Garden lifestyle centre, Hillmount Ards, has been awarded 'Best Family Business' by Ards Chamber of Trade at the recent Ards Business Awards.

The third garden centre in the portfolio owned by the Mercer family, who have an almost 80 year history in gardening, opened its doors in late 2017, on the site of the former Thriving Life Church at an investment of £1,000,000 and with the creation of 25 new jobs.

Robin Mercer, Hillmount Ards, said: "We are immensely proud to have been awarded 'Best Family Business' by Ards Chamber of Trade. From I married my
wife Edith more than 40 years ago I promised her one day that we'd open a garden centre in her hometown so when the opportunity to buy the building and create Hillmount Ards came along there was really only one decision to be made.

"The building has such a beautiful perspective and Hillmount Ards has bloomed with an amazing team helping us. Being named Best Family Business is the perfect award for us as we are committed to investing in the local area and to providing employment to local people, as well as providing the community in Ards the same great value, great choice and welcoming service that our loyal customers enjoy at our sister garden centres in Bangor and Castlereagh."

The Mercer family breathed new life into the building to develop Hillmount Ards with a wide variety of plants, trees and shrubs, as well as offering a range of exquisite gifts, an extensive range of ladieswear, garden furniture and accessories. Diners in the first floor restaurant, The Gardener's Rest, can relax and enjoy views across north down from the unique feature window.

Hillmount Ards hosts a free to attend kids gardening club on the first Saturday of each month, the popular Ladies Shopping Night returns just before Christmas on Friday 13 December and Santa will be in residence at Hillmount Ards throughout December. There is no need to book to visit Santa and for more information on Grotto opening times and prices, visit: https://www.hillmount.co.uk/christmasatards