As we approach this year’s Neighbourhood Retailer Awards, we are delighted to share our wonderful sponsors in our special feature, Sponsor Spotlight. Here, we find out more about our sponsor BOOST, who is sponsoring the Store Manager of the Year award.

Since launching in 2001, BOOST has built its reputation by doing things differently – delivering great-tasting, functional drinks at accessible prices while developing a particularly strong relationship with the independent and convenience retail sector.

In December 2022, BOOST was acquired by AG Barr, joining a portfolio of leading drinks brands and giving the business additional scale and expertise to support its next phase of growth.

Today, BOOST continues to innovate across Energy, Sport, Iced Coffee and, most recently, enhanced hydration, with Northern Ireland remaining an important market for the brand.

BOOST holds a strong position across functional drinks, ranking as the No.3^* brand in Energy and No.3^* in Sports Drinks, while its Iced Coffee range is No. 2^*. Most recently, BOOST has expanded into enhanced hydration with BOOST WATER+, which has proved a successful addition to the portfolio and opened up new drinking occasions for the brand.

Innovation has remained central to BOOST’s strategy throughout 2026. Earlier this year, the brand strengthened its Energy portfolio with the launch of three new 250ml flavours – Zero Sugar Citrus Zest, Zero Sugar Dark Fruits and Limited Edition White Peach – supported by an integrated campaign spanning retail, sampling, experiential activity, radio, PR, influencers and social media.

BOOST WATER+ has also strengthened the portfolio, bringing the brand into the enhanced hydration category. The zero-sugar electrolyte water contains magnesium, chloride, zinc and sodium, alongside vitamins B12, B6 and B3, and reflects BOOST’s focus on responding to changing consumer needs.

Gavan Morris, International Business Unit Director at AG Barr said: “Independent and convenience retailers have always been incredibly important to BOOST and have played a major role in the development of the brand.

“Our focus is on continuing to give retailers exciting products that meet changing consumer needs, whether that is through flavour innovation in Energy or moving into new areas such as enhanced hydration with BOOST WATER+.

“We’re also delighted to support the Neighbourhood Retailer Awards. They are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the retailers and teams who work incredibly hard every day and make such an important contribution to communities across Northern Ireland.”

As BOOST continues to evolve as part of AG Barr, its focus remains firmly on innovation, value and supporting the retailers who have been central to its success.

DON’T MISS OUT ON BEING THERE – BOOK YOUR TABLE AT THE 2026 NEIGHBOURHOOD RETAILER AWARDS HERE!

^{* Circana, All Outlets Northern Ireland, Value Sales, 52 w.e. 15th of August}

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As we approach this year’s Neighbourhood Retailer Awards, we are delighted to share our wonderful sponsors in our special feature, Sponsor Spotlight. Here, we find out more about our sponsor AIR-serv, who are once again sponsoring the Neighbourhood Forecourt of the Year Category 2 award.

AIR-serv is a trusted supplier to retailers and forecourt operators across the UK and Ireland. We deliver reliable air, vacuum and jet wash services that enhance the customer experience and generate consistent revenue.

Northern Ireland is a critical market for our business where operational reliability and customer satisfaction are essential. These retailers are not just clients, they are partners who help us refine our services and keep our standards high.

To strengthen this partnership, we have built a new sales team with the skills and drive to deliver growth. Daithi and Richard, backed by our experienced sales support staff, are in regular contact with customers. They work directly with site operators to identify new revenue opportunities and resolve issues quickly. The focus is on practical solutions that improve efficiency and strengthen the bottom line.

We are introducing initiatives that make a tangible difference on the forecourt. Contactless payment technology reduces queues and speeds up transactions. Upgraded jet wash machines deliver a better clean and use water more efficiently.

We aim to ensure every site we serve runs reliably, meets modern customer expectations, and achieves sustainable revenue growth. Our equipment is built for performance and supported by a service team that responds quickly and effectively.

Our sponsorship of the Forecourt of the Year award at the upcoming Neighbourhood Retailer Awards reflects our focus on supporting excellence in the sector. This award recognises retailers who achieve exceptional operational standards, deliver high levels of customer service and run commercially successful sites. By backing this category, we underline the importance of investment, innovation, and efficiency in keeping the forecourt industry competitive. It is also an opportunity to meet the retailers who are setting the pace in Northern Ireland.

DON’T MISS OUT ON BEING THERE – BOOK YOUR TABLE AT THE 2026 NEIGHBOURHOOD RETAILER AWARDS HERE!

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The Northern Irish business, established in 1972, operates from sites in Cushendall and Ballymena and employed 95 staff.

It was announced on 21^st September that Stuart Irwin, Ian Leonard and Robin Coughlin from Interpath have been appointed joint administrators, and following the appointment, the company has ceased trading.

Over 50 years ago, the company began with a passion for field-to-fork quality, growing and packing potatoes for leading supermarkets and other grocery chains across Ireland. They also produced a range of hand-cooked crisps under the Glens of Antrim Crisps brand.

In a statement, Interpath said it was a very sad outcome for this well-known business.

“The agri-food sector has faced significant challenges over the past few years, with businesses up and down the supply chain impacted heavily by rising input costs,” said the statement.

“For Glens of Antrim, these pressures had a significant and detrimental impact on cashflow. In response, the directors explored a range of options, including refinancing and investment, but sadly, with no solvent options available, they had to take the very difficult decision to request the appointment of the joint administrators.

