Ally Simpson

When you can’t get the lunch you want

Posted by Ally Simpson | Jan 4, 2016 |

On New Years Day most of Ballymena was closed. We were really happy to see retailers and businesses around town taking the decision to close and hopefully enjoy the first day of 2016. But what happens when you want to go to town for coffee or lunch? What happens when you can’t get the lunch you want? ha! Here’s what we mean… At the start of December 2015, Middletown Coffee Co. opened in Ballymena and, as well as them wooing us with superb coffee, we also fell in love with their food, especially the chorizo, chickpea, sweet potato and harissa stew. We wanted it on January 1st! We really wanted to eat it! Middletown were closed and deservedly so after a hectic first few weeks of business but… stew! Lovely warming chorizo! yum! So, we made our own version and added some salmon… just because we could. And it was good. Very good. This whole process made us wonder if as customers we ask enough questions when we eat in coffee shops and restaurants? In any kind of shop for that matter? Asking what the recipe is, where the coffee comes from or, where the product is made/built/created will certainly reveal if the staff serving you know or care about their job and the product they sell. In the case of this beautiful stew, we knew how to make it because...

Middletown Coffee opens this week

Posted by Ally Simpson | Dec 1, 2015 |

Middletown Coffee Co. opens this Thursday 3rd December at 8.30am in Ballymena. You can find them at 60-64 Lower Mill Street, BT43 6AH. We are really excited for Jonathan, Emma and their girls as they embark on the next stage of this amazing journey. The food and coffee will be splendid, we are sure. Drop in and wish them well this weekend. Ballymena needs good news stories, this is...

Peace of mind on the Internet

Posted by Ally Simpson | Nov 30, 2015 |

The problem of Internet security and safety is not a new phenomenon yet it seems that in recent years the fears of the average web user have heightened significantly. Identity theft, fraud, hacking, loss of information and making poor decisions when using the Internet are frequent concerns but, rather than fearing the worst, we should start by simply doing our best to be safe. There are lots of simple things we can do, from good and frequently changed passwords to ensuring we back-up important information but, education is also important to keep you and your family safe online and giving you peace of mind on the Internet. Knowing enough useful tips can be difficult when we have access to so much varied information. Having a local business who you can trust is a huge advantage. MCC Computers Internet Safety Centre are ready to help you with any questions or concerns you might have. At MCC, our first priority will be to help you as best we can. We will stick the kettle on and talk first about what you need and, what your concerns are. People need peace of mind and a solid service they can trust. At MCC we make these values an absolute priority for every customer who comes through our door. If you are a business owner, home Internet user, parent or pensioner, you will have different concerns and may have heard all...

Using Instagram to full potential

Posted by Ally Simpson | Nov 26, 2015 |

Ballymena Today loves Instagram. Nearly all of our team use and love it. However, this is not one of those posts where we give you a step-by-step guide on how to use Instagram. The Internet is already full of those and we strongly encourage you to think for yourself and to be yourself… that said, there are some things you need to observe about how to get into the conversation, be noticed, build a community and to get you using Instagram to full potential. Over a year ago we wrote this post which outlined some of the effective ways to use...

Ballymena Business working with AVG

Posted by Ally Simpson | Nov 19, 2015 |

MCC Computers, in partnership with AVG has recently been publicised in a case study by the innovative worldwide leader in computer security solutions. The Ballymena Today team are excited to see a local business working effectively with AVG and, in turn bringing a superb service to their customers. Security and safety are essential to everyone using the Internet but, are now absolutely crucial for you and your business. Speaking about their partnership with AVG, Gordon Montgomery, MCC Computers’ Operations Director, said: Because of the nature of small businesses, there’ll always be a wide variety of client expectations. They are dependent on us, as their anchor, to find the right IT solutions for their specific needs. Our partnership with AVG is taking our business to a whole new level. We have a complete portfolio to deliver, from the security aspect outwards. The antivirus side of our business has grown 96% year on year, and anti -spam 29%. With hosting, Online Backup and social media services still largely untapped, the only problem is finding the time to follow up on all the AVG- generated opportunities. Who are AVG? Founded in 1991, headquartered in the Netherlands and with corporate offices in Europe, the US and the UK, AVG is focused on providing home and business computer users with the most comprehensive and proactive protection against computer security threats. With 188 million active users around the world, the...

Author: Ally Simpson

When you can’t get the lunch you want

Middletown Coffee opens this week

Peace of mind on the Internet

Ballymena Business working with AVG

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