Phoenix Maxol Ballymena and A26 Tannaghmore scoop top honours at Maxol Excellence Awards 2025

Pictured from left is Peter McCool, owner, The Phoenix Maxol in Ballymena with Brian Donaldson, CEO, The Maxol Group. 

Two Northern Ireland service stations have been recognised among the best in the Maxol network after standout performances at the Maxol Excellence Awards 2025, held during the company’s annual Retail Conference at The K Club.

Phoenix Maxol Ballymena Named Store of the Year

The Phoenix Maxol in Ballymena is celebrating a major achievement after being crowned Store of the Year at this year’s awards. The accolade recognises the station’s exceptionally well-presented store, commitment to a first-class customer experience, and outstanding support for the local community.

Owner Peter McCool said he was immensely proud of the family-run business, which has served the area for more than 50 years and now employs over 50 full and part-time staff.

The station has undergone significant investment and transformation in recent years to become what McCool describes as a true community hub that’s “at the heart of it.”

Their community involvement is extensive, from responding to regular requests for raffle prizes, donations and vouchers, to acting as main sponsor of the Ballymena Cycle Road Club for the past four years.

The service station also supports Ballymena Academy and Camphill Primary School, including its groundbreaking Nurture Club. Staff and customers have additionally raised more than £3,000 for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Speaking about the win, McCool said:

“I am so proud of our fantastic team. We’re meticulous about our standards and we work hard to make our customers feel welcome, so they know their business is valued here. From our young teen recruits to long-standing members of staff, we all work hard to make sure we deliver our best every day and we’re delighted that’s recognised with this award.”

Brian Donaldson, CEO of The Maxol Group, commended the achievement, saying:

“For nearly thirty years, the Excellence Awards have helped our business to champion a culture of best practice across our growing network of service stations.

“I’d like to offer Peter and his team our warmest congratulations on their award win. It’s fantastic to throw a spotlight on their enormous efforts to ensure our customers enjoy the very best of Maxol in the heart of their local community. Their commitment helps us to continue to set new standards in the forecourt and convenience sector which drives our continued success.”

A26 Tannaghmore Service Station Wins Excellence in Standards

Pictured right is Mark Cribbin, Account Director, Aramark Ireland, receiving Excellence in Standards Award from Kevin Paterson, Head of Retail (NI) The Maxol Group.

A26 Tannaghmore Service Station, situated on the dual carriageway between Antrim and Ballymena, also celebrated success after receiving the Excellence in Standards award.

Operated by licensee Aramark, the station was recognised for its outstanding operational performance and consistently high service standards.

Account Director Mark Cribbin praised the team’s dedication, saying:

“We take great pride in our service station, and Paul Rogan, Store manager and the team all work together to create a welcoming in-store environment with a real emphasis on presentation, cleanliness and stock availability in-store.

“Everyone comes together to do their bit, and we also have great support from Maxol and Henderson Wholesale to ensure our site’s smooth running so we can present the best possible store for our customers each day.

“I am proud of everyone in the team whose hard work and dedication has been recognised with this award.”

CEO Brian Donaldson also congratulated the team, noting:

“I would like to offer Mark, Paul, and the team our warmest congratulations on their award win. It is fantastic to spotlight their diligence and their commitment to providing a well-presented store, first-class standards for customers and we’re delighted to recognise and reward their hard work in this way.”

Wider Recognition Across Northern Ireland

In addition to the headline winners, seven further service stations across Northern Ireland were honoured for their exemplary efforts. These included:

• Maxol Glenabbey

• Maxol Edenderry

• Maxol Cherryvalley

• McBride’s Maxol Enniskillen

• Maxol EUROSPAR Donegall Road, Belfast

• Maxol EUROSPAR Hillcrest, Portrush

The Excellence Awards celebrate Maxol’s best-performing stations each year, based on rigorous standards audits, mystery shopper assessments and evaluation of community involvement.