The integration enables ShopMate retailers to connect seamlessly with the Gander platform, making it easier for stores to identify reduced-to-clear products and share live availability with local shoppers in real time.

ShopMate currently provides EPOS services to more than 4,200 retailers across the UK and is widely used by independent convenience stores, many of which operate under a symbol brand. The new integration represents a significant opportunity to scale Gander’s impact across the convenience sector.

Brian Eagle-Brown, Managing Director at ShopMate said: “Retailers are under increasing pressure to manage costs, reduce waste and operate more efficiently, without adding complexity in-store. Integrating with Gander allows ShopMate users a practical solution to improve commercial returns and reduce food waste.”

The integration also complements ShopMate’s existing connectivity with Snappy Shopper, helping retailers link EPOS, local e-commerce and waste reduction into a more joined-up digital ecosystem.

From a retailer perspective, the integration leverages the ShopMate handheld scanner and mobile receipt printer to quickly and simply identify products to be displayed with Gander, allowing stores to participate without disrupting day-to-day workflows.

Stacey Williams, Business development Director at Gander added: ShopMate’s scale and strong presence with the wholesalers makes this a really important integration for us.

“It significantly lowers the barrier for convenience retailers to access Gander and immediately start reducing waste, improving margins and engaging their local communities. This is exactly the kind of partnership that helps us accelerate adoption across the sector.”

The integration further supports Gander’s mission to help retailers reduce food waste while delivering affordability and value to consumers, using existing systems and real-time data rather than manual processes.

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The renewed sponsorship deal will see Ulster Bank continue its close association with the agri-food event through to 2028, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to the local farming community and wider rural economy.

Taking place at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Lisburn from 13^th to 16^th May 2026, this year’s show promises an exciting programme of competitions, entertainment plus food and farming showcases. Visitors can look forward to a range of new attractions, including a stunt display show from Bolddog FMX in the main arena, a revamped horticulture area, and the usual mix of family entertainment and livestock events designed to inspire the next generation of farmers and food producers.

Looking ahead to the event, RUAS Group Operations Director Rhonda Geary said preparations were already well underway for another outstanding show.

“As always, the show is a celebration of the very best of our local agri-food industry, and we are continually growing and evolving to ensure there is something new and exciting to see whether you are a longstanding visitor or coming to the show for the first time,” she said.

“We are delighted to welcome Ulster Bank back on board as our principal sponsor. Their long-term support has been integral to the success and growth of the event, and this new three-year agreement underlines the strength of that partnership.”

Cormac McKervey, Senior Agriculture Manager at Ulster Bank, added: “2026 will be Ulster Bank’s 18^th year as principal sponsor of the Balmoral Show and we are proud to continue our longstanding association with the event.

“The agri-food sector is a significant contributor to the overall economy here and supporting farmers, growers and rural businesses, remains a key priority for us.

“Through our specialist agriculture teams and tailored financial solutions, we are committed to helping the industry meet challenges and plan for growth in what is an ever-evolving sector. The Balmoral Show provides a unique platform for us to connect with the farming community, celebrate success and highlight our network of expertise. We are pleased to extend our partnership with the RUAS and to play our part in making the 2026 show another memorable event.”

The Balmoral Show remains Northern Ireland’s largest annual agri-food event, attracting more than 100,000 visitors each year and providing an unrivalled showcase for livestock, machinery, food, horticulture and rural life.

Further announcements on competitions, attractions and ticket sales for Balmoral Show 2026 will be made in the coming months. For more information, visit www.balmoralshow.co.uk

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The Bill, which includes a new offence of assaulting a person providing a public service, performing a public duty or providing services to the public, will contain a range of significant reforms to sentencing policy.

Justice Minister Naomi Long said it was a significant step in bringing forward this important piece of legislation, which she said will have a “positive impact on the lives of thousands of people across Northern Ireland”.

“It will also introduce a new offence and higher sentences for assaulting those providing a service to the public or performing a public duty,” said the Minister.

“In developing this Bill, I have met and listened to a range of victims and stakeholder organisations. Their voices have been crucial and as we move closer to introducing the Sentencing Bill, I want to thank them for their invaluable contribution to this process.”

It had been anticipated that the Bill would be introduced to the Assembly before Christmas.

Members of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium, including Director Neil Johnston, and Usdaw representatives had met with the Minister last October. NIRC, in conjunction with the shop workers trade union Usdaw, has been championing the cause of giving retail workers better legal protection from assault.

Neil Johnston told NR that this development was a welcome one and follows campaigning by NIRC for better legal protections for shop workers from abuse and violence from customers.

“We very much welcome this Bill as it includes a new offence of assaulting a person delivering a public service, performing a public duty or providing a service to the public,” he said.

“Retailers have campaigned strongly for this measure alongside the shop workers union USDAW. We were happy to engage with the Justice Minister, Naomi Long, on the subject, delighted that she has incorporated this measure into her Bill and very much welcome her introduction of the Bill to the Assembly.

“We look forward to engaging with the Assembly on the Bill and very much hope that it makes it in to law by the end of this Assembly term. Similar measures are already in place in Scotland and in England and Wales and we hope that we can build on those experiences to ensure all retail workers – including for example delivery staff – are better protected than they are currently.

“Far too often the skilled and passionate store employees who help make our retail industry such a vibrant place to work face unacceptable abuse, intimidation, or worse whilst serving the community. It comes despite record spending by retailers on crime prevention. Such incidents have sadly been on the rise across the country, and it remains completely unacceptable.

“The Minister is to be congratulated for moving to give better protection those who serve the public.”

The Bill will create a new offence of assaulting a person delivering a public service, performing a public duty or providing a service to the public, or a person assisting such a person.

It was also set the principles of sentencing as proportionality, fairness and transparency; and the purposes of sentencing as punishment, protection of the public (including victims of crime), deterrence, rehabilitation and reparation; while also enabling the courts to include community requirements to make suspended sentences more tailored and impactful.

It will be introduced to the Assembly within the next few weeks, as soon as Assembly pre-introduction formalities have been completed.

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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:
https://forms.reg.buzz/national-convenience-show-2026?utm_source=Online&utm_medium=cpc+Neighbourhood+Retailer+online+news+story&utm_campaign=Neighbourhood+Retailer+online+news+story+REG&utm_id=NCS26&utm_content=Neighbourhood+Retailer

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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.