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Galgorm Collection donates £7,000 to support Access Employment Limited (AEL) following damage from Storm Éowyn

As part of its continued commitment to supporting local communities, Galgorm Collection has donated £7,000 worth of funding for Access Employment Limited (AEL), a Larne-based social enterprise that provides training, employment, and social opportunities for people aged 16 to 60 with learning difficulties, health conditions, and social disadvantages.

The leading hospitality group’s donation will directly support AEL in repairing the damage caused by Storm Éowyn to the poly-tunnels in Naggy Burn Garden Centre, a vital resource for AEL’s horticulture training program. These poly-tunnels allow service users to develop skills in gardening and help them to supply fresh ingredients to AEL’s Lunchbox Café at Larne Community Hub.

AEL offers a diverse range of training and employment opportunities, including horticulture, catering, production, online retail, and packaging experience - all designed to help service users gain workplace experience and qualifications.

Aaron Doherty, AEL Garden Centre Manager, said:

“We can’t thank Galgorm Collection enough for their kind donation to help us recover from the damage caused by Storm Éowyn. Amongst breakages and damages, we unfortunately had to witness the polythene cover on one of our main growing tunnels being torn from its frame. We also sustained significant damage to a second tunnel too.

“Our poly-tunnels not only offer protected cover to allow our plants to grow but for our trainees to work in, immerse themselves in gardening and help grow the fresh fruit and vegetables which supply our Lunchbox Café, restaurants in the Larne area, and local residents.

“This damage is a major setback for our trainees as they’ve been steadily potting and preparing new stock for Spring. However, we won’t let this dampen our spirits.

“76% of our income comes from commercial activity generated from our social enterprises, such as our Lunchbox Café, and 100% of our profits generated are reinvested back into the organisation. Galgorm Collection’s donation ensures that our resources remain focused on training and supporting our trainees and the community rather than repair costs.”

AEL operates several social enterprises for their trainees to get involved in, including Create Gifts, which gives trainees the chance to create branded merchandise and unique, personalised gifts.

Hannah Anthony, Head of Guest Experience at Galgorm Collection said:

“At Galgorm Collection, we pride ourselves on supporting the local community through our partnerships and charity sponsors. As a local Larne resident, I am delighted to be supporting AEL as they rebuild following Storm Éowyn, ensuring they can continue their incredible work empowering individuals through employment and education.”

Galgorm Collection is actively engaged in corporate social responsibility activities and works with numerous charitable organisations, societies, and clubs to have a positive impact on the local community.

Groundbreaking partnership secured with Galgorm to locate state-of-the-art football centre in Ballymena

The Irish Football Association today confirmed details of its plans to create a new state-of-the-art, multi-million pound National Football Centre as part of a significant strategic investment which will inspire a new generation to reach their full potential.

Located on a 50-acre site opposite the renowned Galgorm near Ballymena, the new facility expects to feature world-class pitches and cutting-edge training facilities, fully realising the association’s ambition to create a project that will become the beating heart of Northern Ireland’s football community, supporting both elite and grassroots players.

A range of potential opportunities were explored across the country and, following a comprehensive review of all the options, Galgorm was chosen as the most compelling, best-fit opportunity to develop the facility.

Confirmation of the plans represent the Irish FA’s long-standing strategic priority to create a facility that will nurture elite talent, support youth development and bolster team performance. It is also designed to serve Northern Ireland’s international squads whilst aiming to support the charitable and community activities of the Irish FA Foundation, and marks a bold investment in the future of the game.

Irish FA President Conrad Kirkwood underscored the project’s far-reaching impact: 

He said: "Realising this project will significantly benefit our teams and players, creating an impressive football campus and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

“We anticipate the National Football Centre being a bespoke, world-class facility with a distinct Northern Ireland identity, serving players of all ages, both male and female, while also benefiting the local community and grassroots football.”

The collaboration with Galgorm reflects a shared vision of excellence and innovation.

Colin Johnston, Managing Director of Galgorm, emphasised the significance of the partnership.

He said: “This exciting announcement marks the partnership of two major global brands which are united by a shared commitment to excellence and to supporting our communities.

“We’re immensely proud to be playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of football in Northern Ireland, supporting the success of our national teams while fostering growth at every level of the game.”

