A local shop in Enniskillen has scooped a major prize at the UK Retail Industry Awards in London.
Lilley’s on the Dublin Road in the Co Fermanagh town won the prestigious Independent Retailer of the Year in the UK 2021 at the glitzy ceremony at The Brewery.
Lilley’s owner Una Lilley told MyFermanagh it was an ‘amazing’ achievement and all down to the hard work of staff.
“Our retail Partner Musgrave NI entered us into these awards back in April/May,” Una said.
“We knew we made the shortlist in June and had a number of tasks to complete to get through to the final.
“The penultimate task in July was a Zoom interview by a panel of independent specialist judges. We didn’t know the outcome until last night and we didn’t have any expectation really as it’s a UK wide event.
“To get to the final alone is an achievement. To actually win it is just amazing.”
Una paid tribute to her members of staff, saying they are a ‘special bunch’.
She added: "A store is only as good as the team that work in it and I know how lucky I am and how great the team of people I work with are.
“They are a special bunch and it’s just fantastic for them and also for me to see them get this recognition externally from our industry, especially coming as it has on the back of a difficult couple of years.
“We are a community business made up of local people serving local people.
“Most recently we invested in a delivery van and offered a free delivery service to the elderly or those isolating during the pandemic.
“We invested in defibrillators for our sites and are supportive of many local charities such as our charity partner Action Cancer NI; but also Ellies Retreat & Enniskillen Foodbank and others where the need arises.
“We also support local sporting groups and community initiatives although that has been to a lesser extent during the pandemic when all events came to a standstill.”
