Strabane businesses urged Vote Yes in BID ballot
22 September 2026
Local businesses across Strabane are being urged to cast a YES vote in the upcoming renewal ballot to secure a vital third term for Love Strabane (formerly known as Strabane BID) covering the period from 2026 to 2031.
Local businesses across Strabane are being urged to cast a YES vote in the upcoming renewal ballot to secure a vital third term for Love Strabane (formerly known as Strabane BID) covering the period from 2026 to 2031.
Michael Kelly is the Vice Chair of Love Strabane and is working proactively to secure a Yes vote in the upcoming ballot. He said that having championed the town centre, increased footfall, and delivered major collaborative initiatives over the past decade, Love Strabane is looking forward to the next chapter with the launch of its ambitious new Business Plan, where it outlines a clear vision to continue supporting retailers, hospitality venues, and independent enterprises through challenging economic times.
He said the lead up to the ballot has drawn strong backing from the local business community, with prominent high-street names and independent traders highlighting the tangible impact the team has had on their operations.
Stephen McCammon, Managing Director of Menarys, is one of local business that is very supportive of retaining the BID for another term.
He said: “Menarys are delighted to be back in Strabane after an absence of a few years due to the redevelopment of our previous shop. Emma and the Team at Love Strabane were instrumental in us securing our new premises and have been incredibly supportive both in the pre-opening and opening periods. Their engagement with our management team and ongoing support continues to help us as we re-establish the Menarys brand in Strabane.
“Strabane town centre benefits in many ways from the work of the Love Strabane team and their work continues to help the town perform strongly in what is a challenging time for the retail industry. We look forward to seeing how Strabane town, Love Strabane and Menarys continue to thrive.”
That sentiment is shared among some of the independent operators who have used the Love Strabane’s promotional campaigns to scale their visibility.
Joanne Kelly of Classic Beauty explained said BID has directly boosted her business. She said: “Taking part in the professional business photography arranged by Love Strabane was a real boost for Classic Beauty. The resulting images were used to promote my business across the latest campaign, featuring on billboards, digital screens and social media, which has significantly increased awareness of our services and attracted new customers. Being showcased in this way has helped strengthen my brand, reach a wider audience and positioned my business more prominently within the town.”
Michael Kelly said the newly published Business Plan focuses on driving continued economic growth, maximising upcoming regeneration opportunities, and amplifying the unified voice of local business owners.
He said eligible businesses within the Love Strabane boundary are being encouraged to review the full proposals ahead of the ballot and actively encouraged to give a Yes vote in the upcoming ballot.
To read the full Business Plan and find out more about what a YES vote means for the future of Strabane, visit: www.lovestrabane.com/business-plan/
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