As we approach this year’s Neighbourhood Retailer Awards, we are delighted to share our wonderful sponsors in our special feature, Sponsor Spotlight. Here, we find out more about our sponsor BOOST, who is sponsoring the Store Manager of the Year award.

Since launching in 2001, BOOST has built its reputation by doing things differently – delivering great-tasting, functional drinks at accessible prices while developing a particularly strong relationship with the independent and convenience retail sector.

In December 2022, BOOST was acquired by AG Barr, joining a portfolio of leading drinks brands and giving the business additional scale and expertise to support its next phase of growth.

Today, BOOST continues to innovate across Energy, Sport, Iced Coffee and, most recently, enhanced hydration, with Northern Ireland remaining an important market for the brand.

BOOST holds a strong position across functional drinks, ranking as the No.3^* brand in Energy and No.3^* in Sports Drinks, while its Iced Coffee range is No. 2^*. Most recently, BOOST has expanded into enhanced hydration with BOOST WATER+, which has proved a successful addition to the portfolio and opened up new drinking occasions for the brand.

Innovation has remained central to BOOST’s strategy throughout 2026. Earlier this year, the brand strengthened its Energy portfolio with the launch of three new 250ml flavours – Zero Sugar Citrus Zest, Zero Sugar Dark Fruits and Limited Edition White Peach – supported by an integrated campaign spanning retail, sampling, experiential activity, radio, PR, influencers and social media.

BOOST WATER+ has also strengthened the portfolio, bringing the brand into the enhanced hydration category. The zero-sugar electrolyte water contains magnesium, chloride, zinc and sodium, alongside vitamins B12, B6 and B3, and reflects BOOST’s focus on responding to changing consumer needs.

Gavan Morris, International Business Unit Director at AG Barr said: “Independent and convenience retailers have always been incredibly important to BOOST and have played a major role in the development of the brand.

“Our focus is on continuing to give retailers exciting products that meet changing consumer needs, whether that is through flavour innovation in Energy or moving into new areas such as enhanced hydration with BOOST WATER+.

“We’re also delighted to support the Neighbourhood Retailer Awards. They are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the retailers and teams who work incredibly hard every day and make such an important contribution to communities across Northern Ireland.”

As BOOST continues to evolve as part of AG Barr, its focus remains firmly on innovation, value and supporting the retailers who have been central to its success.

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^{* Circana, All Outlets Northern Ireland, Value Sales, 52 w.e. 15th of August}

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As we approach this year’s Neighbourhood Retailer Awards, we are delighted to share our wonderful sponsors in our special feature, Sponsor Spotlight. Here, we find out more about our sponsor AIR-serv, who are once again sponsoring the Neighbourhood Forecourt of the Year Category 2 award.

AIR-serv is a trusted supplier to retailers and forecourt operators across the UK and Ireland. We deliver reliable air, vacuum and jet wash services that enhance the customer experience and generate consistent revenue.

Northern Ireland is a critical market for our business where operational reliability and customer satisfaction are essential. These retailers are not just clients, they are partners who help us refine our services and keep our standards high.

To strengthen this partnership, we have built a new sales team with the skills and drive to deliver growth. Daithi and Richard, backed by our experienced sales support staff, are in regular contact with customers. They work directly with site operators to identify new revenue opportunities and resolve issues quickly. The focus is on practical solutions that improve efficiency and strengthen the bottom line.

We are introducing initiatives that make a tangible difference on the forecourt. Contactless payment technology reduces queues and speeds up transactions. Upgraded jet wash machines deliver a better clean and use water more efficiently.

We aim to ensure every site we serve runs reliably, meets modern customer expectations, and achieves sustainable revenue growth. Our equipment is built for performance and supported by a service team that responds quickly and effectively.

Our sponsorship of the Forecourt of the Year award at the upcoming Neighbourhood Retailer Awards reflects our focus on supporting excellence in the sector. This award recognises retailers who achieve exceptional operational standards, deliver high levels of customer service and run commercially successful sites. By backing this category, we underline the importance of investment, innovation, and efficiency in keeping the forecourt industry competitive. It is also an opportunity to meet the retailers who are setting the pace in Northern Ireland.

DON’T MISS OUT ON BEING THERE – BOOK YOUR TABLE AT THE 2026 NEIGHBOURHOOD RETAILER AWARDS HERE!

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Continuing the countdown to this year’s Neighbourhood Retailer Awards, we are delighted to share our wonderful sponsors in our special feature, Sponsor Spotlight. Here, we find out more about our sponsor Lockton, who are once again sponsoring the Neighbourhood Store of the Year Category 1 award.

Lockton is proud to once again sponsor the Neighbourhood Retailer Awards and celebrate the exceptional businesses that sit at the heart of communities across Northern Ireland.

We’ve always helped retailers navigate the challenges of insurance and risk management but the launch of our dedicated Forecourt, Service Station and Convenience Store facility last year has allowed us to take that support to an entirely new level.

We’ve travelled the length and breadth of Northern Ireland – visiting stores, meeting owners and managers, and, it must be said, enjoying more than a few coffees along the way. Those conversations have given us a deep understanding of the challenges facing the sector; from rising operating costs and staffing pressures to increasing regulatory and economic demands.

You’ve put your trust in us, and we’ve worked hard to repay that trust by providing specialist advice, tailored insurance solutions and hands-on support when it matters most.

