CCEP,retail partners celebrate ‘Summer of Sport’ with Special Olympics GB Unified Sports event
Colleagues from Coca-Cola Europacific Partners as well as c20 athletes with intellectual disabilities from local Special Olympics clubs, play in mixed teams or alongside each other in a range of sports.
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) brought together 40 colleagues and retail partners who volunteered for an afternoon of ‘Unified Sports’ to support its longstanding charity partner Special Olympics Great Britain.
The Unified Sports programme is unique to the Special Olympics global movement and brings together people with and without intellectual disabilities to compete alongside each other in the same team.
The event took place at Mapperley Sports Village, in Nottingham and saw CCEP colleagues join athletes and coaches with intellectual disabilities from Special Olympics Nottingham, alongside seven independent retailers from across the UK for four sports sessions throughout the day, including basketball, curling and rounders.
“This marks our second Unified Sports event of the year and it’s fantastic to see so many people getting involved," said Holly Firmin, Senior Community Partnerships Manager (GB) at CCEP.
“Events like this are a brilliant opportunity to bring people together to practice inclusion and truly learn about the value of diversity by interacting with the athletes, hearing about the challenges they face, and how participating in sport makes such a difference in their lives. I’m grateful to our retailer partners who also took the time to get stuck in, and I’m looking forward to the next event!”
Serge Notay, owner of Notay’s Convenience Store in Batley said: “Sport really does bring people together and helps build understanding and connection. For me, it was also really heart-warming to see what an impact Special Olympics’ Unified Sports events have, both on their athletes and volunteers. It really gets you thinking about what it’s like to walk in someone else’s shoes, especially for someone in my field who interacts with so many people every day. This is my first time volunteering at one of these events and I will definitely be back!”
In addition to its support for Unified Sports events, CCEP is committed to developing the skills of Special Olympics GB athletes outside of the world of sport through its unified business programmes.
Seventeen athletes have worked as part of the three CCEP Unified Business projects delivered to date. These projects have included the design and creation of a Christmas gift box, lanyards, drinks bottles and snoods for athletes competing at the Berlin 2023 Special Olympics World Games and the Folgaria 2024 Special Olympics GB National Winter Games.
“Not only are colleagues at CCEP committed to supporting Special Olympics GB, they want to be part of our mission to drive change,” said Laura Baxter MBE, Chief Executive of Special Olympics GB.
“They want to learn more about the challenges that people with intellectual disabilities face every day, but also help them on their journeys to develop new skills and confidence which allows them to live a more independent life.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Holly and the team for being the first partners to drive the Unified Sports and Unified Business opportunities, and we’re very excited as to how it can develop further.”
Special Olympics GB is the UK’s largest provider of all-ability sports training and competition for children and adults with an intellectual disability. Across its 98 accredited clubs, regular opportunities to participate are provided for more than 6,600 athletes, which are delivered by a devoted team of 3,800 volunteers.
Sub-postmasters and mistresses caught up in the Post Office Horizon scandal have been honoured at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards, conferring them with the Ramniklal Solanki Editor’s Award.
The Award, instituted in the memory of the founder of Asian Media Group and Asian Trader Ramniklal Solanki CBE, is presented to a person, or group of people, who have made an outstanding contribution the convenience retail sector.
Seema Misra and Vijay Parekh represented the postmasters at the event held on 5 November at London's Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel.
Wrongly convicted due to bugs in the Post Office's computer system, both Misra and Parekh were sent to prison in 2010 – Misra while two months pregnant. Their conviction finally overturned in 2021.
Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds attended as chief guest at the ceremony, which celebrated excellence in convenience retail across the UK. The event marked its 35th anniversary this year, continuing its tradition of recognising outstanding achievements in the sector.
Jonathan Reynolds speaks at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards
Speaking at the event, Shefali Solanki-Nair, associate publisher of Asian Trader, highlighted the crucial role of convenience retailers in local communities, amidst the many challenges facing the sector.
“With rising energy costs, inflation, and changes in taxation, many retailers are feeling the pinch more than ever. It’s a tough environment for convenience retailers who are already working with narrow margins while striving to offer exceptional service and products,” she said.
“These challenges are daunting, but the ability to adapt and innovate speaks volumes about retailer’s character and dedication.”
