Bringing together the entire market under one roof, National Convenience Show, part of The UK Food & Drink Shows, is the ultimate platform to discover the latest products, services, and innovations tailored specifically for the convenience retail space. From big-name suppliers to breakthrough brands, you’ll find everything you need to stay competitive and meet evolving shopper demands.

Four shows – Three days – One venue

This year’s event comprises four shows that each target a sector of the food and drink industry:

• National Convenience Show is the biggest event for the convenience retailing sector and is a one-stop destination for c-store specific products, services and innovations designed to help independent retailers thrive, allowing retailers to discover practical solutions to boost footfall and increase basket spend.
• Forecourt Show is the go-to event for sourcing products and smart solutions to future-proof forecourt businesses
• Food & Drink Expo is the hub for fresh ideas and insights into the future of food, attracting key foodservice buyers and retail decision makers.
• Farm Shop & Deli Show showcases the best local and regional produce alongside equipment, packaging and labelling innovations

Why attend:

Meet with a diverse range of exhibitors including Bazooka Candy, Booker, Britvic, Coca Cola European Partners, Co-op, GIANT, My Coffee Station, Nestle Confectionery, One Stop Stores, Smokin’ Bean, Sneak Energy, The National Lottery, and Fruitypot Family.

With 1,200 exhibitors and more than 25,000 visitors expected to attend, the shows are a one-stop destination for discovering pioneering products and services to help your independent retail business thrive.

Across five stages, including the Convenience Store Stage, you can discover the latest trends affecting the UK convenience retail market. Free sessions throughout the show include The Convenience Shopper – everything you need to know, and how to capitalise on the latest customer behaviour and the female leaders shaping convenience, advice for aspiring women building their career in convenience retail.

Free to attend – one ticket will provide access to all four shows.

Get ready to source, learn and connect at National Convenience Show!

Registration is now open. Visit their website to find out more and to register free:

Find out more
https://www.nationalconvenienceshow.co.uk/?utm_source=Online&utm_medium=cpc+Neighbourhood+Retailer+online+news+story&utm_campaign=Neighbourhood+Retailer+online+news+story+HOME&utm_id=NCS26&utm_content=Neighbourhood+Retailer

Register free:
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The post Discover what’s next in convenience retailing first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

Marie will support the work of CBI Northern Ireland Chair Brian Donaldson and Director Angela McGowan during another busy year of CBI events that includes its Annual Lunch on 24^th April at Queen’s University Belfast.

With a background in economics, Marie studied at both Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Cambridge. She has been a long-standing supporter of the CBI’s work, having previously chaired CBI Northern Ireland’s Economic Strategy Working Group and the NI Future Leaders Network.

Angela McGowan, Director, CBI Northern Ireland said: “I’m delighted to appoint Marie as Vice Chair of CBI Northern Ireland.

“Marie brings incredible strategic advisory skills and a deep understanding of the economic conditions needed to drive businesses growth – as well as supporting those firms grappling with high costs, tough trading conditions and rising geopolitical tensions.

“She has already made a substantial contribution to the CBI’s work in Northern Ireland and has a strong track record in delivering transformative change. Her recent presidency of the British-Irish Chamber of Commerce will also support our efforts to drive greater collaboration across the island, helping businesses tackle challenges and identify new opportunities.

“Marie builds on the efforts of Richard Gillan, whom I thank for his tremendous work as Chair and, latterly, Vice Chair of CBI Northern Ireland.”

Marie Doyle, CBI Northern Ireland Vice Chair said: “I’m excited to be taking on the role of Vice Chair of CBI NI and look forward to working with the organisation and its members to strengthen the Northern economy and facilitate opportunities for growth.

“Northern Ireland is in a uniquely advantageous position for trade, with significant potential for cross-border collaboration and all-island opportunities for growth. Our rural communities in particular hold untapped potential, and I’m passionate about ensuring people in every region can access high quality careers in sectors such as technology.

“The world has never been more connected, and digital transformation means that where you live should no longer be a barrier to opportunity. By embracing digital skills, improved connectivity and innovative ways of working, we can unlock new pathways for people across Northern Ireland to participate fully in the modern economy.”

The post Deloitte’s Marie Doyle named as new CBI NI vice chair first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

The not-for-profit body is delivering the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) across Northern Ireland, Scotland and England. The scheme is due to go live in October 2027.

With a new brand icon that will appear on all in-scope bottles, cans and return points associated with the DRS, Exchange for Change “reflects the scheme’s core purpose” it has been designed to become the single, recognisable identifier of the scheme.

Describing it as a “consistent visual marker”, it will support correct participation at the point of return and give a clear, unified message across packaging and infrastructure.

The DMO worked with Uncommon Creative Studio, a global creative agency with experience in major brand projects, on the development of the brand and logo.

CEO at Exchange for Change, Russell Davies said: “Our new name reflects what this scheme is about – making a simple change that has the power to transform streets, communities and recycling habits across the UK.

“The brand icon is intended to become synonymous with the scheme itself, providing a consistent visual cue that supports participation and helps drive cleaner streets and communities.

“We’re excited to take this next step and will keep working closely with partners across the UK, supporting them in preparing for the launch of the scheme and making sure that together we deliver real change and a scheme that works for everyone.”

