Mid Ulster LMP wins Local Government Award
The Mid Ulster Labour Market Partnership (LMP) is celebrating a win at last night’s 2025 Local Government Awards. Mid Ulster Labour Market Partnership was winner of the Collaborative Partnership Award, sponsored by Hays Recruitment, recognising the LMP’s unique, industry-led collaboration between key business stakeholders, education, community and public sector which is facilitated by Mid Ulster District Council.
The Mid Ulster LMP boasts the strongest business representation of the eleven LMPs across Northern Ireland and has played a significant role in the success of its first two Action Plans in terms of job outcomes and building a strong, visible presence throughout the district. Partnership and collaboration are the bedrock to all LMP initiatives, and local relationships continue to strengthen, enabling effective implementation and successful employment outcomes.
Mid Ulster District Council was also named as finalists in three other categories: Best Use of Data and Technology Award, for its Registration Appointments System Project; Engaging Communities Award, for the Connecting Pomeroy Project; and Communications Campaign of the Year Award, for its Home For Christmas Campaign
Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Eugene McConnell attending the awards said,
“It is a wonderful achievement to be nominated for this year’s Local Government Awards across not just one but four categories, and we are absolutely delighted to be winner of the Collaborative Partnership Award for the Mid Ulster LMP facilitated thorough Council. Being so recognised across a number of services acknowledges the hard work elected members and officers put in to delivering projects that benefit our residents, show continuous improvement and contribute at a grass roots level to important wider government priorities. My congratulations to the individuals and teams involved.”
The awards, organised by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) attracted 69 entries and were designed to celebrate the exceptional efforts of councils in their communities. They highlighted the innovative service provision, new initiatives, and the personal commitment of councillors, local government staff, and local government partners.
The award categories focused on showcasing the dedication, hard work, and creative approaches that local councils demonstrate daily, while also creating opportunities for local government staff and elected members to shine.
NILGA President, Cllr Alison Bennington stated, “Councils across Northern Ireland are committed to enhancing the communities they serve while also supporting broader government and civic initiatives. Our councils undertake valuable work and dedicate time and resources to modernise and improve their areas for local communities, businesses, and visitors, as well as for wider government and civic society.
“The Local Government Awards are a testament to these services and provide benchmarks for broader government. They offer fantastic learning tools for councils in an environment where every penny and resource counts.
“We can improve by learning from the best. This is a passion of NILGA, which is evident in each of our ambitious and resourceful councils. Congratulations to our winners and finalists and thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate and support the 2025 Local Government Awards.”
Celebrating a “Decade of Achievement” for Northern Ireland’s councils, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said “Councils play a central role in delivering a wide range of services and in helping to develop and grow the local economy - making life better for all our citizens.
The Minister continued, “Councils have made significant progress, taking on planning responsibilities, introducing Community Planning, and working in partnership with central government to develop and deliver City and Growth Deals. This has brought decision-making closer to local communities, ensuring services are tailored to meet specific needs. Local councils have also driven economic regeneration by partnering with businesses, investing in infrastructure, and promoting tourism. Initiatives like Labour Market Partnerships and the £1 billion investment in City and Growth Deals are creating jobs, boosting entrepreneurship, and enhancing connectivity.”
APSE Chief Executive Mo Baines remarked, “Across local government, day in and day out, our unsung frontline heroes go above and beyond to deliver for their local communities. The Local Government Awards highlight their commitment to the goals of continuous improvement and excellence in public services. From maintaining beautiful parks and managing waste collection to attracting businesses and promoting arts, culture, and leisure, it is a privilege to recognise the fantastic work that local councils do on the front lines.
The Awards covered ten categories and sponsor partners/support bodies contributing are: agendaNi, Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE), CCLA Good Investment, Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL), Hays Recruitment, Local Government Information Unit (LGiU), Local Government Staff Commission (LGSC), Quadra Consulting and William Johnston Memorial Trust (WJMT).