Noted impressionist Rory Bremner hosted the event, which also saw 16 retailers being honoured in different categories, including Shaan and Arshan Chaudry of Costcutter, Triple A Foodstore in Nuneaton, who won the top prize, Asian Trader of the Year.
Bestway Sher Depot, Kilbirnie Street, Glasgow won the Wholesale Depot of the Year award. Six new product launches from the last year, voted for by the retailers, were also feted.
The event also raised funds for Lepra, a charity that support people affected by leprosy.
Attendees at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards
Despite decades of selfless service running businesses that serve as local community hubs, the victims of the Post Office Horizon scandal endured extraordinary hardship.
The implementation of a new computer system turned hundreds of conscientious and hard-working retailers into criminals almost overnight. They were accused of theft and fraud, when it was actually the new software that was faulty.
Despite protestations of innocence, they have been slandered, abused, prosecuted, imprisoned, bankrupted and perhaps most hurtful of all, ignored – by the justice system, by the government and by the public, who had been kept in the dark about this greatest miscarriage of justice our country has ever seen.
Asian Trader and a handful of other publications shed light on this injustice, thanks to the bravery of our winners who continued to campaign in a David and Goliath battle as they took on one of the country’s largest organisations and the State itself.
Then, at the beginning of this year, an ITV drama series, Mr Bates versus the Post Office, finally stamped that tragic tale front and centre on the national consciousness, where it has remained.
Winners of the 2024 Asian Trader Awards
Winners List
Ram Solanki Award For Excellence in Convenience and Wholesale: Sub postmasters and mistresses caught up in the Post Office Horizon scandal
Product and Manufacturer Awards
Snack Brand of the Year: McCoy's Epic Eats (KP Snacks)
Soft Drinks Brand of the Year: Coca Cola Lemon (CCEP)
Confectionery Brand of the Year: Cadbury Starbar Duo (Mondelez International)
Vape and Next Generation Brand of the Year: Blu Bar Pod (Imperial Brands)
Lager, Beer and Cider Brand of the Year: Birra Moretti Sale di Mare (Heineken)
Grocery Brand of the Year: McVitie’s Signature (pladis)
Asian Trader Awards 2024
Responsible Retailer of the Year supported by Imperial Brands: Priyesh Vekaria, One Stop Carlton Convenience, Salford, Manchester
Wholesale Depot of the Year supported by Tilda: Bestway Sher Depot, Kilbirnie Street, Glasgow
Convenience Chain of the Year: Kashif Jaffar, Southern Co-op Bromham Stores, Bromham, Bedford
Best smokeless alternatives Retailer of the year supported by VELO: Prashant and Trupti Patel, One Stop Brockworth in Gloucester
Bakery Retailer of the Year supported by Warburtons: Jess Read and Gary Hunt, Budgens of Holt, Norfolk
Next Gen Award: Harman Puni, HP Convenience Premier, Chesterfield
World Food Retailer Award supported by Tropical Sun: Reji Thomas & Siddique Chenganakattil, Essentials Supermarket, Bedford
Independent Retailer of the Year supported by Booker: Jenarthen Saravanamuthu, Premier Rassau Stores, Ebbw Vale, South Wales
Food to Go Retailer of the Year supported by KP Snacks: Priyesh Patel, Londis, Stoke Newington, London
Spirit of the Community Award supported by Mondelez International: Amarjit Singh Rakhra, Budgens Pomeroy Street, London
Symbol Retailer of the Year supported by Bestway: Kersheaup Vagadia, Costcutter Kearsley, Bolton
Off Licence of the Year supported by Molson Coors (Cobra): Pradeep Thangaraj, Wine Rack, Bicester, Oxford
Impulse Retailer of the Year supported by pladis: Bharat Khunti, Shivom Convenience Go Local, Nuneaton
Tobacco Retailer Award supported by JTI: Suresh Arulanantham, My Costcutter Murco, Rye, East Sussex
Local Hero Award: Nathalie Kaur, One Stop Partick Convenience Store, Glasgow
Businesswoman of the Year supported by Philip Morris Ltd: Sue Nithyanadan, Costcutter, Epsom, Surrey
Asian Trader of the Year: Shaan and Arshan Chaudry, Costcutter, Triple A Foodstore, Nuneaton, Warwickshire
Bestway Glasgow Sher deport on Kilbirnie Street, Glasgow has won the Wholesale Depot of the Year award, supported by Tilda, at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards ceremony held on 5 November at London's Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel.
