(L-R) Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts; Roy Smyth, Chairperson at Ballymena BID and Tom Wiggins, Ballymena Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The search is on once again for Northern Ireland’s most beloved independent businesses as the High Street Heroes NI 2025 campaign officially launches.
Spearheaded by Retail NI in partnership with Allwyn, Belfast Live, SSE Airtricity and Gig Grafter, this vibrant initiative aims to celebrate the unsung heroes of our town centres—local businesses that form the heart of Northern Ireland’s high streets.
With public voting now open, the campaign is calling on communities across Mid and East Antrim to show their support for the businesses that go above and beyond. From neighbourhood cafés and fashion boutiques to butchers, bakers and vital service providers, the awards highlight the value and diversity of the independent retail sector.
“The High Street Heroes NI campaign continues to grow from strength to strength, with a record-breaking 15,000 votes cast last year,” said Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive of Retail NI.
“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.”
Now in its sixth year, the awards are entirely driven by public votes and span 13 diverse categories, including food and drink, fashion, essential services, and more.
Two of the campaign’s most prestigious honours are High Street of the Year and Independent Retailer of the Year, both of which recognise excellence in customer service, innovation, sustainability and community impact.
Mid and East Antrim retailers are being urged to promote their nominations and galvanise customer support.
(L-R) Leanne O’Neill, SSE Airtricity; Councillor Jackson Minford, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim; Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts; Ciaran Lynch, Gig Grafter and Julie Kerr, National Lottery operator Allwyn.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, welcomed the return of the campaign:
“This campaign is the perfect opportunity for us to celebrate the brilliant work of our independent retailers. The invaluable contribution they make to our local community is second to none, providing a wide range of vital services and goods.
“I would encourage everyone to vote for their High Street Hero – helping showcase how truly wonderful they are!”
A platform for recognition and resilience
In a year that continues to challenge bricks-and-mortar retail, the High Street Heroes NI Awards offer a powerful reminder of the strength and spirit of local enterprise.
Launched on Friday, 4 July—symbolically aligned with Independence Day—the campaign celebrates the independence and resilience that defines Northern Ireland’s business community.
(L-R) Roy Smyth, Chairperson at Ballymena BID, Tom Wiggins, Ballymena Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts.
A new addition for 2025 is the Winners Hall of Fame, honouring past champions who have consistently led the polls since the initiative began in 2020. These standout businesses will now take a step back to allow fresh contenders to rise, while their legacy is cemented in the campaign’s history.
Retail NI is also working in partnership with Translink this year to boost campaign visibility and champion the role of public transport in connecting shoppers to their local high streets.
“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,” added Mr Roberts.
Supporting local: A direct economic boost
Retail NI highlights the economic importance of supporting local businesses, stating that for every £1 spent at an independent retailer, 70p remains in the local economy. That money directly supports local farmers, producers, employees, and families—fuelling community regeneration and prosperity.
The public can now cast their votes online by visiting voting website – tap the button below!
The shortlist of finalists will be unveiled in early August, with a celebratory awards ceremony set for Thursday, 21 August.