After over 40,000 nominations from across the UK, Northern Ireland was proudly represented by several exceptional local businesses, including:

• Head O’ The Road, Portadown

• Sinton’s at the Bridge, Scarva

• Garden Fresh and Lily’s Flowers, Armagh

• Marquess Meats, Downpatrick

• Duffy’s, Killough

Speaking after attending the event, Carla Lockhart said:

“It was an absolute honour to attend the UK finals of the Countryside Alliance Awards and see so many brilliant Northern Ireland businesses being recognised on a national stage.

In particular, I was delighted to see the Co.Armagh businesses, Head O’ The Road, Sinton’s at the Bridge and Garden Fresh, receive richly deserved praise. These businesses are rooted in their communities and showcase the very best of our hospitality sector, they represent passion, perseverance, and pride in local produce.

Special congratulations go to Duffy’s of Killough, who were crowned UK Village Shop/Post Office of the Year. A fantastic win for a wonderful local business and a credit to the whole of Northern Ireland.

Every single finalist from Garden Fresh and Lily’s Flowers to Marquess Meats did Northern Ireland proud. Their humility, community spirit, and gratitude for public support was so evident throughout the event.

These awards remind us how vital our rural businesses are. They create jobs, feed communities, and preserve local identity and they deserve recognition. I’ll continue to champion them at every opportunity.

Great to be joined by ABC Councillor, Paul Berry who was behind the Tandragee nomination.”