Marking a £4 million investment, the brand-new convenience store and forecourt in Carn marks a somewhat bold move for the Wilson family.

Experienced retailers, with father Eamonn opening his first store on the Garvaghy Road in Portadown in 1994, the family-run business, which also includes Peter’s brother, Andrew as one of the owners, is a long-established and widely regarded one within the area.

Wanting to expand the business, they purchased their new site at Carn back in 2021, eager to bring new services and offerings to the vast swathe of workers based at the industrial estates.

“We felt there was a need out here that was not being met,” explained Peter.

“It is an industrial area and there are not a lot of chimney pots in the traditional sense, but there are a lot of businesses and workers, and we are catering for those.

“It was a long time getting to the actual build. My dad has had a store in Portadown which traded as a Costcutter from 1994 to 2020, when they renovated and changed to SuperValu.

“Around that time, we bought this site here and we finally got through the planning process at Christmas last year. We started work on the site about two months later and opened the store 32 weeks later, on 16^th September.

“There were no hold-ups during the build, everything went as smoothly as it could, thankfully. We used MSM Contracts in Portadown and they were very very good to us, and it all went well.”

Ideally located next to the Carn and Seagoe industrial estates, the new store boasts a large hot deli and fresh salad and sandwich bar, alongside extensive hot and cold, grab and go options.

There is also an extensive Frank and Honest coffee dock, with three machines and includes a range of coffees including iced as well as oat milk options. The dock also features 100% compostable coffee cups, plastic-free coffee capsules and Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee beans, while shoppers can also avail of a digital loyalty app and get a free coffee after earning 10 digital stamps.

Additionally there is an off licence, in-store bakery offering pastries, breads and scones and a Moo’d ice cream counter.

A particularly special asset for the store is the wide selection of ready-meals as well as their very own butchery range.

“We have our own Wilson’s Butchery just two miles away, so we are getting our prepacked range topped up a couple of times a day,” said Peter.

“We also have a big range of heat and eat items. Our store is a food-to-go driven store, given our location and there is a large deli counter.

“With our own ready-meal selection and butchery range, we’re here to serve the needs of those who both live and work in the area,” added Peter. “Whether it’s a quick bite, a family dinner, or the weekly shop, we’re committed to offering quality and convenience to the local community.”

The family opened the store to the public on Tuesday 16^th September with a full hard launch, inviting customers to the new facility with a host of welcoming offers including a spin and win wheel, free gift bags, gift vouchers, free samples and more.

As a Circle K forecourt, they enjoyed the added bonus just a few days later of one of the fuel company’s regular fuel day offers, Peter said.

“It was by complete coincidence that Circle K were running their cheaper fuel day offer and so it tied in really well with us just being opened,” he said.

“We had people coming who were only initially wanting to avail of the Circle K offer and then they called into the store as well, so there were lots of feet in the store across those early days.”

Their forecourt has eight pumps, two of which are high-speed HGV pumps, along with diesel and ad blue, giving those working in the two industrial estates the opportunity to fuel their cars before or after work.

“It’s beneficial for a lot of businesses in the industrial estate and for people topping up either in the morning or evening, going to and from work. You would have people filling up before they head north to Belfast or also if they’re heading west,” said Peter.

The support from customers in the early stages has continued with a very positive response from the area to the store, which is all very encouraging, as Peter explained.

“As a family, we were standing in the shop the night before, it was all cleaned, everything was ready to go and we looked around and thought it looked fantastic, and at the same time we were all hoping that we would get the customer base.

“When you open a greenfield site, you are taking a risk but the response and the feedback have been great.

“We have learned a lot over the first month,” he added.

“When you open a store you are forecasting what you will do, but now we know what our customers are asking for and what they want, so it’s about doubling down and expanding on those ranges and giving them more options, be it seasonal options as we approach Christmas or expanding what we have already.”

READ THE FULL FEATURE ON WILSON’S CENTRA CARN IN THE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER ISSUE OF NEIGHBOURHOOD RETAILER HERE

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A flagship feature of IFEX, Salon Culinaire Belfast will once again bring the energy and excitement of live culinary competition to the show floor, showcasing the very best of local talent, innovation and technical excellence.

With more than 30 competitions taking place across the programme, the event is set to be a major celebration of skill across all areas of the hospitality industry.

The NI Chef of the Year competition remains the most prestigious accolade of Salon Culinaire Belfast and, for 2026, places a renewed emphasis on high-calibre, senior chefs currently working at the top level of the industry. Open to experienced professionals from restaurants, hotels and hospitality venues across Northern Ireland, the competition is designed to challenge chefs who are already leading kitchens and setting standards, reflecting the depth and quality of culinary talent across the region.

Running alongside the headline competitions, Salon Culinaire Belfast will also host a programme of student and junior classes, including Student Culinarian of the Year 2026, providing a vital platform for emerging talent and supporting the development of the next generation of industry professionals.

Also new for 2026 is the introduction of the All-Ireland Young Pastry Chef of the Year – the ‘Tim Andrew Trophy’, sponsored by Andrew Ingredients. This new award celebrates excellence in patisserie, recognising creativity, precision and artistry and giving rising pastry chefs their moment to shine on a national stage.

Returning by popular demand, the Edible Art competitions will form a visually striking feature of Salon Culinaire Belfast, featuring static exhibits made from chocolate, sugar paste, fondant and fruit and vegetables. These classes showcase competitors’ skill and creativity in a dedicated display area.

