Galgorm Collection celebrates prestigious awards for culinary excellence across its restaurants
The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn, is the latest property to secure AA 4 Star Silver rating and secure prestigious AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence
Northern Ireland’s newest boutique hotel, The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn, part of Galgorm Collection, has achieved AA 4-Star Silver status and been awarded a prestigious AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence 2023.
The latest accolade for Galgorm Collection sees the group awarded AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence across its entire portfolio of hotel restaurants including Fratelli Ristorante at Galgorm, Hunter’s Bar at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat in Templepatrick - currently AA Hotel of the Year for Northern Ireland - and now its newest offering, the restaurant at The Old Inn.
Its new AA 4-Star Silver status was awarded based on the property’s superior level of high standards across hospitality, service and cleanliness, as well as the quality of its food and dining offering.
The award follows a multi-million-pound investment into refurbishing the historic property to Galgorm Collection’s exacting standards, including a full revamp of the 1614 bar, 120-seater restaurant, lobby and selected guest rooms. The hotel also opened its showstopping outdoor Treetop Spa to guests in December 2022.
Led by Executive Chef Gavin Murphy, the restaurant at The Old Inn has been establishing itself as a premier gourmet destination since undergoing refurbishment last year and its new AA Rosette award firmly cements the venue in the top 10% of culinary establishments throughout the UK.
Judged independently by an AA Hotel & Restaurant Inspector, the award is bestowed to the very best restaurants that achieve standards that stand out in their local area, serving food prepared with care, using good quality ingredients and demonstrating understanding and skill in cooking and presentation.
Inspired by locally sourced, seasonal produce, Executive Chef Gavin Murphy has created an exquisite menu at the award-winning Old Inn Restaurant that marries homely classics with modern dining. From French-inspired dishes, to seafood, salads and new Afternoon Tea and £16.14 lunch menu offering, guests can enjoy a range of quality dining experiences in plush surroundings.
Commenting on the award, The Old Inn Restaurant Executive Chef Gavin Murphy said:
“This s a huge achievement for the team here at The Old Inn - it means so much to us all. As Executive Chef, I have the honour of working with a dedicated team that is passionate about the work they do - from creating exciting fresh menus using locally sourced seasonal produce to delivering the highest standard of service in the restaurant. This award is a testament to their continuous drive to always going above and beyond and we look forward to the journey and hard work ahead needed to gain our second AA Rosette.”
Galgorm Collection Managing Director Colin Johnston said:
“We’re very proud to receive the AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence for The Old Inn, bringing the historic property in line with our other award-winning restaurants. This is a fantastic endorsement of all the hard work that has gone into the extensive redevelopment at The Old Inn and by our Executive Chef Gavin Murphy who has developed a superb menu using the best quality, locally sourced food for an exquisite dining experience that really sets us apart. As Northern Ireland’s most exciting new hotel and restaurant offering, we’re committed to taking this iconic property forward into a new era for tourism and hospitality and that’s very much reflected in our enhanced new guest experience. We look forward to welcoming even more guests to enjoy all that The Old Inn has to offer.”
Since being acquired by Galgorm Collection in 2021, The Old Inn has achieved listing within Ireland’s Blue Book 2023 and was also named in the Irish Independent’s ‘FAB 50’ Top Stays in Ireland 2022. The new AA 4 Star Silver rating and AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence are the latest accolades in recognition of the historic property’s unrivalled guest experience across its accommodation, spa and gastronomic offering.
For further information on award-winning dining experiences at The Old Inn, or to book, please visit: https://www.theoldinn.com/the-restaurant.html.
Green light for first Lidl Northern Ireland store in south Belfast
Planning approved for new concept store at Boucher Road, extending Lidl’s presence across all four corners of the city
Lidl Northern Ireland, the region’s fastest-growing supermarket, has been given the green light to construct a new state-of-the-art store at Boucher Road, bringing the retailer’s high quality, low price offering to residents in south Belfast for the first time.
