Public urged to back Bangor stores in awards

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LOCAL shoppers are being urged to support their favourite Bangor independent retailers in this year’s High Street Heroes Awards.

Local butchers, bakers and baristas are all in with a chance of being celebrated at the upcoming High Street Heroes Awards 2024, which showcases the work of independent retailers.

The awards are an opportunity to recognise the independent retailers who are going above and beyond to serve the community and ensure that the local high street is still a thriving place to shop and socialise.

Votes can be cast across 12 different categories with shoppers and customers asked to name their favourite convenience store, deli, butcher and off licence, among others. The retailer who receives the most votes will also be named Overall Independent Retailer of The Year.

Attending the recent Bangor launch of the awards, North Down MLA Stephen Dunne welcomed the awards.

Mr Dunne said: “I was delighted to be able to support the launch of High Street Heroes 2024. These awards are a welcome opportunity to show our appreciation for the vital role independent retailers play in supporting our town and city centres.

“Our local retailers are the backbone of our economy and really deserve our support.

“For every £1 that is spent in a local independent retailer, 70p of that money is reinvested into the local economy, which demonstrates both how essential our local businesses are and how important it is that we recognise their hard work and determination in running a business within this challenging economic climate,” said the MLA.

Speaking about this year’s High Street Hero Awards in Bangor, Glyn Roberts, Retail NI Chief Executive, said: “Independent retail is the lifeblood of communities right across Northern Ireland and our annual High Street Heroes NI campaign represents the biggest celebration of our thriving local retail sector. 

“Our awards are different – they are a public vote, with no judges and it is local consumers deciding who wins.

“This is a massive celebration of the individual businesses who are the beating heart of towns and cities like Bangor and this is your opportunity to make sure your favourite local business is included.

 “Whether it’s a local butcher that’s a cut above the rest, or a fashion retailer with exceptional style, it’s time to vote for your favourite now.”

The High Street Hero NI awards are a joint initiative powered by Retail NI and supported National Lottery operator Allwyn, SSE Airtricity and Roam Local NI. 

Voting for a wide range of awards are currently open and will close at the end of the month. 

Votes for local businesses can be cast by visiting www.belfastlive.co.uk/HSH