Danny McCoy, CEO of Ibec said the UK-Ireland Summit was once again taking place against the backdrop of an increasingly uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.

“This only underscores the importance of close cooperation between the UK and Ireland to ensure we deliver both growth and resilience, but most importantly, to ensure our economies are capable of withstanding future shocks,” said Danny.

“The business community across the island is eager to see aligned policy support from both governments to enable economic growth and widen the benefits of cross-border cooperation. The ongoing UK reset of post-Brexit relationships with the EU- and separately with Ireland as co-guarantors of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement- continues to be a critical foundation from which to build.”

Rain Newton-Smith, Chief Executive of the CBI added: “In times of geopolitical volatility, businesses need to see stability and certainty from our closest trading partners.

“The UK-Ireland relationship is one of our most important and enduring partnerships, spanning shared energy infrastructure, deeply integrated supply chains, our all-island economy and strong people-to-people links.

“Looking ahead, deeper cooperation will be vital to strengthening our collective security, enhancing economic resilience, and driving sustainable growth across our islands. The annual UK-Ireland Summit provides a timely opportunity to take stock of this increasingly strategic relationship and set out the next phase of practical, forward-looking collaboration.”

The CBI and Ibec remain committed to working with both governments to translate these priorities into tangible growth and security for our economies.

The post Ibec and CBI write to UK and Ireland prime ministers setting out UK business priorities first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

Ten retailers from throughout the UK were awarded £1000, while a top prize of £10,000 was awarded to one retailer.

Elaine and Michael McCosh from SPAR Ballymena were amongst the 10 retailers awarded £1000 for achieving high scores within Allwyn’s latest Site, Stock, Sell quarterly prize daw.

Acknowledged for consistently delivering excellent National Lottery instore standards, Elaine and Michael McCosh were the only retailers in Northern Ireland to receive the £1000 award in this round.

The Site, Stock, Sell initiative evaluates key National Lottery POS features – including Playstations, Scratchcard dispensers and signage – with retailers uploading images through the National Lottery Retailer Hub each month to receive a score out of 10 and automatic entry into the quarterly draw.

The top prize of £10,000 was awarded to Ram Sundavadra who runs a SPAR in Durham, who said he couldn’t believe he and his wife Raju had won.

“The National Lottery is an important part of the service I provide as a convenience store, and the Retailer Hub rewards programme is a real incentive to keep our standards high. My only question now is whether I’m still allowed to enter again!”

Karl Southworth, Head of Field Sales at Allwyn said: “In answer to Ram’s question, yes of course he can enter again. I know Ram and Raju are pillars of their local community and it’s fantastic to see retail partners like them rewarded because they are the backbone of The National Lottery.

“From small family run shops to busy convenience stores, they are the face of the brand in villages and towns across the UK and play a crucial role in making the National Lottery accessible and welcoming to millions of players. Their commitment to strong instore standards directly supports the success of The National Lottery, and in turn helps us raise over £32 million each week for Good Causes.”

The post Ballymena retailer amongst 10 rewarded for outstanding Lottery instore execution first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

Following a legislation change which brings St Patrick’s Day into line with other holiday periods, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins confirmed the news, which relates to on-street parking in CPZs.

The change will apply to Belfast, Newry and Lisburn.

The Minister said that her Department had been working to amend the legislation.

“This will provide greater flexibility for those wanting to either enjoy the festivities or simply to visit one of the cities to socialise or shop on their day off,” said the Minister.

Reminding everyone to continue to park legally and responsibly, the Minister added: “If we all park responsibly, we can ensure we have safer streets, better access for disabled people, support for local businesses and keep our transport system running smoothly.”

The post Boost for high streets as St Patrick’s Day made non-charge day for CPZs first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

And it was a double celebration at the charity’s therapeutic short break centre, Daisy Lodge, as the retailer celebrated 15 years of the charity partnership, which was formed in 2011 and has become the longest running for both the charity and Henderson Group which owns the brands in Northern Ireland.

Speaking at the event, Paddy Doody, Sales and Marketing Director at Henderson Group, which owns the brands in Northern Ireland said this partnership was unique and showed true passion and dedication from each and every retailer, staff member and shopper who gave their time, energy and donations over the years.

“Reaching this incredible milestone, just six years after reaching the one-million-pound target, speaks to the commitment of our EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA retailers, teams and shoppers, who have made the Cancer Fund for Children partnership part of their daily life in-store,” said Paddy.

