Each of the retailers on the inaugural RN 30 Under Thirty list has done fantas­tic things for their store since they either took ownership of it or started working at or managing the shop. They also have big ambitions for the future.

Some of these retailers own their own store – or even several – and most have turned around its fortunes through innovative products, positive attitudes and staff leadership. Others work within the industry, managing stores or handling certain key facets of the business. Their efforts have brought about growth – in turnover, sales and customer footfall – and they have often been among the first to trial and implement new technologies, from on-the-go food and drink machines, dessert bars and takeaway cocktails to home delivery offers, beer kegs and vape stations.

When RN set out to create the 30 Under 30 project, it aimed to find and celebrate the next generation of independent retailers in this country: men and women who were seizing the initiative and taking advantage of new opportunities in an industry that is constantly evolving and preparing them­selves and their stores in the best possible way to face the challenges that lie ahead.

And with our very first list of winners, we have done just that – join us in congratulating them, and celebrating their successes. They truly are the future of independent convenience retail.

The 30 under Thirty winners

Name: Ahmed Amin
Store: Value Centre Whitleybay Limited
Symbol: Premier

Name: Josh Baker
Store: Village Stores
Symbol: Nisa

Name: Amy Bullen
Store: Costcutter Epsom
Symbol: Costcutter

Name: Dan Brown
Store: Lothian Stores Ltd t/a Pinkie Farm Convenience Store
Symbol: Nisa

Name: Gary Dhaliwal
Store: Dhaliwal Food Store
Symbol: Unaffiliated

Name: Ashton Gardner
Store: Londis Westacre Service Station
Symbol: Londis

Name: Ali Hossini
Store: Londis Burgess Hill
Symbol: Londis

Name: Faraz Iqbal
Store: Premier Linktown Local
Symbol: Premier

Name: Sunny Mann
Store: M&S Local
Symbol: Nisa

Name: Colin Manning
Store: Cantillon Group
Symbol: Maxol

Name: Jack Matthews
Store: Bradley’s Supermarket of Quorn
Symbol: Nisa

Name: Enya McAteer
Store: Mulkerns SPAR Jonesborough
Symbol: Spar

Name: Philip Moutray
Store: Wm Moutray & Sons
Symbol: Costcutter

Name: Amrit Pahal
Store: H & Jodie’s Nisa
Symbol: Nisa

Name: Kirti Patel
Store: Londis Ferme Park Road
Symbol: Londis

Name: Anish Panchmatia
Store: Shyam Group Ltd
Symbol: Unaffiliated

Name: Viraj and Krupa Patel
Store: Star News
Symbol: Unaffiliated

Name: Shisan Patel
Store: JASH (DPS)
Symbol: Nisa

Name: Amit Puntambekar
Store: Ash’s Shop
Symbol: Nisa

Name: Hardeep Nahal
Store: Pedmore Convenience Store
Symbol: Best One

Name: Swarti Rabadia
Store: Rabadia Convenience Store Ltd
Symbol: Go Local

Name: Farhan Rashid
Store: Lepton Food & Wine
Symbol:  Unaffiliated

Name: Muhammad Rashid
Store: Attock Superstore
Symbol: Unaffiliated

Name: Jordha Sanghera
Store: Bells Supermarket
Symbol: Nisa

Name: Haider Safraz
Store: Netherlee Post and News
Symbol: Unaffiliated

Name: David Sellers
Store: DKS Group LTD
Symbol: Nisa

Name: Kiefer shea-godden
Store: My local convenience stores Ltd
Symbol: Unaffiliated

Name: Alpesh  Shingadia
Store: Budgens Southwater
Symbol: Budgens

Name: Dilmeet Singh
Store: Londis Gerrards Cross
Symbol: Londis

Name: AJ Singh
Store: Premier Morley
Symbol: Premier