Category Award

Toome named ‘Business’ Winner at Calor Village of the Year Awards

The County Antrim village of Toome  has been named ‘Business’ category winner at the Calor Village of the Year® 2008 awards ceremony at Killyhevlin Hotel, hosted by TV personality John Craven. 

Toome, which was nominated by TIDAL (Toome Industrial Development and Leisure), is home to the largest eel export fishery in Northern Ireland.

Commenting on the competition, judging Martin McDonald, Chief Executive, RDC said: “As judges we were overwhelmed with the very warm and heartfelt welcome we received on our visits and I would like to offer my congratulations to Toome, a hard working village with great plans for the future, on this Award. 

“Toome demonstrated an exceptional level of private and social enterprises. The village sought to tackle high unemployment rates, low educational attainment and a feeling of apathy within the local community by capitalising on its location and offering a great base for businesses. 

"It is now home to a vast range of businesses, both large and small from industrial to service sector, from cabin hire to a wellness clinic. The community association established an industrial park, which employs between 60 and 80 people and also provides incubator units for fledging businesses.

“Toome has overcome many barriers and impressed the judges with their total determination to bring about change. Known for its eel fishery which is the largest export business in Northern Ireland and a bypass diverting 22,000 cars daily, this village is now regaining its full potential,” added Martin.

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