 or E: thebankhousecafe@gmail.com
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New 'Dine and Dream' staycation experiences
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During lockdown Magheramorne Estate has been dreaming up some unique experiences including an exclusive 'Dine and Dream' staycation happening on various dates throughout the year.
So what can you expect?
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Guests can arrive from 3pm, enjoy complimentary tea, coffee and afternoon cakes served in their comfortable drawing rooms with beautiful garden and lough views, avail of the bar or even unplug and enjoy the great outdoors by exploring their woodland trails. From 6.30pm a drinks reception is served in the drawing rooms prior to your dining experience. Their team of chefs are proud to support many local suppliers by creating a five course tasting menu to experience exceptional local produce within a 10 miles radius of the estate. Their delicious ’10 Mile Menu’ is served at 7.30pm in the conservatory.
After a refreshing night's sleep, a freshly cooked Irish breakfast and a continental style breakfast is served from 8.30am - 10.00am in the conservatory, with check out at 11am. Upcoming 'Dine and Dream' dates are 17, 18, 29 June & 4 September. Customers can book via their website. Check out their other experiences here.
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A Carnlough fisherman's tale
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Great to see local fisherman Davy Smyth and his Carnlough Bay Boat Tours feature in the 'Our Story in the Making' campaign. A great champion for Carnlough! Full story here.
The ‘Our Story in the Making: NI Beyond 100’ brand was created by the NI Office for this year in the spirit of inclusivity, mutual respect and optimism for Northern Ireland, respecting all perspectives, as we go beyond 100.
For more special local stories, visit www.ourstoryinthemaking.com
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Industrial heritage gets a boost this summer
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Following on from the success of Industrial Heritage Week, Council will be opening 2 new walking trails this summer in Broughshane and Cargan, to conserve and animate local industrial heritage for visitors and the local community. Industrial heritage was identified as a common theme around which Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and Waterford LEADER Partnership could develop co-operation projects.
The Broughshane Heritage Trail will bring to life the rich history and heritage of the mill industry in the area whilst the trail at The Woodland Trust site at Drum Wood in Cargan will interpret the iron ore mining industry. The stories and history of both sites will be captured through interpretive panels along each route.
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View of Broughshane Village in late 19th Century (Mid-Antrim Museum Collection - Mid and East Antrim Borough Council)
Drum Wood is a scenic walk and affords great views down to Glenravel and across to the Antrim Hills and Glenariff Forest. This project is supported by the Mid and East Antrim Local Action Group and funded under Priority 6 (LEADER) of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the European Union.
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Help shape the future of marine tourism
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Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is in the process of developing a strategy and action plan to identify opportunities and priority actions to ensure our harbours, coastline and freshwater resources can contribute to the future success of our local tourism economy. To capture feedback on priority actions which will deliver change please complete the online survey here.
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Local creatives awarded funding by Northword
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Six creative practitioners from the Mid & East Antrim and Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council areas have been successful in their recent application to the 'Northword Creative Practitioners Call'. The successful creatives now have six months to develop and produce their showcase piece inspired by a local story.
Both the stories and the resulting products will be promoted on a bespoke website and Apple and Android apps that will be developed as part of the project. This will include details about each creative business, helping to promote them to an international audience. The website will also host a hub for any creative practitioner to use to improve their digital marketing skills. The development process will be captured on a documentary film plus a series of ‘Bringing Stories to Life’ events will publicise the project internationally.
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Congratulations to the following creatives taking part in the programme:
Read the stories that were collected in Northern Ireland and find out more about the project here or follow Northword on Facebook.
For full story click here.
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Stay COVID Confident with council support
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Mid and East Antrim Borough Council's innovative COVID Confidence Scheme, which launched in November 2020, continues to provide reassurance to our businesses, customers and communities that shops and businesses are safe to return to. Packs can be downloaded here.
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Come along and meet with employers who are currently recruiting new talent at our Job Fair in Ballymena on 17 June 2021. Find out more about job opportunities and careers with a range of employers from across Northern Ireland.
Also meet support organisations who can help with:
•CV Development;
•Interview Skills;
•Confidence Building/ Personal Development;
•Job Search Techniques; and
•Basic IT/Digital Skills.
