Retail NI, in partnership with National Lottery operator Allwyn, SSE Airtricity and Gig Grafter, is delighted to announce the winners of the High Street Heroes 2025 Awards. The celebration event took place on Thursday 21 August at the Game of Thrones Studio, Banbridge, where finalists came together to honour this year’s champions of Northern Ireland’s independent retail sector.
Unlike many awards decided behind closed doors, High Street Heroes is driven entirely by public votes, with thousands of local people having their say to recognise the businesses that make their high streets truly special.
Coleraine has been named “High Street of the Year.” Greens of Lisburn has won the “Overall Independent Retailer Award” for 2025 and Richard Kyle of Greens of Lisburn has been named “Independent Retail Employee of the Year.”
Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive of Retail NI, said:
“These awards are truly powered by the public, which makes them incredibly special. Our 2025 winners represent the heart and soul of Northern Ireland’s high streets, businesses that demonstrate exceptional customer service, community spirit and entrepreneurial pride. Independent retail is the lifeblood of our towns and villages. These businesses employ people locally, support supply chains, and give communities character. Congratulations to every winner. Your success tells the story of resilience, innovation and local leadership.”
Andria Vidler, Chief Executive Officer at Allwyn, said:
“Allwyn is proud to champion Northern Ireland’s High Street Heroes again this year. We understand the importance of high streets and their value at the heart of their communities. Allwyn works with 1,500 retail partners across Northern Ireland, the majority of which are independent stores. Selling National Lottery tickets not only creates footfall and associated sales, but it also generates millions in retail commission each year. Retailers across the UK help raise over £30 million a week for Good Causes, and since 1994, over £1.6 billion of National Lottery funding has supported 35,000 projects in Northern Ireland. We are looking forward to celebrating both the winners and nominees in this year's awards.”
Angeline Murphy, Branding and Advertising Manager at SSE Airtricity, said:
“We at SSE Airtricity would like to extend our congratulations to all the winners of this year’s Retail NI High Street Heroes Awards. These awards are an important showcase of excellence across Northern Ireland, shining a spotlight on the success of local retailers who go above and beyond for their communities.
“SSE Airtricity supplies thousands of businesses right across the province, and as an established and trusted energy partner, we’re empowering our customers to switch to cleaner, greener energy supply and solutions - helping them make their businesses more sustainable and continue the road to net zero.
“Sustainability and community are at the core of what we do at SSE Airtricity. Supporting local businesses that reflect these values makes perfect sense, and we’re proud to be part of this inspiring initiative.”
Ciaran Lynch, Director at Gig Grafter, said:
“We’re passionate about helping small businesses thrive, and High Street Heroes is the perfect platform to showcase the dedication, creativity and resilience that define Northern Ireland’s independent retailers. These awards shine a light on the people and businesses whose hard work not only drives their own success but also strengthens our local economies and communities. We’re thrilled to support this celebration and to champion the entrepreneurial spirit that keeps our high streets vibrant and full of character.”
The High Street Heroes campaign is a celebration of the businesses that sit at the heart of communities across Northern Ireland. Unlike traditional awards programmes, High Street Heroes is driven entirely by public votes. There are no judging panels, with local people choosing their favourites across thirteen categories.
Celebrating the local businesses that keep our high streets thriving
Retail NI has today announced the shortlist of finalists for this year’s High Street Hero Awards, with the winners set to be revealed at a celebration event on Thursday 21 August at the Game of Thrones Studio in Banbridge.
Shoppers from across Northern Ireland have once again shown strong support by voting for their favourite independent retailers and local high streets in this year’s campaign.
Among the top honours, Dromore], Lisburn, and Coleraine have been shortlisted for High Street of the Year, with several new businesses reaching the final for the very first time.
Organised by Retail NI in partnership with National Lottery operator Allwyn, SSE Airtricity and Gig Grafter, the High Street Heroes campaign is a celebration of the businesses that sit at the heart of communities across Northern Ireland.
Unlike traditional awards programmes, High Street Heroes is driven entirely by public support. There are no judging panels. Local people vote for their favourites across thirteen categories, covering everything from food and drink to fashion and essential services.
Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive of Retail NI, said:
“These awards are truly powered by the public, which makes them incredibly special. Local people have once again rallied behind their high streets and independent retailers.
“Congratulations to all those who have made the shortlist. These businesses do so much to support local communities and keep our high streets vibrant, welcoming places to shop and socialise.”
Retail NI is encouraging all shortlisted businesses to celebrate their achievement and continue championing their role in the future of the high street.
