The UK’s top learning and development project for independent news and convenience stores this week announced its roster of leading supporters for the 2014 programme.

Based on the simple idea of implementing best practice advice in a few shops and sharing the results with 40,000 independent retailers, the Independent Achievers Academy (IAA) has unrivalled reach across its 40 week duration.

Each of the 12 category sponsors – Booker, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Heineken, Imperial, JTI, Mondelez, News UK, PepsiCo, Post Office, Procter & Gamble, Red Bull and Wrigley – will share their ideas on how to better serve consumers in store with selected Academy retailers. These visits are moderated by experts from Newtrade, which runs the programme, and the results shared with 40,000 retailers.

“We have a great track record of inspiring retailers to improve,” said Caroline Cronin, IAA event producer. “This year’s sponsors include the owners of brands that every independent wants to work with and there will be lots of interest in what they have to say.

“Year after year the IAA is building a standard of excellence, supporting local retailers to develop their businesses and take advantage of the changes in shopper behaviour that is seeing more visits to local shops and a growing share of shopper spend.”

Further details of the IAA programme will be unveiled at a launch event in April.

IAA 2014 Category Sponsors

Shop Layout

PepsiCo

Merchandising

Wrigley

Effective Ranging

Coca-Cola Enterprises Ltd

Availability

Imperial

Customer Service

Red Bull

In-store Theatre

Mondelez

Service to the Community

Booker

Marketing to Customers

Heineken

Environmental Sustainability

News UK

Responsible Retailing

JTI

Retail Innovation

Post Office

Staff Development

Procter & Gamble

Drinks reception partner

Cornershop Online