SLR is proud to introduce a new awards programme that will celebrate the vital and often overlooked role that store colleagues play in making this industry so very special.
The fact that the Scottish local retailing sector is unique and intrinsic to the very fabric of Scotland’s society is something that is widely accepted. During Covid, for example, the unbelievable role the sector played in supporting every community in the country is well documented – but those heroics were only the latest in a long line of astonishing acts by a very special industry.
But what often goes unacknowledged is the pivotal role played by the true stars of our remarkable sector: the individuals who lie at the heart of all of our businesses and without whom we would have no business. Our store colleagues are the heart and soul of our businesses, and it is upon them that our reputations are built and sustained.
We are rightly envied in the local retailing sector for the unique and powerful bond that our stores enjoy with their customers. No other sector comes close. And that comes down to one thing: the people in our businesses.
For the first time, the new SLR Above & Beyond Awards will recognise and reward those individuals and shine a light on their often-overlooked efforts and achievements.
From the shopfloor to the stock room, from behind the till to in front of the TikTok camera, it’s our people that make our businesses what they are – and we believe it’s time those people stepped out of the shadows and into the limelight.
- Entry deadline: Fri 12 January 2024
- Shortlist announced: Fri 2 February 2024
- Winners Lunch: Wed 13 March, The Corinthian Club, Glasgow
Inspiring tales
Not only will the Above and Beyond Awards offer the chance to recognise and showcase these store superstars and unearth some of the many amazing stories that unfold in stores across Scotland every day, they will also provide a platform to help inspire other colleagues and future generations along the way.
So, we would encourage you to take the time to check out the awards categories and criteria on the SLR website and get in touch to let us know about some of the amazing things that your colleagues have done to go above and beyond the basic call of duty.
The awards categories cover all major store formats and styles and leave plenty of scope for you to tell us about the heroics that ordinarily go unreported and unheralded.
This is your chance to provide some overdue recognition for those members of your team that really do help set your business apart in the local community.
Whether it’s helping drive up standards in your store, turbo-charging community engagement, being there for customers in a time of need or being a superstar colleague who always has time to lend a hand or an ear – we want to hear about them.
The awards are simple to enter, and all shortlisted colleagues will be invited free of charge to a celebratory lunch at the plush Corinthian Club in Glasgow on 13 March 2024.
Working with our generous sponsors, we will ensure that everyone joining us on the day enjoys a relaxing day off and receives the recognition they so thoroughly deserve.
- Independent Store Colleague – Symbol Group Member
Open to all colleagues working in independently-owned local retailing stores in Scotland that are members of any symbol group, fascia or franchise. - Independent Store Colleague – Unaffiliated Store
Open to all colleagues working in independently owned unaffiliated local retailing stores in Scotland. - Multiple Store Colleague
Open to all colleagues working in convenience-format stores in Scotland owned by a central company, group or organisation (excluding supermarket-owned convenience-format stores). - Company-Owned Store Colleague
Open to all colleagues working in CJ Lang Company-Owned stores in Scotland. - Forecourt Store Colleague
Open to all colleagues working in independently owned forecourt stores in Scotland. - Up & Coming Star
Open to all colleagues aged 25 or under working in any of the store formats detailed above who have shown themselves to be outstanding colleagues with a bright future in the sector ahead of them. - Long Service Awards
Open to all colleagues working in any of the store formats detailed above who have worked in the sector or a single store or chain for an extended period. - Astonishing Act
Open to all colleagues working in any of the store formats detailed above who truly went Above & Beyond to perform an astonishing single act that had a massive positive impact on a customer, colleague or community.
Thank you to our sponsors
CCEP
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners is delighted to sponsor the Above & Beyond Awards because they recognise and reward the unsung heroes of the Scottish local retailing sector: the store colleagues who are the heart and soul of a special industry. CCEP is proud to help shine a light on their dedication and hard work.
Hovis
In 1890, a national competition was held by our founders when looking for a new trading name for their patented flour milling process product. A prize of £25 was offered to the winner who was called Herbert Grime, and he suggested the name “Hovis”, from the Latin “Hominis Vis” meaning “Strength of Man”.
Now over 130 years later, we want to reward another Astonishing Act. This time its not a name for a new product, but rather recognition for people who work in the Impulse channel who have done something Astonishing.
Since 2020 when we were all impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, retailers and their staff have done an amazing job supporting local communities and high streets. We are proud to work with SLR to reward a colleague who has performed an astonishing act in the last 12 months that has had a positive impact.
Mondelez International
Supporting independent retailers and the colleagues who work in store is fundamental to Mondelez International, helping them on their path to success and rewarding excellence in independent retail. We are proud to support Above & Beyond 2024 and in particular the categories we are sponsoring, to recognise those who go above and beyond to deliver a great in-store experience for their shoppers.
SPAR Scotland
Our staff are our biggest asset, clearly identified by our customers. We know convenience store staff are very much unsung heroes at times and we’re delighted to be involved in industry awards that recognise their efforts.