Retail NI’s annual High Street Heroes campaign returns for 2025, offering a unique opportunity to honour Northern Ireland’s outstanding independent retailers and vibrant high streets.
Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said:
“The High Street Heroes NI campaign continues to grow from strength to strength, with a record-breaking 15,000 votes cast last year. Our high streets are more than shopping destinations. They are vital centres of employment, entrepreneurship and community life.
“Independent retail is the lifeblood of communities right across Northern Ireland, and this campaign is the biggest celebration of our thriving local retail sector. This year, we are preparing to host our biggest ever showcase and a major celebration of the individual businesses that form the beating heart of our towns and cities.
“Retail NI is delighted to collaborate with Translink to amplify the campaign’s visibility and to recognise the vital role public transport plays in connecting people to their local high streets.”
In partnership with National Lottery operator, Allwyn, SSE Airtricity and Gig Grafter, Retail NI has officially launched the High Street Heroes NI 2025 campaign. The initiative is a celebration of the businesses that are at the heart of communities across Northern Ireland.
Unlike traditional awards programmes, High Street Heroes is entirely driven by the public. There are no judging panels. Local people are invited to vote for their favourite businesses across 13 categories, ranging from food and drink to fashion and essential services.
Voting opens on Friday 4th July. This symbolic date marks the independence and resilience of local trade. Among the top honours are High Street of the Year and Independent Retailer of the Year. These awards recognise excellence in customer service, sustainability, innovation and community impact.
Welcoming the campaign, Angeline Murphy, Branding and Advertising Manager at SSE Airtricity, highlighted the alignment with their sustainability values:
“Sustainability and community are at the core of what we do at SSE Airtricity. Supporting local businesses that reflect these values makes perfect sense, and we’re proud to be part of this inspiring initiative.”
Allwyn's Chief Executive Officer, Andria Vidler, said: “We’re proud to champion High Street Heroes NI again this year. It’s an honour to celebrate Northern Ireland’s High Street Heroes once more and commend the local retailers who make their communities truly special places to live. We work with 1,500 retail partners across Northern Ireland – most of them independent stores. These businesses help raise over £30 million a week for Good Causes and earn vital sales commission that supports their own operations. Since 1994, over £1.5 billion of National Lottery funding has supported thousands of projects in Northern Ireland. It's clear that we understand more than most their importance to high streets and communities, and we're looking forward to celebrating both the winners and nominees in this year's awards."
Reinforcing their commitment to local enterprise, Ciaran Lynch, Director at Gig Grafter, said:
“We’re passionate about helping small businesses thrive. High Street Heroes highlights the best of Northern Ireland’s entrepreneurial spirit, and we’re thrilled to support it again this year.”
A new element introduced this year is the Winners Hall of Fame. This feature will honour businesses that have consistently won their categories since the campaign began in 2020. These former winners will now be permanently recognised and will step aside from this year’s competition, making room for new local heroes to shine.
The economic value of shopping local is clear. For every £1 spent at an independent retailer, 70p stays in the local economy. That money supports farmers, producers, jobs and neighbourhood vibrancy.
Shortlisted finalists will be announced in early August. The campaign will conclude with a celebration event on Thursday 21st August 2025..
To cast your vote or find out more, visit www.belfastlive.co.uk/hsh
Our Awards Put the Power in Your Hands
No judges. No panels. Just your voice.
At High Street Heroes NI, it’s the public who decides the winners through an open online vote — because no one knows local favourites better than the customers themselves.
Voting opens on 1st July 2025!
You’ll have the chance to vote for your favourite independent retailers across 12 exciting categories.
Among the most celebrated awards are:
High Street Heroes NI is the largest celebration of Northern Ireland’s outstanding independent retailers — shining a spotlight on their world-class service, community spirit, and vital role in our local economy.
Downloadable resources are available here for Retailers
VOTE HERE High Street Heroes 2025: Voting now open | Belfast Live
Did you know?
For every £1 spent with a local independent retailer, around 70p is reinvested back into the local economy — supporting farmers, producers, makers, and the communities we all live in.
Support local. Celebrate excellence. Cast your vote!
Main Sponsors
Category Sponsors
| Best Butcher | |
| Best Coffee Shop | |
| Best Convenience Store | |
| Best Deli/Bakery | |
| Best Fashion Retailer | |
| Best Forecourt | |
| Best Generalist Retailer | |
| Independent Retail Employee of the Year | |
| Best Healthcare Retailer | |
| Best Homeware Retailer | |
| Best Off Licence | |
| High Street of the Year | |
| Overall Independent Retailer |
We’re excited to announce that High Street Heroes 2025 is just around the corner!
