Maxol has announced it is investing £1.25m to upgrade shop facilities at eight of its company-owned sites across Northern Ireland. The investment will extend the fresh chilled food and convenience offering in conjunction with Maxol’s symbol partner, Spar.

Maxol is also planning to introduce its new ’Moreish’ café/deli in two stores along with two Spar Tasty Delis and two Subways.

Maxol Group general manager and CEO designate, Brian Donaldson, said: "Creating a first-class consumer experience has always been a top priority for Maxol. We strive to bring choice, value and freshness to our consumers and this investment will help us and our independent licensees to deliver this."

The eight stores to benefit from the investment will be: Scarva Road in Banbridge; Bryansburn in Bangor; Hightrees in Donaghadee; Rosepark in Dondonald; Cherryvalley; Ballyholme in Bangor; Belvoir in Belfast; and Tates Avenue in Belfast.

Terry Mulkerns, independent licensee at Scarva Road, said: "I’m absolutely thrilled that Maxol selected our business for investment and for a Moreish café. It’s an undertaking that will not only benefit the local community and our much appreciated customers, but also the local suppliers and stakeholders."