Votes were cast across 11 different categories with shoppers and customers asked to name their favourite convenience store, deli, butcher, off-licence or coffee shop, along with the coveted High Street of the Year.

High Street Heroes NI is a joint campaign from Retail NI and Belfast Live supported by Camelot and Voice for Locals.

Retail NI Chief Executive, Glyn Roberts said:

“The High Street Heroes campaign is a brilliant celebration of Northern Ireland’s independent retailers. The nominees are based across Northern Ireland showing a wide-spread response to the campaign and emphasising the community support for the retailers.

“Many small rural businesses have been shortlisted, being recognised by their customers for the service they provide to their local community.

“It has been a very difficult two years for independent retailers, but this campaign has shone a light on how valued they are in their community, but also our local economy”

 Editor-in-Chief of Reach Ireland, Chris Sherrard, said:

“In the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, it is brilliant to see consumers across Northern Ireland getting behind their favourite retailers and voting for their High Street Hero.

 “The resilience they have shown is remarkable and the awards highlight the value they contribute to their local communities.”

Voice For Locals Founder, Jay Thattai, said:

“We all have our personal favourite local independent retailers close to where we live. It has never been more important to voice out for them and really show how important they are to communities across Northern Ireland. It is those retailers who encourage people into cities, towns and villages to enjoy the unique local choices, quality and personal touch on offer.” 

“It is brilliant to see local consumers voting for their favourite independent retailers and being proud of the fantastic contribution they make to the high streets.”