What dreams are still to come?

The John Wilson Memorial Trust (JWMT) was set up in memory of the late John Wilson, son of Ulster Carpets founder, George Walter Wilson, following his passing in 2009.

John Wilson always had an enduring passion for business, particularly the long held establishment of significant employment in Portadown in keeping with Ulster Carpets' place in the community. The Trust is run by nominated Trustees involved in Ulster Carpets including two of John's sons.

The Trust actively seeks opportunities to support local business and over 2016-2017 the Trust worked with Brian Hunter from MPact to identify and mentor eight local businesses. The scheme involved a variety of local start up companies including food producers, film production, a health and fitness centre, a powder coating company and a social media enterprise supporting children in care.

Jeremy Wilson, trustee member of the JWMT explains: "...at Ulster Carpets we are committed to giving back to the local area. We pride ourselves that after 75 years trading all of our manufacturing is still based on our County Armagh site. We want to continue to encourage and inspire entrepreneurship within our hometown."

Today, the Trust seeks to actively support organisations and charities which aid other elements of a community.

The Trust has provided funding for two main charities over the years, the East Belfast Independent Advice Centre and Action Mental Health. These two organisations seek to promote positive mental and emotional wellbeing among young people, and help others to overcome the effects of mental illlness, enhancing one's prospects of accessing employment and advancing recovery to a better quality of life.

Health research is a another fundamental factor in improving health and wellbeing. The John Wilson Memorial Trust funded two projects in collaboration with Queen's University, Belfast; a PhD studentship for the Centre of Public Health and the purchase of a Robosep Machine in 2016 for MS Research.

If you would like more information on any of the past partnerships, please contact us via the sign up form below.