Member Article

Lancashire Convenience Store Wins Prestigious Industry Award

A shop in Burnley has been recognised as one of the top independent convenience stores across the UK and Ireland by a leading industry development programme.

Premier Hillingdon Convenience Store was crowned as winner of the Service to the Community category at the Independent Achievers Academy (IAA) Gala Dinner in London last night. The store was also shortlisted for Retail Innovation.

The IAA, owned and managed by Newtrade, is a market leading business programme that helps develop the stores of independent convenience retailers and rewards best practice.

The judging panel of industry experts were impressed by how quickly Premier Hillingdon Convenience Store established its presence in the community by hosting events and open days and supporting a variety of local charities. The community described the service offered in the local area as fantastic, succeeding in not only engaging potential customers but adding value to the community.

Shop owner, Sophie Towers, said: “We have everything that people in this area need. Groceries, Paypoint, Lottery, a collection bank for clothes – we have a lot of services to offer.

“There’s not a lot of transport in the area so there is a need for people to access to services close to home.”

Sales from independent convenience retailers currently total £37.45bn and represent a fifth of the UK grocery market, according to industry experts*. In the past year the sector has experienced growth of more than five per cent and is predicted to grow to nearly £49.0bn over the next five years.

“The way we shop has changed forever and retailers like Premier Hillingdon Convenience Store play an important role in our local communities,” said Nick Shanagher, managing director of Newtrade.

“Retailers all over the country dedicate time to making sure their offer is right for their shoppers. This award is a great testament to the hard work of Sophie and her team to help their customers save time and money, whilst providing excellent levels of quality and service.”

Following a rigorous evaluation process, which included a mystery shop visit, Premier Hillingdon Convenience Store was named one of the Top 100 independent convenience shops in the UK and Ireland this summer. It was then shortlisted as an IAA award finalist in October.

Sophie received her award at the prestigious IAA Gala Dinner at Sheraton Park Lane Hotel in London on Wednesday (26 November).

The award was presented by Steven Fox, Sales Director, Retail, Booker Wholesale, which sponsored the Service to the Community category.

The Gala was hosted by Jeff Pearce, an award-winning retailer and best-selling author, who challenged retailers to continue innovating to better serve their customers.

For more information visit betterRetailing.com/IAA

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by The People Experts Blog .