The recent spell of hot weather has delivered an interesting beverage boost to business at Maxol, with iced coffee sales soaring by 215% during the hottest days of June (22 – 26) as customers sought refreshing ways to cool down.

The prolonged sunshine and rocketing temperatures transformed customer habits almost overnight, with many swapping their usual hot beverages for chilled coffee creations. From classic iced lattes to flavoured iced coffees, demand reached record levels at Maxol, making it one of the busiest weeks ever for the forecourt convenience retailer’s cold coffee drinks menu.

With more than 5 million cups of Maxol’s proprietary ROSA Coffee selling in 2025 it remains a customer favourite but, with people looking at ways to beat the heat in recent weeks, the iced variation saw a significant sales spike at Maxol stores across the country.

“Iced coffee is a relatively new addition to our stores and the strong demand during the recent warm weather highlights its growing appeal,” said Brian Donaldson, CEO, Maxol. “While iced coffee currently represents a modest proportion of overall coffee sales, the trend suggests changing consumer habits that could extend well beyond the summer months.”

184% rise in ice cream sales

In addition to iced coffee, Maxol noticed a wider trend of consumers adapting their purchasing habits during periods of warm weather, with the number of ice creams purchased in stores rising by an incredible 184% during the sweltering end of June period.

The HB King Cone Cornetto was the number one best seller, followed by the hugely popular 99 cone, with HB’s Iceberger and Magnum in hot pursuit at numbers three and four, respectively.

“Everyone is looking for refreshing ways to cool down and, combined with people taking more day trips and holidays, there’s been a surge in demand for iced coffee and ice creams,” said Brian Donaldson. “Even though it’s a seasonal pattern we see year after year, this June has proven to be one of our busiest ever for chilled products.”

With the good weather expected to continue, Maxol anticipates strong ongoing demand for a wide range of summer staples such as soft drinks, freshly prepared salads from the Maxol Deli and chilled wine and beers.

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Members of Belfast Chamber recently met with the Finance Minister to discuss the proposed reforms to the business rating system.

Speaking following the meeting, John O’Dowd said he welcomed the opportunity to meet with the Belfast Chamber and discuss his recently launched consultation on the Business Growth Accelerator and Non-Domestic Vacant Rating and a number of business-related issues.

“I am acutely aware that businesses across our towns, cities and high streets continue to face a challenging operating environment but despite those challenges, businesses here continue to innovate and break new ground, underpinning local employment, local communities and our wider economy,” he said.

“My objective has always been a rating system that is fair, one that supports public services but also recognises the importance of business growth, investment and regeneration. That is why I launched a consultation on two important and related proposals: the introduction of a Business Growth Accelerator and changes to Non-Domestic Vacant Rating.

“The proposed Business Growth Accelerator would provide temporary, targeted relief for businesses making qualifying improvements to their properties, while the suggested changes to Non-Domestic Vacant Rating would aim to encourage the productive use of vacant premises, reduce long-term vacancies, support high streets and town centres, and better align the tax system with wider economic and regeneration objectives.

“I would urge all businesses and organisations to respond to the consultation and share their views, helping to support growth while maintaining fairness within the rating system.”

You can submit your views on the consultation at: www.finance-ni.gov.uk/consultations/business-growth-accelerator-and-non-domestic-vacant-rating-ndvr-consultation. The consultation will close on 23^rd September 2026.

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And after months of anticipation, National Lottery operator Allwyn has confirmed that, subject to final regulatory approval, the UK-specific version of the game will officially launch in the UK this month – with players able to buy a £4 Powerball line in National Lottery retailers and on the National Lottery website/app from Tuesday 21^st July.

Powerball from The National Lottery will offer UK players uncapped jackpots starting at £12m, which can grow into the hundreds of millions and even billions. The UK-specific version of the iconic Powerball game will see UK players playing alongside their US counterparts for a chance to win the mega, shared jackpot – which will be paid out over 30 years to UK jackpot winners**.

