This award recognises the shop that has improved the most in many areas of the business over the past year and the retailer that is proactive and working to a consistently high standard, giving their customers fantastic service.

Winner: Mark & Samantha Coldbeck, Premier Wharfedale

Mark & Samantha's passion for retail was obvious in every step of the entry and judging process. They’ve made a number of improvements over the past few years, improving on the basics each time they’ve entered the IAA. They have clearly demonstrated their knowledge, skills and retailing ability, and are proactive in finding new ways to improve their processes, the working environment for their staff and the experience in-store, all of which come together to give their shoppers a great all-round experience.

Winner: Mark & Samantha Coldbeck
Store name: Premier Wharfedale Convenience Store
Location: Hull
Learn more about the Independent Achievers Academy

Mark & Samantha Coldbeck also won the awards for:

• Marketing to Customers, in association with Heineken (Find out why)

• Responsible Retailing, in association with JTI (Find out why)

• Staff Development, in association with Procter & Gamble (Find out why)

Find the full 2015 IAA winners list here.