Celebrating the very best of our local businesses, High Street Heroes shines a spotlight on the independent retailers and individuals that make our high streets vibrant and vital to our communities. From beloved independent butchers & bakers to off licences and fashion retailers, this annual initiative is your chance to recognize and support the people and places you love most.
Nominations will be opening soon, and we’ll be inviting you to get involved by casting your vote for your High Street Heroes. Whether it’s your go-to café, favorite boutique, or a friendly face behind the counter, this is your opportunity to give them the recognition they truly deserve.
Stay tuned for more details on categories, how to nominate, and the exciting plans we have in store for 2025!
Ballymoney has been named High Street of the Year for a second year in the High Street Hero Northern Ireland Awards, with the town’s fashion store The Winsome Lady also winning the Overall Independent Retailer Award for 2024.
A record 15,000 votes were cast in this year’s High Street Heroes, with dozens of independent retailers shortlisted across 12 Award categories in the showcase of Northern Ireland’s favourite independent retailers. Ballymoney’s high street beat stiff competition from fellow finalists Ballynahinch and Newtownards to claim the top title for a second year running. The Co Antrim town’s Main Street area was rated most popular for its unique shopping offering, including The Winsome Lady. Owned by local businesswoman Winnie Mellett and in business for over 40 years, it was named Best Fashion Retailer and picked up the top accolade overall after receiving the most votes out of any category.
A special reception was held in Belfast City Hall tonight to celebrate the winners from across Northern Ireland, including joint gold winners, Vivo Oakland Park in Carrickfergus and Windmill Stores Ballymacash in Lisburn (Best Convenience Store), and a previous overall winner Bradley's Centra in Maghera (Best Forecourt & Best Off Licence). Richard Kyle from Greens of Lisburn was also recognised as the Independent Retail Employee of the Year.
Finalists were welcomed this evening by Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, who spoke at the ceremony.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr Micky Murray, said:
“Congratulations to all of the 2024 High Street Hero winners – it’s clear to see just how valued you are in your communities. And of course, a special mention goes to Ballymoney, for clinching the High Street of the Year Award for the second year in a row – that’s no mean feat!
“Independent retailers boost not only our economy, but also our quality of life, so it’s wonderful to be able to shine the spotlight on those who make our daily lives a little bit easier and brighter as they serve our communities - whether that’s in a bakery, chemist, coffee shop, or another independent retailer. Well done everyone.”
Retail NI Chief Executive, Glyn Roberts said:
“The High Street Heroes Awards celebrate the best and brightest retailers that Northern Ireland has to offer, and this campaign has shown just how valued each one of these independent retailers are in their local communities, especially in Ballymoney where once again voters turned out to see their high street crowned.
“Independent retailers from Derry to Dromore secured a huge number of votes in this year’s awards. These independent retailers are the thought leaders and change makers in their local communities and will play a leading role in shaping 21st Century high streets”
“We should also give a shout out to Richard Kyle, Greens of Lisburn in winning independent retail employee of the year, highlighting the crucial our members staff play in the success of their business”.
The High Street Hero NI Awards are a joint initiative powered by Retail NI and supported National Lottery operator Allwyn, SSE Airtricity, Roam Local NI and media partner Belfast Live.
Allwyn’s Chief Executive Officer, Andria Vidler, said:
“We’re delighted to have been part of this celebration of independent retailers. Independent retailers have an incredibly positive impact on their local communities through their hard work, their constant local high street presence, and – for many – through selling The National Lottery in their stores and helping to raise over £30 million each week for projects across the UK, including projects on their doorstep. Congratulations to this year's winners and nominees!"
Andrew Greer, General Manager of SSE Airtricity Northern Ireland said:
“We at SSE Airtricity would like to extend our congratulations to all the winners of this year’s Retail NI High Street Hero awards. These awards are an important showcase of excellence across Northern Ireland, shining a spotlight on the success of local retailers who go above and beyond for their communities. We are incredibly proud to support an initiative that celebrates the businesses and individuals driving positive change on our high streets.
“With over 300,000 domestic and business customers across Northern Ireland, our commitment to supporting local communities remains unwavering. We wish our local high street heroes continued success as they keep our high streets vibrant and thriving in towns, cities, and villages across Northern Ireland."
Andrew Bartlett, Founder of Roam Local NI said:
“Celebrating the winners of the Retail NI High Street Heroes awards is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and resilience of our local businesses. These champions of the high street have not only contributed to the vibrancy of our communities but have also shown outstanding innovation and service.