Belfast City Council granted planning permission this week for the new store after an extensive local consultation with stakeholders and the wider community, as well as onsite engagement with elected representatives, which was positively received.
The application was further supported by local residents who requested urgent approval of the plans by council to ensure access to this essential shopping facility as soon as possible.
Located in the heart of the bustling Boucher Road retail area close to the M1 towards Tates Avenue, the new development sits on a site of 9,792 square metres and will include a 1,425 square metre Lidl store as well as a drive-thru café measuring 566 square metres.
The new development will create around 35 permanent retail jobs and support a further 200 jobs during the construction phase.The Boucher Road store will become the retailer’s ninth in the Belfast city area and is the final development in a £32 million project announced in November 2020 to create five new stores in the Greater Belfast region at Castlereagh Road, Crumlin Road, Holywood Exchange, Shore Road and Boucher Road.
Chris Speers, Property Director at Lidl Northern Ireland, said:
“Boucher Road is a strategically important location for us, expanding our reach into the south Belfast area for the first time and bringing a multi-million pound investment and new jobs to the local area. A key commuter belt and prime retail shopping area, the new store at Boucher Road is well positioned to serve local residents, shoppers, commuters and visitors alike.
We’re delighted to have received such warm support from the local community who have been prolific in their support of the build and recognise the benefits this will bring residents, providing a new shopping facility at a critical time of need.
By expanding our footprint into south Belfast, we will be serving thousands of people in new communities in and around the city with the highest quality products at the best prices on the market.”
The new Lidl Northern Ireland store reflects the retailer’s established ‘concept’ design, which prioritises sustainability and energy efficiency. A modern fit-out provides a high-quality shopping experience, with wide aisles, longer till points, enhanced restrooms and employee facilities. The site will also include a 148-space car park, including electric vehicle charging points.
With 41 stores across the region at present, Lidl Northern Ireland is committed to delivering on its ambition to open 50 stores by the end of the decade.
Confirmed as Northern Ireland’s fastest-growing supermarket by Kantar, with 12.6% market share growth over the last two years and holding a 7% market share of the region’s overall grocery market, Lidl contributes around £180 million a year to the local economy and sustains around 3,500 jobs.
Last year, a new impact report found that Lidl Northern Ireland ploughed a record £347 million into the agri-food industry here in the last financial year ending February 2022 and supported 60 local producers to success. Of that £347 million, £298 million worth of goods procured locally were exported globally through Lidl’s expansive store network, reaching new customer bases across Europe from Great Britain and Ireland as far as Romania, Greece, Cyprus and even to the USA.
The company employs more than 1,500 staff across its 41-strong store network and Regional Distribution Centre in Nutt’s Corner, Co. Antrim, and in January announced its recruitment of an additional 200 employees this year.
For more information visit www.lidl-ni.co.uk
St Paul’s pupils break down stigma around mental health with Lidl Northern Ireland Sport for Good Schools Programme
Olympic hockey star Eugene Magee partners with Lidl Northern Ireland and Youth Sport Trust to deliver mental health workshops to pupils in St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook
Secondary school pupils across the country are benefitting from the Lidl Northern Ireland Sport for Good Schools Programme, a dedicated mental health athlete mentorship programme delivered by Lidl Northern Ireland as part of the retailer’s established ‘Sport for Good’ campaign which aims to tackle youth mental health head on.
The programme, developed in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust, first launched in 2021 and has since supported more than 5,200 secondary school pupils across Northern Ireland. Survey feedback from last year’s programme revealed that 83% of participants felt Lidl Northern Ireland’s programme boosted their overall confidence and 100% of teachers committed to changing the mental health support programmes in their schools as a result.
Sporting heroes from across Northern Ireland have been specially trained by Youth Sport Trust to deliver workshops that help students to proactively manage their mental health, as they progress into adulthood, through the vehicle of sport and physical activity. The mentors provide students with the tools and encouragement they need to support themselves and their peers in school, at home and in their wider communities.
