As has become a tradition, we like to freshen up the judging panel for the SLR Rewards every year – and the SLR Rewards 2017 panel is no exception. We are delighted to welcome a couple of exceptional retailers onto the panel this year to join an experienced, knowledgeable team.
So, without further ado, let’s meet the judges…
Paul Cheema
This Coventry-based retailer and property developer joins the judging panel for the first time in 2017. Paul has a mantelpiece groaning under the weight of trophies and accolades earned across the retail industry. In addition to his two long-established businesses, Paul has also been a board member at ACS for nearly six years. However, the down-to-earth and energetic entrepreneur has not only found time to provide an expert addition to the SLR Rewards panel, but he’s also a willing volunteer business counsellor, eager to share his experience.
Val Kirillovs
As a new business and client director for him!, Val’s main role is promotion and development. He also looks after a portfolio of existing FMCG and symbol group clients. Val has been with him! for the past three years and one of the most exciting things he has been involved in is their retail panel. As part of the panel Val had the opportunity to get involved in convenience store visits across the country. Val joined him! from researchers Kantar Worldpanel.
Chris Noice
Chris is Head of Communications and Research at the Association of Convenience Stores. He joined ACS in October 2009 having graduated from York University with a degree in English and Linguistics. In his post, he’s responsible for all ACS external and internal communications, media relations and a growing research portfolio, which includes the industry leading Local Shop Report. Chris also represents ACS in the media on radio and television. Chris completed the Chartered Institute of Public Relations Diploma in 2013.
Simon Walton
The fresh face of retail journalism, Simon is the Editor at Scottish Local Retailer. Bringing a new perspective to the table, this is Simon’s debut on the panel. Not that he’s without experience. Presiding over a highly-successful awards ceremony in North West England, he proved to be the personification of inscrutability and fairness. He’s also judged events elsewhere and is known for a methodical approach. He may well make sure all the boxes are ticked, but Simon is adept at spotting the stories between the lines too.
Dennis Williams
Since last October, Edinburgh Premier retailer Dennis has taken on the office of President at the Scottish Grocers Federation – and has consequently felt that is is only right that he rule himself out of entering this year’s SLR Rewards for the very first time. That’s the judging panel’s gain however as Dennis will put his 30 years of retail experience to good use in helping choose the shortlists for this year’s Rewards. An award-winning retailer himself, he’s no stranger to best practice.
Karen Peattie
Karen Peattie is a highly-respected journalist, editor and PR consultant with 37 years’ experience spanning weekly and national newspapers, trade publications, consumer magazines and online media. Specialising predominately in the retail, wholesale, and food & drink sectors, she is a recognised industry expert and commentator. Karen frequently serves as a judge at events in the sector. Her unique insight of the industry is bolstered by her understanding of the wholesale sector through her work with the Scottish Wholesale Association, SGF and, the Scottish Licensed Trade Association.
Antony Begley
Chairman of the judging panel is SLR Publisher and 55 North Managing Director Antony Begley. With three years under his belt now helping to run SLR’s very own Woodlands Local store in Falkirk, Antony is better placed than ever to understand the challenges of running a local retailing business in the ultra-competitive modern age. Antony is a graduate of Strathclyde University with an honours degree in Marketing and French and is a former PPA Scottish Business & Professional Editor of the Year. He also admits to being a Hamilton Accies fan, if pushed.
Judging
The judging process follows an established format every year.
- The expert panel meets in secret to examine every entry to build a shortlist for each category.
- All the shortlisted entrants are visited, unannounced, by the judges. It could be at any time.
- Once all the visits have been completed, the judges, all sworn to secrecy, make their final choices, just before the big event.
All the winners are announced on 11 May, at the SLR Rewards gala dinner in Glasgow’s luxurious Grand Central Hotel. It’s a glamourous night of celebration and congratulation not to be missed. To book tickets, email events@55north.com.