The facility will complement the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park in Belfast, creating a dual campus set-up to strengthen Northern Ireland’s football infrastructure.

Irish FA Chief Executive Patrick Nelson highlighted the meticulous planning behind the initiative.

He explained: "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Projects like this don’t happen overnight, and this is the result of significant strategic thinking.

“We have been able to amass capital funding over a long period to make this vision a reality, and we look forward to working with our partners at Galgorm in the coming years.”

The centre is designed to inspire the next generation of footballers, providing a platform for excellence at every level of the game.

Aaron Hughes, the Irish FA’s Technical Director, reinforced its role in competitive development.

He said: "Facilities are crucial to our ongoing development as a football nation. This partnership provides an excellent opportunity to gain a competitive edge in preparation, planning and development at all levels."

The project has also received resounding support from Northern Ireland’s senior international managers.

Michael O’Neill, Northern Ireland senior men’s team manager, said: “This new national football centre will help the current international teams prepare for games better than ever.

“It will also inspire our future international stars on their journey in football from a young age. High quality pitches where coaches and players can work are essential for creating a high performance environment and strong identity across all age groups."

Tanya Oxtoby, Northern Ireland senior women’s team manager, added: "This initiative reaffirms our commitment to developing top tier facilities and resources for our players. It strengthens our culture of excellence and high performance."

With the design phase under way, the Irish FA is working to secure statutory permissions and initiate procurement and construction. It is anticipated that the centre will open its doors in 2028, marking a pivotal moment in Northern Ireland’s football legacy.

Galgorm Resort, Northern Ireland’s premier luxury resort and spa, has been announced as the latest independent prestigious hotel to join

Elegnat Hotel Collection

Set within 500 acres of parkland on the North Antrim Coast, Galgorm Resort enhances the Elegant Hotel Collection, meeting the high standards expected of member hotels, bringing the total exclusive membership to 32 properties worldwide.

Featuring 201 luxurious accommodations, the resort offers a diverse range of options, including Deluxe, Junior, and Signature Suites, Log Cabins, Cottage Suites, Shepherd’s Huts, Forest Dens, and exclusive Residences. Ideally located near both Belfast airports, Galgorm also boasts a selection of award-winning restaurants and bars, as well as extensive conference and banqueting facilities catering to both leisure visitors and corporate groups.

As part of the Galgorm Collection, which recently expanded with the acquisitions of 

Roe Park Resort

Providing global sales, marketing, and revenue opportunities to independent luxury hotels, Elegant Hotel Collection will support Galgorm to diversify its market outreach. Expanding the market reach to target high-value discerning luxury travellers in the UK and USA, as well as executive and corporate contracts for MICE and Group bookings. 

Leigh Heggarty, Business Development Manager, Galgorm Resort, commented: “We are thrilled to join the Elegant Hotel Collection, a partnership that opens the door to unparalleled global sales, marketing, and revenue opportunities. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our commitment to exceeding guest expectations while expanding our presence in key international markets. As the first Northern Ireland property to join the collection, we are proud to represent our region on this prestigious platform.

This partnership supports our strategic plans for expansion in the UK and North American markets, targeting high-end travellers seeking luxury experiences. We've already begun to experience the benefits of this collaboration, making valuable connections and expanding our reach in ways that would not have been possible without the support of Elegant Hotel Collection.”

Catt McLeod, Vice President Elegant Hotel Collection, commented “Galgorm Resort is a wonderful addition to our membership. This luxury resort and spa is a beautiful expression of our brand values and perfectly captures the unique blend of originality, creativity, and character that our member hotels are celebrated for.”

Anna Payne, Director of Marketing, Elegant Hotel Collection, commented “Our offer is uniquely positioned for guests seeking unforgettable experiences in distinctive locations around the world. As we continue to expand our collection globally, we couldn’t be more delighted to add Galgorm to our growing community of independent luxury hotels.” 