This week, students at St. Paul’s High School, Bessbrook received their first workshop in the dedicated series of mental health mentorship workshops, delivered by Olympian and men’s field hockey international Eugene Magee.
Hailing from Ballela in Co Down, Eugene made his debut representing Ireland in 2005 and retired from an astounding career international hockey with 295 caps – earning him the title of Irish Hockey’s most capped men’s player. Now, Eugene is passing on his wealth of knowledge and experience to pupils across the county as part of Lidl Northern Ireland’s flagship Community Works initiative, Sport for Good.
Commenting on the programme, Eugene Magee said:
“When I was a pupil, my passion for sport and being part of a team really helped me through a lot of the challenges that many students face. Whether I was dealing with the pressure of exams or issues in my personal life, sport was always an escape for me.
“Lidl Northern Ireland’s Sport for Good initiative has been a very exciting opportunity for me, especially now that I’ve retired from hockey as it gives me the chance to get back out into the community to show young adults that there is more to sport than the physical benefits.
From working as part of a team, gaining confidence in your abilities and building resilience when things don’t go to plan on game day, these are vital skills that will transfer to their everyday lives.”
Established in 2019, Lidl Northern Ireland’s Sport for Good initiative has supported more than 100 schools and sports clubs, providing over £320,000 in funding to encourage more young people into sport.
Earlier this year, the retailer announced 25 winning schools - hailing from every county across the region – who were selected for the Mental Health Athlete Mentorship programme following a call out for competition entries in October last year and nominated by local shoppers. Each winning school also received £1,000 worth of brand-new sports equipment.
The sessions are being led by a stellar line up of leading local athletes including four-time Paralympic athletics champion Michael McKillop, Olympic steeplechase athlete Kerry O’Flaherty, and Olympic hockey heroes Shirley McCay and Eugene Magee.
Jarlath Burns, Principal of St. Paul’s High School, Bessbrook said:
“Sport is a significant part of our school identity here at St. Paul’s and we’re very lucky that our pupils are always keen to get involved – either by playing or by supporting the teams. For those who aren’t athletic, this programme has provided a different perspective in showing pupils that you don’t have to be good at traditional sports to get active – you can always go for a walk, run or swim to avail of the benefits that sport participation can have on your physical and mental health.
“The Sport for Good Mental Health Athlete Mentorship workshops have done a fantastic job in breaking down the stigmas associated with mental health and have provided our students with invaluable life tools to manage challenges they may face as they grow and develop and shown them how sport can play a big role in that.
“Led by some of the region’s top sporting heroes, we’ve been really impressed at the calibre of mentors. It was a delight to see our pupils really engage with Eugene, who has been a true inspiration to them all.
“On behalf of the entire school community, we would like to express our thanks to the parents and local Lidl shoppers who voted for St. Paul’s High School. I would also like to thank Lidl Northern Ireland and Youth Sport Trust for investing in our community and to their mentor Eugene for delivering this vital programme to help support our pupils with skills for life.”
For more information, please visit lidl-ni.co.uk/lidl-community-works
New judges in the frame as Bradley Art Prize competition deadline looms
Young artists have just five weeks to put finishing touches to their masterpieces in nationwide competition to drive fresh talent and creativity
Young artists across Northern Ireland have just five weeks to put the finishing touches to their creative masterpieces and enter the inaugural Bradley Art Prize – a new art initiative led by renowned artist Terry Bradley and sponsored by Radius Connect which aims to support fresh artistic ideas and talent.
With an unprecedented number of submissions already received the stellar panel of judges has also been expanded to meet demand for the competition, which closes on 31 March.
New judges include renowned award-winning tattoo artist Gigi McQueen and Bradley Art Prize sponsor Stephen McQuoid, Regional Director for Ireland at Radius Connect. They join an existing line-up of famed artists and critiques including Terry Bradley and wife Ashley, Hollywood film producer Martin Brennan and NI Executive Brussels Director Aodhán Connolly.