“Their achievements inspire us all and highlight the critical role independent retailers play in Northern Ireland's economy."
The wait is now over, and Retail NI has published the shortlist of finalists in this years High Street Hero Awards. The Gold, Silver and Bronze winners will be announced at an Awards ceremony on 21st August in Belfast City Hall.
Ballynahinch, Ballymoney and Newtownards have been shortlisted for High Street of the Year, with many new businesses across the categories, making it to the final for the first time.
Over 15,000 consumers voted in the online poll for their favourite independent retailers and high street, up from 12,000 in 2023.
Voting for High Street Heroes 2024 ran from 1st July 2024 to 31st July 2024.
Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said:
“Our awards are different - they are a public vote, with no judges and it is local consumers deciding who wins”.
“We are delighted at the huge response from the fifteen thousand consumers who took the time to vote for their favourite independent retailer and high street. This an increase of 25% on last year’s voting.”
“Congratulations to all those businesses who made it on to the shortlist. They do so much to serve the community and ensure that the local high street is still a thriving place to shop and socialise”.
Voting has now officially opened for this year’s High Street Hero Awards, which will showcase the very best independent retailers and high street in Northern Ireland.
You can nominate your favourite business from 1 July 2024 up until 31st July 2024. It is the perfect opportunity to recognise the independent retailers who are going above and beyond to serve the community and ensure that the local high street is still a thriving place to shop and socialise.
Whether your High Street Hero is your favourite butcher, baker, or barista, they will all be showcased across 13 different categories including convenience store, deli, butcher, off licence and more, with the business who receives the most votes also named Overall Independent Retailer.
A record 12,000 votes were cast last year to determine who was crowned Northern Ireland’s retail elite last year. The Co Antrim town of Ballymoney was named High Street of The Year for 2023 in a tight race with Belfast’s Shankill Road and Newtownards.
This campaign will be promoted in an 18 town and city tour of Northern Ireland throughout this month. It is being promoted on 65 bus T-squares and 20 billboards.
Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts said:
“Independent retail is the lifeblood of communities right across Northern Ireland and our annual High Street Heroes NI campaign represents the biggest celebration of our thriving local retail sector. Our awards are different - they are a public vote, with no judges and it is local consumers deciding who wins”.
“We’re gearing up for another huge showcase event and a massive celebration of the individual businesses who are the beating heart of our many villages, towns, and cities.
“The awards are open to local retailers right across Northern Ireland – Portaferry to Pomeroy, Newry to Newtownabbey and Strabane to Scarva and will identify those local independent retailers who are taking a lead. Whether it’s a local butcher that’s a cut above the rest or fashion retailer with exceptional style, it’s time to vote for your favourite now.”
The 13 High Street Hero Award categories are:
· Retailers can download promotional material from High Street Heroes 2024 - Downloadable Resources | High Street Heroes | Retail NI
Voting for the 2024 High Street Heroes Campaign begins on 1st July and runs until 31st July 2024.
Below are some free downloadable resources you can use to promote the campaign to your customers.
A3 Posters
Independent Retail Employee of the Year
A4 Posters
Independent Retail Employee of the Year
Social Media Posts
Independent Retail Employee of the Year
The Northern Ireland public is being encouraged to vote for their favourite local independent retailer and high street in the High Street Hero Awards which have been launched for 2024 at Parliament Buildings by Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald MLA.
Voting for High Street Heroes 2024 will run from 1st July 2024 to 31st July 2024. It is the perfect opportunity to recognise those independent retailers who are going above and beyond to serve the community and ensure that the local high street is still a thriving place to shop and socialise.
Whether your High Street Hero is your favourite butcher, baker, or barista, they will all be celebrated in this showcase of the brilliant work of independent retailers.
Votes can be cast across 13 different categories with shoppers and customers asked to name their favourite convenience store, deli, butcher, off licence, among others. Voting will open on 1st July 2024 and run for the whole month.
A record 12,000 votes were cast last year to determine who was crowned Northern Ireland’s retail elite last year. The Co Antrim town of Ballymoney was named High Street of The Year for 2023 in a tight race with Belfast’s Shankill Road and Newtownards.
