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.”

Share

By Carla Lockhart MP January 9, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has spoken of her bitter disappointment following confirmation that Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD) will not be added to the routine newborn heel-prick screening programme, despite sustained campaigning and evidence that the condition can be treated if identified at birth.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 8, 2026
Confirmation that DAERA will absorb laboratory costs associated with the mandatory pre-movement testing of animals in the designated Bluetongue Temporary Control Zone, has been welcomed by Carla Lockhart MP.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 8, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has described the Labour government’s increased inheritance tax threshold on agricultural and business property relief as a hard-won and welcome concession, but says it remains insufficient.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 7, 2026
As we enter a new year, Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has reflected on the challenges of the past 12 months while setting out her priorities for 2026, reaffirming her commitment to serving constituents across the area. 
By Carla Lockhart MP January 6, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed a new local business venture after visiting Morning Buzz Coffee, praising the commitment and initiative behind a one-man operation serving the local community.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 6, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has raised serious concerns about the safety of rural roads during the current spell of severe winter weather, following a recent bus incident at Esky and ongoing engagement with Roads Service officials on gritting arrangements, grit salt availability and the treatment of rural routes across the constituency.
By Carla Lockhart MP January 6, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has raised serious concerns over significant delays facing women referred to breast clinics under the “red flag” pathway across Northern Ireland, with waiting times stretching far beyond the 14-day target designed to ensure rapid assessment where breast cancer is suspected.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 31, 2025
DUP Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has been a strong adversary for Northern Ireland agriculture over the last twelve months, and has pledged to continue championing the industry in 2026.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 30, 2025
The DUP’s Westminster Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has accused the Labour Government of ‘ stage-managing’ the Farm Profitability Review and deliberately silencing the most serious concern facing farmers – inheritance tax.
By Carla Lockhart MP December 23, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has welcomed the government’s decision to increase family farm tax thresholds, offering long overdue relief to a large number of farming families and rural communities.