The 12th annual Neighbourhood Retailer Awards are officially launched and the search is now on to find Northern Ireland’s leading independent grocery retailers.
For the fifth year running, platinum sponsor Bank of Ireland will support what is one of the most anticipated events in the local retailing calendar.
Neighbourhood Retailer Editor Mark White, Frank Boyle, Regional Manager - Commercial Banking, Central South, Bank of Ireland and Model Julie Doherty.
At the awards launch, Mark White, Editor, Neighbourhood Retailer magazine, said: “The Neighbourhood Retailer Awards were conceived in 1999 to recognise and reward retailers who are at the top of their game and are making an outstanding contribution to the sector.
“Over the past 12 years, the Awards have also helped build confidence at key times during the longstanding fight against the multiples and have reinforced the important role that these traditionally family-owned independent retailers play in each of the communities they serve.”
Frank Boyle, Regional Manager – Commercial Banking, Central South, Bank of Ireland added: “Bank of Ireland’s continued support of these awards reflects our commitment to helping the retail grocery sector strengthen and develop its appeal.
Over the past 12 years, the Awards have also helped build confidence at key times during the longstanding fight against the multiples and have reinforced the important role that these traditionally family-owned
independent retailers play in each of the communities they serve.
“This award scheme provides the opportunity for stores to demonstrate their competitive edge and their contribution to communities right across Northern Ireland.
“As a market leader in providing financial and advisory services to this sector, we have been impressed by the very high standards of service evident in local grocery retailing, and they have got better year after year. Store owners and operators who hope to score a victory in the 2010 awards will have to be on the ball.”
