Ensure your spot at the biggest night in Northern Irish retail!
As we leave summer behind and look ahead to autumn, here at Neighbourhood Retailer we are in the midst of planning for the 2025 gala awards dinner!
Renowned across the region as the pinnacle of retail success, the NR Awards have been recognising excellence in retail here for almost 30 years.
It has been another impressive year for entrants to the awards, and with some exciting category updates, we pride ourselves on staying ahead of the curve and reflecting the ever-changing developments in the market here.
We would like to thank Allwyn, operator of The National Lottery, which has returned as our platinum sponsor for the 2025 NR Awards, and category sponsor for the Community Store of the Year award.
Divisional Sales Manager at Allwyn, Wendy Craig spoke of how important it was for Allwyn to highlight and champion the importance of independent retail, describing local retailers as the life and soul of high streets and local communities across Northern Ireland.
“Independent retailers are a vital part of high streets in Northern Ireland and have huge value at the heart of their communities,” said Wendy.
“The majority of Allwyn’s 1500 retail partners in the province are independent stores, many of them in rural areas. Selling National Lottery tickets not only creates footfall and associated sales, but it also generates millions in retail commission each year.
“Independent retailers are also crucial to the enormous good that The National Lottery brings to society through funding to Good Causes,” added Wendy.
The National Lottery recently celebrated the landmark achievement of £1.6 billion being distributed to over 35,000 Good Causes in Northern Ireland, contributing and making a significant difference to the lives of people across the region since funding began in 1994.
From grassroots sports, heritage projects, and arts initiatives to vital health and well-being services, The National Lottery funding has made an impressive difference to the lives of people across Northern Ireland.
Grants big and small have been awarded across the region in every single community. Some of the largest grants ever awarded here include the Odyssey Trust, which was awarded £45 million for entertainment and educational facilities and the construction of the SSE Arena, and the Ulster Folk Museum, awarded £10 million to help preserve history for future generations.
One of the first National Lottery grants was awarded in Northern Ireland back in April 1995 to Belfast City Council, when they were awarded £195,000 for the construction of a pavilion at the Mary Peters Athletics Track.
Meanwhile, we are thrilled to announce that Donna Traynor will return to host this year’s proceedings and look forward to welcoming everyone to the Crowne Plaza Belfast for the biggest night for the Northern Ireland grocery industry.
We will soon begin revealing some of the fantastic finalists shortlisted for this year’s awards – keep your eyes peeled!
