County Derry finalists for High Street Heroes Awards 2023 revealed
"The public in Northern Ireland are passionate about their High Streets and they want their favourite businesses and localities to win"
A record-breaking online poll shortlisted 33 businesses from across Northern Ireland to be finalists in the 2023 High Street Heroes Awards.
Bradley's Centra in Maghera stormed the shortlist scooping four nominations including Best Convenience Store, Best Deli/Bakery, Best Forecourt and Best Off Licence.
Many other categories featured County Derry businesses including Harkin's Pharmacy in Maghera and Real Health in Coleraine for Best Healthcare Retailer.
Couples in Coleraine has been nominated for Best Fashion Retailer whilst Finishing Touches Too in Limavady has been shortlisted for Best Generalist Retailer.
This year’s High Street Heroes Awards initiative is the biggest ever showcase of world-class local independent retailers which officially recognises the major economic, social and community contribution they make to localities, high streets and local suppliers.
Glyn Roberts, Retail NI Chief Executive, said: “This year’s online vote confirmed what we know already – the public in Northern Ireland are passionate about their High Streets and they want their favourite businesses and localities to win.
“Our biggest online poll ever now paves the way for our biggest event yet at a ceremony on August 23 when we will confirm which High Street location achieved the most votes and which businesses from the 33 shortlisted across the region made it to the top in 11 specialist categories. We can’t wait to reveal the winners in just a few weeks time.”
The online poll kicked off on July 4 and closed on July 31 and the winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on August 23 at the historic Belfast Harbour Commissioners’ Heritage Room.
Retail NI, which represents the independent retail and wholesale sector in Northern Ireland, launched the High Street Heroes NI campaign to recognise and reward local retailers and their impact on local communities – noting that 70p in every £1 spent with a local independent retailer is ploughed back into local the economy, supporting local producers, suppliers and staff.