Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough: The Economic heart of NI
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has gained a prestigious reputation both locally and regionally for being a highly ambitious, dynamic and progressive local authority with a strong focus on delivering outstanding public services, achieving operational excellence and unlocking the potential of the borough for the benefit of everyone who lives, works or visits.
The Council’s corporate plan for 2024-2027- “Our People, Our Place, Our Future”- sets out a clear vision to create “a happy, healthy and connected community, a vibrant and sustainable economy and appealing places for living, working and learning.”
The borough is strategically located along the Dublin to Belfast economic corridor with a unique tapestry and diversity of city, towns, villages, nature reserve, waterways, rural hinterlands, parks and open spaces.
It is home to some of Northern Ireland’s most successful companies and largest employers including Moy Park, Almac Group, Tayto Group, Kingspan Water & Energy, Clearway Disposals, James E McCabe and Gordons Chemist (N&R Gordon).
The Council, through its Labour Market Partnership and business support programmes, is consistently focussed on ensuring that it supports and develops a resilient, agile, and flexible workforce. With people being the most important asset for any business, it encourages and gives residents opportunities, information, and skills training in order to succeed.
ABC has a large rural population where agriculture is deeply embedded in its history. In 2022 the Council unveiled its ‘Agriculture Strategy’, the first of this nature in Northern Ireland to support local farmers, agri-food and agri-businesses of tomorrow. The ‘Food Heartland’ now spans from field to fork, bringing together farmers, producers, suppliers and restaurateurs to showcase the strong local agri-food industry on a global platform.
Importantly, Council is working in collaboration with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Mid Ulster District Council to secure a Growth Deal of £252 million which has been allocated to the Mid South West Region. This partnership approach to developing major investment plans will help the region reach the ambitions set out in the Regional Economic Strategy.
As the borough moves forward, sustainability, productivity and connectivity must be the cornerstone of economic growth, with an overall ambition of being a more prosperous and connected region.
With high-profile employers, undeniable entrepreneurial spirit and the top council area for the number of new dwellings over the past 5 years, ‘ABC’ is an attractive place to work and live. The industries are vibrant and wide ranging with a strong drive for innovation, efficient and effective service delivery, and with one eye continuously on a better future for all.
AGRICULTURE
First Council in NI to develop an Agriculture Strategy. Home to 3,431 farms and £506m in goods value and farm support payments. Employing 7,488 employees, 14.5% of NI Agri Labour Force. Food Heartland
of Northern Ireland Brand.
HEALTH & LIFE SCIENCES
A health and life sciences supply chain network equips local SMEs with the skills and expertise to supply excellent products to global industry leaders.
ADVANCED MANUFACTURING
Agile indigenous companies respond to the strengths of the local advanced manufacturing industry by up-skilling and innovating to exceed the sector’s high expectations.
LOGISTICS
The Borough is home to 296 (17%) of Northern Ireland’s Transport and Logistic firms. The sector employs approximately 2,800 people, the largest proportion of registered transport and logistics firms outside of Belfast.
THE VISITOR ECONOMY
Tourism is worth £27m in overnight spend to the local economy. We are home to the world’s only Game of Thrones licensed studio tour with Warner Bros. ABC was shortlisted for the UK City of Culture, 2025.
