Reflecting on a Year of Growth, Impact and Continuity at Ards Business Hub
As we reflect on the 2025/26 financial year, we’re incredibly proud of everything that has been achieved across Ards Business Hub. Our recent Annual General Meeting gave us the opportunity to look back on a year defined by growth, resilience and meaningful impact for the businesses and entrepreneurs we support throughout Ards and North Down.
One of the highlights of the AGM was the continuation of our existing Board of Directors. We were delighted to carry on with the same Board, whose experience, commitment and strategic guidance have played a vital role in shaping the success of Ards Business Hub. Having this continuity provides a strong platform for the future as we continue to expand our services and invest in the local business community.
Over the last year, we delivered more than 1,060 hours of tailored business mentoring and support, helping local entrepreneurs and established businesses access the expertise they need to grow, adapt and succeed. Behind every hour of mentoring is a business owner taking the next step, solving a challenge or pursuing a new opportunity, and we’re proud to have played a part in those journeys.
Much of this support was delivered through the Go Succeed programme. Throughout the year, we responded to 247 business enquiries, carried out 153 diagnostic sessions and supported 122 businesses through the Engage Programme, resulting in 549 hours of one-to-one mentoring. A further 37 businesses participated in the Foundation Programme, receiving an additional 518 hours of personalised support. Together, this amounted to 1,067 hours of expert guidance delivered directly into the local economy.
Alongside our business support services, demand for our commercial workspace remained exceptionally strong. We maintained an average 96% occupancy rate across our business parks, demonstrating the continued need for high-quality, flexible workspace in the area. In response to this demand, work has now begun on a new development on Jubilee Road, which will become the fourth Ards Business Hub business park in that location.
“This year’s AGM figures highlight more than just strong statistics; they reflect the resilience and ambition of the Ards business community. By pairing premier commercial spaces with robust, accessible mentorship, we aren’t just housing businesses – we are helping them build the foundations for long-term sustainability and job creation.”
Nichola Lockhart, Chief Executive
Our meeting and event facilities also continued to thrive, with 811 bookings completed during the year and 35 new customers choosing to use our spaces. Creating opportunities for businesses to connect, collaborate and network remains an important part of what we do, and it has been fantastic to see our facilities being used by so many organisations and individuals.
Supporting established businesses is equally important to us. Over the past 12 months, 36 local companies accessed specialist consultancy support through our programmes, while we also provided more than 100 hours of pro bono professional mentoring. This gave businesses access to valuable legal, financial and technical expertise exactly when they needed it most.
None of this would be possible without the dedication of our team, Board members, mentors, partners and the businesses we work alongside every day. Their support, ambition and commitment continue to drive Ards Business Hub forward.
“Our community is at the heart of every decision we make as a board. As we look to the future, our commitment is to invest in support that strengthens livelihoods and creates opportunities that ripple across the entire local business community. When our entrepreneurs thrive, families thrive, neighbourhoods thrive – that’s the future we want to support at Ards Business Hub.”
Lydia McClelland, Chairperson