The UK game features an extra ‘Match 2 main numbers’ prize tier, which is only available to UK players and offers a fixed prize of £8. The ‘Match 5 main numbers’ tier also offers a fixed prize of £1m, while all other UK prize tiers offer generous, estimated prizes – which vary depending on the balls drawn and the number of winners in each tier.

If the Powerball jackpot – which is currently estimated at $416m*** – continues to roll until the UK launch, UK players will be in with a chance to scoop serious ‘Powerball Money’ in the opening draw on 23^rd July.

The launch of Powerball follows on from changes that Allwyn made to the flagship Lotto game last month – where one £2 Lotto line now gives players two chances to win. Since the first new Lotto draw on 10th June, the revised format has so far created 27 millionaires. As the nation’s ‘millionaire maker’, the new Lotto format is the ideal complement to Powerball, the UK’s first £1bn+ mega-jackpot game.

But ‘Powerball Money’ is not just about buying bigger houses, faster cars or luxury holidays. When jackpots can climb as high as the billions, the possibilities move beyond possessions altogether. This is the kind of money that could save a beloved local football club, bring a bold community project to life, or fund a cause you care about for generations to come.

A Powerball win has the potential to create an impact far beyond the winner themselves. It can transform families, strengthen communities and create opportunities on a scale few people could ever imagine. This is ‘Powerball Money’ – wealth so extraordinary that it is measured not by what you own, but by what you can make possible.

Founded in 1992, Powerball will be a win-win for National Lottery players – offering eye-watering jackpots and range of great prizes but also delivering for UK Good Causes. The biggest-ever Powerball winner of over $2.04bn was made in 2022. And, over the past 34 years, Powerball has generated an estimated $38bn for good causes, including education and scholarships, veteran services, parks and recreation, and more.

And Powerball’s impact will not stop with its winners. The game is expected to raise around £1bn for UK Good Causes over its first five years, with all Good Causes funding generated from UK ticket sales going directly to UK beneficiaries and projects. So, while Powerball jackpots have the potential to transform winners’ lives, every ticket sold will also help support communities the length and breadth of the UK.

Allwyn CEO, Andria Vidler said: “We’re excited to give National Lottery players the chance to dream bigger, while supporting thousands of Good Cause projects across the UK every week. Powerball jackpots can soar into the billions, offering breath-taking sums with the potential to transform lives and communities.

“As we begin the countdown to the first draw later this month, you won’t be able to miss Powerball’s arrival with a major launch lined up. We’re encouraging players to get involved when tickets go on sale, and we’ll be crossing our fingers for our first UK winner.”

Rebecca Paul, President & CEO of the Tennessee Lottery and former President of the World Lottery Association added: “This next step brings us closer to a thrilling milestone for Powerball. More players mean faster-growing jackpots, more excitement and even greater impact for the communities we serve.”

* Subject to final regulatory approval.

**The UK advertised jackpot will be the estimated amount paid to most winners over 30 years after UK taxes. In rare circumstances, additional taxes may apply to the jackpot depending on the winner’s circumstances (for example, if the winner is not a UK tax resident) because of the prize money originating from the US.

*** The estimated US Powerball jackpot and the UK jackpot are not directly comparable. The US jackpot is advertised in US dollars and before taxes, while the UK jackpot is advertised as a post-tax value. The UK jackpot is paid as an annuity over 30 years, with the advertised amount calculated using the highest applicable UK tax rate.

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Over half (56%) of Belfast residents visit the high street less often than they did 12 months ago, it has been revealed.

The findings from a Capital on Tap survey, come as the Northern Ireland Finance Minister announced plans to introduce targeted rate relief to help businesses expand and bring vacant properties back into use.

The British High Street Report by Capital on Tap shows that understanding the high street landscape of today is becoming increasingly complex, leaving those businesses considering a physical presence with a more nuanced decision.