Bestway Sher is a dynamic and innovative depot that invests in its staff and new technology to ensure the very best service for its more than 3000 customers.
Using the latest digital technology and social media, the depot targets individual customers with special offers based on precise differential criteria. The depot is well merchandised with numerous branded bays dedicated to specific suppliers to highlight the category, their best deals and fast or new product lines.
Manager Aftab Mohammed has managed to maintain 97 per cent product availability, with sales split sales split 60 / 40 between foodservice and retail.
At Bestway Sher, new staff are “buddied-up” with an experienced team member and undergo training on all aspects of operational procedure. Above all, the depot works seamlessly with its suppliers, and Mohammed stresses that that the strong relationships and harmonious working with manufacturers really helps achieve depot goals.
Jonathan Reynolds speaks at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards
Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds attended as chief guest at the ceremony, which celebrated excellence in convenience retail across the UK. The event marked its 35th anniversary this year, continuing its tradition of recognising outstanding achievements in the sector.
Speaking at the event, Shefali Solanki-Nair, associate publisher of Asian Trader, highlighted the crucial role of convenience retailers in local communities, amidst the many challenges facing the sector.
“With rising energy costs, inflation, and changes in taxation, many retailers are feeling the pinch more than ever. It’s a tough environment for convenience retailers who are already working with narrow margins while striving to offer exceptional service and products,” she said.
“These challenges are daunting, but the ability to adapt and innovate speaks volumes about retailer’s character and dedication.”
Attendees at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards
Noted impressionist Rory Bremner hosted the event, which also saw 15 other retailers being honoured in different categories, including Shaan and Arshan Chaudry of Costcutter, Triple A Foodstore in Nuneaton, who won the top prize, Asian Trader of the Year.
Bestway Sher Depot, Kilbirnie Street, Glasgow won the Wholesale Depot of the Year award. Six new product launches from the last year, voted for by the retailers, were also feted.
Ramniklal Solanki Editor’s Award, instituted in the memory of Ramniklal Solanki CBE, founder of Asian Media Group, went to the sub postmasters and mistresses caught up in the Post Office Horizon scandal. Seema Misra and Vijay Parekh collected the award, representing them.
The event also raised funds for Lepra, a charity that support people affected by leprosy.
Winners of the 2024 Asian Trader Awards
Winners List
Ram Solanki Award For Excellence in Convenience and Wholesale: Sub postmasters and mistresses caught up in the Post Office Horizon scandal
Product and Manufacturer Awards
Snack Brand of the Year: McCoy's Epic Eats (KP Snacks)
Soft Drinks Brand of the Year: Coca Cola Lemon (CCEP)
Confectionery Brand of the Year: Cadbury Starbar Duo (Mondelez International)
Vape and Next Generation Brand of the Year: Blu Bar Pod (Imperial Brands)
Lager, Beer and Cider Brand of the Year: Birra Moretti Sale di Mare (Heineken)
Grocery Brand of the Year: McVitie’s Signature (pladis)
Asian Trader Awards 2024
Responsible Retailer of the Year supported by Imperial Brands: Priyesh Vekaria, One Stop Carlton Convenience, Salford, Manchester
Wholesale Depot of the Year supported by Tilda: Bestway Sher Depot, Kilbirnie Street, Glasgow
Convenience Chain of the Year: Kashif Jaffar, Southern Co-op Bromham Stores, Bromham, Bedford
Best smokeless alternatives Retailer of the year supported by VELO: Prashant and Trupti Patel, One Stop Brockworth in Gloucester
Bakery Retailer of the Year supported by Warburtons: Jess Read and Gary Hunt, Budgens of Holt, Norfolk
Next Gen Award: Harman Puni, HP Convenience Premier, Chesterfield
World Food Retailer Award supported by Tropical Sun: Reji Thomas & Siddique Chenganakattil, Essentials Supermarket, Bedford
Independent Retailer of the Year supported by Booker: Jenarthen Saravanamuthu, Premier Rassau Stores, Ebbw Vale, South Wales