Launched in November, the inaugural Bradley Art Prize is open to young people across two age categories, from 14 to 18 and from 19 to 23 years and provides young creatives with a platform to showcase their work with some of the most prolific names in the local arts scene.
Alongside around a total of £4,000 in cash and art materials for the top winners and their schools or colleges, two winning artists will have their work framed and proudly displayed in the newly opened Bradley Gallery in Victoria Square, Belfast, for a week-long exhibition, including a launch night for friends and family in August.
The winning artwork will then be showcased at the Northern Ireland Executive Office in Brussels’ European Quarter as part of a major initiative designed to encourage more young people to consider turning their love of art into a long-term career, offering local artists the chance to display their work internationally.
New judge and sponsor Stephen McQuoid, Radius Connect Director Ireland, said:
“With a longstanding heritage in Northern Ireland, Radius Connect is committed to supporting innovation and ambition, encouraging the next generation of leaders. I’m delighted to partner with Northern Ireland’s most revered artist Terry Bradley on this ground-breaking initiative for young artists and to bring my business experience and expertise to the judging panel.
We’ve been blown away by the interest and number of entries for this competition, which presents an exceptional opportunity for aspiring artists to publicly showcase their art and work directly with Terry and the judges for an unrivalled career kick-start. Northern Ireland is known for its inspiring creative talent and I’ve no doubt this competition will uncover our artists of the future. I would encourage all young artists interested in promoting their work with Terry to take the opportunity to enter the Bradley Art Prize before 31 March. Good luck to all entrants!”
Terry Bradley, who began his stellar, self-taught art career at the age of 14, said:
“I wanted to create an opportunity for young people who may not see an obvious career path in art. This prize will hopefully inspire and encourage those who have talent and want to find a way to make art part of their future. This inaugural Terry Bradley Art Prize has been carefully designed to show more young people what it’s like to be a professional artist and how to build a long lasting career in an area that needs confidence and passion to succeed, and I encourage everyone to get involved.”
Aspiring artists can enter the Bradley Art Prize by submitting up to four high-resolution images of original artwork along with a personal statement by 31 March 2023. Shortlisted artists will be announced in early June, with the winners selected at the end of the month.
For more information and to submit an entry visit www.bradleyartprize.com
Retail NI launches new supply chain forum to support local producers
New forum launched at Retail NI’s first in-focus Supplier Showcase event backed by Minister of State for Northern Ireland Steve Baker MP
Retail NI has launched a new Supply Chain Forum to connect and promote trading opportunities with local producers, manufacturers and suppliers with its independent retail and wholesale members.
The new Supply Chain Forum was officially launched at Retail NI’s Supplier Showcase event, which took place on Thursday 23 February at PwC, Belfast.
Supported by key partners United Wines, McCausland Car Parks and Voice for Locals, the event aimed to promote and celebrate the huge contribution local producers, manufacturers and suppliers make to its members and the wider local economy.
Attended by more than 150 members, stakeholders and industry representatives, delegates had the opportunity to meet with over 33 local suppliers exhibiting their products and services and hear from Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts, with a special address from Minister of State for Northern Ireland Steve Baker MP.
Commenting on the success of the event, Minister of State for Northern Ireland Steve Baker MP said:
“Northern Ireland’s amazing local produce is creating opportunities for growth for NI manufacturers and producers, playing a key role in boosting its economy.
“Thanks to Retail NI's showcase, I’ve had the opportunity to meet many of these fantastic local suppliers, discussing some of the opportunities and challenges that they are facing.
“Local business is right at the heart of NI's potential, and the government will ensure NI continues to be a great place to do business."
Launched as the first in a planned series of in-focus events hosted by Retail NI this year, the new showcase series is an important and valuable platform for members to help grow and move their businesses forward.
