The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has announced the finalists of the Raj Aggarwal Award, a new trophy marking the legacy of independent retailer Raj Aggarwal.
Aggarwal, a leading figure championing the cause of independents, succumbed to Covid-19 in April last year.
The finalists for the award that recognises retailers who have been exceptional in community retailing and helping their fellow retailers include:
- Nico Ali, Tasa Shop Jarrow
- Linda & Sophie Williams, Broadway Convenience
- Julie Kaur Duhra, Premier Jules Convenience
Nico Ali is the joint-winner of the 2020 Spirit of the Community Award at the Asian Trader Awards.
ACS said the entries were judged by Sunita Aggarwal, Raj’s wife and owner of SPAR Wigston; Jonathan James, managing director of James Convenience Retail; Avtar Sidhu, owner of Budgens Kenilworth; and James Lowman, ACS chief executive.
Lowman said: “Raj was the epitome of a community-minded retailer and greatest supporter of fellow community retailers and we were delighted to receive so many entries from fantastic retailers for the first year of this award marking his legacy.
“We look forward to hearing from the finalists and announcing the overall winner at our Heart of the Community reception.”
The ultimate winner will be announced at an exclusive parliamentary reception celebrating the positive impact of community retailing as part of the ACS’ Heart of the Community conference this month.
