Friday 30th May 2025, Holywood Chamber of Commerce officially launched Year Two of the Holywood Presidents Awards at a special breakfast event this morning in Alexanders, High Street, Holywood – with broadcaster Denise Watson as host.

The event – proudly sponsored by Woven Housing – brought together a vibrant mix of local business owners, category sponsors, and community leaders, alongside special guests Brian and Mark, the popular food and lifestyle personalities known as The Gourmet Boys. The morning offered a fantastic opportunity for networking, connection, and celebration — building on the momentum of a hugely successful inaugural year, which saw thousands of public votes cast to honour excellence across Holywood’s dynamic retail and hospitality sectors.

Chamber Joint Presidents Derek West and Barbara Wilson welcomed guests and reflected on the incredible response to the inaugural awards in 2024. They also unveiled six new award categories set to run bi-monthly over the next year — with nominations, sponsorship opportunities and community showcases all now open.

Broadcaster Denise Watson, who hosted the event, led a powerful panel discussion with last year’s winners, including:

• Lisa Sigonneau of Epicurean, winner of Best Retailer
• Demelza Kelly Flynn of Holywood Wine Bar, winner of Best in Hospitality
• Richard Waite, from Hannah’s Florist who won Best Family Business

The panel shared stories of resilience, growth and the importance of community support in driving business success in Holywood.

Joint President Barbara Wilson said: “Year One of our awards was a pilot and was received so well that we have launched a second year of the awards. We have proved how powerful it is when a town and its people rallies behind its own. These awards aren’t just about winning — they’re about recognising hard work, innovation and the spirit of local enterprise. Year Two will be even bigger, and we invite the whole community to get involved.”

Categories for Year 2’s awards are:

Our next category is: Health & Wellbeing / Feel Good & Fit Award (available for sponsorship).

This award celebrates a business, organisation, or individual that’s truly making Holywood feel better – physically, mentally, and emotionally. We’re looking for entries that show a genuine commitment to community wellbeing, local engagement, and social responsibility, with a clear and positive impact on the lives of others.

Entries will close at midnight on Sunday 31st August 2025 with winner announced shortly after.

ENTER THE HEALTH & WELLBEING / FEEL GOOD & FIT AWARD BELOW….

We are delighted to announce that the Oxfam Superstore, Holywood has been awarded Best in Marketing at the Holywood Chamber Presidents Awards 2025.

Since opening, the store has redefined what a charity retail experience can be — combining creative campaigns, engaging community outreach, and standout social media storytelling to attract a loyal customer base and inspire local giving.

Whether promoting preloved fashion in eye-catching window displays, collaborating with local influencers, or sharing behind-the-scenes moments that celebrate the volunteers and community spirit, Oxfam Superstore has embraced a fresh, dynamic approach to marketing with purpose.

This award recognises the team’s innovative strategies, strong brand presence, and meaningful connection with both shoppers and supporters. Their marketing doesn’t just drive footfall — it drives change.

Congratulations to the entire team at Oxfam Superstore for showing that charity retail can be both stylish and powerful.