Council shortlisted for partnership working award
6 August 2026
Derry City and Strabane District Council and Love Strabane Business Improvement District have been shortlisted for a prestigious national award in recognition of their partnership working.
The Council has been named as a finalist in the Best Public/Private Partnership Working Initiative category at the APSE Service Awards 2026 for the Love Strabane Christmas Gift Card, an initiative developed by Love Strabane.
The APSE (Association for Public Service Excellence) Service Awards celebrate outstanding frontline local government services and recognise innovation, collaboration and excellence in service delivery across the UK.
Launched in 2018, the In Strabane Gift Card was designed to encourage people to shop locally by keeping spending within the town and supporting businesses of all sizes.
The card is now accepted at over 80 local businesses, helping drive footfall at local retailers, independent shops and service providers in the town centre.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Grace Uí Niallais, welcomed the nomination.
“This nomination is just recognition of the strong partnership between Council and Love Strabane Business Improvement District and our shared commitment to supporting local businesses and strengthening the offering in Strabane town centre,” she said.
“The Gift Card has become a real success story, encouraging people to shop local while providing businesses with a valuable opportunity to attract new customers and retain spending within the local economy.
“Congratulations to everyone involved in developing the initiative over the past eight years and wish them every success at the Awards.”
Chair of Love Strabane, Dr. Kieran Kennedy M.B.E, welcomed the news.
“We are delighted that the Strabane Gift Card has been recognised on a national stage,” he said.
“The Gift Card has helped showcase our fantastic range of retailers and hospitality venues while encouraging shoppers to invest in our local economy.
“We are proud of what has been achieved through this partnership and are honoured to be shortlisted for this award.”
APSE Chief Executive Mo Baines said the awards celebrate the outstanding work taking place in local authorities across the UK and recognise the frontline teams making a positive impact in their communities through innovation, dedication and resilience.
The winners of the APSE Service Awards 2026 will be announced at the APSE Service Awards Charity Dinner, in aid of Parkinson’s UK, on Thursday 17 September at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Princes Dock, Liverpool.