Lockhart Tables Parliamentary Motion Celebrating 75 Years of Porter’s Fine Furnishings

Carla Lockhart MP • November 5, 2025

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has tabled an Early Day Motion in Parliament recognising Porter’s Fine Furnishings, Banbridge, as the family-run business celebrates an incredible 75 years in operation.

Founded by Mr and Mrs Porter in 1949, Porter’s has grown to become one of Banbridge’s most loved and respected businesses, renowned for its quality, customer service, and long-standing contribution to the local community. Today, the business continues under the leadership of William and Audrey Porter, who have carried forward the proud family tradition with the same commitment and care that has been its hallmark for three generations.


Speaking after tabling the motion, Carla Lockhart MP said:


“It was a real pleasure to table this motion in Parliament to mark 75 years of Porter’s Fine Furnishings. This is an incredible milestone for a wonderful family business that has become part of the very fabric of Banbridge.


Porter’s has made a significant contribution to our local economy, supporting jobs, enriching our town centre, and providing outstanding service to generations of customers. Their success story is built on hard work, dedication, and the enduring strength of family enterprise.


Knowing the Porter family personally, I have seen first-hand their warmth, commitment, and passion for what they do. It is only right that their remarkable contribution to Banbridge and beyond is recognised at a national level.


Congratulations to everyone at Porter’s Fine Furnishings. I wish them continued success and God’s richest blessings in the years ahead.”


Early Day Motion 2032: 75th Anniversary of Porter’s Fine Furnishings, Banbridge


That this House congratulates Porter’s Fine Furnishings in Banbridge on celebrating 75 years in business; pays tribute to the founders, Mr and Mrs Porter, for establishing a trusted family-run enterprise that has served the people of Banbridge and beyond since 1949; recognises the current owners, William and Audrey Porter, for continuing this proud tradition with dedication, excellence, and commitment to customer care; acknowledges the vital contribution the business has made to the local economy and community life; and wishes the entire Porter family and staff every continued success for the future.



Share

LOCKHART PRAISES ABC BLITZ TEAM FOR TRANSFORMING LOCAL COMMUNITIES

By Carla Lockhart MP • June 2, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to the ABC Council Blitz Team after witnessing first-hand the positive impact their work is having across local communities.

LOCKHART WELCOMES LONG-AWAITED DFI IMPROVEMENTS IN MOURNEVIEW

By Carla Lockhart MP • June 2, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the commencement of long-awaited improvement works by the Department for Infrastructure in the Mourneview area of Craigavon, particularly in and around the Spelga Park area.

LOCKHART SECURES FAIRER DEAL FOR NORTHERN IRELAND CONSUMERS AFTER USWITCH REVIEW

By Carla Lockhart MP • June 2, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed a positive outcome for Northern Ireland consumers after Uswitch agreed to change its approach following concerns she raised on behalf of a constituent.

LOCKHART CALLS FOR STRONGER PROTECTIONS FOR CHILDREN LIVING WITH SEVERE ALLERGIES

By Carla Lockhart MP • June 2, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has written to the Northern Ireland Health Minister calling for stronger protections, greater awareness and improved support for children living with severe allergies.

LOCKHART WELCOMES FINAL APPROVAL OF BABY LOSS CERTIFICATES SCHEME

By Carla Lockhart MP • June 2, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the final Assembly approval of regulations paving the way for the introduction of Baby Loss Certificates in Northern Ireland.

LOCKHART LEADS WESTMINSTER DELEGATION IN PUSH FOR LIFE-SAVING MLD SCREENING

By Carla Lockhart MP • June 2, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart will tomorrow lead a delegation to Westminster as part of the campaign to secure the inclusion of Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD) in the UK newborn heel-prick screening programme.

NI’s farming community deserves protection from rural crime

By Carla Lockhart MP • May 29, 2026
DUP Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP has called on the PSNI and Stormont departments to do more to protect farmers and rural communities from escalating levels of crime across Northern Ireland.

MP urges government to support UK bakery sector

By Carla Lockhart MP • May 28, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has expressed concern at mounting pressures facing the UK bakery sector - a vital cornerstone of our food manufacturing industry and a key employer across Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Lockhart welcomes U-turn on firearms fees

By Carla Lockhart MP • May 27, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the Justice Minister’s decision to withdraw the consultation and go back to the drawing board on controversial proposed increases to firearms licensing fees, and changes to the banded system in Northern Ireland.

MP encouraging local producers to enter BBC Food and Farming Awards

By Carla Lockhart MP • May 25, 2026
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has welcomed confirmation that the 2026 BBC Food and Farming Awards will be held in Northern Ireland for the first time.