A Day to Remember

The 35th edition of the Asian Trader Awards, held at the Park Plaza Hotel in Westminster yesterday evening, confirmed itself once again as the twinkling jewel in the convenience-channel calendar.

The ballroom was packed to the gills with retailers, suppliers, celebrities, politicians, PRs and many others who managed to bag a ticket for this entertainment-filled celebration and sumptuous Indian banquet.

Rory Bremner hosted the event and was on bouncy, amused form – this day of the US elections inspired some hilarious impressions and skits.

The chief guest was Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, who joked that people used to think he was Prince William, but after a few decades now say he reminds them of George V. In a very welcome and uplifting speech he reaffirmed his dedication to retailers and to convenience particularly, accepting the increased burden of costs and the further cost of the crimewave, and promising to use all his powers to make things better for indies.

The Ramniklal Solanki Editor’s Award was given to the courageous sub postmasters who have suffered at the hands of the Post Office and government, and whose situation now looks finally to show signs of improvement.

The competition for awards this year was, if anything, even more unbelievably stiff than in recent years, and notable among many stars of retail who won were Businesswoman of the Year, Sue Nithyanandan, and our 2024 Asian Trader of the Year, Shaan Chaudry of Costcutter Triple A Foodstore in Nuneaton – an inspired choice of winner whose revolutionary store promises to change the way we view convenience.