Commenting on the launch of Salon Culinaire Belfast 2026, Sean Owens, Salon Director said: “We are delighted to bring IFEX and Salon Culinaire to their new home at the Eikon Exhibition Centre for 2026. This year marks an important moment for our industry.

‘We are delighted to bring IFEX and Salon Culinaire to their new home at the Eikon Exhibition Centre for 2026’

“The skills gap is widening, and now more than ever it is vital that we champion excellence, invest in talent and showcase the remarkable ability within Northern Ireland’s hospitality sector to compete on a global stage.

“The Northern Ireland Chef of the Year competition is the pinnacle of Salon Culinaire, and for 2026 we are calling on senior, high-calibre chefs who are leading kitchens across the region to step forward and compete. We want this title to truly reflect the strength, experience and professionalism of chefs working at the highest level of the industry today.

“Salon Culinaire remains the leading stage where chefs, students and hospitality professionals come to benchmark their skills against the International Standard for Excellence. We take great pride in seeing former competitors now leading kitchens, earning Michelin stars and achieving global recognition, clear proof that the talent developed here is world-class.”

With classes catering for a wide range of skill levels, experience and sectors, ChefSkills Live Theatre at IFEX provides a unique opportunity for chefs to benchmark their abilities against international standards and demonstrate culinary mastery in a live environment.

Backed by industry support, Salon Culinaire 2026 is supported by Stephens Catering Equipment, Andrew Ingredients, Renshaw, Sysco, Riso Gallo, Keenan Seafood, Culinary Ability Awards and TUGO. Entries are now officially open, for more information and to enter, visit www.ifexexhibition.co.uk/salon-culinaire

IFEX 2026, Northern Ireland’s flagship foodservice, hospitality and retail trade event, takes place from 24^th to 26^th February 2026 at its new home, the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Lisburn. Across three days, the show will feature an expanded exhibition floor, live competitions, interactive cooking theatres, new product launches and hands-on demonstrations.

With new features alongside returning favourites like Salon Culinaire, IFEX is the essential meeting place to source suppliers, discover innovation, and connect with industry leaders shaping the future of the sector. Registration is free and now open www.ifexexhibition.com

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The new-build superstore represents a £3 million investment by the family, and has brought 50 new jobs to the area.

The family, which marks 45 years in business, has worked hard to grow and develop the business over that time and now proudly employs 500 people throughout its estate of stores across the north west and Mid Ulster regions.

Situated in a high footfall and commuter area, Lynch’s have invested in a complete service station offering a host of services including their own bakery and deli food to go alongside a ‘build your own’ Acai bowl station, Lick Gelato counter and The Vineyard off licence.

Not resting on their laurels, there are already plans afoot for another store, having acquired a store in Whitehouse as they gear it up for a full transformation into a flagship EUROSPAR store in January next year.

Gary Lynch said the family were very proud to open their 11^th retail outlet, and their fifth under the EUROSPAR brand.

“Providing local employment and engaging with the local communities and neighbourhoods where we operate is very important to us as a family and a business,” he said.

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The transaction reflects a net initial yield of 14.93%.

Savills announced the sale of the dominant retail destination in Enniskillen, which was sold on behalf of Fixed Charge Receivers, Jemma McAndrew and Matthew Nagle.

Standing at approximately 171,590 sq ft, the shopping centre, situated on the shores of the River Erne, boasts over 30 retail stores alongside a variety of cafés and restaurants, as well as over 600 parking spaces.

Anchored by Marks & Spencer and Next, there is a strong international tenant mix including JD Sports, New Look, Superdrug, Lifestyle Sports, Waterstones, Holland & Barrett and Poundland.

The scheme currently generates a net operating income of £1,975,831 per annum and with limited local competition, enjoys strong retention levels.

The centre was put on the market after summer 2025 with a guide price of over £15 million. Originally constructed in 1989, two comprehensive extensions and remodelling phases were carried out in 1998 and 2008. The most recent in 2008 saw in the region of 21,500 sq ft of additional retail space added in a two-storey extension.

Head of Savills Northern Ireland, Ben Turtle said the sale of the centre was a rare opportunity to acquire a dominant regionally important retail asset.

“The centre underpins the retail offer in Enniskillen, supported by a strong anchor line up, a broad convenience and comparison retail mix, and a loyal catchment that extends well beyond the immediate town,” he said.

“This transaction reflects continued investor appetite for well-located, income-producing retail assets where there is a clear scope for active asset management and income growth.”

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The first step of the CMA’s information-gathering process – an invitation to comment time period – concluded in early October, with one of the next stages being the launch its formal investigation into the transaction.

Having confirmed earlier this year they were in discussions regarding a potential transaction, it was announced during the summer that Hovis Group would be bought over by ABF.

As stated in their Interim Results Announcement back in April, Allied Bakeries faced what it called a “very challenging market”.

“We are evaluating strategic options for Allied Bakeries against this backdrop and we remain committed to increasing long-term shareholder value,” said a statement.

Subject to regulatory review by the CMA, the proposed acquisition has been hailed as a “significant step towards creating a more sustainable and efficient bakery operation in the UK”.

In a statement, ABF said the acquisition would combine the production and distribution activities of the two businesses, driving significant costs synergies and efficiencies, to create a profitable UK bread business that is sustainable over the long-term.

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