Food to Go Retailer of the Year supported by KP Snacks: Priyesh Patel, Londis, Stoke Newington, London
Spirit of the Community Award supported by Mondelez International: Amarjit Singh Rakhra, Budgens Pomeroy Street, London
Symbol Retailer of the Year supported by Bestway: Kersheaup Vagadia, Costcutter Kearsley, Bolton
Off Licence of the Year supported by Molson Coors (Cobra): Pradeep Thangaraj, Wine Rack, Bicester, Oxford
Impulse Retailer of the Year supported by pladis: Bharat Khunti, Shivom Convenience Go Local, Nuneaton
Tobacco Retailer Award supported by JTI: Suresh Arulanantham, My Costcutter Murco, Rye, East Sussex
Local Hero Award: Nathalie Kaur, One Stop Partick Convenience Store, Glasgow
Businesswoman of the Year supported by Philip Morris Ltd: Sue Nithyanadan, Costcutter, Epsom, Surrey
Asian Trader of the Year: Shaan and Arshan Chaudry, Costcutter, Triple A Foodstore, Nuneaton, Warwickshire
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Priyesh Vekaria (third from left) receives Responsible Retailer of the Year award at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards
Priyesh Vekaria, who runs the One Stop Carlton Convenience store in Salford, Manchester, has won the Responsible Retailer of the Year award, supported by Imperial Brands, at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards ceremony held on 5 November at London's Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel.
Vekaria’s sense of responsibility might have something to do with the fact that before he became a retailer he worked as a policeman for 10 years, and his new retail career was in fact a return to what his parents had done for 30 years.
Using state-of-the-art technology and supported by comprehensive staff training, he has enhanced both the shopping experience and safety of customers and staff.
Unsurprisingly, Vekaria enforces a strict ‘Challenge 25’ and ‘No ID, No Sale’, but in addition, he has also developed a unique customer engagement strategy, supported by his staff, who are all graduates, sponsored by Vekaria, who himself is a law graduate.
He calls his policy ‘Dynamic Risk Assessment’, which allows him to tailor an approach based on individual circumstances, promoting safer and more responsible sales. His sense of responsibility extends to the future wellbeing of his customers, and anybody who tells Vekaria they want to quit smoking is given assistance with next-generation alternatives.
Jonathan Reynolds speaks at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards
Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds attended as chief guest at the ceremony, which celebrated excellence in convenience retail across the UK. The event marked its 35th anniversary this year, continuing its tradition of recognising outstanding achievements in the sector.
Speaking at the event, Shefali Solanki-Nair, associate publisher of Asian Trader, highlighted the crucial role of convenience retailers in local communities, amidst the many challenges facing the sector.
“With rising energy costs, inflation, and changes in taxation, many retailers are feeling the pinch more than ever. It’s a tough environment for convenience retailers who are already working with narrow margins while striving to offer exceptional service and products,” she said.
“These challenges are daunting, but the ability to adapt and innovate speaks volumes about retailer’s character and dedication.”
Attendees at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards
Noted impressionist Rory Bremner hosted the event, which also saw 15 other retailers being honoured in different categories, including Shaan and Arshan Chaudry of Costcutter, Triple A Foodstore in Nuneaton, who won the top prize, Asian Trader of the Year.
Bestway Sher Depot, Kilbirnie Street, Glasgow won the Wholesale Depot of the Year award. Six new product launches from the last year, voted for by the retailers, were also feted.
Ramniklal Solanki Editor’s Award, instituted in the memory of Ramniklal Solanki CBE, founder of Asian Media Group, went to the sub postmasters and mistresses caught up in the Post Office Horizon scandal. Seema Misra and Vijay Parekh collected the award, representing them.
The event also raised funds for Lepra, a charity that support people affected by leprosy.
