The Northern Ireland’s Favourite Local Business 2026 competition gives people the chance to win a share of £2,000 in Town & City Gift Cards, such as the Shop ABC Gift Card.
Residents from across the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon borough are encouraged to show their support for local businesses by nominating their favourite local business.
Backed by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, people can nominate their favourite local business in the competition free, giving the name of the local business they think deserves to win and a reason. Shops, restaurants, salons, hotels, attractions and services are all eligible to be Northern Ireland’s Favourite Local Business 2026.
Northern Ireland’s Favourite Local Business who receives the most nominations in the competition will win a £1,000 Town & City Gift Card, such as the Shop ABC Gift Card, with one person who nominated the winner receiving a £1,000 Town & City Gift Card.
Launched by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council in 2025, the Shop ABC Gift Card is a single gift card for the borough with businesses in Armagh City, Banbridge, Craigavon, Dromore, Portadown and Lurgan accepting the card.
Over 160 businesses in the borough accept the card including big brands like New Look and Subway alongside a wide array of independent businesses such as shops, bakeries, cafés, salons, opticians, chemists, gyms, attractions, hotels and more. The card is available as a physical or digital card and is popular both as gifts and employee rewards.
The launch of the Northern Ireland’s Favourite Local Business 2026 competition coincides with new research from Town & City Gift Cards revealing that 99% of respondents are keen to support local businesses, with 73% saying it has become more important over the past 12 months.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Councillor Mary O’Dowd said: “We introduced the Shop ABC Gift Card to drive footfall and spend to our local businesses, across a range of sectors. Local businesses are the heart of our communities, and we’re proud to celebrate them on a national stage through the Favourite Local Business competition. Whether it’s your favourite coffee shop, the attraction you visit every year or the shop that always delivers outstanding service, nominate them as your Favourite Local Business so they can receive the recognition they deserve.”
Colin Munro, CEO of Miconex, said: “The Shop ABC Gift Card is the ultimate ‘shop local’ Gift Card, showcasing the best local businesses in the borough. Through the Northern Ireland’s Favourite Local Business, we’re shining a light on the hardworking local businesses in the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon borough and beyond. We’ll be celebrating nominations as they come in, so please take a moment to nominate.”
Enter the Northern Ireland’s Favourite Local Business competition free at: www.lovelocalwin.net
The competition closes on the 30th November 2026.
