Jayaseelan Thambirajah’s MSP & Noble Group chosen as Convenience Chain of the Year

Veteran retailer Jayaseelan Thambirajah, who owns the MSP & Noble Group, has won the Convenience Chain of the Year 2022 accolade at the 34^th Asian Trader Awards, held at the Park Plaza Westminster Hotel in London on Wednesday.

Kevin Hollinrake, minister in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, was the chief guest at the event, which celebrated the most innovative and successful retailers from the UK’s independent grocery sector.

Jayaseelan is an exceptional entrepreneur who has built a thriving chain in the Midlands and north of England.

Operating under two leading retail fascias, he is an alchemist who has transformed each of his 18 stores into a warm, inviting retail hub stocking a wide range essentials and convenience lines for the communities they serve.

Born in Sri Lanka and brought up in Germany under a ‘guardian’ scheme, Jayaseelan came to England as a student in 2000, and four years later, bought the shop he worked part-time.

“The main reason as to why I wanted to expand beyond a single site was because I wanted to constantly keep raising the bar and take my personal development to the next level,” he says.

“At the same time, it was of paramount importance to me to grow my personal brand and build my credibility among the convenience fraternity. I also had the desire to make an impact and thereafter enjoy the self-worth it would create in me.”

Winners of the Asian Trader Awards 2022

In all, 13 retailers were honoured in different categories at the event, with the top award going to Glasgow retailer Shamly Sud, who was crowned the Asian Trader of the Year 2022.

Four new product launches from the last year, voted for by the retailers, were also feted, and Parfetts Cash & Carry at Shepcote, Sheffield won the Wholesale Depot of the Year award, recognising wholesalers and suppliers who play an incredible role in the supply chain.

Ram Solanki Lifetime Achievement Award, instituted in the memory of Ramniklal Solanki CBE, founder of Asian Media Group, went to Steve Keil, Director of Tactical Trading at Booker Wholesale.

Hollinrake, who was appointed minister last month, said he looks forward to developing a closer association with the sector.

“Small businesses are the very foundation of a dynamic, productive economy that creates employment, and brings huge benefits for the consumer. I'm determined to make it easier to start and grow business in this country by improving access to business finance, providing better advice and support and offering incentives to invest and grow.

“I am relishing working with independent retailers, promoting your needs across the government. I promise you, now we are on your side.”

Asian Trader Awards 2022 held at the Park Plaza Westminster Hotel in London

Winners List:

Asian Trader Ram Solanki Lifetime Achievement Award: Steve Keil, Director of Tactical Trading at Booker Wholesale

Asian Trader Awards

Asian Trader of the Year: Shamly Sud, Racetrack Pitstop Premier, Strathclyde

Responsible Retailer of the Year Award supported by JTI: Mayaur (Dee) Sedani, One Stop, Stoke on Trent

Wholesale depot of the Year Award supported by JTI: Parfetts Cash & Carry, Stockport

Convenience Chain of the Year Award supported by Dr Beckmann: Jayaseelan Thambirajah, MSP Noble Group, Cambridgeshire

Vape Convenience Retailer of the Year supported by BAT: Girish Jeeva Premier Barmulloch Glasgow

Bakery Retailer of the Year Award supported by Warburtons: Michael Atherden & Paula Lafferty, Nisa, Bury

Next Gen Award: Rushi Patel, Londis Rushi Stores, Berkshire

Independent Retailer of the Year supported by Booker: Kris Naveretam, Londis Burbage, Wiltshire

Food to Go Retailer of the Year Award: Faz Latif One Stop Premier, Methil Fife

Spirit of the Community Award supported by Mondelez: Amrit Singh, Nisa Local, Walsall

Symbol Convenience Retailer of the Year Award supported by Bestway: Nithy & Sue Nityanandan, Costcutter, Epsom, Surrey

Off Licence of the Year Awards supported by Molson Coors (Cobra): Neha Phoughat, Shera’s Premier, Birmingham

Impulse Retailer of the Year Award: Peter Juty, Costcutter Culverstone, Kent

Local Hero Award supported by Kurkure: Jenny Donaghy, Spar, Llandrinio, Powys

Product and Manufacturer Awards

Convenience Snacks Brand of the Year supported by Sunmark Ltd: Kurkure, PepsiCo

Convenience Soft Drinks Bottled Water and Juices Brand of the Year supported by Sunmark Ltd: Relentless Zero Sugar, CCEP

Convenience Confectionery Brand of the Year supported by Sunmark Ltd: Cadbury Caramilk Buttons, Mondelez

Convenience Vape and Next Generation Product Brand of the Year: Nordic Spirit Spearmint, JTI