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Pre-booking is necessary due to social distancing requirements. To book a place click here. Alternatively, if you are an employer interested in recruiting at future job fairs or would like your vacancies promoted on our current MEA Jobsheet T: 028 2563 3363 or E: amplify@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
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Deadline extended for Heritage Angel Awards
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These celebrate and profile the achievement of people -individuals, groups and communities in their projects and best practice to conserve, record, protect and celebrate heritage in Northern Ireland. There are six Heritage Angel Award categories covering a wide remit of heritage related activities from young people, maintenance to rescue and regeneration. More details here.
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It's been all change over the last few months and it's sad to see the closure of some local businesses following the easing of government restrictions including Monroe’s Theatre of Food at the IMC Cinema in Ballymena; plus Carmels and The Bentra Grill in Whitehead.
During lockdown the Olderfleet Bar and Lounge in Larne has been transformed. Apart from completely renovating their bar / restaurant, their new head chef, Pol Shields has created a fantastic selection of delicious dishes.
Barbara Ann's Home Bakery opened on 2 June in the former Red Panda premises on Victoria Road, Larne.
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Although it was a sad farewell to Take Thyme Delicatessen after 16 years in The Courtyard at Carrickfergus, it's currently being refurbished and will reopen soon as ‘Angie’s Corner’.
The Country Kitchen in Larne rebranded as Taste Coffee Shop & Restaurant.
Trading pitch allocations are available for hot drinks and baked goods / ice-cream in the following locations:
• Knockan Road Car Park, Broughshane (next to play area);
• Blackhead Car Park, Whitehead; and
• Larne Town Park.
Request an information pack by E:
Claire.duddy@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
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Roof Repairs Fund for Listed Buildings
A £200K fund aimed at supporting roof repairs to listed buildings is now open. Owners can avail of £5K for repair works associated with roofs including chimneys and gutters, while £10K is available for the repair of thatched roofs. Deadline to apply is 21 June 2021. For more details click here.
Tourism NI National Tourism Events Sponsorship Scheme 2021/22
This scheme will open for applications on Monday 14 June 2021 and will close on Monday 5 July 2021 at 10am. The scheme is an open call process and applications will be evaluated on a competitive basis. It is open to events taking place between 30 July 2021 & 31 March 2022. More details available here.
Small Capital Grants Programme
Delivered by Co-operation Ireland, it aims to assist constituted voluntary and community organisations purchase items of equipment to enhance and sustain the activities and services they provide to the community. Grants of between £1.5K and £5K are available to purchase items such as IT, sporting or catering equipment plus material to support arts and cultural activities. Further details available here.
New Recovery Loan Scheme
This aims to support businesses as they recover and grow from the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses of any size can access loans and other kinds of finance of up to £10 million. The scheme is open until 31 December 2021, subject to review. Find out more here.
Visit Britain Domestic Business Support Fund
Financial support for not-for-profit organisations hosting domestic business events from 21 June to 17 December 2021. More details here.
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Town Centre Property Repurposing Pilot Grant Scheme
Launched in collaboration with the Department for Communities (DfC) to assist capital development and repurposing works on vacant commercial properties within Ballymena, Larne and Carrickfergus for future use such as retail, hospitality, health and fitness, residential accommodation and professional services. In order to apply, total costs must be in excess of £10K, with applicants contributing at least 50% match funding towards the project. The scheme will provide funding up to a maximum of £30K per project. Applications close on Wednesday 30 June 2021 at 4pm. Guidance notes and application forms are available via the online grant portal here.
SEISS Grant
A fifth grant covering May 2021 to September 2021 will be open to claims from late July 2021. The grant is taxable and will be paid out in a single instalment. Guidance will be available by the end of June 2021. The amount of the fifth grant will be determined by how much turnover has been reduced in the year April 2020 to April 2021. Information on eligibility is available here.
Apprenticeship Incentive Scheme
Open to employers who take on an apprentice participating in the Department for the Economy funded ApprenticeshipsNI or Higher Level Apprenticeship programmes. As an employer, you will be eligible for up to £3K for each new apprenticeship opportunity created from 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2022. More details here.
Don't forget you can use the NI Business Support Finder to identify assistance available including loans, grants or free advice.
