The UK’s best independent retailers were revealed at the Better Retailing Awards in Birmingham on 14 October.

The inaugural event recognised top store owners across 10 different categories. It was attended by more than 240 people, consisting of retailers and senior figures from major wholesalers and suppliers.

Categories included Store Development, Responsible Retailing and Customer Engagement. Each shortlisted candidate in the categories was assessed by store visits and a rigorous judging process prior to the event.

Click here to take part in next year’s awards

The award winners were;

• Store Development – Kaual Patel, Nisa Torridon Convenience Store, London
• Merchandising & In-Store Display – Shilen Madhani, MBROS Premier, Swindon
• Team Development – Girish Jeeva, Girish’s Premier @Barmalloch, Glasgow
• Community Hero – Sophie Williams, Broadway Premier, Edinburgh
• Responsible Retailing – Judith Smitham, The Old Dairy – Pydar Stores, Truro
• Retail Innovation – Ashan Chaudry, Triple A Foodhall, Nuneaton
• Effective Ranging & Availability – Judith Smitham, The Old Dairy – Pydar Stores, Truro
• Customer Engagement – Natalie Lightfoot, Londis Solo Convenience, Glasgow
• Rising Star – Priyesh Vekaria, One Stop Carlton Convenience, Salford
• Overall Best Shop – Ashan Chaudry, Triple A Foodhall, Nuneaton

Sponsors included BAT UK, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Mars Wrigley, Mondelez International, Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I, Allwyn, Bestway and RN.

Better Retailing editor in chief, Louise Banham said: “It’s not easy to run an independent convenience business in the current climate, where cost pressures, legislation and retail crime plague retailers’ lives every day, but those entering the Better Retailing Awards are proving how resilient independent shops are.

“Our winners are at the forefront of innovation and their communities, providing excellent service and strong development opportunities for their teams, all of which showcases the importance and value of local shops.”