Dunnes stores was a feature on Church Street in Ballymoney for many years until the branch closed about five years ago, leaving the building vacant.
Speculation since last summer and more so in recent months, was that another local business, Payescape, were in the process of purchasing the building. This appears now to be the case. The building has three floors and will house their company’s current staff with room for further expansion over the next few years.
Councillor Darryl Wilson has welcomed the news that Payescape have taken ownership of the former Dunnes building.
“It is welcome news that the old Dunnes premises has been purchased. I look forward to yet another empty space in Ballymoney be transformed and put to good use. My hope is that this news will in turn increase employment opportunities in the town and quite possibly attract more new business. An increase in new traders and footfall could potentially be on the horizon.”
Payescape, currently based in the Acorn Business Centre in Ballymoney, is a payroll, HR and times &attendance provider and have announced recently their new, ‘Accountants Partnership Programme.’
Announcing on their website, the company has said:
“Payescape is excited to announce their new Accountants Partnership Program to help accountancy practices and bookkeepers strengthen their payroll offering to clients whilst ensuring compliance with the ever-evolving payroll regulations.
The new Accountants Partnership program will enable accountants to utilise Payescape’s technology and their CIPP-certified team to offer payroll services and software to their clients. “Accountants and bookkeepers can now easily provide co-branded payroll services to their clients while providing enhanced reporting and compliance with our new partnership,” said Adrian Geffert, Payescape Sales Director. The Accountants Partnership program was developed to help accountants expand their practices while handling the growing complexities of managing client payroll.
The Payescape Accountant Partnership Program will allow accountants to grow their payroll base, spend less time managing payroll, and provide back up and compliance where needed.”
The expansion of Payescape into the new premises on Church Street will bring with it new jobs and opportunities to the area, which has seen an influx of new businesses and current business expanding in the town in recent year.
Winnie Mellett, Ballymoney Chamber President, has championed the town and its development for many years and on hearing the news said:
“The Old Dunnes building has lay vacant since closing their Ballymoney branch several years ago so its exciting news that the rumours of a leading business has acquired the building and taking a prominent place in the town.
I am confident that this move by Payescape will bring and abundance of new jobs to the town boasting our local economy. We continue to see new businesses being attracted more and more to Ballymoney and Wednesday will see the new clothing store Cuba open a branch in the town, again bring more local jobs.”
North Antrim DUP MLA and former Minister for Social Development Mervyn Storey has welcomed confrontation that local company Payescape will be moving to the Old Dunnes Store in Church St.
Commenting Mervyn said,
“Sometime ago in discussions with the company I suggested that a move by the company into the centre of Ballymoney would be a good idea for all concerned.
I am pleased that this move has now been finalised.
Church St has had disappointing news over the last number of years, hopefully, this will be a catalyst for not only the existing businesses but also to encourage further new ones.
Payescape is an outstanding example of a local company that delivers on a global stage.
I wish John and all his staff every success as they take yet another positive step forward in the history of this local company that we are all prod of.”
Payescape is owned by Bushmills man John Borland and currently employed 40 within the business. Its expected that the building will need redevelopment before the company can occupies the premises which could be several year ahead of them yet.