We’ve witnessed first-hand how a serious loss can threaten the future of a business, but we’ve also seen the determination, resilience and entrepreneurial spirit that define this industry. Time and again, we’ve seen retailers adapt, innovate and continue serving their customers and communities.

Beyond that resilience, we see outstanding standards, dedication and passion that make neighbourhood stores so much more than places to shop. They are true community hubs, supporting local people every day and playing a vital role in towns and villages across Northern Ireland.

As a family-owned business built on more than 60 years of hard work, Lockton understands the commitment, sacrifices and long-term vision required to build and sustain a successful business. That’s why we’re so passionate about supporting this sector, collaborating with industry bodies, sponsoring the Neighbourhood Retailer Awards and celebrating your achievements alongside you.

Congratulations to all finalists and the very best of luck to everyone taking part. We look forward to celebrating with you on the night.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with geraldine.morgan@lockton.com if you would like to meet with our team.

DON’T MISS OUT ON BEING THERE – BOOK YOUR TABLE AT THE 2026 NEIGHBOURHOOD RETAILER AWARDS HERE!

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Continuing the countdown to this year’s Neighbourhood Retailer Awards, we are delighted to share our wonderful sponsors in our special feature, Sponsor Spotlight. Here, we find out more about our sponsor S&W Wholesale, who are once again sponsoring the New Product Launch of the Year category.

As one of Northern Ireland’s most established wholesale businesses, S&W Wholesale continues to build on a proud legacy spanning more than a century. The Newry-based business has grown to become one of the leading FMCG wholesalers, serving over 2,500 customers across the island of Ireland.

Today, the business is entering an exciting new chapter with the development of a state-of-the-art 180,000 sq ft warehouse and distribution facility. Representing one of the most significant investments in the company’s history, the new site will enhance operational efficiency, increase capacity and strengthen S&W Wholesale’s ability to support retailers even further. This move reinforces S&W Wholesale’s long-term commitment to the wholesale and retail sectors, with the customer always remaining at the heart of the business.

Daniel Comiskey, Head of Marketing at S&W Wholesale said: “Independent retailers are the backbone of communities across Northern Ireland and the wider island of Ireland. Their ability to adapt, innovate and serve their local customers is what makes the sector so resilient.

“As a wholesaler, our role is to ensure retailers have the products, support and services they need to thrive, both now and in the future. This new warehouse investment demonstrates our commitment to helping our retail partners and customers to succeed for generations to come.”

Comiskey also highlighted the value of strong industry relationships and the role they play in driving growth across the sector.

“Partnership is central to everything we do. Our relationships with suppliers allow us to bring the best possible value, innovation and category opportunities to our customers, while our longstanding association with Neighbourhood Retailer helps us stay connected to the challenges, achievements and ambitions of customers. Together, wholesalers, retailers, suppliers and the industry media all have a role to play in supporting our vibrant FMCG sector.

“As S&W Wholesale looks ahead, the combination of a deep-rooted history, significant infrastructure investment and a continued focus on partnership positions the business strongly for the next phase of growth. Sponsoring the New Product Launch of the Year with Neighbourhood Retailer simply reinforces S&W’s commitment.”

DON’T MISS OUT ON BEING THERE – BOOK YOUR TABLE AT THE 2026 NEIGHBOURHOOD RETAILER AWARDS HERE!

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It’s time to start the countdown to this year’s Neighbourhood Retailer Awards! We are delighted to begin sharing our wonderful sponsors in our special feature, Sponsor Spotlight. Here, we find out more about our sponsor Thompson’s Tea, who are sponsoring the Neighbourhood Store of the Year Category 3 award.

This year, Thompson’s Tea celebrates 130 years of tea blending in Belfast. Their story began in 1896, when Robert S. Thompson trained in the art of tea tasting at a warehouse near Belfast docks, developing an uncompromising approach to quality that has remained at the heart of the family business ever since.

Today, Thompson’s is a fourth-generation family business and the maker of Punjana, Northern Ireland’s best-selling tea. While much has changed over 130 years, one tradition remains: every weekly blend is still taste-tested and approved by a member of the Thompson family. That commitment to quality has helped the business grow from its Belfast roots, with its teas now enjoyed throughout Ireland, Great Britain and further afield.

Northern Ireland’s retailers continue to play an important part in that journey. From independent neighbourhood stores to busy forecourts, convenience retailing remains at the heart of daily life here – whether it’s the weekly shop, a quick top-up or a refreshment on the go.

Jamie Thompson, fourth-generation family member and Director at Thompson’s Tea said: “For 130 years, our business has grown alongside Northern Ireland’s retailers. Local stores are an incredibly important part of the communities they serve, and we greatly value the relationships we have built with retailers across Northern Ireland over many generations.

“That makes our long-standing association with Neighbourhood Retailer particularly meaningful. We’re delighted to support this year’s Neighbourhood Retailer Awards and to sponsor Neighbourhood Store of the Year Category 3 – a category that recognises the very best of an industry that works incredibly hard to serve communities right across Northern Ireland.”

Thompson’s Tea looks forward to joining retailers and industry colleagues at the awards and celebrating the people and businesses that continue to make Northern Ireland’s grocery sector so valuable and vibrant.

Find out more about Thompson’s Tea and its 130-year story at www.thompsonstea.com

DON’T MISS OUT ON BEING THERE – BOOK YOUR TABLE AT THE 2026 NEIGHBOURHOOD RETAILER AWARDS HERE!

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