Lidl Northern Ireland solves problem of missed deliveries in new partnership with OOHPod parcel lockers
New OOHPods in place at Lidl Northern Ireland stores across the region offer shoppers the convenience of picking up their online purchases at same time as their weekly shop
Lidl Northern Ireland has joined forces with an innovative ‘out of home’ self-service parcel locker provider to make its parcel lockers available to customers across the region, offering them the convenience of picking up or returning their online purchases, at the same time as their regular shop.
The strategic partnership with parcel locker company OOHPod, is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, and will see Lidl roll out the lockers to stores across the region in the months ahead, simplifying online shopping for customers.
The lockers are open 24/7, providing shoppers with added peace of mind by offering the option to have their purchases dropped safely and securely ‘out of home’ to avoid the risk of missed deliveries.
Avril O’Hehir, Chief Administration Officer at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, said;
“We’re pleased to be the first-to-market retailer with this innovative service offered by OOHPod. With simplicity and convenience at the heart of both our business models, OOHPod’s parcel lockers will offer safe storage at the point of delivery across our local store network, making Lidl Northern Ireland a one-stop shop for all of your shopping needs.
“We are committed to building sustainable relationships with market leaders across industries that will have a positive impact, and we’re excited with what this new development will bring in the years to come.”
OOHPod is the brainchild of parcel delivery specialist John Tuohy, who launched the service in the Republic of Ireland in 2021, in a bid to provide shoppers with more flexibility in how they receive their online goods.
Customers using the OOHPod service can have their parcels delivered by any online store or carrier to their favourite Lidl Northern Ireland store where OOHPod self-service lockers are available. Major courier UPS is fully integrated with OOHPod allowing customers to pick up and drop off UPS parcels by selecting the service through the UPS website.
John Tuohy, CEO of OOHPod, commented;
“OOHPod parcel lockers are designed with convenience and security in mind, and unlike other providers, our open network model means consumers can shop anywhere and have their parcels delivered straight to an OOHPod locker, no matter who the delivery provider is.
“We are delighted to have partnered with Lidl Northern Ireland to bring the OOHPod service to stores across the region and to offer customers more choice with a seamless click and collect service.
“Picking up a parcel from one of our parcel lockers at Lidl Northern Ireland means their package is kept safe until they are ready to pick it up – and can do their weekly grocery shop at the same time.”
OOHPod parcel lockers are currently in place at Lidl Northern Ireland stores in Castlereagh, Newtownards, Shore Road Belfast and Lisburn, with additional lockers being rolled out at further sites across the region.
With a number of payment options to choose from, customers can opt to “pay as you go” by registering a payment method and only pay each time a parcel arrives. For regular customers there are two discounted subscription bundles available. For just £7.50 per month Standard Subscription, customers can have three uses of a locker for a 48-hour period each time. A £17 per month Premium Monthly subscription gives 10 uses of a locker per month of 48 hours each time per use.
To register for the service or find more information please visit www.oohpod.com
Ooh La La! The Ultimate Bottomless Brunch arrives in Belfast
French-inspired city favourite Parisien brings the je ne sais quoi to Sunday brunching
Belfast’s chicest restaurant Parisien is launching a new ultimate Bottomless Brunch to add to its unrivalled city centre dining experience.
Launching on Sunday 5 March, diners can enjoy a luxurious brunch accompanied by a range of bottomless drinks and cocktails for just £45 per person every Sunday from 10am-2pm.
Guests can feast on the finest brunch dishes with a classic French twist, Parisien style, and sip on expertly made drinks in decadent, plush surroundings of the main restaurant, or dine al-fresco and enjoy panoramic views of Belfast City Hall and the bustling city scape from its all-weather terrace.
Choose from a range of sumptuous dishes including smashed avocado and whipped feta, shakshuka baked eggs, creamy mushrooms on toast, eggs royale or a traditional cooked breakfast all washed down with a delectable assortment of bottomless drinks and cocktails. Opt for a classic cocktail including bramble, mimosa, cosmopolitan or a Bloody Mary, sip on a glass of fizz or wine or keep things simple with a range of bottled beer.
