Meet the Team
Ann McCullough
Interim Director of Prosperity
Email: ann.mccullough@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
The Prosperity Directorate incorporates Economic Development, Tourism and Planning sections. As director, Ann is responsible for business support, economic development, tourism development and planning.
Economic Development forms part of the Prosperity Directorate within Council and reflects the integrated approach we take towards growing a sustainable economy and working to create more and better-quality jobs across Ards and North Down.
As part of the Prosperity Directorate within the Council, we align our work with the Ards and North Down Corporate Plan 2024-2028 and focus on the following three key priorities:
- Economic Priority – Increasing economic growth by attracting more jobs and businesses
We support businesses through strategic initiatives that foster job creation and economic investment in the Borough.
- Environmental Priority – Reducing carbon emissions as we transition to net zero
We support sustainable practices, helping businesses transition towards environmentally-friendly solutions while contributing to the Borough’s carbon reduction goals.
- Social Priority – Improving wellbeing through social inclusion and reduced inequality
Our programmes are designed to enhance social inclusion and improve wellbeing by providing equal opportunities for all members of the community, creating a more inclusive economy.
The Economic Development Team
Alison Stobie
Interim Head of Economic Development
Email: alison.stobie@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
Alison leads the team to create a supportive environment for businesses to set up, grow, and thrive in the Borough. She ensures optimal use of budgets and funding opportunities, delivering services in partnership to achieve a prosperous economy for all.
Karine McGuckin
Economic Development Manager
Email: karine.mcguckin@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
Karine oversees the management of economic development programmes, including securing funding, identifying new projects, and collaborating with strategic partners to drive economic growth.
Irvine Abraham
Business Development Executive
Email: irvine.abraham@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
Irvine plans, manages, and delivers business support programmes. He also provides business advice, one-on-one mentoring, and appraisals to guide local businesses in their growth.
Rowena Moore
Business Research Officer
Email: Rowena.Moore@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
Rowena is responsible for the business research service, gathering market intelligence, providing tailored marketing and customer databases. She also supports the organisation of events and offers insights into funding opportunities for local businesses.
Maura Bettes
Economic Development Officer
Email: maura.bettes@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
Maura leads the Engage and Foundation pillar of the Go Succeed programme, supporting entrepreneurs and early start businesses. She also plans, manages and delivers business support programmes, helping businesses to maximise their growth potential and sustainability.
Angela McAllister
Assistant Economic Development Officer
Email: angela.mcallister@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
Angela supports the Economic Development Officer by developing, managing, and delivering support initiatives to facilitate business growth while connecting with business networks.
Ciara McKenna
Business Client Officer
Email: ciara.mckenna@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
Ciara leads the Growth pillar of the Go Succeed programme, helping businesses identify and maximise opportunities for sustainable growth while providing essential resources, support, and connections.
Grace Gamble
Finance and Funding Co-ordinator
Email: grace.gamble@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
Grace manages the day-to-day financial operations for the Economic Development team, ensuring smooth processing of queries and financial administration. She also assists with the delivery of the Go Succeed grant aid programme.
Karen Lennie/Lisa Travers
Administrative Assistants (Job Share)
Email: signaladmin@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
Karen and Lisa handle event preparation and marketing communications with clients, supporting multiple service units by signposting clients to the appropriate officer.
Martin Mawhinney
Administrative Assistant
Email: martin.mawhinney@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
Martin provides general administrative support across both Economic Development and Development Projects teams, coordinating meetings and assisting with partnership operations.
Development Projects Team
Jayne Taylor
Interim Development Projects Manager
Email: jayne.taylor@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
Jayne manages a diverse portfolio of contracts and projects, including Bangor Marina, Exploris, and Pickie Fun Park. She focuses on creative and digital industry development, working to identify new projects and funding streams to drive economic growth.
Glynis Poots
Interim Development Projects Officer
Email: glynis.poots@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
Glynis coordinates creative and digital projects, working to support employability and skills development in the Borough while also monitoring Council contracts.
Niall Drew
Creative and Digital Development Officer
Email: niall.drew@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
Niall leads the development and coordination of initiatives to support the Borough’s creative and digital industries. His work contributes to delivering the AND Digital Strategy to ensure Ards and North Down is well-positioned within the digital economy.
The Labour Market Partnership Team
About Ards and North Down Labour Market Partnership
What is Ards and North Down Labour Market Partnership?
Ards and North Down established its Labour Market Partnership in August 2021 when the Department for Communities (one of the Department’s within the Northern Ireland Executive) made funding available for the establishment of Labour Market Partnerships (LMP) within each of the 11 Councils in Northern Ireland.
The aim of Ards and North Down Labour Market Partnership is to help improve employability outcomes and labour market conditions locally. The LMP will work through co-ordinated, collaborative, multi-agency partnerships to meet their regional objectives whilst being flexible to meet the needs presented by localised conditions and helping to connect employers with employees.
Nicola Webster-Pickett
Labour Market Partnership Manager
Email: nicola.webster-pickett@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
Nicola manages the Ards and North Down Labour Market Partnership, overseeing the delivery of the 2024-2025 Action Plan and fostering partnerships with key strategic partners to create collaborative, multi-agency interventions that address labour market needs.
Sasha Mawhinney
Labour Market Partnership Administrative Officer
Email: sasha.mawhinney@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
Sasha manages the administrative functions of the Labour Market Partnership, preparing for meetings, taking minutes, and supporting the preparation of reports and documents essential to the Partnership’s operations.
Together, we are committed to creating a thriving, sustainable, and inclusive economy for the Ards and North Down Borough, guided by our Corporate Plan 2024-2028, which focuses on economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion.
