Coleraine Connect is delighted to announce that its Events and Communications Manager, Gillian Anderson, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Employee of the Year category at the Causeway Coast & Glens People Awards 2026, powered by Beyond HR.

Taking place on Thursday 12 November at The Lodge Hotel, Coleraine, the People Awards celebrate the individuals, teams and organisations who make a real difference within businesses and workplaces across the region.

Presented by Lynette Fay, the awards will shine a spotlight on the people behind business success, recognising outstanding employees, emerging talent, inspiring leaders and exceptional teams.

Gillian joined Coleraine Connect as Events & Communications Manager in May 2025 and has played a central role in delivering and promoting an ambitious programme of events and initiatives designed to bring people into Coleraine, support local businesses and raise the profile of the town.

Born and bred in Coleraine, Gillian has always had the best interests of the town at the forefront of everything she does. Her passion for Coleraine, its businesses and its people is reflected in her approach to her role and her determination to help showcase everything the town has to offer.

Working closely with the Coleraine Connect Board, local businesses, Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council and other partners, she has helped deliver a busy calendar of family-focused events while strengthening Coleraine Connect’s communications, digital presence and engagement with traders and the wider community.

The events programme has been designed not only to create memorable experiences for local families but also to increase footfall within the town centre and introduce Coleraine to new audiences from outside the area.

Events including the Big Bark Dog Show, Thunder Action Sports, Jurassic Coleraine and Princess Academy have attracted significant numbers into the town, while extensive media, digital and social media promotion has helped increase the visibility of Coleraine and encourage people from across Northern Ireland and further afield to visit and discover the town for themselves.

Her work encompasses major town centre events and promotional campaigns alongside media relations, social media, the Coleraine Connect website and initiatives aimed at giving visitors more reasons to come to Coleraine, spend time in the town centre and support its businesses.

Most recently, Gillian has been heavily involved in The Great Coleraine Build, an ambitious month-long programme of brick-themed activities during October, including the free Bricks Fairytale Trail and the arrival of National Brick Events in Northern Ireland for the first time.

The programme is already helping to bring new visitors into Coleraine, further demonstrating how creative events can be used to increase footfall while putting the town firmly on the map as a destination for family days out and major events.

Gillian’s contribution to the local community also extends well beyond her role with Coleraine Connect. Drawing on her many years of experience as a journalist and editor, she gives her time and expertise to support local charities, community initiatives and fundraising events.

This has included supporting Wee Joan’s Charity Dog Walk and Willie’s Orphan Fund, helping to raise awareness of their work, promote fundraising activities and ensure their stories reach a wider audience.

Gillian has also supported local public safety initiatives, using her communications experience and community connections to help bring people and key agencies together to address concerns affecting the town.

Coleraine Connect Chairman Jonny Fielding said: “Gillian has made a tremendous impact since joining Coleraine Connect, and this nomination is very well deserved. She brings enormous energy, creativity, and professionalism to everything she does, but what stands out most is her genuine passion for Coleraine and her determination to see the town succeed. 

“She has played a key role in raising the profile of Coleraine, developing our events programme and creating opportunities to bring more people into the town and support our local businesses. “As Chairman, it is particularly rewarding to see the ideas and ambition of the organisation being brought to life with such enthusiasm and commitment. 

“Gillian is a fantastic ambassador for Coleraine Connect, and for the town itself, and on behalf of the Board, I would like to congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition and wish her and all the finalists the very best of luck on the night.”

Coleraine Connect BID Manager Anneliese Sid added: “Working with Gillian, I am inspired every day, not only by her commitment to her role and her ambition for Coleraine, but by her incredible ability to know exactly who we need to bring together to make something happen. 

“Her long-standing relationships across the community mean that when Gillian picks up the phone, people are willing to listen, get involved and work with us, and that is a huge asset to Coleraine Connect. 

“Her passion and ambition for Coleraine is truly admirable, but it is her resilience, determination and ability to turn ideas into reality that really stand out to me. I was delighted to nominate Gillian for this award because I genuinely believe she deserves recognition for the energy, creativity and commitment she brings to her role and to the wider Coleraine community. I wish Gillian, and all of the finalists, the very best of luck on the night.”

Commenting on her nomination, Gillian said: “I am truly humbled to have been shortlisted for Employee of the Year. Coleraine is my home town and a place I genuinely love, so to have the opportunity through my role with Coleraine Connect to contribute in some small way to its success means a great deal to me.

“There are so many positive things happening in Coleraine. If the work we are doing can help bring more people here, showcase what Coleraine has to offer and put the town firmly on the map, then that is something I am incredibly proud to be part of.

“I’m very grateful to have been shortlisted, and I’m looking forward to celebrating alongside all the other finalists on the night.”

The Causeway Coast & Glens People Awards 2026 take place at The Lodge Hotel, Coleraine, on Thursday 12 November, bringing together businesses and organisations from across the region for an evening celebrating the people who make a difference in their workplaces and communities.

Everyone at Coleraine Connect wishes Gillian, and all of this year’s finalists, the very best of luck ahead of the awards ceremony.