For the first time this category focuses on the huge contribution our local independent retailers make to our high streets, suppliers and our economy as a whole.
It’s always worth reminding ourselves just how big a contribution our retail and wholesale sector makes to the local economy.
It accounts for 15% of real Gross Value Added (GVA) an output of £6.1bn,6,100 retail businesses and 129,000 people employed — that’s 6% of all jobs.
However, these are challenging times for our sector, so 2026 will be the year of reinvention for our high streets and town centres.
Now more than ever we need to see bold new leadership in the retail sector. We aren’t just selling retail, hospitality, or even high streets. We are selling consumers destinations and experiences.
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Retailers must revisit what their value proposition means to the customers they serve. How are they making customers’ lives easier, better or more fulfilling?
How can they deliver the right blend of convenience, service and experience to demonstrate the value that they can provide? How do they differentiate from the multitude of other sellers that customers can choose from?
That’s why the judges in this year’s awards want to see as many entries as possible from retail leaders, demonstrating how they have led this type of transformation of their business in an ever-changing economy. In short, we want to hear from the retail change-makers and thought leaders.
In 2026 we will see the creation of more confident and dynamic independent retailers, who will be at the cutting edge of a new retail sector in 21st century high streets. These are retailer entrepreneurs who are innovators and trendsetters.
This year’s award is to recognise the commitment and difference independent retailers make to the community. Another important factor for applicants is to demonstrate their commitment to sourcing local and supporting local producers and suppliers.
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In Retail NI we are now doing so much more to support many new and existing local agri-food sector companies with their route to market or to grow their market share with our wholesale members. We now have breweries, bakeries, dairies and many more local producers as active members of Retail NI, building productive relationships with our independent retailers and wholesalers.
On February 11 at 2pm at the Clearer Twist National stadium at Windsor Park, Retail NI will host our fourth trade show, which will provide companies an opportunity to expand their trade with our retail and wholesale members and also to engage with 52 supplier exhibitors.
The Independent Retailer of the Year need to successfully demonstrate their commitment to the local supply chain. Do you think you have what it takes to be the Independent Retailer of the Year? If so, get your application in!
If your company wants to attend Retail NI’s free trade show, email events@retailni.com. To enter the 2026 Belfast Telegraph Business awards, go to belfasttelegraph.co.uk/businessawards/enter