The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has invited applications from retailers for the first Raj Aggarwal Trophy, created in recognition of popular independent retailer Raj Aggarwal who succumbed to Covid-19 last year.
The trophy will be awarded to retailers who have been “exceptional in community retailing and helping their fellow retailers,” the ACS said.
Applications are open to any convenience store operator, independent retailers and managers of multiple-owned outlets.
“Raj was the epitome of a community-minded retailer and greatest supporter of fellow community retailers. We announced the Raj Aggarwal Trophy in his honour at last year’s Heart of the Community conference and are pleased to welcome entries to its first ever award,” James Lowman, ACS chief executive, said.
“This award provides the opportunity to celebrate retailers who have been shining examples of community retailing and we look forward to receiving your entries.”
To enter, applicants must submit a short film (maximum of 5 minutes), which would show what they have done in the past year to support their local community and what they have done in the past year to support fellow retailers.
Sunita Aggarwal, Raj’s wife; Jonathan James, managing director if James Convenience Retail; Avtar Sidhu, owner of Budgens Kenilworth; and James Lowman, ACS chief executive, comprise the judging panel of the award.
Last date to submit entries is 13 September. More information is available here. The winner will be announced at an exclusive parliamentary reception with Business Minister Paul Scully as part of the ACS’ Heart of the Community conference on 12 October.