The report’s author, Alex Miles said the team analysed 30 major UK cities using metrics including retail density, vacancy rates, business activity, footfall and local spending power, alongside which they surveyed 1000 UK consumers to understand attitudes towards high streets.

Interestingly, for SMEs wanting to open a shop and make a positive difference, 27% of respondents said there were too few independent shops, stating they would like to see more businesses in the form of clothing stores, bakeries and butchers.

When asked what they felt there were too many of, 38% said there were too many vape shops/tobacconists, while 30% said there were too many charity shops.

And while the findings also revealed that retail footfall in Belfast has fallen by 7.38% over the past year, there was still some glimmer of positivity as Belfast has shown a birth-to-death ratio of 1.18, indicating more retail businesses are opening than closing.

As he unveiled his plans to support businesses in Northern Ireland, the Finance Minister said he recognised the vital contribution made by SMEs to the economy as well as the challenges they face in sustaining growth.

“To support businesses through a fair and equitable rates system, I am announcing the next steps in my programme of rates reform and my intention to consult on the introduction of a Business Growth Accelerator and changes to Non-Domestic Vacant Rating,” said Mr O’Dowd.

The Business Growth Accelerator would give businesses a specified grace period after making improvements. During that time, they would continue to pay rates based on the property’s value before the improvements, delaying any immediate increase.

Updating the Assembly the Minister added: “The proposal to introduce a Business Growth Accelerator would see temporary targeted relief offered to businesses that are taking tangible steps to expand their operations and is designed to reduce the upfront financial pressure allowing them to recoup costs and encourage development that might not otherwise proceed.”

At present, vacant properties are liable for up to 50% of occupied rates. This consultation proposes increasing that liability on a staged basis to 75% then to 100% to encourage re-use of vacant space.

Turning to Non-Domestic Vacant Rating, the Minister said: “Alongside the Business Growth Accelerator, I want to examine how Non-Domestic Vacant Rating operates and how increases in liability levels can be best implemented. The consultation will seek views on introducing a phased approach to increases in vacant rating liability rather than a single-step change.

“I want the rating system to support development, improvement and investment. I want to see additional support directed to those businesses that provide vital employment supporting workers, families, and communities.

“The measures I have set out reflect my ambition to enable business expansion, tackle vacant properties, and help revitalise our towns, villages and high streets.”

You can view the full Capital on Tap study here: https://www.capitalontap.com/en/blog/posts/the-british-high-street-report/

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In the newly created role, Nikki will take full ownership of the Scratchcards category, including commercial performance, game design strategy, brand development, and category innovation.

She will also lead retail execution across the business, working cross-functionally to support Allwyn’s growth plans in this area.

Nikki brings a strong track record of driving consumer-led innovation, commercial excellence, and brand building. She has held senior roles across organisations including L’Oréal, Henkel, Danone and Dorel, where she has led large teams, managed multi-brand portfolios, and delivered successful category transformations.

Recognised as one of Marketing Week’s Top 100 Most Effective Marketers for five consecutive years, she is known for her collaborative leadership style and ability to build high-performing teams.

Bridget Lea, Managing Director of Retail at Allwyn said: “Scratchcards are one of the most important and complex parts of The National Lottery, and a key focus within our retail strategy.

“As we continue to evolve the category, Nikki’s appointment will help turn our ambition into real growth across the portfolio, benefitting both our retail partners and Good Causes.”

Nikki Vadera added: “I’m thrilled to join the Allwyn team to lead the Scratchcards category. Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about helping mature categories evolve by combining consumer understanding, commercial discipline, and innovation to unlock growth.

“This opportunity is particularly exciting as it brings together category ownership, commercial leadership, and the potential for transformation at scale. It represents an opportunity to shape the future of an iconic category, while contributing to increased returns for Good Causes.

“I’m looking forward to working with Bridget and the wider team to help build the next chapter of growth for the category and The National Lottery.”

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