Winners of the 2024 Asian Trader Awards
Winners List
Ram Solanki Award For Excellence in Convenience and Wholesale: Sub postmasters and mistresses caught up in the Post Office Horizon scandal
Product and Manufacturer Awards
Snack Brand of the Year: McCoy's Epic Eats (KP Snacks)
Soft Drinks Brand of the Year: Coca Cola Lemon (CCEP)
Confectionery Brand of the Year: Cadbury Starbar Duo (Mondelez International)
Vape and Next Generation Brand of the Year: Blu Bar Pod (Imperial Brands)
Lager, Beer and Cider Brand of the Year: Birra Moretti Sale di Mare (Heineken)
Grocery Brand of the Year: McVitie’s Signature (pladis)
Asian Trader Awards 2024
Responsible Retailer of the Year supported by Imperial Brands: Priyesh Vekaria, One Stop Carlton Convenience, Salford, Manchester
Wholesale Depot of the Year supported by Tilda: Bestway Sher Depot, Kilbirnie Street, Glasgow
Convenience Chain of the Year: Kashif Jaffar, Southern Co-op Bromham Stores, Bromham, Bedford
Best smokeless alternatives Retailer of the year supported by VELO: Prashant and Trupti Patel, One Stop Brockworth in Gloucester
Bakery Retailer of the Year supported by Warburtons: Jess Read and Gary Hunt, Budgens of Holt, Norfolk
Next Gen Award: Harman Puni, HP Convenience Premier, Chesterfield
World Food Retailer Award supported by Tropical Sun: Reji Thomas & Siddique Chenganakattil, Essentials Supermarket, Bedford
Independent Retailer of the Year supported by Booker: Jenarthen Saravanamuthu, Premier Rassau Stores, Ebbw Vale, South Wales
Food to Go Retailer of the Year supported by KP Snacks: Priyesh Patel, Londis, Stoke Newington, London
Spirit of the Community Award supported by Mondelez International: Amarjit Singh Rakhra, Budgens Pomeroy Street, London
Symbol Retailer of the Year supported by Bestway: Kersheaup Vagadia, Costcutter Kearsley, Bolton
Off Licence of the Year supported by Molson Coors (Cobra): Pradeep Thangaraj, Wine Rack, Bicester, Oxford
Impulse Retailer of the Year supported by pladis: Bharat Khunti, Shivom Convenience Go Local, Nuneaton
Tobacco Retailer Award supported by JTI: Suresh Arulanantham, My Costcutter Murco, Rye, East Sussex
Local Hero Award: Nathalie Kaur, One Stop Partick Convenience Store, Glasgow
Businesswoman of the Year supported by Philip Morris Ltd: Sue Nithyanadan, Costcutter, Epsom, Surrey
Asian Trader of the Year: Shaan and Arshan Chaudry, Costcutter, Triple A Foodstore, Nuneaton, Warwickshire
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Kashif Jaffar receives Convenience Chain of the Year award at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards
Bedford retailer Kashif Jaffar has won the Convenience Chain of the Year award at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards ceremony held on 5 November at London's Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel.
Jaffar is a serial retail entrepreneur who has built a highly successful chain of convenience stores across the south-east of England.
He started out with a single store in 1994 and gradually built a chain of stores. Jaffar believes that multiple stores enables him to manage costs more effectively and strike better deals. Most important of all though, he says, is the team, who he empowers to take ownership of the stores and drive sales and profit through enthusiastic and sincere customer service.
Jaffar built a chain of 13 stores before selling seven to the Co-op. His remaining tally of eight operates under the Welcome banner of Southern Co-Op. He runs the business with his brother and they also run Costa and Pizza Hut franchises, which they say is the perfect balance, allowing them to devote their attention to ambience and merchandising detail, such as outstanding displays at the entrance and enticing impulse baskets by the checkouts.
Jonathan Reynolds speaks at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards
Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds attended as chief guest at the ceremony, which celebrated excellence in convenience retail across the UK. The event marked its 35th anniversary this year, continuing its tradition of recognising outstanding achievements in the sector.
Speaking at the event, Shefali Solanki-Nair, associate publisher of Asian Trader, highlighted the crucial role of convenience retailers in local communities, amidst the many challenges facing the sector.
“With rising energy costs, inflation, and changes in taxation, many retailers are feeling the pinch more than ever. It’s a tough environment for convenience retailers who are already working with narrow margins while striving to offer exceptional service and products,” she said.
“These challenges are daunting, but the ability to adapt and innovate speaks volumes about retailer’s character and dedication.”
Attendees at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards
Noted impressionist Rory Bremner hosted the event, which also saw 15 other retailers being honoured in different categories, including Shaan and Arshan Chaudry of Costcutter, Triple A Foodstore in Nuneaton, who won the top prize, Asian Trader of the Year.