Galgorm Resort joins an illustrious membership including leading UK luxury properties Rockliffe Hall (County Durham), Bodmin Jail Hotel (Cornwall), The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa (North Yorkshire), Flemings Mayfair (London), and The Castle Hotel (Somerset). All of which are part of a

Global Movement

For further information and to see the total elite list of luxury member properties, please visit

Elegant Hotel Collection

Hospitality in good health as Galgorm Collection and Duality Healthcare partner on innovative staff healthcare initiative in £250,000 investment 

Industry leader invests in employee wellbeing with Duality’s new corporate healthcare initiative

Galgorm Collection, Northern Ireland’s premier group of luxury hotels, bars and restaurants, has announced the launch of a corporate healthcare membership scheme for its team, delivered in partnership with Northern Ireland’s leading private primary care provider Duality Healthcare, and representing a significant investment by Galgorm Collection of £250,000 over the next five years.

The innovate initiative delivered for Galgorm Collection by Duality Healthcare, and which provides individuals, families and businesses with a host of healthcare services including instant access to private GP care across Northern Ireland, is part of Galgorm Collection’s ongoing efforts to enhance benefits and support for its team.  It will provide convenient and confidential healthcare to help employees with their health and wellbeing needs.

Demonstrating its commitment to employee care, Galgorm Collection is offering Duality’s corporate healthcare offering to all personnel with over one year of service across all the hospitality group’s properties, including Galgorm, The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, The Old Inn Crawfordsburn, Parisien, Fratelli Belfast, and the newly acquired Galgorm Castle Estate and Roe Park Resort. 

John McEvoy, Executive Chairman of Duality Healthcare, commented;

"We’re thrilled to partner with Galgorm Collection to deliver this tailored corporate healthcare offering, ensuring that employees have timely access to medical care and advice. The service offers flexible appointments, including virtual consultations and in-person visits, an annual medical, and a host of other vital healthcare services, giving staff the convenience and discretion to address their healthcare needs without delay. 

Our corporate healthcare memberships include comprehensive support for preventative health measures, chronic condition management, and personalised medical advice, ensuring that employees across all industries receive truly proactive care. 

This initiative underscores Galgorm Collection’s forward-thinking and compassionate approach to supporting employee health and wellbeing in the workplace and sets an inspiring example for all businesses across Northern Ireland to provide much-needed primary healthcare cover for their employees, and we look forward to working with them as they roll out the programme across all their properties."

The new Duality Healthcare initiative at Galgorm Collection adds to the suite of industry-leading benefits already offered to its staff. Employees with over one year of service also receive comprehensive private healthcare through Vitality Health, alongside free confidential counselling services provided by Spectrum Life, to support mental health and wellbeing.

Employees also enjoy an increased holiday allowance after a year of service, as well as complimentary access to Galgorm’s Thermal Spa Village, discounts on a range of spa treatments, golf memberships at Galgorm Golf Club, free dining opportunities with a paying guest at several of the Collection’s restaurants, and access to fitness suite facilities.

Additionally the Collection rewards and recognises its team members through an Employee of the Week scheme, a referral incentive bonus if their recommended candidate is hired, and a complimentary stay voucher upon successful completion of their probation period.  

Galgorm Collection is committed to fostering career growth and professional development, offering in-house and external training in areas such as Mental Health, First Aid, Food Hygiene, and Wines and Spirits, and also runs several apprenticeship schemes in partnership with Northern Regional College and Belfast Metropolitan College.  

Laura Millar, Associate Director of Human Resources at Galgorm Collection, said;

“At Galgorm Collection, we place the highest value on our team members, and this investment in their wellbeing reflects our commitment to providing exceptional care for our staff. 

By partnering with Duality Healthcare’s award-winning team, we’re ensuring that our employees can access professional medical advice and support when they need it most - across any of Duality Healthcare’s clinics in Northern Ireland.

This is just one of the many ways we aim to set the standard for employee benefits and support in the hospitality industry, and to foster a workplace culture that prioritises health, happiness and personal development. 

We believe that by taking care of our people, we empower them to deliver the outstanding service and experiences that our guests have come to expect from Galgorm Collection.”

With a workforce of approximately 1,100 employees, Galgorm Collection continues to lead the way in creating a positive and supportive working environment. The launch of this innovative corporate healthcare offering for its staff is the latest milestone in the commitment Galgorm Collection made in 2021 to roll out an enhanced programme of progressive benefits for its team members. 

In 2023 the hospitality business was the first on the island of Ireland to achieve Great Place to Work certification, based on exceptional employee experiences.

For more information about career opportunities at Galgorm Collection, visit

https://www.galgormcollection.com/work-with-us.html