Symbols praise RN 30 under Thirty winners

RN’s 30 under Thirty retailers will “shape the future of the convenience sector”, according to symbol groups praising their winning team members.

The second annual instalment of the awards sees 30 convenience store owners and staff all under 30 years old highlighted for their exceptional talent.

A free guide to the 30 winners is included with the 4 November edition of RN.

Bestway retail director Mike Hollis said Costcutter’s winners Anand Cheema and Umar Majir were “a shining example of what can be achieved at a young age with sheer hard work and determination, alongside a natural flair and passion for the retail business”.

Blakemore Trade Partners sales director Bev Bailey said its winner, Chloe Taylor-Green, embraced change and was “always promoting best practice”.

Bailey added Taylor-Green was helping to support all of Blakemore’s Spar retailers.

The sales director highlighted the winner’s work in “providing excellent constructive feedback” in its ‘Stock and Sell’ trial, “to enable easy implementation for retailers as well as suggestions on how we could scale to ensure it drives margin and sales for all stores”.

Nisa head of retail Victoria Lockie was “thrilled” to see Nisa stores make the winners list. She added: “The Nisa winners are all from family businesses, who have stepped up and taken over from their parents.

“All have exciting new ideas on how to drive their businesses forward and our teams thoroughly enjoy working with, and supporting, these progressive young businesspeople.”

One Stop head of franchise John Miller said he was “delighted” four of its younger franchisees had been recognised.

He said: “Working with Gemma, Harman, Anish and Shuayb gives us different and great ideas from a younger person’s perspective and their enthusiasm is infectious, challenging us all to be better every day for customers, our proposition and marketing initiatives, driving change to shape the future of the convenience sector.”

Parfetts head of retail Steve Moore said the wholesaler was “blessed to work with ambitious retailers”. He explained: “These young retailers have their finger on the pulse and are adept at recognising changing trends and adapting to them at pace to ensure their stores stay relevant and drive additional footfall.”

Moore added that the young retailers were bringing “innovative ideas to the sector”, highlighting The Three Singh’s team’s use of social media and food to go.

Spar UK managing director Louise Hoste also congratulated its winning retailers. She said: “It is really important to invest in the next generation of independent convenience retailing.

“These talented and dedicated people making a difference and providing excellent customer service to local communities are a significant factor in the success of our business.”