Bestway Sher Depot, Kilbirnie Street, Glasgow won the Wholesale Depot of the Year award. Six new product launches from the last year, voted for by the retailers, were also feted.
Ramniklal Solanki Editor’s Award, instituted in the memory of Ramniklal Solanki CBE, founder of Asian Media Group, went to the sub postmasters and mistresses caught up in the Post Office Horizon scandal. Seema Misra and Vijay Parekh collected the award, representing them.
The event also raised funds for Lepra, a charity that support people affected by leprosy.
Winners of the 2024 Asian Trader Awards
Winners List
Ram Solanki Award For Excellence in Convenience and Wholesale: Sub postmasters and mistresses caught up in the Post Office Horizon scandal
Product and Manufacturer Awards
Snack Brand of the Year: McCoy's Epic Eats (KP Snacks)
Soft Drinks Brand of the Year: Coca Cola Lemon (CCEP)
Confectionery Brand of the Year: Cadbury Starbar Duo (Mondelez International)
Vape and Next Generation Brand of the Year: Blu Bar Pod (Imperial Brands)
Lager, Beer and Cider Brand of the Year: Birra Moretti Sale di Mare (Heineken)
Grocery Brand of the Year: McVitie’s Signature (pladis)
Asian Trader Awards 2024
Responsible Retailer of the Year supported by Imperial Brands: Priyesh Vekaria, One Stop Carlton Convenience, Salford, Manchester
Wholesale Depot of the Year supported by Tilda: Bestway Sher Depot, Kilbirnie Street, Glasgow
Convenience Chain of the Year: Kashif Jaffar, Southern Co-op Bromham Stores, Bromham, Bedford
Best smokeless alternatives Retailer of the year supported by VELO: Prashant and Trupti Patel, One Stop Brockworth in Gloucester
Bakery Retailer of the Year supported by Warburtons: Jess Read and Gary Hunt, Budgens of Holt, Norfolk
Next Gen Award: Harman Puni, HP Convenience Premier, Chesterfield
World Food Retailer Award supported by Tropical Sun: Reji Thomas & Siddique Chenganakattil, Essentials Supermarket, Bedford
Independent Retailer of the Year supported by Booker: Jenarthen Saravanamuthu, Premier Rassau Stores, Ebbw Vale, South Wales
Food to Go Retailer of the Year supported by KP Snacks: Priyesh Patel, Londis, Stoke Newington, London
Spirit of the Community Award supported by Mondelez International: Amarjit Singh Rakhra, Budgens Pomeroy Street, London
Symbol Retailer of the Year supported by Bestway: Kersheaup Vagadia, Costcutter Kearsley, Bolton
Off Licence of the Year supported by Molson Coors (Cobra): Pradeep Thangaraj, Wine Rack, Bicester, Oxford
Impulse Retailer of the Year supported by pladis: Bharat Khunti, Shivom Convenience Go Local, Nuneaton
Tobacco Retailer Award supported by JTI: Suresh Arulanantham, My Costcutter Murco, Rye, East Sussex
Local Hero Award: Nathalie Kaur, One Stop Partick Convenience Store, Glasgow
Businesswoman of the Year supported by Philip Morris Ltd: Sue Nithyanadan, Costcutter, Epsom, Surrey
Asian Trader of the Year: Shaan and Arshan Chaudry, Costcutter, Triple A Foodstore, Nuneaton, Warwickshire
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Trupti and Prashant Patel (third and fourth from left) receive Best Smokeless Alternatives Retailer award at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards
Prashant and Trupti Patel, who run the One Stop Brockworth store in Gloucester, have won the Best Smokeless Alternatives Retailer of the Year award, supported by VELO, at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards ceremony held on 5 November at London's Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel.
Prashant is another adventurer who arrived – first from India, and then via a career in mobile technology – at retail, where he has made his true home.
Prashant, who is a non-smoker himself, works with his wife Trupti and 10 full-time staff with a zeal and energy under the franchise model of One Stop and tending to his unique Tobacco and Alternatives display that has done so much for his sales of alternatives.
The couple is deeply involved in their local community supporting many causes, including the residential care home, local nursery and the local food bank. They have transformed this retail business with imagination and innovation.
Jonathan Reynolds speaks at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards
Business secretary Jonathan Reynolds attended as chief guest at the ceremony, which celebrated excellence in convenience retail across the UK. The event marked its 35th anniversary this year, continuing its tradition of recognising outstanding achievements in the sector.