“As a result, and with deep regret, all of the company’s employees, with the exception of a small skeleton staff retained to support the administrators, have been made redundant. The joint administrators and their specialist employment team will be providing any and all support to those impacted.”

Stuart Irwin, managing director at Interpath and joint administrators said: “Glens of Antrim has been growing and supplying potatoes across Ireland for over 50 years, so this is a tremendously sad outcome for the business, its dedicated team, the agri-food sector in Northern Ireland, and the wider community in Ballymena and Cushendall.”

The joint administrators are now seeking interest in the business and its assets, and are inviting any interested parties to make contact with the team at the earliest opportunity via goageneral@interpath.com

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End of summer activities saw shoppers going to stores less often, with trips down 5.5% versus last year and volumes continuing to decline, down 8.7% year-on-year, according to new data from Worldpanel by Numerator.

Meanwhile promotions accounted for 34% of value spend, the highest share reached to date, with more than £1.5bn now spent on promoted products in-store each year.

Grocery inflation increased again this month to 12.33%, up 0.54% on last month, with Emer Healy, Business Development Director at Worldpanel by Numerator, stressing that the outlook remains precarious, with signs of further pressures in the months ahead for shoppers.

Shoppers heavily relied on promotional offers to offset high prices where they could, as children began heading back to school. Promotions accounted for 34% of value spend, the highest share reached to date, with more than £1.5bn now spent on promoted products in-store each year.

Branded ranges continue to hold majority value share in Northern Irish baskets, at 57.1%, growing by 6.2% and contributing an additional £151 million in value sales compared to last year. Premium own label ranges also continued to show strong value growth, up 13% and adding an additional £20.6 million in value sales to take-home grocery.

“The return to school has brought shoppers back into their everyday routines, with this reflected in growth across key categories,” said Emer.

“Over the 12 weeks to September, bakery pastries grew by 3.2%, savoury snacks by 13.3%, yoghurt by 14.9%, biscuits by 7.7% and coffee by 2.5%, as shoppers returned to their familiar breakfast, lunchbox and snacking occasions. We also saw total toiletries grow by £7.8 million, as households replenished their essentials following the summer holiday period.”

In the supermarkets, Tesco leads in value share at 39.3% as the number one take-home grocer in Northern Ireland. It grew ahead of the market with 7.1% value growth as new shoppers and larger baskets contributed a combined additional £111 million.

Sainsbury’s held its market share at 17.3% and grew in value by 4.6%. The retailer continues to grow by recruiting new shoppers, adding an uplift of £33 million to the retailer’s performance.

Asda sits at 14.1% value share, declining by 7.0%. Meanwhile, Lidl holds 9.9% value share, up 8.5% in value growth. Lidl saw both increased volume of items per trip as well as an influx of new shoppers this period, contributing an uplift of just over £31 million.

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With over two decades as store manager behind him, Leslie Harte has witnessed a wealth of changes within retail. However, for him, the central purpose of the role remains unchanged – providing the best service to everyone coming through the shop doors.

Having started out working in retail when he was 14, Leslie has built up an enviable background in the industry, something which keeps him focused on ensuring both his customers and staff are respected and valued.

Store manager at Simpson’s MyDaily in Antrim, Leslie has sought to make every person who either shops or works at the well-known store feel heard and supported.

Employing 26 staff overall, there are four full-time and 22 part-time and notably, Leslie is particularly proud of their very low turnover of staff.

“We have one woman who has worked here for 30 years and another who has retired after 35 years,” said Leslie.

“It’s a real family atmosphere, we know everyone who comes through the door, and we always take the time to speak to them and find out how they are – that personal touch makes a big difference.

“We cannot compete with the big guys on prices, but we can make the service more personalised and unique.”

Leslie has shown just how much he values and supports his team. When staff member Nicole had the incredible opportunity to compete in boxing at the Commonwealth Games, Leslie made sure she knew the whole store was behind her. He genuinely cares for his staff and often celebrates their achievements both in and outside of their workplace. Over the years, Simpson’s has become a supportive environment where both staff and customers feel valued and encouraged.

Having served his time working in retail management in Iceland and later at Halfords, Leslie returned to the independent convenience trade in 2004 when approached to come back to Simpson’s, where he has been store manager ever since. A notable difference between the roles for Leslie has been the trust and total responsibility afforded to him in his longest-serving position.

“I am managing the business rather than simply running a shop. In the multiples you are taking instructions from management, whereas here I am making the decisions and implementing them,” he said.

“I do everything here, so it’s given me complete autonomy to run the business as I see fit.”

There have of course been challenges along the way, notably working through the pandemic as a frontline worker.

“Managing through covid was a challenge in terms of keeping my staff happy and making them feel valued and safe, of course.”

As changes and developments have happened in the industry, so too have they been brought into Simpson’s, with Leslie and his team keen to embrace as many innovations as possible while keeping true to their core business aims.

“We have evolved over the years and have brought in new lines; we introduced a hot food and deli counter, which has made a big difference to the business, we’ve seen increased footfall and repeat customers from that.

“We put in a new cigarette gantry and display gantry for vape products; we also got a new till system in recently and we installed new refrigeration last year for our drinks,” said Leslie.

“We try to do something every year to keep evolving and improving so we are not standing still. It keeps the place fresh looking for people, if it looks like you care about your shop, it will keep people coming back.”

READ THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH LESLIE HARTE IN THE AUGUST-SEPTEMBER ISSUE HERE

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