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Culture, Arts & Heritage Recovery Taskforce Survey
The taskforce aims to support the recovery of the sector and make recommendations for a long term Culture, Arts & Heritage Strategy. Experiences and opinions are sought from organisations and individuals operating within the sector. Closes 14 June 2021. Submit here.
Carrier bag levy consultation
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is reviewing the carrier bag levy legislation currently in place in Northern Ireland to further reduce the number of carrier bags in circulation and to support positive environmental change. More information here. Closes 27 July 2021.
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Consultation on Ballymena park & ride
Views are being sought on proposals for enhanced facilities and an additional 400+ parking spaces at Ballymena Bus and Rail Centre. It will be a safe and secure facility, with accessible parking, 24-hour CCTV, security fencing and lighting. Access will be via Galgorm Road, and cycle parking will also be accommodated. Consultation closes Monday 21 June 2021. Submit here.
Marine tourism in Mid and East Antrim
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council wants to hear your views on how the potential of our Borough’s stunning coastline and inland waterways can be capitalised on through future tourism planning. You can share your thoughts by filling in the survey here.
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Mid and East Antrim's coastal gems won six prestigious awards. Carrickfergus, Glenarm & Portglenone marinas have achieved Blue Flag status. Meanwhile, Ballygally, Carnlough and Browns Bay beaches have won the Seaside Award.
Improvement works commenced in May at Portmuck Harbour with expected completion by mid-summer 2021. There will be no access to the pier while the works are ongoing. For further details E: marina.reception@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Ballymena Chamber of Commerce and Industry will host the 2021 Ballymena ‘Back to Business Awards’ with a celebratory awards lunch in October at the Tullyglass House Hotel. The Awards will be formally launched in July.
There will be an extra bank holiday next year to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee - the first time any British monarch has reached this historic milestone. The last May bank holiday weekend will be moved to Thursday 2 June 2022 with an additional bank holiday on Friday 3 June 2022, thereby creating a four-day weekend.
Routine checks on the non-commercial movement of pets from GB to NI will be delayed until at least 1 October 2021. This will allow time for DAERA and the public to prepare for the introduction of the new documentary and health requirements of the EU Pet Travel Regulation. Travel within the EU currently requires a pet passport and rabies vaccination - this includes ROI.
Work has started on a new park and ride site at Trooperslane in Carrickfergus.
Dublin Port Company have made the decision to cancel large cruise ships scheduled to arrive in 2022.
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Our big three visitor attractions - The Gobbins, Carrickfergus Castle and Whitehead Railway Museum are now open for visitors. All have been accredited with the ‘We’re Good To Go’ charter mark.
A new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will see enhanced cooperation and collaboration between Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and Northern Regional College over the next 10 years.
The Department for the Economy has launched a bold and ambitious vision for the Northern Ireland economy - 10X Economy: An Economic Vision for a decade of innovation.
Storming the Castle 10K race event has been cancelled for 2021.
Congratulations to Jane Magee from Glenview Farm Equine Learning Centre who has received an official nomination for the Equine Awards NI, in the ‘Changing Lives Through Horses’ category, to be judged next year.
The deadline for applications to be made to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) is 30 June 2021. All businesses should check with their EU, EEA and Swiss employees who were resident in the UK by 31 December 2020, to make sure they have applied or will do so before the deadline so doesn’t impact on staffing.
Carnfunnock Caravan Park's amenity block has now re-opened which means you no longer need to have a self-sufficient caravan / motorhome. There will be no tent bookings this season due to the requirement of reduced numbers using the area and shared amenities.
The UK government has launched their Tourism Recovery Plan.
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Upcoming industry webinars & events
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Funding energises Larne Renovation Generation
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Congratulations to Larne Renovation Generation - a 10 strong group of volunteers who won a Power NI Brighter Communities £1K funding grant in March to make further improvements to Larne for tourists and visitors with the development of a permanent large display board map of the town and surrounding area, utilising their existing specially designed tourist map. It will be located centrally in Larne to help direct visitors to key attractions and provide some historical facts and interesting information about the town and the surrounding Glenarm, Glenoe, Kilwaughter and Feystown region. Full story here.
The Brighter Communities fund exists to make community groups shine a little brighter – whether that is with equipment, a revamp, or resources for their service users. More details here.
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