Best New Store of the Year

  • How did you work effectively with others over the planning, project management and design of the new store?
  • What were your original goals and targets in terms of providing an enhanced shopping experience and ensuring an efficient, effective store set-up?
  • What fresh ideas have you introduced that makes your new store stand out from its more established competitors?
Supported by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners

Best Soft Drinks Retailer of the Year

coca cola logo
  • How does your range cater for current trends, like the growth of zero sugar options, and provide shoppers with a wide choice of soft drinks?
  • What do you do in store to alert shoppers to the presence of soft drinks, latest innovations and promotions, including cross-category deals?
  • How do your displays make an impact and make it easy for customers to find what they want?
Supported by Hovis

Community Retailer of the Year

Hovis logo
  • How have you supported or participated in local activities, projects and groups, particularly in areas such as wellbeing, social cohesion, culture and the environment?
  • How have you introduced your local community to wider industry programmes from which they can benefit (such as the Healthy Living Programme)?
  • Can you provide examples of how you have given time, expertise and advice to community projects and activities?

Entrepreneur Award

  • Explain why you think you have outstanding market knowledge and consumer insight.
  • Demonstrate how you have a forward-looking attitude to commercial risk and have been willing to invest in your ideas.
  • Tell us what makes you a great leader, motivator and decision-maker with the flexibility to re-evaluate situations when necessary.
Supported by Bestway

Independent Retailer of the Year

bestway logo
  • How have you developed your store and service in recent years to compete with your rivals?
  • What do you do to develop and train your staff to ensure employee loyalty?
  • What community activities are you involved in and how do you get your message across to the local community?
Supported by OCB by Republic Technologies UK

Industry Achievement Award

Republic Technologies logo
  • Explain how you have achieved substantial commercial success in the wider business world through exceptional vision and business understanding.
  • Give us evidence of how you have provided valuable insight and growth throughout the industry and have demonstrated outstanding commitment to relationships with others in the convenience sector.
  • What innovative approach have you taken that has either radically changed an established practice, or introduced a new practice, for the benefit of the industry as a whole?

Licensed Retailer of the Year

  • What makes your range and display of alcohol stand out and meet customer needs?
  • How do you make use of promotional activity throughout the year?
  • How do you keep on top of market developments, staff training and compliance?
Supported by VELO

Smokeless Alternatives Retailer of the Year

VELO logo
  • How does your range reflect customer demands, the latest category trends and full compliance with new legislation?
  • What have you done to create an eye-catching, easily navigable display of smokeless alternative products?
  • How do you engage with customers and demonstrate your product knowledge with consumers?
Supported by Carlsberg Britvic

Sustainability Champion

Carlsberg Britvic logo
  • What action have you taken to become a more eco-friendly business?
  • What have you done to educate yourselves, staff and customers about the latest sustainability practices?
  • What evidence can you provide to show that your sustainability efforts are bringing benefits to both your business and/or the environment?
Supported by AG Barr

Symbol Store of the Year

AG Barr logo
  • What have you done to ensure you consistently meet the standards expected by the symbol group, including staff training?
  • How do you use new technology and promotions to target convenience/top-up shopper missions?
  • What marketing and communication activity do you carry out to make sure your offering is tailored to suit local needs?
Supported by IQOS by Philip Morris

The Innovation Award

IQOS by Philip Morris logo
  • What new ideas, products, services, training, working practices or customer engagement have you introduced?
  • How have you made good use of equipment and materials, including technology?
  • What have been the positive results for your business because of your effective new thinking and changes?
Supported by Imperial Brands

Tobacco Retailer of the Year

Imperial Brands logo
  • What steps have you taken to ensure your range always meets the latest trends and needs of your local adult smokers?
  • What have you done to ensure availability of tobacco products is maintained at all times and properly merchandised in store?
  • How have you used your category knowledge to grow your tobacco sales?
  • What actions have you taken to ensure you and your staff understand the legislation and compliance aspects around selling tobacco?