Parisien’s Bottomless Brunch is the newest addition to the iconic restaurant’s gastro offering, alongside its popular afternoon tea, café menu and a la carte menu served from Thursday – Sunday.
For more information, visit: https://www.cafeparisienbelfast.com/bottomless-brunch.html
Lidl Northern Ireland Announces Region-wide Roll Out of ‘Waste Not’ Fruit and Veg Boxes
New food waste initiative set to save more than 222,000kg of food waste per year whilst offering even more savings to shoppers
Lidl Northern Ireland has become the first supermarket retailer in the region to implement a rollout of a major new initiative aimed at reducing food waste and bringing shoppers even more savings at the tills.
Lidl Northern Ireland’s Waste Not boxes, priced at just £2.50, will contain at least 5kg of mixed fruit and vegetables which are perfectly good to eat but have been separated from other products which have become slightly damaged and removed from multipacks.
The retailer’s Waste Not boxes are the ideal solution for those looking to achieve a balance of eating a healthy diet while also saving money, with the approximate full retail value of the produce in the boxes totaling £5-£7.
The fruit and veg boxes from Lidl Northern Ireland will be picked and packed daily by the retailer’s dedicated in-store Green Leaders, who conduct freshness checks on fresh produce four times a day. Boxes will be available to customers daily until stocks last every day, at which point, any leftover boxes will be given to local good causes through Lidl Northern Ireland’s surplus food redistribution partnership with FoodCloud.
The initiative was announced today after a successful trial period, which launched in September 2022, saw more than 3,700 Waste Not boxes sold and prevented 18,500kg of food going to waste. It is estimated that the region-wide rollout will save a further 222,000kg of food waste per year.
Robert Ryan, Chief Operating Officer, Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland said;
“Lidl Northern Ireland’s new Waste Not Fruit and Veg Boxes initiative is a great way for customers to eat healthily at an affordable price. Crucially, the initiative plays a significant role in our overarching sustainability strategy and helps protect the planet and our local communities by helping combat the important issue of fresh food going to landfill.
“We have a dedicated team of Green Leaders who will ensure that the fruit and veg that make it to the boxes are of the highest quality that customers have come to expect when shopping with Lidl Northern Ireland, and we look forward to seeing more shoppers benefit from this scheme which has already been so well received.”
The initiative is the latest move by the retailer to further its ambitious sustainability strategy and is an extension of Lidl Northern Ireland’s established Waste Not initiative which reduces food waste across its store network by around 137,500kg annually.
Launched in 2019, the scheme offers customers a significant price reduction on a range of chilled food products that have reached their best before date but are still perfectly fresh and fine to eat.
Lidl Northern Ireland has been working with FoodCloud since 2017 and through this partnership has redistributed the equivalent of over 3.5 million meals to charities across the region.
For more information visit www.lidl-ni.co.uk
Armagh’s ‘Home of St Patrick’ Festival Returns
Armagh, the real home of St Patrick, announces eight-day programme of events running from Saturday 11 to Sunday 19 March
Armagh City, the home of St Patrick, is celebrating his life and legacy as part of an eight-day festival of events that gets underway on Saturday 11 March.
Held in the ecclesiastical capital, this year’s cultural offering combines an exciting programme of traditional live music, art, poetry, theatre, film and dance and takes in many of the city’s iconic Georgian streets and venues.
Established as one of the UK and Ireland’s most authentic events to mark St Patrick’s enduring impact on the island of Ireland and the world, Armagh was Patrick’s chosen place where he began his Christian mission and his legacy lives on in this ancient, unique and beautiful place.
Ireland’s oldest city, famed for its history, heritage and stunning Georgian façades, will this year host a range of enthralling activities for individuals, families and groups alike - including live music, dance, poetry workshops, film screenings and compelling walking tours as well as the annual St Patrick Lecture and St Patrick’s Eve Vigil.
