MP welcomes new business to Portadown

Carla Lockhart MP • February 21, 2023

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the latest addition to the retail offering in Portadown, with the opening of Bathe Botanicals by local entrepreneur Christine McCaughey.

Speaking after calling to see the new business in Portadown town centre, Carla Lockhart said:

 

“Independent retail is the strength of any town centre, and in Portadown, Lurgan, Banbridge and in villages across this area we have a wide range of local entrepreneurs who are offering unique products and first class customer service.

 

It is so encouraging to see Christine continuing to build her business with the opening of Bathe Botanicals. This business started during lockdown, and has grown to see Christine open this space up in Portadown. The special twist with this business is that in 6 months’ time this entire unit will be turned into Portadown Pop Up, in which people / businesses / community groups can hire to float their business or initiative for however long they need. It really is a superb concept and will help new businesses particularly launch their products on the High Street without the stress of taking on a long lease.

 

This is such a good innovation and I would encourage people to get in touch with Christine if they want to explore this option for their business.”

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