Mo Razzaq’s Family Shopper Blantyre store was named Overall Best Shop at the Independent Achievers Academy Gala Dinner in London last week.

The event follows nine months of benchmarking, secret shopping, interviews and store visits to compare and offer tailored advice to the 390 stores that took part.

The store owner was highlighted for exceptional use of an integrated marketing, sales and research technology, his commitment to the local community, and innovative store features such as seated areas with in-store video displays that mix advertising and entertainment.

He was also the Category Star for Digital Engagement, in association with PayPoint.

Head of the IAA Samantha Gunston said: “The IAA is proven to make the stores that take part more profitable, and this year was no exception. The rising standards we have seen in 2018 are testament to the hard work, innovation and dedication of store owners.

“There’s much we can all learn from the newly-announced star of each of the 12 categories.”

Find out what you can learn from each of the IAA’s 12 Category Star stores at Better Retailing/independent-achievers-academy-2018-stars