‘Sugar Bear’ and daughter Georgia: Asda Antrim duo share work, laughs and a special Father’s Day bond

Ballymena dad and daughter duo Trevor and Georgia Steele work together at the Asda Antrim store. 

A father and daughter who work side by side at Asda Antrim have become well known among colleagues for an affectionate nickname that has spread throughout the store – with dad Trevor Steele now better known to many as “Sugar Bear”.

The Ballymena family’s story is one of shared shifts, shared friendships and plenty of workplace banter, with Trevor and daughter Georgia Steele discovering that working together has brought them even closer.

For Trevor, who has worked as a grocery colleague at Asda Antrim since 2010, the nickname began when Georgia joined the store five years ago. What started as a joke between father and daughter quickly became part of daily life at work.

“Sugar Bear” soon became the name colleagues used when looking for Trevor, creating a light-hearted identity that has stuck ever since.

Georgia, 24, said:

“He loves it really. It was just a funny name inspired by a reality TV show but after people heard me call him ‘Sugar Bear’ at work, it’s really taken off.

“You’ll often hear people shouting, ‘Sugar Bear!’ when they’re looking for my dad.”

Sharing more than just a workplace

The pair, who live in Ballymena with Georgia’s mum Lisa, say working together has given them plenty of shared experiences and conversation outside of work.

Georgia works in the George clothing department and says having so many mutual colleagues means there is never a shortage of stories to discuss when they get home.

“It’s lovely because we’ve always got loads to talk about when we’re at home,” she said.

“We know lots of the same people and enjoy chatting about what went on at work.”

While sharing a workplace has strengthened their bond, Georgia admits there can occasionally be some awkward moments.

Because Asda Antrim has a close-knit and friendly team, she often socialises with colleagues her own age outside of work. Sometimes those conversations make their way back to Trevor.

“I spend time outside work with colleagues my own age as it’s a really friendly store, and they’ll end up chatting to my dad about nights out and things we’ve done, forgetting he’s my dad,” she said.

“There’s never anything bad, but it’s not necessarily the sort of thing I’d tell him myself.”

Proud dad backing daughter’s fundraising challenge

Trevor, 64, says seeing Georgia become part of the team has been one of the highlights of working at the store.

“I’m very proud to work with Georgia, she’s a great addition to the team, and it’s lovely to have mutual friends and lots to talk about,” he said.

“Not only that – she’s often good for a lift in and out of work, which is always a bonus.”

This Father’s Day weekend, Georgia’s focus is on preparing for a major fundraising challenge in support of Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke.

She is currently training for a half marathon later this year and will spend Father’s Day running a 10k as part of her preparation.

Georgia has teamed up with colleagues at Asda Antrim to raise money for the charity, with a skydive also planned as part of the fundraising effort before the half marathon takes place in September.

“I don’t like to be away on Father’s Day, but it’s all to get me ready for a charity run in September,” she said.

“I’ve teamed up with colleagues at Asda Antrim to fundraise for NI Chest, Heart and Stroke, so my dad doesn’t mind.

“First up is a Sky Dive, with the run the following week. It’s keeping me busy, but working with colleagues for a good cause is something I’m excited to do.”

A Father’s Day card is enough

While many families mark Father’s Day with meals or outings, Trevor says he is more than happy for Georgia to focus on her fundraising efforts.

“We might not get out for a Father’s Day lunch this weekend, but Georgia’s doing lots of preparation for some fantastic fundraising along with our colleagues, and I’m absolutely chuffed about that,” he said.

“I’m sure there’ll be a nice card for me on the day – that’s all I need.”

The father-daughter pair have become a familiar sight around Asda Antrim, where colleagues have embraced both their close relationship and Trevor’s now-famous nickname.

Asda Antrim Community Champion Ashley Ritchie said:

“Trevor and Georgia are both wonderful colleagues, and we love Trevor’s adorable nickname. Everyone at the store sends their very best wishes for a lovely Father’s Day.”

For Trevor and Georgia, what began as a simple workplace connection has evolved into something more meaningful – shared friendships, shared experiences and a family bond strengthened by working together every day, with “Sugar Bear” now firmly part of the story.