Go to www.retailni.com/high-street-heroes to find out more
Launching the awards for 2024, Paddy Doody, Vice Chair Retail NI, said:
“Independent retail is the lifeblood of communities right across Northern Ireland and our annual High Street Heroes NI campaign represents the biggest celebration of our thriving local retail sector. Our awards are different - they are a public vote, with no judges and it is local consumers deciding who wins”
“We’re gearing up for another huge showcase event and a massive celebration of the individual businesses who are the beating heart of our many villages, towns and cities”
“The awards are open to local retailers right across Northern Ireland – Portaferry to Pomeroy, Newry to Newtownabbey and Strabane to Scarva and will identify those local independent retailers who are taking a lead. Whether it’s a local butcher that’s a cut above the rest or fashion retailer with exceptional style, it’s time to vote for your favourite now.”
Speaking at the Launch of the Awards, Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald MLA said:
“Independent retailers play a crucial role in their communities, supporting jobs and boosting the local economy and keeping high streets in their towns, village and cities vibrant. I congratulate Retail NI on this excellent initiative to promote traders who are the heart of their communities and I encourage members of the public to nominate and vote for their local high street heroes.”
The hugely successful High Street Hero NI awards is a joint initiative powered by Retail NI and supported National Lottery operator Allwyn, SSE Airtricity and Roam Local NI.
Allwyn’s Chief Executive Officer, Andria Vidler, said:
“We’re delighted to be supporting High Street Heroes NI – highlighting, recognising and celebrating the huge contribution that independent retailers make to local high streets across Northern Ireland. Independent retail is, quite simply, the lifeblood of our local communities. And our 40,000+ retail partners who sell The National Lottery in their stores make a vital difference in helping raise an average of £4 million every day for National Lottery-funded projects”
“So, it means a great deal to me and everyone at Allwyn to be able to acknowledge all the hard work, passion and perseverance shown by every store. We wish every retailer the very best of luck and look forward to celebrating both the winners and nominees.”
Andrew Greer, General Manager of SSE Airtricity Northern Ireland said:
“For us at SSE Airtricity, supporting local communities is cornerstone to our mission. Retail NI’s annual High Street Hero awards set a benchmark of excellence, celebrating the businesses and individuals who go above and beyond to serve their communities. We are delighted to be involved in this initiative”
“With over 300,000 domestic and business customers across Northern Ireland, our commitment to supporting local is important. Recently, SSE Airtricity launched a €5million all-island Generation Green Community Fund with the aim of delivering meaningful community benefits. We encourage everyone to get nominating and look forward to showcasing the best that Northern Ireland has to offer on the high street.”
Andrew Bartlett, Founder of Roam Local NI said:
“Roam Local NI is delighted to support the High Street Heroes campaign for 2024. Celebrating local business is what we are all about, as showcasing the finest in independent retail means that everyone can avail of the best that Northern Ireland has to offer, the local high streets are kept thriving with footfall and people can make the most of the unique offerings and best deals on their doorstep.”
The 13 High Street Hero Award categories are:
High Street Heroes Voting - 1st July to 31st July
Through our High Street Heroes NI campaign, Retail NI in partnership with Belfast Live, Allwyn, Roam Local & SSE Airtricity is giving you an opportunity to highlight and celebrate Northern Irelands amazing independent retailers and local high streets.
Our awards are different. There are no judges, the winners are decided by the public through an online vote. It’s the customers that decide who the winner is.
From 1st July 2024, we will give you the opportunity to vote online for your favourite independent retailer across 12 categories.
Our biggest and most popular categories are the High Street of the Year and the Independent Retailer of the Year.
High Street Heroes NI is the biggest ever showcase of our amazing worldclass local independent retailers and the huge contribution they make to our local communities and high streets as well as local suppliers.
70pence in every £1 spent with a local independent retailer is recycled around the economy, helping local farmers, producers, manufacturers and above all else our local communities.
Make sure you vote!
You can vote for in-store or stand-alone Butchers.
You can vote for in-store or stand-alone coffee shops.
You can vote for in-store or stand-alone Delis/Bakeries
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This is for independently owned forecourts including all the main symbol groups.
You can vote for all other independent retailers not covered in an existing category e.g book shop, greengrocers, pet shops etc.
Those seeking to enter this category need submit a 30 second video demonstrating how their business are green, eg recycling, energy efficiency etc. The video must be submitted to us no later than 23rd June to ensure it will be uploaded to the voting platform.
This includes Chemists, Opticians and other independently owned businesses that sell healthcare products and services.
Open to entries from high streets in any local village, town or city in Northern Ireland.
This includes independently owned kitchen, hardware or furniture retailer.
You can vote for in-store or stand-alone off licences.
Chosen from the list of winners who has polled the most votes.
Go to Retail NI Publications | Retail NI to view the Awards Guideline brochure
Go to www.belfastlive.co.uk/HSH, enter as many or as few categories as you choose.
Once you are happy with your entry click submit