Exchange for Change will work closely with drinks producers, retailers, wholesalers and hospitality to support the adoption of the scheme logo on labels and packaging. Formal issuance of the scheme logo and detailed guidance on how and when to apply it – including placement, sizing and approved formats – will be shared in the coming weeks, giving businesses time to prepare artwork updates ahead of the scheme’s introduction.

Under the regulations, the logo will be a required part of container design for drinks included in the scheme (PET plastic, aluminium and steel, 150ml-3l), helping customers recognise in-scope items and understand how to return them.

The post Trading name for UK DMO revealed first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

In its Q4 trading updated released earlier this month, the company revealed it had outperformed a tough market, with total sales up 6.8% to £2,151 million, with company-managed shop like-for-like sales up 2.4%.

While market conditions remain challenging, Greggs continues to outperform with year-on-year gains in market share.

The food-to-go operator opened 207 new shops in 2025, averaging four openings every week, with 50 relocations and 36 closures, resulting in 121 net new shop openings. The company had 2739 shops trading as at 27^th December 2025.

Chief Executive, Roisin Currie said that 2025 was a challenging year with subdued consumer confidence impacting the food to go market, however the company made good progress throughout the year.

“Against this backdrop, I’m pleased that Greggs outperformed the wider market and increased its market share of visits,” she said.

“We enter 2026 with a strong pipeline of new opportunities to make Greggs even more convenient for customers. This is underpinned by the investments we have been making in our supply chain capacity, which start to become operational this year.

“Our ongoing focus on efficiency allows us to deliver exception value to customers who are managing their budgets carefully.”

Fourth quarter total sales were 7.4% higher than in 2024, with like-for-like sales in company-managed shops growing by 2.9%. Subdued consumer confidence continued to impact the food to go market, as did weather extremes earlier in the year. Against this backdrop, Greggs increased its market share of visits, including at breakfast and in the evening (Circana, 12 months to September 2025).

Operational costs were well controlled and input costs were in line with the company’s expectations. Their ongoing focus on structural cost reduction delivered a further £13 million in efficiencies in 2025, as they continued to drive additional value across its integrated supply chain and business processes.

Its estate expansion programme is developing their reach into new locations in under-penetrated catchments as well as relocating constrained existing shops to better locations, facilitating further growth in traditional trading areas. They also opened the first three of their smaller-format Bitesize Greggs shops, enabling them to reach customers in high-footfall, prime locations that are constrained by space.

Looking to 2026, they expect a similar rate and profile of estate growth in what they call “carefully chosen locations”.

“We expect the level of like-for-like cost inflation to be lower than in 2025 and are confident that we can continue to mitigate this whilst retaining our value leadership,” added Roisin Currie.

“We expect consumer confidence to remain a market headwind in the year ahead which, along with the costs of introducing our new supply chain capacity, will put some temporary pressure on margins, as previously disclosed. However, our competitive position remains strong and we continue to take market share in a challenging food to go market. Our store opening programme will continue to drive further strong sales growth.”

The post Greggs plans 120 net new shops this year amid continued gains in market share first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.

Since becoming employee-owned, S&W Wholesale has continued to strengthen its market position while creating a culture within where every team member has a genuine stake in the company’s success. Under the EOT model, the business is owned on behalf of its employees, ensuring decisions are made for the long term.

Putting People First

Employee ownership has delivered clear and tangible benefits across S&W. Over the past three years, S&W Wholesale has introduced employee benefits such as:

• Tax-free bonuses linked to company performance
• Long service recognition awards
• Increased holiday entitlement and Birthday Leave
• Birthday leave for all employees
• Over £3 million invested in new equipment, improving operational efficiency and safety
• Progress on new 180,000 sq ft multi-purpose site

Anthony McVeigh, CEO said: “These initiatives introduced to our employees reflect the company’s belief that success should be shared, and that continuing to invest in our people has continued to drive better outcomes for our customers, the community, the sector and our supply partners.

Strengthening Wholesale Operations

The ongoing investment in both new equipment and the new 180,000 sq ft warehouse will enhance productivity, service reliability and capacity, ensuring S&W Wholesale remains a strong, competitive partner for retailers across the island of Ireland.

“In a fast-moving and demanding wholesale environment, this investment will continue to support our consistent service standards, grow our entire business model while future-proofing S&W,” added Anthony.

“Employee ownership has also encouraged greater engagement and accountability, with teams more closely aligned to business performance and long-term goals.”

Celebrating the Milestone

To mark the three-year anniversary, S&W Wholesale will celebrate with employees on Wednesday 28^th January, bringing teams together for coffee and treats to recognise their ongoing contribution to the company’s journey.

A Positive Model for the Sector

S&W Wholesale’s EOT journey highlights how employee ownership can successfully combine commercial growth with cultural strength. By sharing success, reinvesting in infrastructure and prioritizing employee well-being, the company has developed a model that benefits their teams, their customers and the wider wholesale and retail sector across the island of Ireland.

Three years on, S&W Wholesale’s employee ownership story continues to demonstrate that when people are truly invested in a business, everyone moves forward together. Together, we go further.

The post S&W Wholesale celebrates three years as an Employee-Owned Trust Company first appeared on Neighbourhood Retailer.