Deli well done indeed!

The top independent retailers in their field went head to head at the Neighbourhood Retailer Awards, each vying for one of the 15 specialist category awards and the overall winners award.

Hosted by Tina Campbell, the awards rewarded excellence in the retail sector and stores from across Northern Ireland, large and small, were winners with K&G McAtamney, Ballymena being crowned Deli of the Year, the award was sponsored by Carroll Cuisine.

Speaking at the Awards, Kieran McAtamney said: “We’re over the moon, we’ve been here before but never won anything and we just can’t believe it. We’re absolutely delighted to have won Deli of the Year.”

Award sponsor, John Comerford, Carroll Cuisine, commented: “Carroll Cuisine, Ireland’s leading supplier of both hot food to go and the countries finest cooked ham are delighted to partner the winners of this important competition.”

Speaking at the awards Bill Penton, Managing Publisher, Neighbourhood Retailer commented: “The ethos behind these awards is to encourage and inspire confidence within the industry and showcase the quality, depth and strength of independent retailing in Northern Ireland. In light of the current financial climate here any fall in consumer spending will no doubt impact on independent retailers, so innovation is key to survival. It’s an achievement to be hosting such a prestigious event and we value the support from retail innovators from across the country.

“What is significant about these awards is that they celebrate and reward grocery-retailing excellence throughout Northern Ireland – from city based sandwich bars and convenience stores to rural and village butchers and pharmacies. This year in particular entrants from towns, villages and cities the length and breadth of the province have competed against one another on a level playing field to distinguish themselves as the best at what they do. Congratulations and well done to all this evening’s winners!”

Event sponsor, Melanie Knight, Bank Machine commented: “Bank Machine is delighted to be sponsoring the Neighbourhood Retailer Awards for the first time this year. These coveted awards are a fine example of how we should be celebrating the sector as a whole and recognising it’s shining stars. We wish all the winners and runners up continued success in the coming year.”