Brennan’s SPAR in Seaforde has taken home the award for Independent Retailer of the Year at the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards 2026.

The awards, in partnership with Ulster Bank, were held on Wednesday 25 March at Belfast’s Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Brennan’s SPAR Seaforde was up against a competitive shortlist including Mamabobo Grocery, Nomadic Watches, Stairlift Solutions NI and Street Life.

The rigorous judging process was carried out by a panel of 14 independent judges from the world of business, led by panel chairperson Clare Guinness of Belfast Chamber.

Conor McKibbin, owner of Brennan’s SPAR, has traded in Seaforde since 2008. The store completed a major refurbishment in December 2024, following a £2 million investment to expand the store.

The refurbishment, which was supported by Ulster Bank, created a significant extension to the store, doubling the size of the fresh food offering and creating 10 new jobs for the local area.

Gemma Kearney, who has been managing Brennan’s for the past 18 years, says the expansion has allowed them to deliver even more value for shoppers, “Our shoppers were in mind when considering the expansion, extending our fresh food and grocery ranges and introducing more deals and offers to bring additional value for shoppers.

“In addition, we also expanded our services to bring more convenience to the area, with the Post Office available at our checkouts from 8am – 8pm, every day of the week, as well as welcoming pre-pay at pump in the four-pump fuel forecourt for even more convenience.”

A Barista Bar Iced coffee machine was installed in the store, with Brennan’s being one of the first outlets in Northern Ireland to offer this product. The store produces and serves the popular Brennan’s Ice Cream, alongside Brennan’s Deli and a seating area for shoppers, offering breakfast, lunch and a range of shakes, sundaes and more to sit in or to go.

Shoppers can also browse the selection of baked goods from SPAR Bakery and Brennan’s Bakery. SPAR Enjoy Local and The Kitchen ranges, all produced locally, are also available throughout the store.

The store is a hub in the Seaforde community, supporting local initiatives and community groups, including the local football team and primary school, alongside SPAR’s charity partner, Marie Curie and the local Cancer Fund for Children’s purpose-built therapeutic centre, Daisy Lodge, located in Newcastle.

Conor McKibbin, owner at Brennan’s SPAR, commented, “We’re thrilled to have been named Independent Retailer of the Year at the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards. It’s an honour to bring this award home, being in such a competitive category against other amazing independent businesses across the country. The award reflects the standard of our refurbished store; it was with huge pride that we reopened the store last year and it’s been fantastic to see the impact on our shoppers and community this past year.

“We’re proud of the whole team here, their hard work and dedication has been recognised through this award and we look forward to many more successful years of our store here in Seaforde.”

Richard Ash, Sales Director at Henderson Group which owns the SPAR brand in Northern Ireland, commented, “We wish to extend a huge congratulations to Conor and the whole team at Brennan’s SPAR. It is an amazing achievement to be awarded Independent Retailer of the Year at the Belfast Telegraph Business Awards. This win reflects the success of this store, not only since being refurbished last year, but across the past 18 years, showing how the team have built the store into what it is today. They are a pillar in their local community and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this store, congratulations.”

Brennan’s SPAR, Seaforde is open Monday – Sunday, 6am – 11pm.

Follow facebook.com/BrennansSeafordeDundrum for all the latest news.

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