Welcoming the launch of this year’s festival, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Cllr Paul Greenfield, said:
“Famed for its Christian heritage, landscapes, its Georgian past, iconic cathedrals and a year-round programme of award-winning festivals, the Home of St Patrick Festival is an important addition to the city’s annual calendar of standout events and we look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to join in on the celebrations this year.
“The eight-day programme takes in many key landmarks and venues throughout our Cathedral City and two special family fun days, guaranteed to keep everyone entertained.”
Armagh’s iconic The Market Place Theatre plays an important part in this year’s festival, hosting performances from big name acts in music, theatre and comedy.
As part of this year’s stellar line up of events, acclaimed tribute band, Celtic Soul will return to the Market Place Theatre with a special tribute to one of Ireland’s greatest musical talents, Sir Van Morrison. Also playing tribute to some of the greats with a traditional roundup of ‘Songs of Home’, Malachi Cush will take to the stage alongside musical sensation Niamh McGlinchey and Karl McGuckin to transport guests on a journey through the tremendous Irish songbook.
There’s plenty for kids of all ages too, including the big family fun day and concert taking place on Thursday 16th March in The Shambles Yard, Armagh. Taking place from 5.30 to 8.30, the thrilling showcase will feature a lively set from Celtic Trad Rock Band “More Power to Your Elbow” and locally born and trained, singer / flautist Rioghnach Connolly, who now performs globally, accompanied by Irish dance performances from local dance schools - this will no doubt be a headline event of this year’s programme. On St Patrick’s Day itself, the community parade, a celebration of our patron saint will weave through the city centre from 2.30pm with a spectacular display of colour, music and entertainment for all to enjoy. On Saturday 18th March, Banbridge’s gorgeous Solitude Park will be the place to be to enjoy live music, face-painters, fair rides and more.
For more information on the range of in-person and online events, and to book tickets, jump into visitarmagh.com/stpatrick
Retail NI launches first showcase event to promote local suppliers
Retail NI, which represents the independent retail and wholesale sector in Northern Ireland, will host its first ever Supplier Showcase event next month to promote and celebrate the huge contribution local producers, manufacturers and suppliers make to its members and the wider local economy.
Supported by key partners United Wines, McCausland Car Parks and Voice for Locals, the event will take place on Thursday 23 February from 4-6pm at the prestigious new PwC building in Merchant Square, Belfast.
Launched as the first in a planned series of in-focus events hosted by Retail NI this year, the inaugural Supplier Showcase is set to welcome more than 150 members, stakeholders and industry representatives.
Attendees will hear from special guest speaker, Minister of State for Northern Ireland Steve Baker MP and have the opportunity to meet with more than 30 local suppliers exhibiting their products and services.
Commenting ahead of the event, Minister of State for Northern Ireland Steve Baker MP said:
“Independent retail is a vital part of Northern Ireland’s economy and it’s important that we do everything we can to support and promote local businesses. I’m delighted to support Retail NI in its first Supplier Showcase to promote and celebrate Northern Ireland’s excellent local producers and manufacturers. I look forward to meeting with businesses and industry stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the sector as the government continues to promote Northern Ireland as a great place to do business.”
Glyn Roberts, Retail NI Chief Executive, said:
“I’m delighted to announce the launch of Retail NI’s first dedicated showcase event which shines a spotlight on the enormous contribution that local businesses make in supplying goods and services to our retail and wholesale members.
“Our supplier members are hugely important to us, and Retail NI has assisted dozens of key suppliers and producers with their route to market and helped them to substantially grow their business through dedicated, focused initiatives. I’m pleased that this new showcase event will further deliver for our network of supplier members, giving them the opportunity to raise their profile and demonstrate their value whilst making new industry connections and exploring potential new sales opportunities.
As the first in a series of planned events, our new showcase series is an important and valuable platform for our members to help grow and move their businesses forward.”