“Many retailers have their own reasons for supporting this incredibly deserving charity, many know families who have had to navigate a cancer journey, yet no matter the reason, they all want to make an impact and use their network to do great things.

“We are very proud of the longevity of this partnership. It is quite rare to have a corporate fundraising partnership that has continued for 15 years, however it shows that measurable and lasting change means so much more than short term wins for all involved, most of all Cancer Fund for Children.”

Keith Orr was diagnosed with gastric cancer in December 2023. Husband to Anne and father to Gareth (20) and Daisy (17), Keith sadly died in August 2024, just eight months after his diagnosis. Anne says the support provided to Daisy throughout Keith’s treatment and following their bereavement was “invaluable”.

“Our Cancer Support Specialist Paul supported Daisy at home during Keith’s last months,” said Anne.

“Paul’s sessions were an incredible support to Daisy, and Paul always made time to support me too. Daisy completed Cancer Fund for Children’s ‘Say Their Name’ programme, which provides group support to children bereaved of a parent, and as a mum, knowing she has been guided in how to process her grief has been invaluable.

“The support we have received as a family has encouraged us to talk openly about our grief and given us space to share Keith’s story with pride. Thank you to everyone at EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA for helping Cancer Fund for Children walk alongside families like ours.”

Phil Alexander, CEO at Cancer Fund for Children added: “The Orr family are one of thousands of families that our charity has supported over the years, support that simply wouldn’t be possible without the commitment of our corporate partners. We are blown away to reach this incredible fundraising milestone with EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA and it’s a pleasure to have Anne and Daisy share their experience of support in recognition of the impact these vital funds have had.

“Our partnership with EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA has created incredible opportunities for Cancer Fund for Children to provide vital services to families coping with a cancer diagnosis, as well as those experiencing bereavement. When our partners care as deeply about this support as we do, it creates the most powerful partnerships. We look forward to continued collaboration with their retailers, their teams and all their generous shoppers in the years ahead.”

As part of the celebration event, a new Enchanted Daisy Trail was unveiled, an all-new guided trail in the gardens of Daisy Lodge, which brings additional activities for young people to enjoy during their stay or visit to Daisy Lodge.

Jordana Stoney-Wilson, Partnership and Philanthropy Executive at Cancer Fund for Children said: “The enchanted fairy trail offers young people a safe and imaginative escape from the real world, somewhere that feels magical rather than medical. The trail has several touchpoints which will encourage mindfulness and calm and offer families shared moments of joy and connection.

“That can mean everything when your world has been turned upside down with treatments and hospital visits. We are so grateful for the support of every person who has supported this partnership, which not only funds short breaks here at Daisy Lodge, but also allows our charity to provide vital support to families across Northern Ireland in hospital and in the community, ensuring no child faces cancer alone.”

The post Retailer celebrates 15 years of charity partnership with £2.2m fundraising milestone first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

The acquisition gives GM Marketing a dedicated presence in specialist food – a key route to market for brand discovery – while enabling two-way growth: bringing Pitman Berryhill brands into GM Marketing’s established channels and introducing GM partner brands to Pitman Berryhill’s specialist network.

Gerard McAdorey, Founder and Managing Director of GM Marketing, said: “This is an exciting step that aligns strongly with our long-term vision. Our ambition is to expand our footprint in the specialist channel and, in doing so, create greater value and expertise for our existing brands while also attracting new partnerships. It works both ways – bringing Pitman brands into GM channels, and GM brands into the Pitman specialist network.”

Pitman Berryhill operates throughout Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, supplying customers across mainstream grocery and specialist food – from major multiples to independent retailers and delis – with a long-standing focus on introducing, supporting and growing international specialist food brands in the Irish market.

“We’re proud to build on the strong foundation Philip Pitman has created and remain fully committed to ongoing investment to support future growth,” added Gerard McAdorey.

“The specialist channel plays a critical role in brand discovery, with many brands gaining early traction here before moving into mainstream grocery and convenience.”

Philip Pitman, founder of Pitman Berryhill, who plans to retire at the end of 2026 and will support the transition over the next 12 months said: “All current roles at Pitman Berryhill will be retained, with a clear intention to invest in the future growth of the business. The existing team will continue to lead day-to-day operations, with Andrew Cambridge continuing as Head of Sales and Hazel Crozier as Head of Operations.

“GM Marketing is a business I believe will bring further growth for the brands we work with. I’m confident this next chapter will strengthen what we’ve built, and I’m excited for the future.”

The post GM Marketing acquires Pitman Berryhill, expanding specialist food footprint across Ireland first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.