Speaking at the event, Shefali Solanki-Nair, associate publisher of Asian Trader, highlighted the crucial role of convenience retailers in local communities, amidst the many challenges facing the sector.
“With rising energy costs, inflation, and changes in taxation, many retailers are feeling the pinch more than ever. It’s a tough environment for convenience retailers who are already working with narrow margins while striving to offer exceptional service and products,” she said.
“These challenges are daunting, but the ability to adapt and innovate speaks volumes about retailer’s character and dedication.”
Attendees at the 2024 Asian Trader Awards
Noted impressionist Rory Bremner hosted the event, which also saw 15 other retailers being honoured in different categories, including Shaan and Arshan Chaudry of Costcutter, Triple A Foodstore in Nuneaton, who won the top prize, Asian Trader of the Year.
Bestway Sher Depot, Kilbirnie Street, Glasgow won the Wholesale Depot of the Year award. Six new product launches from the last year, voted for by the retailers, were also feted.
Ramniklal Solanki Editor’s Award, instituted in the memory of Ramniklal Solanki CBE, founder of Asian Media Group, went to the sub postmasters and mistresses caught up in the Post Office Horizon scandal. Seema Misra and Vijay Parekh collected the award, representing them.
The event also raised funds for Lepra, a charity that support people affected by leprosy.
Winners of the 2024 Asian Trader Awards
Winners List
Ram Solanki Award For Excellence in Convenience and Wholesale: Sub postmasters and mistresses caught up in the Post Office Horizon scandal
Product and Manufacturer Awards
Snack Brand of the Year: McCoy's Epic Eats (KP Snacks)
Soft Drinks Brand of the Year: Coca Cola Lemon (CCEP)
Confectionery Brand of the Year: Cadbury Starbar Duo (Mondelez International)
Vape and Next Generation Brand of the Year: Blu Bar Pod (Imperial Brands)
Lager, Beer and Cider Brand of the Year: Birra Moretti Sale di Mare (Heineken)
Grocery Brand of the Year: McVitie’s Signature (pladis)
Asian Trader Awards 2024
Responsible Retailer of the Year supported by Imperial Brands: Priyesh Vekaria, One Stop Carlton Convenience, Salford, Manchester
Wholesale Depot of the Year supported by Tilda: Bestway Sher Depot, Kilbirnie Street, Glasgow
Convenience Chain of the Year: Kashif Jaffar, Southern Co-op Bromham Stores, Bromham, Bedford
Best smokeless alternatives Retailer of the year supported by VELO: Prashant and Trupti Patel, One Stop Brockworth in Gloucester
Bakery Retailer of the Year supported by Warburtons: Jess Read and Gary Hunt, Budgens of Holt, Norfolk
Next Gen Award: Harman Puni, HP Convenience Premier, Chesterfield
World Food Retailer Award supported by Tropical Sun: Reji Thomas & Siddique Chenganakattil, Essentials Supermarket, Bedford
Independent Retailer of the Year supported by Booker: Jenarthen Saravanamuthu, Premier Rassau Stores, Ebbw Vale, South Wales
Food to Go Retailer of the Year supported by KP Snacks: Priyesh Patel, Londis, Stoke Newington, London
Spirit of the Community Award supported by Mondelez International: Amarjit Singh Rakhra, Budgens Pomeroy Street, London
Symbol Retailer of the Year supported by Bestway: Kersheaup Vagadia, Costcutter Kearsley, Bolton
Off Licence of the Year supported by Molson Coors (Cobra): Pradeep Thangaraj, Wine Rack, Bicester, Oxford
Impulse Retailer of the Year supported by pladis: Bharat Khunti, Shivom Convenience Go Local, Nuneaton
Tobacco Retailer Award supported by JTI: Suresh Arulanantham, My Costcutter Murco, Rye, East Sussex
Local Hero Award: Nathalie Kaur, One Stop Partick Convenience Store, Glasgow
Businesswoman of the Year supported by Philip Morris Ltd: Sue Nithyanadan, Costcutter, Epsom, Surrey
Asian Trader of the Year: Shaan and Arshan Chaudry, Costcutter, Triple A Foodstore, Nuneaton, Warwickshire