NFRN members have until this Friday to enter themselves or a fellow independent retailer for the NFRN’s Shop Local Shop Little Heroes Awards.

The awards scheme, which was created to recognise the selfless retail heroes who have gone above and beyond for their customers and local communities during Covid-19, is being backed by Booker, Boost and Mondelez.

Judging will take place in September and finalists will be invited to a private luncheon at The Ritz Hotel in London on 27 October, when the three winning retailers will be announced. They will then go forward to the 2021 NFRN Awards where the overall Shop Local, Shop Little Hero will be named. The overall winner will receive a £1,500 Booker voucher, a Boost chiller and stock, and a store makeover from Mondelez.

Read more: Coronavirus: NFRN launches Shop Local campaign

Stuart Reddish, NFRN national president, said: “These awards are a fantastic way to recognise the truly inspirational heroes of Covid-19. These have been highly-challenging times for independent retailers and many members have completely disregarded the risks to their own health to continue to provide for their customers and local communities.

“Many store owners have provided a lifeline service for their elderly and vulnerable customers. From the nominations so far, members have provided local hospitals and care homes with free products, offered key workers discounts and have delivered essential items to vulnerable members of the community.”

He urged anyone who knows a local retail hero who is a NFRN member to nominate them for the Shop Local Shop Little Hero awards by 5pm on Friday 31 July.

Only applications submitted on the official entry form on the NFRN’s website will be accepted. 

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