The Association of Convenience Stores has announced that the Raj Aggarwal Trophy, which celebrates outstanding community retailers, is now open for entries.
Applications are welcomed from any convenience store operator, independent retailers and managers of multiple-owned outlets.
To enter, applicants must submit a short film (maximum of five minutes), which shows:
- What they have done in the past year to support their local community
- What they have done in the past year to support fellow retailers.
The judges are: Sunita Aggarwal, Raj’s wife; Jonathan James, Managing Director of James Convenience Retail; Avtar Sidhu, owner of Budgens Kenilworth; and ACS boss James Lowman.
The films will be judged using the following criteria:
- Engagement of colleagues in conceiving and delivering activity
- Impact on local community
- Sustainability of activity
- Overall work to support other retailers.
ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “Raj was the epitome of a community-minded retailer and greatest supporter of fellow community retailers. We announced the Raj Aggarwal Trophy in his honour at last year’s Heart of the Community conference and are pleased to welcome entries to its first ever award.
“This award provides the opportunity to celebrate retailers who have been shining examples of community retailing and we look forward to receiving your entries.”
Two finalists and the ultimate winner will be invited to attend this year’s Heart of the Community conference on 12 October, where the winner will be announced at a parliamentary reception with Retail Minister Paul Scully.
Email sarah.johnson@acs.org.uk for more information about the award and to submit your entry or nominate a retailer. Entries must be received by Monday 13 September.
