Headquartered in Randalstown, employees at global fragrance brand, The Jaq Group are celebrating after the company clinched two top awards for business growth and the right place to work during the Ballymena Business Awards last week, which took place in the Tullyglass House Hotel.
Hosted by Ballymena Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the glittering awards ceremony was compered by Cool FM’s Pete Snodden and celebrated the very best local businesses.
With a team of over 230 employees, The Jaq Group has grown exponentially since its inception in 2019, recording a £90.1 million turnover within the last twelve months. The company is behind well-known fragrance brands, The Essence Vault, Liquid London and Thomson Carter.
The Jaq Group
The judging panel were thoroughly impressed by the dedication of founder and managing director, Connor Martin in leading his company to become a global million-pound brand in just seven years, offering hundreds of employment opportunities in Ballymena, coupled with his people-centred ethos.
“I’m delighted that The Jaq Group won not one but two awards on the night,” Connor commented. “In both categories we were shortlisted against some fantastic local businesses who are achieving great success and offering excellent working environments for their employees. I was so pleased to have been shortlisted and to win was just fantastic.
“The last few years have certainly been very exciting for The Jaq Group. We have grown significantly and have introduced new brands and products to our portfolio, which have been very well received.
“Behind all that success and growth, is a brilliant team who have been supporting me every step of the way – I have not achieved this in isolation. As an employer, I’m very people-focused and believe in creating an environment where innovation, collaboration and inclusivity are recognised. Staff wellbeing is also championed through our Employee Assistance Programme which provides private medical cover, GP and counselling services, a Simplyhealth cash back scheme, as well as recognising the achievements of our team through our Employee of the Month programme and company-wide bonus scheme. I’m extremely proud of my team – a huge congratulations to them and everyone that was shortlisted.”
In 2019, Connor identified a gap in the market for good quality, long-lasting scents at a more affordable price and established The Essence Vault. The current product range now includes full strength eau de parfums, fragrance oils, diffusers, candles and skincare.
Connor reinvested in the business, launching two further brands, Thomson Carter and Liquid London, which have both performed strongly, with the former accelerating into the US market, with a new US site.
“The Jaq Group’s success over the last number of years has been truly remarkable,” commented Tom Wiggins, Chief Executive of Ballymena Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “His innovation, creativity and dedication, have created hundreds of employment opportunities and boosted Ballymena’s wider business economy, all whilst building a reputation as one of the area’s best places to work.
“Connor’s resilience, tenacity and ability to build a multi-million-pound brand with his team at the centre is admirable. Congratulations to Connor, his talented team and all those who were shortlisted.”
