Derry Chamber is proudly supporting the launch of the High Street Heroes NI 2025 campaign, encouraging our local businesses and residents alike to get behind the independent retailers and service providers who help make our city such a vibrant and thriving place to live and work.

Celebrating the best of Northern Ireland’s local businesses, the annual awards, organised by Retail NI in partnership with Allwyn, SSE Airtricity and Gig Grafter, are a powerful reminder of how important independent businesses are to the heart of our communities. With voting officially open, Derry businesses are urged to showcase their unique offerings and rally customer support.

Anna Doherty, Derry Chamber CEO, said:
“Independent businesses are the life and soul of our high streets, creating jobs, driving innovation and keeping our local economy strong. These awards offer the perfect platform to celebrate their invaluable contribution.

“I encourage all of our members to get involved, consider putting themselves forward, and vote for the businesses that make our high streets truly special — from the retailers that go above and beyond to the service providers who are always there when you need them. Let’s shine a spotlight on their hard work and ensure their contribution is seen, valued and rewarded.”

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, said:
“Here in Derry and Strabane we have a vibrant and proactive Business Community who work well in partnership to drive the local economy. The High Street Heroes campaign offers a platform for local people to show their support and acknowledge the work of those independent retailers who go the extra mile for their customers, and I would encourage everyone to register their vote.”

Among the accolades up for grabs this year are “Independent Retailer of the Year” and “High Street of the Year”, and a new feature for 2025 is the “Winners Hall of Fame,” which recognises businesses that have consistently topped the polls since the campaign began in 2020. While these champions are now celebrated in a dedicated hall and step aside from this year’s competition, their legacy is cemented and space is made for new contenders to shine.

Voting closes in early August, ahead of a celebration event scheduled for Thursday 21 August.

VOTE HERE